(03-10-2021 04:41 PM)relaxing Wrote:  One winning season and you want to extend him?

Sorry to be the drain poster, but I would take the national attention and resources that come from this tourney appearance and begin the search for a new direction.

I didnt say that at all. I said what I think will happen or what is expected to happen based on the past. The AD position will mean a lot as to the direction this program goes. If this team doesnt build on this season next season, I still think it needs to be looked at real hard. But its hard to justify letting a coach go 1 season after making its schools first tournament appearance in 25 years, too. Its a tough position to be in. If its earlier in a contract you have time to evaluate whether its a fluke or not, late in a contract you have to make that decision with maybe 1 more season to see if it was a fluke or a true step forward. I dont think we can truly answer that question right now.

Fact is this season was screwed up all over. Many thought this was a team that had a real chance to dance and was celarly 1 of the 2 best teams preseason. Prior to the CAAT we won 3 true road games in conference. There were signs of true progress we all expected. Ratings on offense and defense made leaps too, even when some results didnt go our way. Were there still some same concerns from past seasons ,(turnovers, inept offense for stretches, ability to collapse in 2nd halves) yes there were. But this season progress was seen, real progress, which is what everyone wanted this season with this roster. We saw it and then got rewarded by getting hot at the right time. He has earned some level of patience to see if this was real or just a fluke. The demeanor of the players last night after the game and after each game (and during) shows that Spiker is building great teamwork. They play for each other. For a program, that has to mean something too.

Could this send us down the same trap/rabbit hole we did with Bru and his NIT appearances? Sure. But there are worse places we could be as well. Spikers approach to officials is an easier sell too. Both are pretty good ambassadors toward the school.

If it were up to me I would see how next season goes. If this progress is sustained I would offer a 1 year extension to see if he has lifted the program. Recruiting will get better from this, so seeing that out some is important too. If the team really takes a step back (and not because of defection), I think you have to really consider your options