In his postgame interview with Mark Beier after last night's MAC Tournament loss, Coach K alluded that there will be changes made going into next season per the performance of the team down the stretch. While he did not say it, I got the impression that he was going to take a look at the entire program, from individual players, to the coaching staff, to strategy and philosophy. He called on his veteran returning players, specifically Zac Garber and Jordan Lauf to take leadership responsibility and for Jon Jon Williams to dedicate himself on the defensive end as a needed stopper. It should make for an interesting offseason!
I think the coach is as disappointed as anybody at the slide at the end of the season; you could hear it in his voice and comments. We got some great spark from the freshmen earlier in the season. I could be wrong, but I think they were just wore out a couple weeks back. Next November they will come back stronger and in better condition with a year of experience behind them.
Actually, the team was better than I expected it to be this year. But, for that reason, I did not expect such a slide at the end. So, average out, I guess the season was about what I expected. Coach also said we have 2 good players who sat out this year. Hopefully, they we be a big help next year. As I said early in the season, the freshman showed that there is a lot of potential there. I think good times are ahead.
Oh--one more thing. While we ended up 5th in the division, we were still only 2 games out of being tied with the leaders. The difference between first and last in the West was only 3 games. In the East the difference is 8 games. Also, with an overall record of 17-15 we were only 3 games away from a 20 win season which I guess is an accomplishment. Coach has to replace a good center and, as some have commented, maybe address point guard, but fortunately the cupboard won't be bare next year.
As a Freshman, I remember 16 week semesters being a grind just from an academic POV. Can't imagine the perspective for a Freshman DI athlete. I just recall that you rarely saw them. They tended to come back to the dorm after I was asleep and some were gone before I was up.