Albany is a good team from a low major conference. Our victory indicates (IMO) sufficiently quality - - if sustained - to avoid a losing record.

Onward to Louisville.

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 11:52 PM)salukiblue Wrote:  Just got back from the game.

Albany is a nice team but tailor made to be a mid major. Short, unathletic "bigs." Not really good at anything. The perfect team for Memphis.

They lost to 3-8 Monmouth by 8 and their best win is vs. 6-6 Yale. They'll have a nice record because they have 16 games left vs. rip 200+ teams.

The fact Memphis was only favored by 1 is more of an indictment on Memphis than a compliment to Albany.

But, most importantly, Memphis did what they needed to do. On to Saturday.

Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 11:52 PM)salukiblue Wrote:  Just got back from the game.

Albany is a nice team but tailor made to be a mid major. Short, unathletic "bigs." Not really good at anything. The perfect team for Memphis.

They lost to 3-8 Monmouth by 8 and their best win is vs. 6-6 Yale. They'll have a nice record because they have 16 games left vs. rip 200+ teams.

The fact Memphis was only favored by 1 is more of an indictment on Memphis than a compliment to Albany.

But, most importantly, Memphis did what they needed to do. On to Saturday.

Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Ouch

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 11:52 PM)salukiblue Wrote:  Just got back from the game.

Albany is a nice team but tailor made to be a mid major. Short, unathletic "bigs." Not really good at anything. The perfect team for Memphis.

They lost to 3-8 Monmouth by 8 and their best win is vs. 6-6 Yale. They'll have a nice record because they have 16 games left vs. rip 200+ teams.

The fact Memphis was only favored by 1 is more of an indictment on Memphis than a compliment to Albany.

But, most importantly, Memphis did what they needed to do. On to Saturday.

Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 11:52 PM)salukiblue Wrote:  Just got back from the game.

Albany is a nice team but tailor made to be a mid major. Short, unathletic "bigs." Not really good at anything. The perfect team for Memphis.

They lost to 3-8 Monmouth by 8 and their best win is vs. 6-6 Yale. They'll have a nice record because they have 16 games left vs. rip 200+ teams.

The fact Memphis was only favored by 1 is more of an indictment on Memphis than a compliment to Albany.

But, most importantly, Memphis did what they needed to do. On to Saturday.

Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Well ... I'm not a big Tubby fan ... but you've left out a few bits of info ...
Last year the team imploded ...
The years before that was Texas Tech in the Big 12 and Minnesota in the Big 10. I guess you think those are Great Hoops Schools in mediocre conferences.
Sorry ... I hate to defend the guy ... we shouldn't have hired him ... but he is what he is. He won't cheat to recruit. And in this city ... that's apparently necessary. He deserves a shot with this clean slate team.
In my sometimes humble opinion.

(12-13-2017 10:30 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  You don't think a .500 record in-conference would be a net positive result relative to where this team started the season?

.500 in conference would get us close to a 20 win season.

Granted, I know that's not the goal. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Much of our fanbase has already decided about Tubby (a non-trivial percentage had already decided before he'd coached a single game), so I guess there's no changing minds through talking. I'm pulling for my team regardless.

It depends on how they get there.

Memphis has 6 games vs. ECU (263) USF (296) and Tulane (141)-- there are 5 wins there. So, basically Memphis has to win 4 more wins out of the other 12 games, six of which will be at home.

I looked at the game on TV....all I could think about was....Memphis is no longer a good basketball school....they have ZERO fan support even when they are winning. I have seen much bigger crowds on TV for teams that looked a lot worse and had much worse records. Do Memphis fans not support their team....when it is winning? Or are they just sitting around waiting for the next Calipari? Seems very odd and my guess is...lack of fan support is not going to help recruiting. At some point, the fans need to be real fans. The fans are doing more to destroy the image of Memphis as a basketball school to those watching our games on TV than Coach Smith and the players..... who appear to be working very hard....ever could. The image is actually being destroyed by those who profess to want to keep the image.

(12-13-2017 10:32 AM)steves Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Well ... I'm not a big Tubby fan ... but you've left out a few bits of info ...
Last year the team imploded ...
The years before that was Texas Tech in the Big 12 and Minnesota in the Big 10. I guess you think those are Great Hoops Schools in mediocre conferences.
Sorry ... I hate to defend the guy ... we shouldn't have hired him ... but he is what he is. He won't cheat to recruit. And in this city ... that's apparently necessary. He deserves a shot with this clean slate team.
In my sometimes humble opinion.

I think you make good points.

From my perspective, the team imploded last season mainly due to Tubby and the primary reason he lagged behind while simultaneously grabbing coattails in the B12 and B10 was adequate talent he failed to obtain.

It is also a myth that cheating is required to frequently reach the NCAA Tourney and earn an occasional S 16 bid. Most cheating is focused on players expected to reach the NBA. Fortunately, a solid core of 4 stars and sometimes a 5 star (not all of them cheat) suffices for the goals of usually making the NCAA Tourney and sometimes winning games.

We have a first rate facility and arena, blessed with an abundance of local talent, and the means to afford $3M coaching contracts. We should do better than now without cheating.

(12-13-2017 10:54 AM)DallasTiger Wrote:  I looked at the game on TV....all I could think about was....Memphis is no longer a good basketball school....they have ZERO fan support even when they are winning. I have seen much bigger crowds on TV for teams that looked a lot worse and had much worse records. Do Memphis fans not support their team....when it is winning? Or are they just sitting around waiting for the next Calipari? Seems very odd and my guess is...lack of fan support is not going to help recruiting. At some point, the fans need to be real fans. The fans are doing more to destroy the image of Memphis as a basketball school to those watching our games on TV than Coach Smith and the players..... who appear to be working very hard....ever could. The image is actually being destroyed by those who profess to want to keep the image.

Well said, the fans ***** about the coach but then make the program look terrible by having them play in an empty building!!

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 11:52 PM)salukiblue Wrote:  Just got back from the game.

Albany is a nice team but tailor made to be a mid major. Short, unathletic "bigs." Not really good at anything. The perfect team for Memphis.

They lost to 3-8 Monmouth by 8 and their best win is vs. 6-6 Yale. They'll have a nice record because they have 16 games left vs. rip 200+ teams.

The fact Memphis was only favored by 1 is more of an indictment on Memphis than a compliment to Albany.

But, most importantly, Memphis did what they needed to do. On to Saturday.

Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

I don't know. Obviously, we are going to win 16-20 games this year, which isn't good enough for the fans of this program.

Could Tubby eventually smash this conference? Probably. I don't think the AAC is that good. Not exactly a reason to keep him. This program need to compete for titles, not just be a decent team for the conferences RPI.

We need a promoter more than a coach right now. If there's hype around the program, you can get the local kids. Or at least I hope. Maybe Tubby is just a scapegoat.

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 12:40 AM)NigelTufnel Wrote:  Agree. They have good perimeter shooters, but not guys who get into the lane very well. There were only a couple of times all night that we got beat off the dribble and we were still able to chase them off threes consistently.

I was encouraged though, I think Albany is probably a lot better than Samford, maybe on par with Mercer and a little worse than N Kentucky. Like I said, baby steps ...

Unfortunately, it's going to take more than baby steps to beat Louisville. Honestly, I'm hoping for some sort of moral victory.

I am most curious how we stack up in the conference. Given the schedule, I'll be very surprised if we can be 500, Wichita State and Cinci appear to be head and shoulders above the rest, but it's pretty easy to argue that Temple, Houston, UCF, SMU, and even Tulane will be better than us.

But tee 'em up, let's see what happens. Maybe we layeth the smacketh down on Louisville on Saturday!

As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

They are not selective. Maybe it hurts your narrative, but it is simply a stat of each of the last 10 years.

If the story is "Tubby's teams always get better" then one would think the his teams would at least be a bit better in February and March.

Even then, he was 1-4 in the NCAAt and 7-10 in conference tourneys.

The four bolded years are his NCAA years. He was 18-3 and finished up 3-6 in one of those years.

(12-13-2017 11:37 AM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 08:35 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  As it sits right now, I agree, and I'd probably add UConn.

However, given Coach Smith's history-- I'd be very surprised if Tulane, Tulsa, and UConn are better than us at season's end.

I suspect we'll be the "most improved" team in the league, when gauged from season opener to conference tournament.

What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

I don't know. Obviously, we are going to win 16-20 games this year, which isn't good enough for the fans of this program.

Could Tubby eventually smash this conference? Probably. I don't think the AAC is that good. Not exactly a reason to keep him. This program need to compete for titles, not just be a decent team for the conferences RPI.

We need a promoter more than a coach right now. If there's hype around the program, you can get the local kids. Or at least I hope. Maybe Tubby is just a scapegoat.

So basically you are saying he wasn't very good since he couldn't compete in any of his two previous conferences? Yes, I agree with that.

(12-13-2017 11:45 AM)memtigbb Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:37 AM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:33 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  What is that?

I hope you aren't claiming that Tubby's teams improve as the year goes on.

2006: Enter February 14-6. Finish regular season 5-5.
2007: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-5.
2008: Enter February 13-7. Finish regular season 6-5.
2009: Enter February 18-3. Finish regular season 3-6.
2010: Enter February 13-8. Finish regular season 5-4.
2011: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 1-8.
2012: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 2-7.
2013: Enter February 16-5. Finish regular season 4-6.
2014: Enter February 10-11 Finish regular season 3-6.
2015: Enter February 11-11. Finish regular season 2-7.
2016: Enter February 12-8. Finish regular season 6-3.
2017: Enter February 16-6. Finish regular season 3-6.

44-68 in Feb-March of regular seasons.

Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

I don't know. Obviously, we are going to win 16-20 games this year, which isn't good enough for the fans of this program.

Could Tubby eventually smash this conference? Probably. I don't think the AAC is that good. Not exactly a reason to keep him. This program need to compete for titles, not just be a decent team for the conferences RPI.

We need a promoter more than a coach right now. If there's hype around the program, you can get the local kids. Or at least I hope. Maybe Tubby is just a scapegoat.

So basically you are saying he wasn't very good since he couldn't compete in any of his two previous conferences? Yes, I agree with that.

No, what I'm saying is there is this urban legend that "Tubby will coach up his teams and they get better as the season goes on."

(12-13-2017 11:49 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:45 AM)memtigbb Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:37 AM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

I don't know. Obviously, we are going to win 16-20 games this year, which isn't good enough for the fans of this program.

Could Tubby eventually smash this conference? Probably. I don't think the AAC is that good. Not exactly a reason to keep him. This program need to compete for titles, not just be a decent team for the conferences RPI.

We need a promoter more than a coach right now. If there's hype around the program, you can get the local kids. Or at least I hope. Maybe Tubby is just a scapegoat.

So basically you are saying he wasn't very good since he couldn't compete in any of his two previous conferences? Yes, I agree with that.

No, what I'm saying is there is this urban legend that "Tubby will coach up his teams and they get better as the season goes on."

Or that conference schedules are harder than non-conference schedules?

I think every team gets better as time goes on? But it's probably a myth that Tubby does it significantly better than any other coach.

Cal is probably the best example of a coach who teams trend upward toward the end of the season since he always has so many new comers.

Either way, I think this a silly discussion. Teams get better with more games.
Coaches tighten rotations toward the end of the year since they figure out who can't cut it.

Any advancement probably comes from those factors. Tubby isn't a magician. You aren't going to fix someones outside shot in two months. But they probably will get better at running his plays and defense by the end of the year.

(12-13-2017 11:49 AM)salukiblue Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:45 AM)memtigbb Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:37 AM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 11:13 AM)memtiger1987 Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 09:58 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  Another myth exploded....

Very selective stats.

Who doesn’t play a cupcake schedule through December? Most “P5 type” teams will
have great Decembers. Conference play really starts in January. When you are playing top 25 teams regularly (especially at Minn and TT) you are going to lose some games in Conference play.

He inherited awful teams at Minnesota and Texas Tech. I would suspect that both of these programs would struggle in conference play when playing the some of the better teams in the nation.

We’ve sucked since leaving our cupcake conference (C-USA). I think it would be a stretch to compare the American to either the Big 12 or Big 10.

I’m pleasantly surprised with the team so far. I’m still expecting an 18 win season. If any of you thought a team built in April with Jucos would be a NCAA type team, you are delusional. I’ve been to most games this year and they’ve been fun to watch at least. This team gives their best and I certainly respect that.

Will Tubby stay? Really depends if they can afford a buyout, how this team finishes, and who he ends up signing next year. I expect people won’t be happy with their finish and it’s not looking good on the recruiting end so far. A Tyler Harris commitment would be a big boost for Tubby. In the end, I guess it depends on the payout, 10 million is a lot for Memphis.

It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

I don't know. Obviously, we are going to win 16-20 games this year, which isn't good enough for the fans of this program.

Could Tubby eventually smash this conference? Probably. I don't think the AAC is that good. Not exactly a reason to keep him. This program need to compete for titles, not just be a decent team for the conferences RPI.

We need a promoter more than a coach right now. If there's hype around the program, you can get the local kids. Or at least I hope. Maybe Tubby is just a scapegoat.

So basically you are saying he wasn't very good since he couldn't compete in any of his two previous conferences? Yes, I agree with that.

No, what I'm saying is there is this urban legend that "Tubby will coach up his teams and they get better as the season goes on."

Yeah I know what you mean, I am talking to flyingtiger who is saying the other conferences were hard. Sure, but if he was as good of a coach as people say he is, shouldn't he have led his team up to the top of those conferences? He couldn't break .500 in those conferences, that doesn't speak highly of his coaching skills.

When Bob Knight took over Texas Tech, he seemed to do just fine.

Knight quickly improved the program, which had not been to an NCAA tournament since 1996. He led the team to postseason appearances in each of his first four years at the school (three NCAA Championship tournaments and one NIT). After a rough 2006 season, the team improved in 2007, finishing 21–13 and again making it to the NCAA Championship tournament, where it lost to Boston College in the first round. The best performance by the Red Raiders under Knight came in 2005 when they advanced as far as the Sweet Sixteen. In both 2006 and 2007 under Knight, Texas Tech defeated two Top 10-ranked teams in consecutive weeks. During Knight's first six years at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders won 126 games, an average of 21 wins per season.



The same school, in worse shape and Bobby Knight immediately turned it around.

(12-13-2017 11:45 AM)memtigbb Wrote:  So basically you are saying he wasn't very good since he couldn't compete in any of his two previous conferences? Yes, I agree with that.

(12-13-2017 12:00 PM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  Or that conference schedules are harder than non-conference schedules?

I think every team gets better as time goes on? But it's probably a myth that Tubby does it significantly better than any other coach.

(12-13-2017 11:37 AM)FlyingTiger2016 Wrote:  It also doesn't consider the SOS that Texas Tech and Minnesota played. B10 was the best conference in the land when Tubby was there. Now it's meh.

Then again, even bad teams when at home in conference.

Fine--as to conference games only.

To put in real terms, here are Tubby's seasons at Minnesota with January games vs. February/March regular season games:

2008: Jan: 2-5, F/M: 6-5
2009: Jan: 6-3, F/M: 3-6
2010: Jan: 4-5, F/M: 5-4
2011: Jan: 5-4, F/M: 1-8
2012: Jan: 4-5, F/M: 2-7
2013: Jan: 4-4, F/M: 4-6

So, in January: 25-26, in February/March: 21-36

Tech:
2014: Jan: 3-6, F/M: 3-6
2015: Jan: 1-8, F/M: 2-7
2016: Jan: 3-6, F/M: 6-3

So, in January: 7-20, in February/March: 11-17

Memphis:
2017: Jan: 6-3, F/M: 3-6
So, in January: 6-3, in February/March: 3-6

In total conference games:
So, in January: 38-49 (.437), in February/March: 35-59 (.372).

The B 12 and B 10 was a benefit and not a burden on Tubby. It gave him opportunities for “signature” wins valued by the Committee and propped up his team’s metrics (eg, RPI). The AAC is not as strong as the B 10 and B 12 and Tubby will have to find another formula to achieve even the meager results of the past ten years (eg, only one NCAA Tourney win in ten years).

(12-13-2017 11:08 AM)ZachMan Wrote:  

(12-13-2017 10:54 AM)DallasTiger Wrote:  I looked at the game on TV....all I could think about was....Memphis is no longer a good basketball school....they have ZERO fan support even when they are winning. I have seen much bigger crowds on TV for teams that looked a lot worse and had much worse records. Do Memphis fans not support their team....when it is winning? Or are they just sitting around waiting for the next Calipari? Seems very odd and my guess is...lack of fan support is not going to help recruiting. At some point, the fans need to be real fans. The fans are doing more to destroy the image of Memphis as a basketball school to those watching our games on TV than Coach Smith and the players..... who appear to be working very hard....ever could. The image is actually being destroyed by those who profess to want to keep the image.

Well said, the fans ***** about the coach but then make the program look terrible by having them play in an empty building!!

Fans are powerless to do anything about the situation. I did not renew because my money is better invested in my 401K than a program that has fallen to what it is now. I just just don't care about it anymore.

(12-13-2017 12:03 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  The B 12 and B 10 was a benefit and not a burden on Tubby. It gave him opportunities for “signature” wins valued by the Committee and propped up his team’s metrics (eg, RPI). The AAC is not as strong as the B 10 and B 12 and Tubby will have to find another formula to achieve even the meager results of the past ten years (eg, only one NCAA Tourney win in ten years).

Yep, the year the Tub made it to the NCAA at Texas Tech, he actually had one good week. In one week he upset a couple ranked teams. For the entire season, TT was bad. Before that week they were bad, after that week they were bad. But because of that one week and their RPI from just playing good teams, he slipped into the tournament.

Finished the season 19-11 and 9-9 in conference, and lost in the first game in the conference tournament.