I didn’t read the post as an expectation of an opening but merely speculation if an opening occurs
At first glance, and knowing nothing on the inside, it doesn’t seem likely a Big 4 position opens any time soon
But, if one did, maybe it would be Cal or UCLA?
I only say that as Everist has well over 20 years at the helm. Maybe he wants to rest and retire? No idea. He certainly hasn’t lost his fastball after Cal’s recent three peat and the roster rebuild looks super promising. So why leave?
As for Wright, maybe the national team comes calling in a few years? Can’t seen him walking away from this loaded team or the generational talent that is Ryder Dodd. Again, why leave?
Flacks seem to be getting everyone both domestic and international all of the sudden and the recent team controversy - while unseemly to my eyes - has done nothing to thwart what appears to be forward momentum. Not leaving.
And while USC hasn’t won since 2018, they have been close repeatedly and have probably been in the finals more than any other big 4 since their last title. Sure, they lost Vavic but it doesn’t seem like Varsity Blues did much to derail the program. They could win it all this year given the roster. Don’t see that seat opening.
Maybe, given his prior experience there, Litvak gets a call if the UCLA seat opens? After 2028 Olympics cycle? Who knows. Hard to say
I would say UCLA is off the table. If Adam ever left, which I can’t imagine why he would, you’d have to think Adam Krikorian slides back into that seat. I think Kirk retiring would be the most likely scenario, but that is probably a ways off. Given who Flacks grandfather is, doesn’t seem like he is losing that job. I think Pinta would have to have a very bad stretch to lose his job, and he has finally gotten over the recruiting hump it appears. So Cal is the answer, but still could be a long ways off.
Also, I think Kirk would jump at a chance to take the reins of the national team if given the opportunity. Not saying he would get it, but I think he would want it.
We are way off topic, but, Pinta has to be on the hottest seat. If he doesn’t win one soon, changes might be made. Cal just won three straight and UCLA are the champs. Stanford seems set with Flacks unless more allegations are raised and substantiated.
The feed is coming on and off, not working well but looks like Pro Recco 9-6 at half. Impressed by UCLA, I may have been wrong, and the internationals seem frustrated with the “softer” reffing that is typically not seen in Europe
Not sure where the “lenient admissions policies” wrt to international players comes from - it seems to suggest international water polo players are not as academically-inclined or as academically-talented as American players? I had one kid graduate in May (D1 women’s team) and I have another currently playing as a sophomore (D1 men’s team) and on both teams, the international players perform(ed) better academically than the American players. I realize two D1 water polo teams is not a sufficient sample size to make a point but I would love to hear what international water polo player got into Princeton with lenient admissions policies?
I was working the table at the Recco-UCLA game and it was incredible to see UCLA absolutely hang with a professional team. They matched Recco’s physicality (Ryder Dodd has a large scratch around his neck that can attest to the match’s intensity) and really played a smart game from start to finish.
The turning point was in the fourth quarter. UCLA had narrowed the gap to 12-10. UCLA then drew a five meter and Dodd got stopped. Recco then scored immediately. So instead of a 12-11 one goal game you had a three goal margin.
Great showing by UCLA and really shows how the strong the NCAA game is.
