I want to way in on the "Wake Forest Guy" discussion. Wake is a small school. We all know that. We've always been small. The best coaches have ever had understand and admire that. I would be shocked if Wake's size wasn't one of the reasons we all chose to go to Wake. I know it was a big factor in my choosing and enjoying Wake. A "WF Guy" gets that and appreciates it.
At the same time, Wake Forest is one of the best schools in the country. This has not always been the case, but, at least from my read of our history, we have always been trying to head in that direction (the move to W-S is the strongest indicator of this).
From an athletics perspective, I want a coach that embodies what is best about Wake Forest. Small school with big achievements and aspirations. Small is a problematic word for athletics, so think about it in terms of intimacy. Wake values community. The local fans and donors value that family feel around Wake. I think Wake also values success. I think it is possible to have both, and I think it is right to have both.
In terms of a coach fitting that mold, it was Skip Prosser to a T. Skip was as competitive as they come. He had big goals, and I think would have achieved them eventually. At the same time, Skip always had time for students, fans, and other members of the WF community. During my time at Wake, Skip at lunch in the Pit or Benson seemingly every day. He loved being around students. He was one of the most famous coaches in CBB at the time. It was unique.
Maybe I'm being too nostalgic, but Wake has hired and will continue to hire some pretty successful people, but they come to teach smaller classes. They value that. Athletically, the equivalent is a successful coach that values the intimate community of Wake.
I think Clawson gets and communicates that very well. That is what is best about Wake Forest. It's what I expect from Wake Forest athletics. I don't want one without the other.
That being said, I don't know enough about Gregg Marshall as to whether he would fit that mold. It seems to be right in Shaka Smart's wheelhouse.