In all reality, isn't getting the mantra of Monty took over from Patton therefore he's not responsible for his teams lack of progress getting old ? Monty didn't just walk into our program blindly or least I hope not. When does he become responsible for his team's record ?

(03-09-2013 05:25 PM)niu2222 Wrote:  I agree with you that nothing that has happened this year says that things will turnaround. I do not agree that means Monty doesnt know how to coach, but like all coaches he will be judged by wins and losses.

And I never said he doesn't know how to coach. His teams haven't shown even a glimpse that things are going to get better though. Maybe he's just a bad HEAD coach...maybe he's the wrong guy for THIS job. I don't know but things are beyond pathetic. He's lucky the fan base is so apathetic and the NIU basketball program has been trash for so long.

I like MM but I certainly understand the criticism. I wonder if that motion offense he runs is right for this bunch. Nader looked really good posting up but he was always running around. By the way Patton is coaching HS ball in Memphis.

Armour 248 said:
I don't know but things are beyond pathetic.
That statement is true.
Maybe he's just a bad HEAD coach
Based on wins and losses, program improvement and competitiveness, that statement also appears to be completely true.
His teams haven't shown even a glimpse that things are going to get better.
Those few times the team has won or played really well (perhaps because the opponent played poorly) are clearly negated by the number of times the team has played horrendous ball.
I never said he doesn't know how to coach.
Perhaps this statement is not accurate.
Monty's reputation and role at Michigan State was for recruiting. With Izzo and someone else on the MSU staff being responsible for offense and defense, maybe MM really isn't a good coach. Anyone associated with a high-powered staff like that should know a few good plays to draw up, but can that person put together an offensive attack for an entire game or design a defense to shut down an opponent?
As much as I wish NIU hoops would improve, it's beginning to look like MM is not the guy. Perhaps Highsmith is a tremendous recruit, but he's one guy and he's going to be a freshman. That's not enough in this day and age. Do the returnees look like the kind of role players to help a single freshman turn things around? Hope I'm wrong, but it's hard to see that happening.

Montys role at MSU was not just recruiting. He became the associate assistant coach. Izzo said, he is the most ready assistant he has ever had. Izzo said, Monty is the best x and o's assistant he's ever had. Maybe he has a good career at NIU, maybe he doesn't. Monty will be given 4yrs for sure to find out!

(03-09-2013 08:49 PM)niu2222 Wrote:  Monty will be given 4yrs for sure to find out!

If they don't sniff .500 next year he should get canned. He probably will get four years either way...it's hard to justify the buyout when you're basically wasting more money in an already dead basketball program

(03-09-2013 05:34 PM)Mr Reality Wrote:  In all reality, isn't getting the mantra of Monty took over from Patton therefore he's not responsible for his teams lack of progress getting old ? Monty didn't just walk into our program blindly or least I hope not. When does he become responsible for his team's record ?

Next season will be make or break time

While I agree that their must be improvement next year( cannot lose 20 games), NIU will not fire Monty with 2 years left on his contract. Monty has a 5 year deal and next year is year 3

I am at an uncommon loss for many words re: bball in general and another dreadful season. Time has come to put 2012/13 bball to bed. Attending the CMU game did it for me. I had also hoped for signs of progress with womens team.

I watched a few minutes of Murray State vrs Belmont and wondered why do they have such talent - and not us.

Obviously I missed it, but are we positive Monty has a five-year deal? When he started, never saw any reference to a five-year deal, commitment, etc. Neither of his two seasons has warranted an extension. It's often argued none of the MAC athletic programs actually make money, but there has to be a limit to losses. Granted, Groth couldn't afford to dump Sadler, and maybe Patton's exit was feasible thanks to Minnesota's buyout for Kill. But when you're paying a coach $400,000 and the attendance, concessions, etc. are not even enough to cover the cost of staging the game, then it becomes a question of running further into the red because you waited to make a change.
A former NIU administrator once involved with Michigan State said contrary to Izzo's public statements, they were glad to have MM move on. It is possible for there to be a split opinion and some folks want others to move on -- those on here who were convinced Novak needed to go; those that never liked Kill despite the victories; those who believe Compher hired good coaches but lousy staff, wasn't personable or good at scheduling.
Once again, my preference would be to have Montgomery's 2013-14 squad make a major turnaround to prove a positive change is possible, but we can't remain at Patton-level.

Yes, he has a 5-year contract and its published. Look at the video archives of his press conference. Also he is a state employee, you can find his contract. Izzo had said he thought Monty deserved a job long before NIU came calling. Izzo and Monty still talk often to this day.