People have options for where they spend their money. Several things could generate better excitement and attendance. Getting a top recruiting class with an NBA level player or two, followed by a team that plays consistently with effort and a cohesive plan, and some wins, that will get people excited. I'm not buying season tickets again until I feel our team is worth the time and money to attend. That may be with JP, it may be with the next coach. May even be with the next. I watch, support, cheer for, occasionally attend, but it'll be a priority when results (on or off court) dictate that.

RCs legacy Josh Pastner and Larry Porter. Is it possible to do worst?

(01-25-2016 10:37 AM)tiger2000 Wrote:  Let's say we get someone who is either so-so or an up-and-comer. How soon do people renew season tickets?

Are many of you who let your tickets go looking at it as "anyone but Pastner?"

The non-wow hire would generate a slight up tick but he would have to win first to rebuild attendance. It would likely be a long, slow grind back to the 16,000+ days.

Hire Pearl and your there almost before the ink dries on his contract.

(01-25-2016 10:44 AM)MemphisFan95 Wrote:  They will come back but he better make the tourney year 1

Not at all true. Year 3? You bet.

(01-25-2016 10:56 AM)ksigtigerdood Wrote:  Pastner didn't make the tournament in year one, and most people were happy with those results. If he doesn't make it by year two, there may be some unhappy folks.

He'll need to have some success in the NCAAs by year four.

The only reason Paz made it in year 2 was a miracle finish in the conference tournament final at UTEP.

Paz had pretty much full support until the end of year 4. That's when the wheels started to fall off. By the end of year 5 there was a lot of static and of course last year and then now.......

For the most part, the corporate support that switched to the Grizzlies won't be back regardless of who is coaching UofM. The broader of appeal of the NBA (inclusive of SEC fans and "bigtime" perceptions) makes more sense for them and they were waiting for a downturn in Tiger basketball fortunes as an excuse.

(01-25-2016 11:53 AM)Smith Wrote:  RCs legacy Josh Pastner and Larry Porter. Is it possible to do worst?

Not without a lot of effort.

(01-25-2016 11:59 AM)bluebacker Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 10:56 AM)ksigtigerdood Wrote:  Pastner didn't make the tournament in year one, and most people were happy with those results. If he doesn't make it by year two, there may be some unhappy folks.

He'll need to have some success in the NCAAs by year four.

The only reason Paz made it in year 2 was a miracle finish in the conference tournament final at UTEP.

Paz had pretty much full support until the end of year 4. That's when the wheels started to fall off. By the end of year 5 there was a lot of static and of course last year and then now.......

This is why the "unrealistic fanbase" argument doesn't hunt. He had adequate support for a realistic amount of time.

(01-25-2016 12:04 PM)tiger2000 Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:59 AM)bluebacker Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 10:56 AM)ksigtigerdood Wrote:  Pastner didn't make the tournament in year one, and most people were happy with those results. If he doesn't make it by year two, there may be some unhappy folks.

He'll need to have some success in the NCAAs by year four.

The only reason Paz made it in year 2 was a miracle finish in the conference tournament final at UTEP.

Paz had pretty much full support until the end of year 4. That's when the wheels started to fall off. By the end of year 5 there was a lot of static and of course last year and then now.......

This is why the "unrealistic fanbase" argument doesn't hunt. He had adequate support for a realistic amount of time.

Absolutely.

(01-25-2016 12:04 PM)tiger2000 Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:59 AM)bluebacker Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 10:56 AM)ksigtigerdood Wrote:  Pastner didn't make the tournament in year one, and most people were happy with those results. If he doesn't make it by year two, there may be some unhappy folks.

He'll need to have some success in the NCAAs by year four.

The only reason Paz made it in year 2 was a miracle finish in the conference tournament final at UTEP.

Paz had pretty much full support until the end of year 4. That's when the wheels started to fall off. By the end of year 5 there was a lot of static and of course last year and then now.......

This is why the "unrealistic fanbase" argument doesn't hunt. He had adequate support for a realistic amount of time.

More than 16k tickets sold for years 1-5..... That's pretty good support for the product that was on the floor particularly considering how years 4-5 ended. Best NCAA seed was a 6.

(01-25-2016 11:59 AM)Gray Avenger Wrote:  For the most part, the corporate support that switched to the Grizzlies won't be back regardless of who is coaching UofM. The broader of appeal of the NBA (inclusive of SEC fans and "bigtime" perceptions) makes more sense for them and they were waiting for a downturn in Tiger basketball fortunes as an excuse.

I disagree on this one. Those companies need a successful local university to supply them with workers. Give them something to invest in and they will.

(01-25-2016 02:33 PM)Claw Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:59 AM)Gray Avenger Wrote:  For the most part, the corporate support that switched to the Grizzlies won't be back regardless of who is coaching UofM. The broader of appeal of the NBA (inclusive of SEC fans and "bigtime" perceptions) makes more sense for them and they were waiting for a downturn in Tiger basketball fortunes as an excuse.

I disagree on this one. Those companies need a successful local university to supply them with workers. Give them something to invest in and they will.

Yep that is utter nonsense, but consider the source

(01-25-2016 10:42 AM)HoopDreams Wrote:  Just hire a guy that can coach the F outta some basketball.

The rest will take care of itself.

I don't need to win the press conference.
I need to win in the NCAAs.

Every big name coach was a nobody once.

The Ath Dept can do their job, make an intelligent hire, provide recruiting support, and we should be fine.

(01-25-2016 11:29 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Let's face it with the damage done to the culture and recruiting, it may take a decade and at least two hires to turn this around. We are back to 1997 folks

I respectfully disagree (though you could be right... :( )

The right hire with the right recruiting focus and strong local ties can rebound this program quickly I think.

Only 13 scholarships in hoops, not 85 (?) in FB. That can be reworked on a talent level in 2 recruiting cycles.

- Get a good, hungry, G5 up and comer that is local-ish (the guy at UAB is killing it) that maximizes pressure / speed.
- Introduce him to the local AAU guys and tell him local is the priority for the quick rebuild, national recruiting will be supported once we fill out some early rosters. Explain he'll be backed totally if local handlers give him issues, but he has to co-exist in this eco-system.
- Recruit local 901 guards and wings while filling out the front line with Jucos if need be.
- Play an entertaining and risky pressure style to start both necessitating a deep bench (hey, no minutes problems, everyone is tired after 24!) and bringing back fans on sheer guts, even if glory takes a few years.
- And lastly, play up the underdog rebirth theme in media. "Fast and lethal, your trapping 2016-2017 Memphis Tigers", make those 'Mind your business Dennis' guys the ring leaders.

Maybe...

We're viable in year 2.
We're dancing in year 3.
We're dominating in year 5.

Maybe I'm a dreamer. It's only 2:43, so I'm still sober.

(01-25-2016 02:53 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:29 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Let's face it with the damage done to the culture and recruiting, it may take a decade and at least two hires to turn this around. We are back to 1997 folks

I respectfully disagree (though you could be right... :( )

The right hire with the right recruiting focus and strong local ties can rebound this program quickly I think.

Only 13 scholarships in hoops, not 85 (?) in FB. That can be reworked on a talent level in 2 recruiting cycles.

- Get a good, hungry, G5 up and comer that is local-ish (the guy at UAB is killing it) that maximizes pressure / speed.
- Introduce him to the local AAU guys and tell him local is the priority for the quick rebuild, national recruiting will be supported once we fill out some early rosters. Explain he'll be backed totally if local handlers give him issues, but he has to co-exist in this eco-system.
- Recruit local 901 guards and wings while filling out the front line with Jucos if need be.
- Play an entertaining and risky pressure style to start both necessitating a deep bench (hey, no minutes problems, everyone is tired after 24!) and bringing back fans on sheer guts, even if glory takes a few years.
- And lastly, play up the underdog rebirth theme in media. "Fast and lethal, your trapping 2016-2017 Memphis Tigers", make those 'Mind your business Dennis' guys the ring leaders.

Maybe...

We're viable in year 2.
We're dancing in year 3.
We're dominating in year 5.

Maybe I'm a dreamer. It's only 2:43, so I'm still sober.

I think we go cheap with Damon or someone similar at 900K a year. If he works out fine. If not we give him 4 years and by then Josh's contract is finally of the books and we can afford someone else.

(01-25-2016 03:20 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 02:53 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:29 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Let's face it with the damage done to the culture and recruiting, it may take a decade and at least two hires to turn this around. We are back to 1997 folks

I respectfully disagree (though you could be right... :( )

The right hire with the right recruiting focus and strong local ties can rebound this program quickly I think.

Only 13 scholarships in hoops, not 85 (?) in FB. That can be reworked on a talent level in 2 recruiting cycles.

- Get a good, hungry, G5 up and comer that is local-ish (the guy at UAB is killing it) that maximizes pressure / speed.
- Introduce him to the local AAU guys and tell him local is the priority for the quick rebuild, national recruiting will be supported once we fill out some early rosters. Explain he'll be backed totally if local handlers give him issues, but he has to co-exist in this eco-system.
- Recruit local 901 guards and wings while filling out the front line with Jucos if need be.
- Play an entertaining and risky pressure style to start both necessitating a deep bench (hey, no minutes problems, everyone is tired after 24!) and bringing back fans on sheer guts, even if glory takes a few years.
- And lastly, play up the underdog rebirth theme in media. "Fast and lethal, your trapping 2016-2017 Memphis Tigers", make those 'Mind your business Dennis' guys the ring leaders.

Maybe...

We're viable in year 2.
We're dancing in year 3.
We're dominating in year 5.

Maybe I'm a dreamer. It's only 2:43, so I'm still sober.

I think we go cheap with Damon or someone similar at 900K a year. If he works out fine. If not we give him 4 years and by then Josh's contract is finally of the books and we can afford someone else.

I agree on Damon.

I think Damon might work out though.

- Small guard who won on a mix of skill, speed, and agressiveness
- Played (not watched) under Olsen and would probably properly use the principles that Pastner tries to teach.
- Instant credibility with recruits. "You want to play in the league. You can, I did, let me show you."
- Would probably be open to working with local AAU guys so long as they worked with him.

If we give it to Damon for $900K, we just might get somewhere.

Just my thought, I like Damon though.

(01-25-2016 03:20 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 02:53 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:29 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Let's face it with the damage done to the culture and recruiting, it may take a decade and at least two hires to turn this around. We are back to 1997 folks

I respectfully disagree (though you could be right... :( )

The right hire with the right recruiting focus and strong local ties can rebound this program quickly I think.

Only 13 scholarships in hoops, not 85 (?) in FB. That can be reworked on a talent level in 2 recruiting cycles.

- Get a good, hungry, G5 up and comer that is local-ish (the guy at UAB is killing it) that maximizes pressure / speed.
- Introduce him to the local AAU guys and tell him local is the priority for the quick rebuild, national recruiting will be supported once we fill out some early rosters. Explain he'll be backed totally if local handlers give him issues, but he has to co-exist in this eco-system.
- Recruit local 901 guards and wings while filling out the front line with Jucos if need be.
- Play an entertaining and risky pressure style to start both necessitating a deep bench (hey, no minutes problems, everyone is tired after 24!) and bringing back fans on sheer guts, even if glory takes a few years.
- And lastly, play up the underdog rebirth theme in media. "Fast and lethal, your trapping 2016-2017 Memphis Tigers", make those 'Mind your business Dennis' guys the ring leaders.

Maybe...

We're viable in year 2.
We're dancing in year 3.
We're dominating in year 5.

Maybe I'm a dreamer. It's only 2:43, so I'm still sober.

I think we go cheap with Damon or someone similar at 900K a year. If he works out fine. If not we give him 4 years and by then Josh's contract is finally of the books and we can afford someone else.

This is a probable scenario.

(01-25-2016 03:38 PM)tiger2000 Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 03:20 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 02:53 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(01-25-2016 11:29 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Let's face it with the damage done to the culture and recruiting, it may take a decade and at least two hires to turn this around. We are back to 1997 folks

I respectfully disagree (though you could be right... :( )

The right hire with the right recruiting focus and strong local ties can rebound this program quickly I think.

Only 13 scholarships in hoops, not 85 (?) in FB. That can be reworked on a talent level in 2 recruiting cycles.

- Get a good, hungry, G5 up and comer that is local-ish (the guy at UAB is killing it) that maximizes pressure / speed.
- Introduce him to the local AAU guys and tell him local is the priority for the quick rebuild, national recruiting will be supported once we fill out some early rosters. Explain he'll be backed totally if local handlers give him issues, but he has to co-exist in this eco-system.
- Recruit local 901 guards and wings while filling out the front line with Jucos if need be.
- Play an entertaining and risky pressure style to start both necessitating a deep bench (hey, no minutes problems, everyone is tired after 24!) and bringing back fans on sheer guts, even if glory takes a few years.
- And lastly, play up the underdog rebirth theme in media. "Fast and lethal, your trapping 2016-2017 Memphis Tigers", make those 'Mind your business Dennis' guys the ring leaders.

Maybe...

We're viable in year 2.
We're dancing in year 3.
We're dominating in year 5.

Maybe I'm a dreamer. It's only 2:43, so I'm still sober.

I think we go cheap with Damon or someone similar at 900K a year. If he works out fine. If not we give him 4 years and by then Josh's contract is finally of the books and we can afford someone else.

This is a probable scenario.

It's probably the best scenario because of the money.

Be honest. For the most part, the Program IS the Coach. Look how bad UK was before Calipari. Look how bad we were before Calipari. This idea that anyone is better than Pastner is ridiculous. He's obviuosly the wrong guy for the job, but that doesn't mean that just anyone can turn things around.

'non wow' is kind of nebulous, but
I'm not sure we can take much more of the this now 'wow' stuff.

Those of us who cannot get to the 'acceptance' stage are experiencing a vitality drain.