For the Mercer guys on here, do you think our athletic department would ever ask Slonaker to resign? He has shown time and time again that he can't deliver a gameplan in the conference tourney. I mean all I'm asking for is a competitive ballgame. Losing in the semi's as a #1 seed is also a huge opportunity wasted (and that was a non-competitive loss). It's just sickening to see these talented rosters not even keep it close in the tourney.
Next year has GOT to be make it or break it time. No more excuses. Yes, we've lost a lot of players over the years. That fact is starting to become a trend though, and if it continues then its obviously not just the players fault.
We SHOULD be very good next year, so lets hope this gets resolved.
I should also say, I was high on Slonaker this year. This was the only way I would have brought this topic up (a massive blowout in the first round).
i understand how you feel. problem is you're school which is an excellent academic institution..argubly the best in the state..is..well just that. I mean i dont see you're school spending money to try to better you're athletics..or spend the time to look for a new coach. Its a shame, cuz you guys have some talented players and you're team prob does show the most heart and desire of all the teams in the conference.
You're definitely right about the money issue. Kennesaw would have been a million times better as the 5th seed if they were eligible. You guys would have had a real shot. Any team would have been better than that embarrassment.
Mercerfan,
How long as Slonaker been at Mercer? I haven't followed you guys close enough to know, but it seems like you guys have done awesome in light have how many players have left. What do you think?
yea i think ksu would of done pretty well. were the kinda team u dont want to play first.
but werent u guys missing some players that game?
I honestly don't know how long Slonaker has been at Mercer. I've been following the team since I started there in 2002. I think he's been there 8 years roughly. He's not a bad coach, he can recruit very well, and my freshman year he put together a #1 seed team (in a much more highly ranked Atlantic Sun).
The ONLY thing that gets me every year, is the most important thing. "The Big Game".... in 02-03 we lost in the semi's as the #1 seed to UCF (a blowout). After that we've lost in the first round for 4 straight seasons (blowouts). Coaches know what to bring in the big games.
Next year is the proving year. The team is going to be overflowing with talent and potential. It could easily be a conference championship team --- We're losing 0 starters. Our 9.5 boards forward will hopefully return from academic suspension. The 2005-06 Big South freshman of the year is eligible. We have a 6'10 guy who could be a great bench guy (or worse). So who knows.
FYI, Slonaker started coaching at Mercer in my sophomore year, so that was 1997-98.