We’re enjoying the speculation over who will likely take over for Kelvin Sampson after the guillotine soon drops (presumably before the Snorg girl gets a piece of the action).

One of the great things about the NYC/BOS/PHI/DC media corridor is how it manufactures controversy and intrigue. And how it sometimes can influence actual events.

So with that in mind, we read a suggestion from NEWARK STAR-LEDGER NBA writer Michael Obernauer with amusement today.

Obernaur writes, “Thomas denied rumors that he could return to his alma mater to replace the scandal-plagued Kelvin Sampson at Indiana University. “No, I’m very anchored here (in New York),” he said. “It’s a tough thing that Coach Sampson and the university is going through. But I still support ‘em. I support the university.” Of course, it likely will be anchors aweigh for Thomas at the end of the season. That would free him up for a return to Bloomington, where his son Joshua is a student, should Sampson be fired.”

What rumors? We haven’t seen or heard a thing besides what is being generated inside the Tri-state. Do you really think IU would consider bringing in a body already saddled with the sex-harassment taint carried about by Thomas?

Brad Simmons of WRAL-TV also suggests that IU might consider Bob Knight as Sampson’s replacement. While Mike McGraw of the ARLINGTON (IL) DAILY HERALD writes “Rumors already are flying that former Bulls coach Scott Skiles will become head coach at Indiana if Kelvin Sampson is fired, but don’t count on it.“

It’s fun to bounce these possibilities around, but in the end, you can guarantee that none of the above will be the Hoosiers’ solution. And that’s a shame, considering the excitement around the program for lo these years. We can’t imagine IU will make a daring play in its post-Kelvin hire, and that’s one less reason for us to watching midseason college basketball. As if we needed another.