Good morning. I just went over a printed copy of the C-USA TV basketball schedule, and how's this for "balance?" Our beloved UAB Blazers are going to be featured on the "big screen" 5 times this year.
They are tied with Houston and Rice in this regard. 4 others (Central Florida, Tulsa, Southern Miss, Tulane) are tied with 7 scheduled televised games, Marshall & UTEP tied with 8. East Carolina gets only 3, placing them last in the conference in the amount of televised basketball games, SMU has 4. The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go
...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
I think it is a combination of factors.
1) We've got a bad schedule
2) We had a bad year last year
3) We aren't projected to be a contender for CUSA this year
Having said that, I am a little surprised because history shows that UAB doesn't have many bad years and, more importantly, I suspect more than a few will be interested in seeing how Coach Haase does in his new job here.
Ultimately, if more TV games aren't added, it will probably be their loss because I suspect we will be better than people think and that it will be a fun style to watch.
(10-18-2012 10:23 AM)Blazer85 Wrote: [ -> ]I think it is a combination of factors.
1) We've got a bad schedule
2) We had a bad year last year
3) We aren't projected to be a contender for CUSA this year
Having said that, I am a little surprised because history shows that UAB doesn't have many bad years and, more importantly, I suspect more than a few will be interested in seeing how Coach Haase does in his new job here.
Ultimately, if more TV games aren't added, it will probably be their loss because I suspect we will be better than people think and that it will be a fun style to watch.
I can buy into everything else you are saying, but what part of this schedule is bad? We play Creighton, Dayton, UNC, MTSU, and Rutgers. Then there is a decent game with Illinois State and then TCU or Northwestern. Plus, C-USA looks to be a fairly decent conference this year. We know the home schedule sucks, but overall I think this is a pretty solid schedule.
(10-18-2012 10:12 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go ...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
What's the over/under on how many times per broadcast it will be pointed out that Memphis will be joining the Big East next year?
(10-18-2012 10:54 AM)BlazerFromMD Wrote: [ -> ] (10-18-2012 10:12 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go ...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
What's the over/under on how many times per broadcast it will be pointed out that Memphis will be joining the Big East next year?
With the utmost confidence, OVER!!!! It will be mentioned at least once during every televised game of theirs, IMO.
Why wouldn't be mentioned at least once?
In regards to the schedule, no it's not exactly earth-shattering, but it will suffice for a team whose psyche might still be a bit bruised after the bad season last year, the changing of the guard at head coach and the divided player loyaties that had to be addressed. UAB Basketball fans, will hopefully understand this and come out enmasse for this new era.
I have to say based on my past experiences that the fan base is not very inclined to turn out in large numbers for what they might see as a "pushover" game, but let someone like Kentucky, North Carolina (as we very well know), a "big name" game come to Bartow Arena, then it's an entirely different story. I remember when the Arkansas Razorbacks came to town in the late 80's, the "40 Minutes Of Hell" version. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. I know it's not considered prudent to schedule a herd of thoroughbreds at one time, but if UAB wants to see a packed house for every home game, their opponents are going to have to be "prime stock" for that to happen. Now, Kentucky fans don't care if their Wildcats are playing 5th graders from St. Barnabas Academy, Rupp Arena is going to be filled to the rafters. Utah State and Wichita State amaze me with the way their fans turn out for home games and the occasional antics they involve themselves in. Our student section is one of the most underrated in the country in regards to rooting the team on, just wish that their influence was more infectious and widespread.
(10-18-2012 11:25 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]In regards to the schedule, no it's not exactly earth-shattering, but it will suffice for a team whose psyche might still be a bit bruised after the bad season last year, the changing of the guard at head coach and the divided player loyaties that had to be addressed. UAB Basketball fans, will hopefully understand this and come out enmasse for this new era.
I have to say based on my past experiences that the fan base is not very inclined to turn out in large numbers for what they might see as a "pushover" game, but let someone like Kentucky, North Carolina (as we very well know), a "big name" game come to Bartow Arena, then it's an entirely different story. I remember when the Arkansas Razorbacks came to town in the late 80's, the "40 Minutes Of Hell" version. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. I know it's not considered prudent to schedule a herd of thoroughbreds at one time, but if UAB wants to see a packed house for every home game, their opponents are going to have to be "prime stock" for that to happen. Now, Kentucky fans don't care if their Wildcats are playing 5th graders from St. Barnabas Academy, Rupp Arena is going to be filled to the rafters. Utah State and Wichita State amaze me with the way their fans turn out for home games and the occasional antics they involve themselves in. Our student section is one of the most underrated in the country in regards to rooting the team on, just wish that their influence was more infectious and widespread.
If we played "prime stock" every game and started losing a lot, then the fans would not show up nearly as big after our record went in the tank. We need to play good teams at home, but we need a balance as well.
(10-18-2012 11:18 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote: [ -> ]Why wouldn't be mentioned at least once?
No particular reason, just like you're going to hear the name of T** T**** mentioned during the course of an NFL game, story or highlight not involving him whatsoever. Same with the Yankees in baseball. Memphis is apparently the "golden goose" of Conference USA, therefore, it's expected that their existence is going to be magnified and acknowledged in every way, to include their transition into the Big East.
(10-18-2012 11:29 AM)the Dragon Wrote: [ -> ] (10-18-2012 11:25 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]In regards to the schedule, no it's not exactly earth-shattering, but it will suffice for a team whose psyche might still be a bit bruised after the bad season last year, the changing of the guard at head coach and the divided player loyaties that had to be addressed. UAB Basketball fans, will hopefully understand this and come out enmasse for this new era.
I have to say based on my past experiences that the fan base is not very inclined to turn out in large numbers for what they might see as a "pushover" game, but let someone like Kentucky, North Carolina (as we very well know), a "big name" game come to Bartow Arena, then it's an entirely different story. I remember when the Arkansas Razorbacks came to town in the late 80's, the "40 Minutes Of Hell" version. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. I know it's not considered prudent to schedule a herd of thoroughbreds at one time, but if UAB wants to see a packed house for every home game, their opponents are going to have to be "prime stock" for that to happen. Now, Kentucky fans don't care if their Wildcats are playing 5th graders from St. Barnabas Academy, Rupp Arena is going to be filled to the rafters. Utah State and Wichita State amaze me with the way their fans turn out for home games and the occasional antics they involve themselves in. Our student section is one of the most underrated in the country in regards to rooting the team on, just wish that their influence was more infectious and widespread.
If we played "prime stock" every game and started losing a lot, then the fans would not show up nearly as big after our record went in the tank. We need to play good teams at home, but we need a balance as well.
I'm not so sure about that. Example: If UAB had a 3 game home stand that featured the following teams, just random choices from my head: Texas, North Carolina, Georgetown. Tell me if those aren't 3 guaranteed sellouts at Bartow Arena? I think regardless of their record prior to the start of that home stand, the place is packed for all of those games. Of this, I'm quite confident. I'm not saying it's what they should do, I'm a season ticket holder, so I'm there for whoever they're playing, pushover or powerhouse. But if they were to do that, I think that season ticket sales would skyrocket.
If we are playing, Ill be there ( unless I have another out of town commitment, such as the Sou Miss game this year ).
I will be there no matter the opponent.
I am even pulling double duty on Nov 29th taking in Northeastern at 2:00 and then going to see Zac Brown that night at the BJCC!!!!
(10-18-2012 11:43 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]I'm not so sure about that. Example: If UAB had a 3 game home stand that featured the following teams, just random choices from my head: Texas, North Carolina, Georgetown. Tell me if those aren't 3 guaranteed sellouts at Bartow Arena? I think regardless of their record prior to the start of that home stand, the place is packed for all of those games. Of this, I'm quite confident. I'm not saying it's what they should do, I'm a season ticket holder, so I'm there for whoever they're playing, pushover or powerhouse. But if they were to do that, I think that season ticket sales would skyrocket.
I agree that that would be the case initially. Of course, we have never been able to schedule like that. All I'm saying is that we need balance in our scheduling. We had a great home schedule a few years ago when we beat Butler, Cincy, and Georgia at home, all in near or full sellouts. We also sold out UTEP and Memphis while having more large crowds along the way.
We won 24 games that year and we got to host NC State and UNC in the NIT! That was great! However, had we lost a bunch of games, the excitement would have faded quickly. Would attendance still have been good? Yes. Would we have defeated the point? Yes.
We DO need to get better home games than we've had since that season. The thought has been that big teams weren't willing to come here after that season since they saw that we were tough to beat here.
Now, UNC is coming next year, so we'll see if we can get other attractive home games as well.
(10-18-2012 11:43 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ] (10-18-2012 11:29 AM)the Dragon Wrote: [ -> ] (10-18-2012 11:25 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]In regards to the schedule, no it's not exactly earth-shattering, but it will suffice for a team whose psyche might still be a bit bruised after the bad season last year, the changing of the guard at head coach and the divided player loyaties that had to be addressed. UAB Basketball fans, will hopefully understand this and come out enmasse for this new era.
I have to say based on my past experiences that the fan base is not very inclined to turn out in large numbers for what they might see as a "pushover" game, but let someone like Kentucky, North Carolina (as we very well know), a "big name" game come to Bartow Arena, then it's an entirely different story. I remember when the Arkansas Razorbacks came to town in the late 80's, the "40 Minutes Of Hell" version. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. I know it's not considered prudent to schedule a herd of thoroughbreds at one time, but if UAB wants to see a packed house for every home game, their opponents are going to have to be "prime stock" for that to happen. Now, Kentucky fans don't care if their Wildcats are playing 5th graders from St. Barnabas Academy, Rupp Arena is going to be filled to the rafters. Utah State and Wichita State amaze me with the way their fans turn out for home games and the occasional antics they involve themselves in. Our student section is one of the most underrated in the country in regards to rooting the team on, just wish that their influence was more infectious and widespread.
If we played "prime stock" every game and started losing a lot, then the fans would not show up nearly as big after our record went in the tank. We need to play good teams at home, but we need a balance as well.
I'm not so sure about that. Example: If UAB had a 3 game home stand that featured the following teams, just random choices from my head: Texas, North Carolina, Georgetown. Tell me if those aren't 3 guaranteed sellouts at Bartow Arena? I think regardless of their record prior to the start of that home stand, the place is packed for all of those games. Of this, I'm quite confident. I'm not saying it's what they should do, I'm a season ticket holder, so I'm there for whoever they're playing, pushover or powerhouse. But if they were to do that, I think that season ticket sales would skyrocket.
That's a great idea!
It will be your job to inform those schools that they are to report to Bartow arena at a certain time and certain date, no questions asked.
I love it when seemingly somewhat rational fans say UAB needs to schedule better home games to increase attendance. As if the ball is completely in UAB's court and all they have to do is pick up the phone and tell the opponent when their appointment is. News flash! The other guy has a say too and few are willing to play at Bartow where even bad teams have a competive home court advantage.
I suspect scheduling will change with Haase. Unlike our previous coach who seemed to have burned all of his bridges before he got here, Haase is part of the NC and Kansas families. There are a lot of coaches in that family and a lot of deals can be worked out. It just takes time. But no, you can't say: hey, let's play Duke, and Coach K magically appears at Bartow.
(10-18-2012 03:46 PM)ATTALLABLAZE Wrote: [ -> ]I will be there no matter the opponent.
I am even pulling double duty on Nov 29th taking in Northeastern at 2:00 and then going to see Zac Brown that night at the BJCC!!!!
I've got the exact same plan.
(10-18-2012 10:12 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go ...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
Fair? Fair?!? LOL...that's the way things have always worked and the way they always will. To use a less "personal" (to UAB) example, if Mike Slive walked into negotiations for a new TV contract w/ ESPN and said, "First, you must air Vanderbilt football the same number of times as Alabama because our members are all equal!",
if ESPN didn't gather their things and leave immediately they would certainly slice the amount they were willing to pay by 80%.
Bringing it back to CUSA, you can argue whether it's more valuable to have 10 games on TV vs. 5, or instead to get $2+ million per year - every year - instead of $500k, but I know where I come down on that question. The silver lining, of course, is that just as CUSA is not stupid enough to demand equal air time, ESPN (or Fox, CBS, etc.) is not stupid enough to not build flexibility into their choices...they don't pre-select Memphis for 15 games each year for 10 years. Bottom line, the person to blame for UAB being shown over 5 times less than Memphis in basketball is plying his trade somewhere in Texas right now...
(10-19-2012 01:39 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ] (10-18-2012 10:12 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go ...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
Fair? Fair?!? LOL...that's the way things have always worked and the way they always will. To use a less "personal" (to UAB) example, if Mike Slive walked into negotiations for a new TV contract w/ ESPN and said, "First, you must air Vanderbilt football the same number of times as Alabama because our members are all equal!", if ESPN didn't gather their things and leave immediately they would certainly slice the amount they were willing to pay by 80%.
Bringing it back to CUSA, you can argue whether it's more valuable to have 10 games on TV vs. 5, or instead to get $2+ million per year - every year - instead of $500k, but I know where I come down on that question. The silver lining, of course, is that just as CUSA is not stupid enough to demand equal air time, ESPN (or Fox, CBS, etc.) is not stupid enough to not build flexibility into their choices...they don't pre-select Memphis for 15 games each year for 10 years. Bottom line, the person to blame for UAB being shown over 5 times less than Memphis in basketball is plying his trade somewhere in Texas right now...
Solid observation, to say the least.
Memphis is ranked. UAB is not. I can't believe there are complaints that they are on TV more.
Fox sports or whoever has the Cusa TV contract knows that the college basketball fan in Billings Montana or other non CUsa area are more likely to tune in to watch Memphis vs. whoever as opposed to UAB vs Rice.
This will be abundently clear when the TV contract for the new conference is negotiated.
(10-18-2012 10:12 AM)Matrix Wrote: [ -> ]Good morning. I just went over a printed copy of the C-USA TV basketball schedule, and how's this for "balance?" Our beloved UAB Blazers are going to be featured on the "big screen" 5 times this year.
They are tied with Houston and Rice in this regard. 4 others (Central Florida, Tulsa, Southern Miss, Tulane) are tied with 7 scheduled televised games, Marshall & UTEP tied with 8. East Carolina gets only 3, placing them last in the conference in the amount of televised basketball games, SMU has 4. The overwhelming leader in C-USA with televised games is none other than Memphis (should I really be all that surprised?), it was the number of games that made me go ...28!!!!! Damn!!! Is this fair?
I like that we have only 5 games on tv. If UAB ends up being very good this year. Your just going to have to buy a ticket and watch them play.