I remember hearing that by signing right before the lockout he was able to secure a larger signing bonus than he would've been eligible for after the lockout. Not sure if there was truth to it or not though.
I think one of the biggest reasons many don't like Jones is the style of basketball his teams play. Gfhockey's description is still quite apt, these guys "just ball."
Not UND, but Southern Illinois is having issues right now.... http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/03/31/southern-illinois-basketball-players-transfer-five-players-leave-team
I think the Hak vs Blais thing is more for the fans. We have something of a connection with Blais. Most if not all of the current players don't have that connection.
You mean hockey, the sport he sends most of the athletic department's money to? The sport he created a new super-conference for? The sport for which he chairs the NCAA selection committee?
I wonder if the crappy lighting in providence makes it tougher for the goalies to track the puck. It's pretty bad when you can tell on tv where each individual light fixture is just by looking at the ice.