In the world of college basketball, timing is everything. Just days after inking a hefty extension with Saint Louis, Josh Schertz's name is already swirling in connection with the NC State job. This isn't a case of months passing or a season unfolding-it's immediate, and it raises eyebrows.
Josh Schertz, fresh off a six-year, $20 million deal with SLU, is reportedly interviewing with NC State. If Schertz declines, the Wolfpack might turn to Tennessee's Justin Gainey, a familiar face to NC State fans.
This situation feels awkward because Schertz's recent commitment to Saint Louis was supposed to symbolize stability and a shared vision. It signaled a deep alignment with the program and the city-a city that has embraced him wholeheartedly.
Schertz has been visible in St. Louis, from cheering on the Cardinals at Opening Day to enjoying a Blues game.
His engagement with the local sports scene has painted a picture of a coach who’s not just working in St. Louis but living it.
That’s why this news hits differently. Schertz isn't just a coach in the background; he's been actively involved, strengthening his bond with the city. Now, with reports of him considering a move, it prompts questions about the authenticity of his commitment.
NC State is a prestigious opportunity, no doubt. It offers resources, visibility, and a bigger platform. But the crux of the issue here isn't the allure of NC State-it's about the timing and the trust it disrupts.
Signing a lucrative extension was supposed to reassure everyone involved that Schertz was committed for the long haul. Yet, his quick emergence in another job search casts doubt on that message. In college sports, perception is crucial, and this development shifts it significantly.
Josh Schertz has built a career on winning, with an impressive 451-130 record. His success at Lincoln Memorial and the turnaround at Indiana State are testaments to his coaching prowess. His impact at Saint Louis, turning them into an Atlantic 10 contender, is undeniable.
But this isn't just about basketball strategies or stats. It's about alignment and whether words align with actions. When a coach signs an extension and then entertains another offer, it forces everyone to reconsider what that extension truly meant.
If Schertz is seriously contemplating NC State, he'd be entering a program in flux, following Will Wade's departure. This scenario begs the question: Is Schertz genuinely interested in this particular job, or is it merely the next step up?
Taking over a program mid-transition brings unique challenges. It's not just a promotion; it's a reset. It can feel like inheriting someone else's situation rather than crafting your own.
So, what does Schertz truly want? Is he aiming to build something enduring at Saint Louis, where he's secured significant commitment? Or is this just another step toward a bigger stage?
There's no wrong answer. Coaches move, opportunities arise-that's the nature of the game.
But the timing and manner of these moves matter. Right now, it seems Saint Louis might be learning that lesson the hard way.
If you're genuinely committed, you don't look around this quickly. And if you are, maybe the commitment wasn't as solid as it seemed.