You rightfully jumped my ....for equivicating on my position on a coaching change. I stand by my last statement that I will support the program and whatever decision Chris might make. However, after the exhibition last night with what's gone on all season, it's probably becoming more difficult for Chris to avoid seriously considering a change.
As MJS stated, it's obvious our recruiting hasn't kept up with our competition. And we know the greatest x & o's coach can't win without talent. That's the prime requirement of a D1 coach. I'm torn because I really admire Steve and what he has brought to the program, but seeing the program at it's lowest level since Sidney is somewhat devastating. Most fans expect some down years, but after ten seasons (Porter three and Steve seven), a down year at this point should be 17 wins instead of twenty or more. So InsideUALR. How about cancelling the poll you just ran, and run it again and let's see how it plays out this time.
Keep Steve: you are saying that Steve and staff will be able to develop what we have and add a juco big to make this team a .500 or better team next year. That will allow the staff to recruit 6 new SBC players.
Give him one more year: you are saying that no matter what happens this year due to the injuries he gets a pass. If we have a another less than .500 year, then time to move on and hope a new coach create excitement to over come the 2 losing seasons while we recruit 6 new players
Fire Steve: You are ready for change for better or worse. The course of the program for the next 4 years will be determined by the record next year, the new coach and his ability to bring in 6 new players that will fit the style of the coach. I am further more willing to see Will Neighbor and the 3 players already signed walk, meaning we could be recruiting 9. At that point we are probably saying we are boarder line .500 team for 2 years, which puts you right back where you would be with Steve.
So, I guess this comes down to either you believe in Steve for the next 4 years or not, so do you?
(01-10-2010 11:24 AM)insideualr Wrote: [ -> ]Keep Steve: you are saying that Steve and staff will be able to develop what we have and add a juco big to make this team a .500 or better team next year. That will allow the staff to recruit 6 new SBC players.
Give him one more year: you are saying that no matter what happens this year due to the injuries he gets a pass. If we have a another less than .500 year, then time to move on and hope a new coach create excitement to over come the 2 losing seasons while we recruit 6 new players
Fire Steve: You are ready for change for better or worse. The course of the program for the next 4 years will be determined by the record next year, the new coach and his ability to bring in 6 new players that will fit the style of the coach. I am further more willing to see Will Neighbor and the 3 players already signed walk, meaning we could be recruiting 9. At that point we are probably saying we are boarder line .500 team for 2 years, which puts you right back where you would be with Steve.
So, I guess this comes down to either you believe in Steve for the next 4 years or not, so do you?
We had our full compliment of players until Mike went down, and our record was lousy them. I realize it was a tough schedule, but we were still bad. I look around the league, and I see ASU, who has lost several key players, and they're winning now. I see North Texas who have suffered some devastating losses and they can win. My point is this. You have to recruit eight or nine players who can step in and play at a high level. You can't rely on five. One injury and you're toast.
Most of our league opponents seem to have replacements when one of their players goes down. So I don't think we can use Mike's injury or III's appendectomy as an excuse. We should have someone who can step in and fill their roles, and let's face it. We don't. We can't seem to establish a pipeline to SBC quality players on a consistent basis. ASU's freshmen guards are stepping up big time this year.
We hardly ever have a freshman contribute. Think about the last freshman who really contributed anything. You'll laugh, but it was our former walk on, III. I'd like to blame bad luck, and we've had some of that, but we just don't have any players who can step up when players go down.
Think of our women's team. We lost an all league performer in Anshel. But look what's happening. Our point guard has stepped up and started scoring. Our leading scorer gets ten or eleven points last night, and we beat, arguably the best women's program in the league, by 20 points.
Face it guys. As MJS pointed out. We don't have the players, and I can't see that changing after all these years. We got lucky with a couple of recruits and avoided major injuries and found a walk on who could shoot and had a couple of pretty good seasons. But we have to face facts.
At some point a change must be made. Do we wait another year or two or four? I'm sorry, but in my own case, I don't have that many more good years to wait around. I'd really like to see some real progress, and we just haven't seen it. I truly think the dye has been cast. Realistically speaking, at the end of this season, for the future of our program, it's imperative a change must be made. I really believe more and more fans are coming to this decision. But that's only a guess.
(01-10-2010 12:13 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 11:24 AM)insideualr Wrote: [ -> ]Keep Steve: you are saying that Steve and staff will be able to develop what we have and add a juco big to make this team a .500 or better team next year. That will allow the staff to recruit 6 new SBC players.
Give him one more year: you are saying that no matter what happens this year due to the injuries he gets a pass. If we have a another less than .500 year, then time to move on and hope a new coach create excitement to over come the 2 losing seasons while we recruit 6 new players
Fire Steve: You are ready for change for better or worse. The course of the program for the next 4 years will be determined by the record next year, the new coach and his ability to bring in 6 new players that will fit the style of the coach. I am further more willing to see Will Neighbor and the 3 players already signed walk, meaning we could be recruiting 9. At that point we are probably saying we are boarder line .500 team for 2 years, which puts you right back where you would be with Steve.
So, I guess this comes down to either you believe in Steve for the next 4 years or not, so do you?
We had our full compliment of players until Mike went down, and our record was lousy them. I realize it was a tough schedule, but we were still bad. I look around the league, and I see ASU, who has lost several key players, and they're winning now. I see North Texas who have suffered some devastating losses and they can win. My point is this. You have to recruit eight or nine players who can step in and play at a high level. You can't rely on five. One injury and you're toast.
Most of our league opponents seem to have replacements when one of their players goes down. So I don't think we can use Mike's injury or III's appendectomy as an excuse. We should have someone who can step in and fill their roles, and let's face it. We don't. We can't seem to establish a pipeline to SBC quality players on a consistent basis. ASU's freshmen guards are stepping up big time this year.
We hardly ever have a freshman contribute. Think about the last freshman who really contributed anything. You'll laugh, but it was our former walk on, III. I'd like to blame bad luck, and we've had some of that, but we just don't have any players who can step up when players go down.
Think of our women's team. We lost an all league performer in Anshel. But look what's happening. Our point guard has stepped up and started scoring. Our leading scorer gets ten or eleven points last night, and we beat, arguably the best women's program in the league, by 20 points.
Face it guys. As MJS pointed out. We don't have the players, and I can't see that changing after all these years. We got lucky with a couple of recruits and avoided major injuries and found a walk on who could shoot and had a couple of pretty good seasons. But we have to face facts.
At some point a change must be made. Do we wait another year or two or four? I'm sorry, but in my own case, I don't have that many more good years to wait around. I'd really like to see some real progress, and we just haven't seen it. I truly think the dye has been cast. Realistically speaking, at the end of this season, for the future of our program, it's imperative a change must be made. I really believe more and more fans are coming to this decision. But that's only a guess.
Since Newell left we have had 5 coaches.
None have made the NCAA tournament.
None have won an outright Sun Belt championship. Only one (Steve) has had back-to-back Sun Belt 20 win seasons. We've hired a top rated assistant (Platt), a basketball legend (Wimp), and State hero and NBA legend (Sidney), and 2 within the program assistants (Porter and Steve). I guess that "magical" coach exists out there somewhere. We just haven't done a very good job of finding him in the past.
Maybe we'll hit the jackpot this time. I'm just not holding by breath anymore.
I am going to stay out of this. I think I have made my case in my options. The best thing for the program would be for Steve to sign a big that can play for next year because if you don't we are going to be down for a few years with him or a new coach.
One more thing, I would like to see all the posters way in on this. If you are a lurker, signup and vote because I promise you will have more say than you think in what happens about mens program.
(01-10-2010 01:45 PM)insideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I am going to stay out of this. I think I have made my case in my options. The best thing for the program would be for Steve to sign a big that can play for next year because if you don't we are going to be down for a few years with him or a new coach.
It seems like a easy solution, but it's likely not so easy because half the schools in the country are looking for the same thing. You would think having Joe Kleine would help, but hasn't so far. If we could somehow win a few games the "missing piece of the puzzle" argument could work. A 6 win team is not going to be attractive to any recruit, who has other options.
(01-10-2010 01:03 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 12:13 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 11:24 AM)insideualr Wrote: [ -> ]Keep Steve: you are saying that Steve and staff will be able to develop what we have and add a juco big to make this team a .500 or better team next year. That will allow the staff to recruit 6 new SBC players.
Give him one more year: you are saying that no matter what happens this year due to the injuries he gets a pass. If we have a another less than .500 year, then time to move on and hope a new coach create excitement to over come the 2 losing seasons while we recruit 6 new players
Fire Steve: You are ready for change for better or worse. The course of the program for the next 4 years will be determined by the record next year, the new coach and his ability to bring in 6 new players that will fit the style of the coach. I am further more willing to see Will Neighbor and the 3 players already signed walk, meaning we could be recruiting 9. At that point we are probably saying we are boarder line .500 team for 2 years, which puts you right back where you would be with Steve.
So, I guess this comes down to either you believe in Steve for the next 4 years or not, so do you?
We had our full compliment of players until Mike went down, and our record was lousy them. I realize it was a tough schedule, but we were still bad. I look around the league, and I see ASU, who has lost several key players, and they're winning now. I see North Texas who have suffered some devastating losses and they can win. My point is this. You have to recruit eight or nine players who can step in and play at a high level. You can't rely on five. One injury and you're toast.
Most of our league opponents seem to have replacements when one of their players goes down. So I don't think we can use Mike's injury or III's appendectomy as an excuse. We should have someone who can step in and fill their roles, and let's face it. We don't. We can't seem to establish a pipeline to SBC quality players on a consistent basis. ASU's freshmen guards are stepping up big time this year.
We hardly ever have a freshman contribute. Think about the last freshman who really contributed anything. You'll laugh, but it was our former walk on, III. I'd like to blame bad luck, and we've had some of that, but we just don't have any players who can step up when players go down.
Think of our women's team. We lost an all league performer in Anshel. But look what's happening. Our point guard has stepped up and started scoring. Our leading scorer gets ten or eleven points last night, and we beat, arguably the best women's program in the league, by 20 points.
Face it guys. As MJS pointed out. We don't have the players, and I can't see that changing after all these years. We got lucky with a couple of recruits and avoided major injuries and found a walk on who could shoot and had a couple of pretty good seasons. But we have to face facts.
At some point a change must be made. Do we wait another year or two or four? I'm sorry, but in my own case, I don't have that many more good years to wait around. I'd really like to see some real progress, and we just haven't seen it. I truly think the dye has been cast. Realistically speaking, at the end of this season, for the future of our program, it's imperative a change must be made. I really believe more and more fans are coming to this decision. But that's only a guess.
Since Newell left we have had 5 coaches. None have made the NCAA tournament. None have won an outright Sun Belt championship. Only one (Steve) has had back-to-back Sun Belt 20 win seasons. We've hired a top rated assistant (Platt), a basketball legend (Wimp), and State hero and NBA legend (Sidney), and 2 within the program assistants (Porter and Steve). I guess that "magical" coach exists out there somewhere. We just haven't done a very good job of finding him in the past.
Maybe we'll hit the jackpot this time. I'm just not holding by breath anymore.
Let's face it. None had the advantages this staff has had. A University that has made great strides academically and facilites second to none.
Sidney was here for a year at Alltel if I remember correctly, but it's hard to judge what he might have done had he been here three or four years.
Might have done well, or might have been a disaster. Platt and Wimp labored at Barton. Porter's three seasons were all good, and maybe we could have won something had he stayed. Obviously we don't know that. We always used to say that all it would take to move to the next level was a great on campus arena. Well we've had it for quite awhile now, and it has not produced the results it should have.
MJS is right that we have no guarantee that a change will produce positive results, but I believe five years is enough time to reach the postseason. Seven has been a bonus. Eight probably one too many. As Robert C. mentioned recently, if Steve were to leave, he would have no problem finding a good job. Coaches change positions all the time. Look at Tommy Tuberville. He's a great coach, and he got fired, but he's probably going to have a great job at Texas Tech. But at some point, there needs to be a changing of the guard, and I personally think putting it off another season would be a mistake. But to quote MJS from the past, I'm not the one making the decision. It really does hurt for me to say this but as a long time fan of the program, and someone with great respect for Steve, I would urge Chris to seriously consider a change, since another mediocre season before making one would just be putting off the inevitable.
(01-10-2010 04:27 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 01:03 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 12:13 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 11:24 AM)insideualr Wrote: [ -> ]Keep Steve: you are saying that Steve and staff will be able to develop what we have and add a juco big to make this team a .500 or better team next year. That will allow the staff to recruit 6 new SBC players.
Give him one more year: you are saying that no matter what happens this year due to the injuries he gets a pass. If we have a another less than .500 year, then time to move on and hope a new coach create excitement to over come the 2 losing seasons while we recruit 6 new players
Fire Steve: You are ready for change for better or worse. The course of the program for the next 4 years will be determined by the record next year, the new coach and his ability to bring in 6 new players that will fit the style of the coach. I am further more willing to see Will Neighbor and the 3 players already signed walk, meaning we could be recruiting 9. At that point we are probably saying we are boarder line .500 team for 2 years, which puts you right back where you would be with Steve.
So, I guess this comes down to either you believe in Steve for the next 4 years or not, so do you?
We had our full compliment of players until Mike went down, and our record was lousy them. I realize it was a tough schedule, but we were still bad. I look around the league, and I see ASU, who has lost several key players, and they're winning now. I see North Texas who have suffered some devastating losses and they can win. My point is this. You have to recruit eight or nine players who can step in and play at a high level. You can't rely on five. One injury and you're toast.
Most of our league opponents seem to have replacements when one of their players goes down. So I don't think we can use Mike's injury or III's appendectomy as an excuse. We should have someone who can step in and fill their roles, and let's face it. We don't. We can't seem to establish a pipeline to SBC quality players on a consistent basis. ASU's freshmen guards are stepping up big time this year.
We hardly ever have a freshman contribute. Think about the last freshman who really contributed anything. You'll laugh, but it was our former walk on, III. I'd like to blame bad luck, and we've had some of that, but we just don't have any players who can step up when players go down.
Think of our women's team. We lost an all league performer in Anshel. But look what's happening. Our point guard has stepped up and started scoring. Our leading scorer gets ten or eleven points last night, and we beat, arguably the best women's program in the league, by 20 points.
Face it guys. As MJS pointed out. We don't have the players, and I can't see that changing after all these years. We got lucky with a couple of recruits and avoided major injuries and found a walk on who could shoot and had a couple of pretty good seasons. But we have to face facts.
At some point a change must be made. Do we wait another year or two or four? I'm sorry, but in my own case, I don't have that many more good years to wait around. I'd really like to see some real progress, and we just haven't seen it. I truly think the dye has been cast. Realistically speaking, at the end of this season, for the future of our program, it's imperative a change must be made. I really believe more and more fans are coming to this decision. But that's only a guess.
Since Newell left we have had 5 coaches. None have made the NCAA tournament. None have won an outright Sun Belt championship. Only one (Steve) has had back-to-back Sun Belt 20 win seasons. We've hired a top rated assistant (Platt), a basketball legend (Wimp), and State hero and NBA legend (Sidney), and 2 within the program assistants (Porter and Steve). I guess that "magical" coach exists out there somewhere. We just haven't done a very good job of finding him in the past.
Maybe we'll hit the jackpot this time. I'm just not holding by breath anymore.
Let's face it. None had the advantages this staff has had. A University that has made great strides academically and facilites second to none.
Sidney was here for a year at Alltel if I remember correctly, but it's hard to judge what he might have done had he been here three or four years.
Might have done well, or might have been a disaster. Platt and Wimp labored at Barton. Porter's three seasons were all good, and maybe we could have won something had he stayed. Obviously we don't know that. We always used to say that all it would take to move to the next level was a great on campus arena. Well we've had it for quite awhile now, and it has not produced the results it should have.
MJS is right that we have no guarantee that a change will produce positive results, but I believe five years is enough time to reach the postseason. Seven has been a bonus. Eight probably one too many. As Robert C. mentioned recently, if Steve were to leave, he would have no problem finding a good job. Coaches change positions all the time. Look at Tommy Tuberville. He's a great coach, and he got fired, but he's probably going to have a great job at Texas Tech. But at some point, there needs to be a changing of the guard, and I personally think putting it off another season would be a mistake. But to quote MJS from the past, I'm not the one making the decision. It really does hurt for me to say this but as a long time fan of the program, and someone with great respect for Steve, I would urge Chris to seriously consider a change, since another mediocre season before making one would just be putting off the inevitable.
I know Steve has a contract. Has it been rolled over each year? Is there a buyout clause? Do we have to pay out the rest of his contract which I believe was rolled over last year? I don't have the slightest idea. I do know ASU didn't have the money to pay off Dickie's contract and had to wait for it to run out. Unless we have some type of "out clause" or Chris set it up that we don't have to pay him for the year's left on the contract, our financially situation isn't any better than ASU's. I guess we could do what we did with Jim Platt, reassign him to another position in the Athletic Department. I guess that normally works because DI head coaches don't want to be teaching intramural volleyball.
If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
(01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
(01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
(01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe
if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve
before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
(01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Playing devils advocate we have won two back to back division championships but will have 3 losing seasons out of 5.
(01-10-2010 10:35 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Playing devils advocate we have won two back to back division championships but will have 3 losing seasons out of 5.
LRAlum, do you think Chris was in Atlanta to have a "chat" with Dennis Felton? Let's get a good rumor started and see how fast it travels.
(01-10-2010 10:38 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:35 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Playing devils advocate we have won two back to back division championships but will have 3 losing seasons out of 5.
LRAlum, do you think Chris was in Atlanta to have a "chat" with Dennis Felton? Let's get a good rumor started and see how fast it travels.
I don't know but my question to former d1 would be was Peterson at the ULM game? If not, it is mysterious that Peterson was in Atlanta. Was he here for pleasure or business. I'm sure he would not have thought someone that supports UALR would see him at the Atlanta airport. From what I understand Felton still lives right outside of Athens and close to the Atlanta metro area. Also, Atlanta is a good meeting point for all things east, west, north and south since alot of flights connect in Atl. As Scotto (I miss you bud...you gotta post some) would say we will know more come March.
(01-10-2010 10:43 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:38 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:35 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Playing devils advocate we have won two back to back division championships but will have 3 losing seasons out of 5.
LRAlum, do you think Chris was in Atlanta to have a "chat" with Dennis Felton? Let's get a good rumor started and see how fast it travels.
I don't know but my question to former d1 would be was Peterson at the ULM game? If not, it is mysterious that Peterson was in Atlanta. Was he here for pleasure or business. I'm sure he would not have thought someone that supports UALR would see him at the Atlanta airport. From what I understand Felton still lives right outside of Athens and close to the Atlanta metro area. Also, Atlanta is a good meeting point for all things east, west, north and south since alot of flights connect in Atl. As Scotto (I miss you bud...you gotta post some) would say we will know more come March.
Boy, it's really a small world. What are the odd's that a UALR supporter and one of the 12 posters on this board would run into Chris in the Atlanta airport? I bet Chris has been to the Little Rock airport dozens of times without running into a UALR fan. I think Felton would be someone who would excite anyone who knows anything about college basketball. However, like you said, Atlanta is a great central meeting point and a place where Chris could be "sure" no one he knew would see him.
(01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Guys I officially have joined the LRTrojan club I think it is time to move the program in another direction. Personally, I will support the team and contribute to the Trojan foundation but I'm just not excited about the men's program at this point. I'm not a big dollar donor but I will say this, my fellow alums that are in my age group are a commodity that this program will need in the future (30 somethings). Some of my buddies had fun in the past when we would go as a group to Alltel and cheer the Trojans on but I never wanted to say this...the majority of them call our games boring and do not attend anymore. We have to find someone that will get the younger generation motivated to attend games. If not we this program will go through a drought when you seasoned and die hard fans unfortunately will not be able to support the program due to health or other issues.
(01-10-2010 10:56 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Guys I officially have joined the LRTrojan club I think it is time to move the program in another direction. Personally, I will support the team and contribute to the Trojan foundation but I'm just not excited about the men's program at this point. I'm not a big dollar donor but I will say this, my fellow alums that are in my age group are a commodity that this program will need in the future (30 somethings). Some of my buddies had fun in the past when we would go as a group to Alltel and cheer the Trojans on but I never wanted to say this...the majority of them call our games boring and do not attend anymore. We have to find someone that will get the younger generation motivated to attend games. If not we this program will go through a drought when you seasoned and die hard fans unfortunately will not be able to support the program due to health or other issues.
I have heard every excuse in the book on why people I know don't attend UALR basketball games. Maybe your friends are telling the truth. I hope they come back if we get a new coach, but from my experience (with people I know) I won't hold my breath. It seems like once people stop coming, for whatever reason, it's hard to get them back.
(01-10-2010 11:33 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:56 PM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 10:31 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 08:18 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-10-2010 05:19 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]If I were AD, I would retain Steve at least one more year. After the team winning 43 games in two years I think that rates a mulligan. However, I am not AD. I figure he would survive 12 wins. I don't know if he would survive 4 wins, and I fear the total may be closer to 4 than to 12.
I think its absolutely insane that some of this "fire Steve" talk started in the midst of the best 2 year run this program has had in 20 years. I thought it was nuts 3 weeks ago, as we were losing to a bunch of teams headed to the postseason, while we were clearly in a rebuilding mode. But, I do agree that if we continue to lose to average Sun Belt teams (we haven't even played WKU, Denver, or Troy yet) Steve's seat my start getting pretty warm.
I really believe it started when we looked horrible in the tournament at Hot Springs, and it seemed as if Chris was so disappointed that we wouldn't accept an invitation to one of the tournaments some of you wanted us to go to. The head man himself said it was imperative to reach the postseason and we didn't. So that was sort of what started it in some folks minds.
Being the best two years in our program in a long time is like a girl weighing 250 pounds and being the slimmest in her class. Not a real feat. I know. 23 wins. But what did it get us? Nada. You were probably upset when we terminated Jim Platt. We all liked him, but liking doesn't mean someone should be able to stay forever without producing some championships. We like Steve, but can he take us any further. If we want to remain at our level of competence, then I guess we don't do anything, but in order to move up, we must at some point take a chance on change. Whether this is the right time is really not for me to say. I have an opinion like everyone, but we'll just take a wait and see attitude and continue to support the kids for now.
Well, it looks like all the votes are in. 8-3 to keep Steve the first time. 6-5 the second time. So one loss changed two people's minds. Interesting, one game trumps 6 and a half years. At least, LRTrojan has always remained consistent. He's said a tournament win and an NCAA bid wouldn't change his mind and it shouldn't. If you believe a coach is not the man for the job then 3 "lucky" wins shouldn't change that. It's why I believe if Chris wants to make a change he'll fire Steve before the tournament. There would be no reason not to- a successful tournament (i.e. getting to the Final) would only make his decision more difficult.
Guys I officially have joined the LRTrojan club I think it is time to move the program in another direction. Personally, I will support the team and contribute to the Trojan foundation but I'm just not excited about the men's program at this point. I'm not a big dollar donor but I will say this, my fellow alums that are in my age group are a commodity that this program will need in the future (30 somethings). Some of my buddies had fun in the past when we would go as a group to Alltel and cheer the Trojans on but I never wanted to say this...the majority of them call our games boring and do not attend anymore. We have to find someone that will get the younger generation motivated to attend games. If not we this program will go through a drought when you seasoned and die hard fans unfortunately will not be able to support the program due to health or other issues.
I have heard every excuse in the book on why people I know don't attend UALR basketball games. Maybe your friends are telling the truth. I hope they come back if we get a new coach, but from my experience (with people I know) I won't hold my breath. It seems like once people stop coming, for whatever reason, it's hard to get them back.
Another poster has come out of the closet. I always said we had 12 posters. It's now 7-5 in favor of keeping Steve, at least, for one more year. Who knows if this is representative sample of our fans. It is certainly a sample of our most hardcore fans. Apparently, we are not at the mutiny stage as of yet.