03-01-2007, 03:53 PM
Gardner-Webb's men's basketball season officially concluded this afternoon with a 79-61 defeat at the hands of the mighty Belmont Bruins in Johnson City.
The loss capped off a season that met all of the low expectations for the squad coming into the year. With the presence of eight newcomers, it was apparent that this team would struggle, especially when playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in America is factored into the equation.
I believe that the future for this program is bright, despite the loss of Chris Gash to graduation. These young players will mature, and I don't think the significance of the move to the Big South can be quantified in terms of its benefit to recruiting, travel and th overall interest in the Runnin' Bulldog basketball program.
FWIW, I am pulling for ETSU the rest of the way. They are much more likable than is Belmont or Lipscomb. Jacksonville, simply put, has zero chance of winning this tournament.
The loss capped off a season that met all of the low expectations for the squad coming into the year. With the presence of eight newcomers, it was apparent that this team would struggle, especially when playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in America is factored into the equation.
I believe that the future for this program is bright, despite the loss of Chris Gash to graduation. These young players will mature, and I don't think the significance of the move to the Big South can be quantified in terms of its benefit to recruiting, travel and th overall interest in the Runnin' Bulldog basketball program.
FWIW, I am pulling for ETSU the rest of the way. They are much more likable than is Belmont or Lipscomb. Jacksonville, simply put, has zero chance of winning this tournament.