(03-23-2019 02:11 PM)chihuskie Wrote: (03-23-2019 12:42 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote: I don’t expect NIU to beat schools like Murray St or New Mexico St. Look at the histories of those programs. Look at the fan bases. Going to a game at NIU is night and day compared to Murray St or New Mexico St. Those 2 schools have had a million coaches and never stop succeeding for a reason. They’re like NIU football. Doesn’t matter who you plug in.
Agreed. As far as the programs, I agree. As far as the team itself, I also agree the they are better.
I just thought we were closer to being competitive on the court, and I just don;t see it. And that is more than a little sad. Ricardo Patton dug such a deep hole that getting back to even is still almost nowhere in sight! I think there is progress, but it is slow-- and there is a long way to go. Is there a way to make it happen faster?
I guess I'm just not understanding the vocabulary you are using because, I find myself agreeing with you, then you say something and I can't figure out your angle on it.
For example, what do you mean by "compete"? We're watching teams in the postseason in elimination games. Almost anything can happen. The odds favor a certain way, but things (upsets) happen. Just because UC Irvine beat Kansas State yesterday doesn't mean that UC Irvine is demonstratably better than NIU. Do I believe that NIU could "compete" with the Anteaters if they were in the same conference? No. Not this year. Do I think NIU could beat them in one game? Absolutely.
The other thing I don't get is this comment.
"Ricardo Patton dug such a deep hole that getting back to even is still almost nowhere in sight!"
What exactly are your expectations if you think "even" is "nowhere in sight!"
Are you saying "even" equals competing with Buffalo for the league title? If so, how is that "getting back to even" if they were never at that level, at any point in the program's history, ever.
I see "even" as half way. Which is exactly where the program is right now. Is that good enough? Eh... I don't know. Would I want more out of a coach over 8 years. Yes. But are they basically where they should be? Probably. Although, I'd say with a team like they had this year (with the seniors and experience and German) they underperformed. So, that's a negative on the coach.
Nevertheless, I still don't understand how the team is in a situation of "getting back to even is nowhere in sight".
But I'm probably not understanding your intention.