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Damon Stoudamire and Ben Howland give Oregon State two distinct approaches.

The Oregon State coaching vacancy feels like a two-candidate race right now --- Ben Howland and Damon Stoudamire. The O's Connor Letourneau posted

Don't know what Oregon State thinks of all of that, but Howland vs. Stoudamire is interesting.

Two very different approaches. Multiple Final Four-experienced head coach with some baggage vs. Enthusiastic inexperienced head coach with pipeline to talent. I'm told that Oregon State has made preliminary contact through Arizona's athletic department, and will interview the Wildcats assistant. So Stoudamire is in play, along with Howland.

Talked with former UCLA guard Earl Watson on Saturday before the Blazers-Spurs Game 3 about Howland's transition from UCLA to possibly Corvallis. Watson, incidentally, is going to make a terrific coach someday, likely on the NBA level.

"I'd only coach in college at UCLA," Watson said. "I'd be lying to kids if I was the coach anywhere else and said, 'This is the best college in America,' because that's UCLA."

Watson said Oregon State was wise to target Howland.

“He’d be perfect for Oregon State. He’d win there. He’d get a bunch of guys like (Lorenzo) Mata and win. He'd go pull guys like Damian Lillard out of Oakland, guys who were just tough and wanted to play hard and he'd be tough there."

Oregon State can't announce the hiring of its new men's basketball coach until next week, per state law. The job posting went up last Wednesday night.

The early candidates, and updated odds...

The leading candidates...



Ben Howland, ex-UCLA coach, (Odds: 2 to 1):

Oregon State and Howland spoke officially last Monday night, per multiple sources. Mutual interest. There was some initial speculation that Howland might be willing to defer part of his compensation, or take a little less in salary to ensure he wouldn't have to sit out another year. I'm not sure that's true anymore. He is the 800-pound gorilla in this process. OSU would love to have him because he brings instant credibility.

Damon Stoudamire, Arizona assistant, (Odds: 4 to 1):

I'm a big believer in Stoudamire. For the first time late Wednesday night I heard Stoudamire talked about as a series candidate by those close to the hiring process. Oregon State has made preliminary contact with Arizona, as a courtesy, and I'm told by a source close to the hiring process that the former Trail Blazer guard will get an interview. Stoudamire has a pipeline to talent, and looks like a wonderful option... young, hungry, connected to talent. Stoudamire's humility is also a bonus. I think it serves him well. For example, I think he'd be very open to bringing some experienced, older coaches on his staff. I think he'll give OSU something to think about as it moves toward a hiring announcement next week. I'm told Stoudamire's price tag is also below the $800,000 threshold, incredibly affordable. This isn't about money to him, he made more than $100 million in the NBA. It's about opportunity.

The others...



Terry Porter, Timberwolves assistant (Odds: 9 to 1):

Former Trail Blazer has thrown his hat into the ring, and badly wants this job. He'd bring some credibility and fundraising. We know he can coach. We know he can relate to players. But can he recruit? I expect OSU to talk with Porter, see who he envisions on his staff, and determine how viable he is, but he's in third place in this race right now.

Eric Musselman, Arizona State assistant (Odds 11 to 1):

He's the 2012 NBDL Coach of the Year and has strong AAU ties. Musselman has a reputation for being an excellent teacher, and helped lead the turn around the Arizona State program as part of its staff in 2012. He interviewed multiple times for the Cal job, but didn't get that. I expect Bob De Carolis will interview him at some point.

Steve McClain, Indiana University assistant (Odds 20 to 1):

New name, who comes with some credibility. Indiana coach Tom Crean swears by McClain, and he's worth a look by Bob De Carolis. McClain had a stint at Colorado, but was very good as the head coach at Wyoming, which he took to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Long Shots...



Gary Close, Wisconsin assistant, (Odds 50 to 1):

I spoke with Close about the Oregon State job in March. He seemed convinced that the right coach could win in Corvallis. He's a former Stanford assistant who told me he'd love to get back to the Pac-12. Close has also coached at Iowa, and his resume is impressive. He knows where the talent is buried, but also he's viewed as Bo Ryan's replacement one day. Doesn't feel likely to bolt for OSU.

David Grace, UCLA assistant (Odds: 75 to 1):

Former Beavers assistant is the sweetheart pick of some boosters and players. Oregon State is trying to distance itself, however, from the Craig Robinson era, not hold onto it. Feels like he'll get a polite look, but not much more. As sentimental as he might be, the Beavers would love to cut all ties with the Robinson era. With new candidates emerging, he's slipping back.

Falling off the board:

Lionel Hollins (NBA):

Getting some support from boosters, but Hollins wants to be in the NBA.

Lester Conner (NBA assistant):

Job posting requires a college degree. Conner doesn't have one. So he's out.

Marvin Menzies (New Mexico State)

Insider at OSU tells me the hiring committee is not interested in a coach who relied on International players.

Russell Turner (UC Irvine):

Great coach, but not splashy enough for a school that needs badly to make a splash.

Dan Monson (Long Beach State

): No interest from Monson or Oregon State at this point.

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