#200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

(12-21-2009 12:55 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  #200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

So it's back to fireSteveShields.com. I guess these days a coach doesn't get a game and half, to deal with the loss of his best inside player. There is only one person who will determine if its "acceptable", and its not you or me.

The problem is that there don't appear to be any answers in sight. On the other hand, if Courtney averages a double/double from here on out . . .

(12-21-2009 01:02 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 12:55 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  #200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

So it's back to fireSteveShields.com. I guess these days a coach doesn't get a game and half, to deal with the loss of his best inside player. There is only one person who will determine if its "acceptable", and its not you or me.

Where did you see the word "fire" except in your post? I'm just stating facts. Actually I disagree that it's not up to you or me. Not individually of course, , but if ticket buying fans (that's you and me) don't buy tickets and put butts in the seats, that does ultimately force decisions. Our program has not really moved forward in years. Yes we've won some division titles, but that's normally third or fourth place in the league. As, I think it was Scotto, said. Yes we won 23 games last year, but where did it get us? However, I will make one absolute prediction. One of three things will happen. We'll get better, we'll get worse, or we'll stay the same. Now that you can take to the bank.

(12-21-2009 01:36 PM)Scotto Wrote:  Let me be the first to say that quoting me doesn't help your case.

You are my mentor! The Socrates of Sarcasm!

(12-21-2009 01:44 PM)Scotto Wrote:  

Since this is a "G" rated board, I can't respond to that one!

(12-21-2009 01:02 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 12:55 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  #200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

So it's back to fireSteveShields.com. I guess these days a coach doesn't get a game and half, to deal with the loss of his best inside player. There is only one person who will determine if its "acceptable", and its not you or me.

are


I know you and a few others here make up the Steve Shields Fan Club, but he's had almost six(6)and half seasons, and he hasn't sniffed a post season, attendance is dismal, it's becoming pretty evident that he can't coach offensive basketball, obviously he can't recruit a caliber of players capable of winning the Sun Belt, he's been given several chances by firing his assistants, his team plays boring basketball that evidently people don't want to pay to see, and while ASU hasn't exactly been setting the Sun Belt on fire, he has an overall losing record to them.

Other than that, he's really a nice guy. I have no personal dislike for him at all. And I'll give him his due, he graduates his players.

I really don't necessarily think the brand of basketball is what keeps people from coming to our games. I think the program virtually does nothing to promote itself. I think that's the largest factor as to why we have low attendance.

(12-21-2009 03:54 PM)eh9198 Wrote:  I really don't necessarily think the brand of basketball is what keeps people from coming to our games. I think the program virtually does nothing to promote itself. I think that's the largest factor as to why we have low attendance.

You don't think if we played an uptempo game, and scored a lot of points, that it wouldn't bring out more fans? We don't need Bozo the Clown, midget wrestling, and Captain Dynamite if we play exciting basketball. Then, the program will be promoting itself. I believe that there are some things that our administration can do that will help increase the attendance right now. Several things have been suggested on this board by our posters. Winning is like Castor Oil used to be in the old days, it'll cure anything.

Another suggestion that I'm sure will be met with closed ears, is having a "senior" discount on seats. ASU had one yesterday, and I didn't realize that they did, so the lady asked if I wanted a senior ticket. I suppose she could tell by looking that I was over the hill.

(12-21-2009 03:49 PM)LRTrojan Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 01:02 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 12:55 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  #200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

So it's back to fireSteveShields.com. I guess these days a coach doesn't get a game and half, to deal with the loss of his best inside player. There is only one person who will determine if its "acceptable", and its not you or me.

are


I know you and a few others here make up the Steve Shields Fan Club, but he's had almost six(6)and half seasons, and he hasn't sniffed a post season, attendance is dismal, it's becoming pretty evident that he can't coach offensive basketball, obviously he can't recruit a caliber of players capable of winning the Sun Belt, he's been given several chances by firing his assistants, his team plays boring basketball that evidently people don't want to pay to see, and while ASU hasn't exactly been setting the Sun Belt on fire, he has an overall losing record to them.
Other than that, he's really a nice guy. I have no personal dislike for him at all. And I'll give him his due, he graduates his players.

Bob, I wish you would quit *****-footing around and tell us how you really feel. Actually, I like the fact that you have a strong opinion and are willing to state it, no holds barred. You have been one of our best fans for 2 decades and certainly have every right to your opinion. We just tend to disagree on this one. Winning 4 of 6 Division titles, winning 23 games (our best in 14 years) last season, to me is pretty good coaching. Our attendance has been dismal (for the most part) since I moved to Little Rock and I don't think it has a thing to do with Steve. I'm not sure what the definition of "sniffing postseason is", but Steve twice has had the resume to get an NIT bid and was certainly more deserving than some teams that got in. Not sure whose "fault" that is. Maybe a change would be good for the program. It could get better, but it could get a lot worse. I guess I'll leave that decision up to Chris.

(12-21-2009 04:21 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 03:49 PM)LRTrojan Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 01:02 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 12:55 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  #200 in RPI. #217 in Sagarin. Decreased fan support, at least attending games. With the facilities of our program now, is that acceptable? We can't always keep saying, "Well ,we're just one player away from being good". We've changed out the staff twice now. Don't think we can do that again. Sadly, we're running out of pleasant options.

So it's back to fireSteveShields.com. I guess these days a coach doesn't get a game and half, to deal with the loss of his best inside player. There is only one person who will determine if its "acceptable", and its not you or me.

are


I know you and a few others here make up the Steve Shields Fan Club, but he's had almost six(6)and half seasons, and he hasn't sniffed a post season, attendance is dismal, it's becoming pretty evident that he can't coach offensive basketball, obviously he can't recruit a caliber of players capable of winning the Sun Belt, he's been given several chances by firing his assistants, his team plays boring basketball that evidently people don't want to pay to see, and while ASU hasn't exactly been setting the Sun Belt on fire, he has an overall losing record to them.
Other than that, he's really a nice guy. I have no personal dislike for him at all. And I'll give him his due, he graduates his players.

Bob, I wish you would quit *****-footing around and tell us how you really feel. Actually, I like the fact that you have a strong opinion and are willing to state it, no holds barred. You have been one of our best fans for 2 decades and certainly have every right to your opinion. We just tend to disagree on this one. Winning 4 of 6 Division titles, winning 23 games (our best in 14 years) last season, to me is pretty good coaching. Our attendance has been dismal (for the most part) since I moved to Little Rock and I don't think it has a thing to do with Steve. I'm not sure what the definition of "sniffing postseason is", but Steve twice has had the resume to get an NIT bid and was certainly more deserving than some teams that got in. Not sure whose "fault" that is. Maybe a change would be good for the program. It could get better, but it could get a lot worse. I guess I'll leave that decision up to Chris.

Geez, since when is the word for a baby kitten banned from this board?

I have mixed feeling about all this. We have done some winning and this years team was one big away from winning some games. Not even a great big just a big that could rebound and play defense. Does not matter now, with Mike going down. You just have to give the minutes to the young guys and hope for the best.

If you look at my post about the roster, we have to show we can win with this bunch this year because the same players come back next year and I don't see how a big that will probably red shirt and a couple of guards are going to help. The guards could red shirt too because they are not big, so I don't see them taking minutes from a group of sr guards.

Then you take into account the rebuilding project that for the 2011 season (we have to replace 6 kids) and you got yourself some decisions.

If you put Steve at a Big 10 school, I think he would win. He could recruit kids that better fit his system. Our system needs to fit the kids we recruit to UALR. If you can't recruit bigs then you don't need to run pound in the paint ball (which we are not running this year, it is just an example).

(12-21-2009 04:21 PM)mjs Wrote:  Bob, I wish you would quit *****-footing around and tell us how you really feel. Actually, I like the fact that you have a strong opinion and are willing to state it, no holds barred. You have been one of our best fans for 2 decades and certainly have every right to your opinion. We just tend to disagree on this one. Winning 4 of 6 Division titles, winning 23 games (our best in 14 years) last season, to me is pretty good coaching. Our attendance has been dismal (for the most part) since I moved to Little Rock and I don't think it has a thing to do with Steve.

Mickey, I promise that in the future I will quit *****footing around,[b] and tell you exactly how I feel on the subject of Trojan basketball[/b]. We'll gracefully agree to disagree on this subject. Without a doubt you would be considered by me as one of the best and most loyal Trojan fans, we'll maybe you're a hair or so behind Curtis(need to see your dancing technique), but you still rank high in my book. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

P.S.
You know the attendance at Barton was a lot better than it is now. See, I told you I'd quit *****footing.

(12-21-2009 05:01 PM)LRTrojan Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 04:21 PM)mjs Wrote:  Bob, I wish you would quit *****-footing around and tell us how you really feel. Actually, I like the fact that you have a strong opinion and are willing to state it, no holds barred. You have been one of our best fans for 2 decades and certainly have every right to your opinion. We just tend to disagree on this one. Winning 4 of 6 Division titles, winning 23 games (our best in 14 years) last season, to me is pretty good coaching. Our attendance has been dismal (for the most part) since I moved to Little Rock and I don't think it has a thing to do with Steve.

Mickey, I promise that in the future I will quit *****footing around,[b] and tell you exactly how I feel on the subject of Trojan basketball[/b]. We'll gracefully agree to disagree on this subject. Without a doubt you would be considered by me as one of the best and most loyal Trojan fans, we'll maybe you're a hair or so behind Curtis(need to see your dancing technique), but you still rank high in my book. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

P.S.
You know the attendance at Barton was a lot better than it is now. See, I told you I'd quit *****footing.

Everyone on this board is a great fan. Otherwise they wouldn't take the time to express their opinions. We just need more of us. I wish we had fifty or sixty posting their thoughts and ideas. If some of you guys that are reading the board would participate, it would make it even more interesting. Feel free to jump in. Your opinions are probably better than some of ours. Not mine of course, but MJS and yconpirt maybe!
Just kidding guys. Keep on disagreeing. It keeps me on my toes. Although at my age that can be somewhat uncomfortable if not downright painful.

Well, LRTrojan, I'm still not sure. It may help a little but correct me if I'm wrong, but even Wimp's run and gun teams didn't draw a whole lot. As much as I like the idea of midget wrestling (good one), I just think we need to spend more on good, quality advertising, and getting our name out there more (a la scedules in businesses across town, that sort of thing).

Winning will increase things, no doubt, but even that never seemed to bring the whole kit and kaboodle to the table. We need both, IMO.

(12-21-2009 09:41 PM)eh9198 Wrote:  Well, LRTrojan, I'm still not sure. It may help a little but correct me if I'm wrong, but even Wimp's run and gun teams didn't draw a whole lot. As much as I like the idea of midget wrestling (good one), I just think we need to spend more on good, quality advertising, and getting our name out there more (a la scedules in businesses across town, that sort of thing).

Winning will increase things, no doubt, but even that never seemed to bring the whole kit and kaboodle to the table. We need both, IMO.

I really don't have the answer at this point. We have had ups and downs in attendance but never really drawn consistently well. The only season we averaged over 5000 (announced) was the year after the chancellor threatened to shut down the program (because of poor attendance) if we didn't sell out our season tickets. I was heavily involved in the ticket drive (as were others on this board) and we supposedly sold 5200 tickets at $75 a piece (the 5 tickets I bought then cost me less then one ticket now). We had great attendance for one year, until 65% of those people didn't renew the next year. We've never really come close to that in attendance again. People have blamed the facilities, the lack of Arkansans on the roster, competing with the Chickenhawgs, and now the style of basketball. Certainly the facility, Arkansans on the roster, and the Chickenhawgs, are not factors in our poor attendance now. I've heard ticket prices blamed, but Newell lowered tickets to $2 and $3 and that didn't help. While our good seats are overpriced, as long as you can get an endzone seat of $6 I don't think you are pricing anyone out of the arena.

eh9198, I certainly agree with you in theory that better promotion, etc. would help. I'm just not sure how much at this point. I think the staff at UALR do a lot of promotional stuff we are not aware of. For example, I got an email that was sent to State Employees offering discount tickets to all games. I think they do stuff with the elementary schools as well. But I think there can never be too much promotion and we need to do more in this area.

Would scoring 80 points a game (instead of 70, or whatever we average now) really bring out more folks? I wouldn't bet on it. I keep hearing winning will do it, but it will probably be a decade before we win 23 games again and that didn't do it either.

So like I said. I really don't have the answer and at this point I've decided to leave it to the people who are getting paid to get folks to the arena. Luckily, the way Stephens was built, 2500 folks create a pretty decent college basketball atmosphere. That same amount of folks at Barton felt like a ghost town.

(12-21-2009 10:49 PM)Scotto Wrote:  It's pretty simple. Get to the NCAAT.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner.

Yes we won 23 games but that didn't get us anywhere because to the NIT and NCAA we didn't have any signature wins. We beat Creighton but last season was a down year for them. Our SOS last season was poor. If we had 23 wins this season with our current schedule we would possibly be knocking at the door of the NIT or NCAA.

(12-21-2009 10:49 PM)Scotto Wrote:  It's pretty simple. Get to the NCAAT.

I wish it were that simple. The year after we beat Notre Dame we opened up at Barton the night after the pigs sold it out for an exhibition game. We had about 1500 announced. I remember Newell was absolutely disgusted. And that was after an incredible upset (Notre Dame) and even more incredible "almost" upset (NCState). We go to the NCAA as a 15 seed and lose by 20, do you really think we'd see a big jump in attendance?

Nope. Getting to the NCAA by itself won't do it. Consistently winning games when there, like Western Kentucky or Gonzaga does would possibly do it. We should definitely strive for that, but honestly, how often does that happen?

(12-21-2009 10:59 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-21-2009 10:49 PM)Scotto Wrote:  It's pretty simple. Get to the NCAAT.

I wish it were that simple. The year after we beat Notre Dame we opened up at Barton the night after the pigs sold it out for an exhibition game. We had about 1500 announced. I remember Newell was absolutely disgusted. And that was after an incredible upset (Notre Dame) and even more incredible "almost" upset (NCState). We go to the NCAA as a 15 seed and lose by 20, do you really think we'd see a big jump in attendance?

That is sad. I'm not a long time fan as you mjs. So my question is what do you think happen when UALR did have big crowds in the past? Was it the team we played, ticket prices, etc.? I'm just curious because I heard you older fans talk about how UALR did have some good numbers every so often at Barton. I even heard about the bologne sandwiches and RV rides from my man with The Wisdom of the Woof. Sound like you all had fun times.