Isiah Thomas Interested in DePaul Job

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 2, 2010 2:40PM

DePaul's expressed a desire to hire a high profile name in the hopes of returning their men's basketball program to prominence after a prolonged period of poor play, but thus far is having a bit of trouble filling its coaching vacancy. However, Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto would be best to ignore any job application emails, screen all calls and generally avoid any contact with one well known name. NBA Hall of Famer and Chicago native Isiah Thomas has expressed interest in coaching the Blue Demons, according to a source close to the former Pistons star.

Sure, "Zeke" was one of the best point guards to ever play the game. But since he traded in the tank top for a tie, his career has been one train wreck after another. He had unsuccessful stints in the Toronto Raptors front office and coaching the Indiana Pacers. He bought the CBA and proceeded to bankrupt the entire league. And then he helped run the New York Knicks into the ground as GM by assembling a roster as that was simultaneously the most expensive yet least productive in the league. He rewarded himself by later appointing himself head coach, too, meaning he got fired from two jobs at once. A sexual harassment lawsuit helped hasten his departure from the Big Apple. And then there was the curious drug overdose/suicide attempt.

Currently, Thomas is the head basketball coach at Florida International University, where he led the Golden Panthers to a 7-25 season. Is that really the kind of resume DePaul is looking for to resurrect its program and mentor its student-athletes? At least some think DePaul can do better. And they can.