BASKETBALL Kermit Davis, MTSU agree to new contract

[MTLynn]

Kermit Davis, MTSU agree to new contract

The contract will run through 2024 and puts Davis at a $750,000 total salary ($575,000 base, $175,000 in TV and radio obligations),

 

[MTLynn]

Davis signs new contract to remain with Raiders

"Coach Davis continues to demonstrate his commitment to excellence, both through the performance of his teams on the basketball court and in the classroom," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "His dedication and hard work has built a program that has gained national notice and, in doing so, he has helped elevate the brand of our entire university.

"I am so very pleased that Coach Davis has renewed and strengthened his ties to our True Blue community."

The Blue Raiders are one of just six programs in the nation with a 100 percent Graduation Rate to also win a 2017 NCAA Tournament game, joining the likes of Duke, Kansas, Notre Dame, Villanova and Butler. MT was one of just seven teams to accomplish the same feat in 2016.

This May, Middle Tennessee men's basketball will reach a mark of 52 consecutive players who have exhausted their eligibility to graduate on time when seniors Reggie Upshaw, JaCorey Williams, Aldonis Foote and Xavier Habersham each complete their undergraduate degrees.

"I've never been more energized and excited about the future of Middle Tennessee basketball," Davis added. "We have a lot of hard work ahead of us but look forward to gaining traction at a national level academically, on the court, and in the continued growth of our Blue Raider fan base.

"We feel very good about the direction of Middle Tennessee basketball next year and in future years and are currently back on the road recruiting to continue to build up our program."

 

[SpaceRaider]

 

[sWiley]

so how much of a raise is this for him? Good for him.

 

[C-Bow]

so how much of a raise is this for him? Good for him.

Really only about $100K on the base side of things. I think the media part is a little bump too.

I think this is a good deal. $750K will keep him around and ensure he's at the top of the heap in the Conference.

Good deal all around if you ask me.

 

[subkyle]

You gotta think Kermit had some other promises made to him to improve his ability to continue to build. I love this deal!

 

[sWiley]

I think it's a good deal all around too. Having a contract like this along with Kermit's tenure here at MT is also a huge selling point for recruits. When a kid commits somewhere they typically commit to that coach and Kermit's tenure+contract show that it's 99% likely he isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Would really like to see us pick up some good recruits after these 2 NCAA runs. Surely our NCAA exposure and success will afford us a better caliber player. I know a big thing with Kermit and his recruiting is finding guys that "fit his system" but there's no reason why we can't find some 3 and 4 star players who "fit the system" too.

 

[C-Bow]

I saw that TJ Massenburg was given a 3-star evaluation, which is nice because I don't even view him as the top prospect in the class.

And of course as you know Wiley, should be some good news coming out in a couple of weeks as well.

 

[subkyle]

I saw that TJ Massenburg was given a 3-star evaluation, which is nice because I don't even view him as the top prospect in the class.

And of course as you know Wiley, should be some good news coming out in a couple of weeks as well.

Who is your favorite recruit coming in? The guard from Canada sure makes me smile! Also, does anyone know how Davion has been progressing?

 

[C-Bow]

Who is your favorite recruit coming in? The guard from Canada sure makes me smile! Also, does anyone know how Davion has been progressing?

Yeah Shelton-Szmidt is legit, man. I'm really high on him. His shot is pure as the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

And don't get me wrong, I'm very high on Massenburg too - he reminds me of JT Sulton, but perhaps a bit more polished at this stage than JT was coming out of high school.

And keep an eye on James Hawthorne. He's a defensive specialist, which may come in handy when Davis fields his team next year. He's going to get quality minutes for his defensive prowess alone.

As for Davion, all signs point to a great redshirt year. He's really going to push Gamble for minutes next year. I've heard he's put a lot of work into his handles and his mid range shot. If you accompany that with a little beef from the weight room, I think you'll have another stud on your hands. FWIW I was really high on "Tree" as well coming out of high school.

 

[dukewayne]

C-Bow, thanks for some good insights on the young players. It will be exciting to see how these players come together for next season.

If I had to venture a guess, part of Kermit's anticipation of the new team's performance will be reflected in the level of difficulty of the new schedule this summer.

Brandon Walters really demonstrated that he is already taking a huge step forward in his playing ability. During tourney play, Upshaw and Williams seemed to be able to get an extra couple of mins rest with Walters in. When Walters was in late in the season, the team kept or even extended the lead. He will be a huge centerpiece for Kermit to build around to try to replace the two departing great forwards.

 

[dukewayne]

I think it's a good deal all around too. Having a contract like this along with Kermit's tenure here at MT is also a huge selling point for recruits. When a kid commits somewhere they typically commit to that coach and Kermit's tenure+contract show that it's 99% likely he isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Would really like to see us pick up some good recruits after these 2 NCAA runs. Surely our NCAA exposure and success will afford us a better caliber player. I know a big thing with Kermit and his recruiting is finding guys that "fit his system" but there's no reason why we can't find some 3 and 4 star players who "fit the system" too.

I agree wholeheartedly. With his system continuing with such success and national media exposure, there's bound to be plenty of more interest out there to come play at MT. With such improvement, there is plenty of reason for confidence that Kermit will be able to find even better skill, athleticism, and size who will also fit into his system.

 

[dukewayne]

Hopefully Kermit feels he is being reasonably rewarded for his much success. While some other program may have a few dollars more to offer, MT has stability and potential. Maybe just as importantly, this area is an excellent area to live with a good quality of life. Plus, the cost of living is relatively low here compared to other metro/suburban regions.

Interesting that a couple of times recently that need of C-USA improvement has been mentioned. If this new commish isn't going to get it into gear, she should step aside for somebody that can get C-USA bball rolling again. Sadly, there really seems to be a huge conference leadership problem.

 

[Raiderclyde]

Reflecting on the new deal: It is quite a bargain considering tenure and performance over the last 5-6 years.

Some time back, I read somewhere Murray State raised their former coach Steve Prohm to right at half a million following their 32-2 season in 2012. And then Mr. Prohm found greener pasture in Ames, Iowa after missing NCAA's a couple of years ago after their Belmont upset in the finals after winning 25 and ranked #25th. From that OVC example, my concern now turns to quality of other Conference USA programs. With five teams spending most of the year below 300 RPI this year, the weaker television package, and cuts on revenue sharing in other sports, I fear conference leadership is deficient and urgently needs to improve. In essence, how safe do we feel if MT turns in something like 28-5, 27-6 next year and misses NCAA's because of a upset loss in semis? If a SEC, B1G, Big 12 or AAC school comes calling...where will we stand then? If our conference is considered on par with Patriot League or Northeast in competition strength to the basketball experts and Selection Committee, we could suddenly find ourselves in rebuilding mode if we're not careful...can see scenarios develop along those lines as our risk.

The "Building the Brand" objective is extremely difficult. Very few coaches are successful because they do not have longevity nor feel the strong commitment and resources behind them in their career that is required. That's the difference between being a great coach and someone legendary. The later usually results in an arena or court named after them. Am glad Kermit realizes the fact of "Building the Brand" is extremely crucial to where we are and what it means to our University. This idea stretches far beyond the 94 feet court in basketball and is desperately needed in the Murfreesboro/Middle Tennessee communities.

Can say mission accomplished in 2016-17, indeed! Well done, Coach Kermit Davis and University officials! Onward to next year!