For a short time, we enjoyed the spotlight when the Hogs were in a decline. Mike Newell put us on the map with his post season appearances. But bad hires and other circumstances didn't allow us to continue the upward movement into a really successful program.
Well the Hogs are not doing well, and we are having, potentially the best season in our history. If we could build on this, we could possibly achieve the status we missed years ago. We could potentially become the premier basketball program in the state. If that occurred, we couldn't be ignored. Of course if this is a one season phenomenon, then it won't occur. But if Coach Beard stays for awhile and continues to win at a high level, who knows? It could happen.
(02-10-2016 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]we are having, potentially the best season in our history.
I would say there is every likelihood this will indeed be our best season in history. The 1986 season finished well and we like to remember that, but it definitely did not begin well. The least number of losses in any D1 season was 6 in 1982-83, and there is every reason to think we might eclipse that mark.
I was at UALR for Newell's last season and Jim Platts first two. Platt killed the program with his terrible coaching and with the low morale that existed at the time. He ran off several of Newell's recruits including Carlos Rogers who showed what he was made of after he left and I have no doubt if Newell has stayed on that Carlos would have been a star for the Trojans. I remember how depressed I was when Newell left. I hoped for the best but prepared for theworst and it was bad. All those years of mediocrity with a couple of exceptions and finally the school decided enough was enough. I agree that this could become a very special program if Beard stays and the school continues their support of him.
(02-10-2016 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]if Coach Beard stays for awhile and continues to win at a high level, who knows?
Either that, or if we pull a Gonzaga and replace a good coach with another good coach. But that back-to-back trick is really, really hard to do at our level. But before you can do that you have to have one really good year, and we are doing that so far.
(02-10-2016 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]For a short time, we enjoyed the spotlight when the Hogs were in a decline. Mike Newell put us on the map with his post season appearances. But bad hires and other circumstances didn't allow us to continue the upward movement into a really successful program.
Well the Hogs are not doing well, and we are having, potentially the best season in our history. If we could build on this, we could possibly achieve the status we missed years ago. We could potentially become the premier basketball program in the state. If that occurred, we couldn't be ignored. Of course if this is a one season phenomenon, then it won't occur. But if Coach Beard stays for awhile and continues to win at a high level, who knows? It could happen.
No way Doc, what are you smoking? It must be some good ****. That'll never happen in this state. You know that. I'd be satisfied having a good winning program most every year, and winning or being in the hunt most every year. If we ever get that, we will be fine and have all the fans we need, since we can only seat 5,600.
Sadly, I doubt we will ever keep Beard for any decent amount of time, very sadly.
(02-10-2016 09:33 PM)LRTrojan Wrote: [ -> ] (02-10-2016 08:44 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]For a short time, we enjoyed the spotlight when the Hogs were in a decline. Mike Newell put us on the map with his post season appearances. But bad hires and other circumstances didn't allow us to continue the upward movement into a really successful program.
Well the Hogs are not doing well, and we are having, potentially the best season in our history. If we could build on this, we could possibly achieve the status we missed years ago. We could potentially become the premier basketball program in the state. If that occurred, we couldn't be ignored. Of course if this is a one season phenomenon, then it won't occur. But if Coach Beard stays for awhile and continues to win at a high level, who knows? It could happen.
No way Doc, what are you smoking? It must be some good ****. That'll never happen in this state. You know that. I'd be satisfied having a good winning program most every year, and winning or being in the hunt most every year. If we ever get that, we will be fine and have all the fans we need, since we can only seat 5,600.
I don't mean to say the Razorbacks will be forgotten, but on a national scale, if we become a real player, with trips to the NCAA and some wins and by some miracle a long run or two, we could be that "Gonzaga" or "Wichita State". As for the seating, our arena seats just 400 less than Gonzaga's. And there are well known basketball schools up East with medium sized arenas. But we're a long way from this happening. It will take a lot of luck on our part. But it's a nice dream.
(02-14-2016 09:32 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I don't mean to say the Razorbacks will be forgotten, but on a national scale, if we become a real player, with trips to the NCAA and some wins and by some miracle a long run or two, we could be that "Gonzaga" or "Wichita State". As for the seating, our arena seats just 400 less than Gonzaga's. And there are well known basketball schools up East with medium sized arenas. But we're a long way from this happening. It will take a lot of luck on our part. But it's a nice dream.
I realize you weren't saying that the Hogs would be second fiddle in the state, but at best we'll always be second fiddle in this state. I have no problem with that. What I want us to be is "Little Rock's Team". Or even maybe "Central Arkansas' Team". We've got a great arena, and probably a very good university.
Given the fact that Gonzaga and Creghton have done it, we might become THE basketball team in the state. Longest of long shots, but it has been done.