MBB Final: LA 76, UTA. 64

[zephyr]

There are also some of us who think focusing on the coaching staff is pointless. We all know the shortcomings and strengths. However what we think, either positive or negative, is meaningless as it is obvious the administration thinks highly of them. That remains the case despite what 20 people post on a message board. I do understand that negative posts after disappointing losses is a form of venting which is a benefit these boards provide and that will never change. When I say administration it means a lot more than the AD office. It goes all the way to the President and there are several people in between. I understand that when enough people stop paying attention things can change. We are not nearly at that stage yet. In fact, we have had roughly 5000 with good energy at the last two games which is a rarity for mid major teams these days.

Mike, the fact you countlessly say the same thing is worrisome. You are saying "look, since the administration keeps giving Marlin a pass and extensions that just extends his lengthy contract, there is no bother complaining about the underperformance of the program. Just sit back and accept it."

I mean, that is worrisome to the people who are being asked to pay for season tickets with increasing prices each year and more and more RCAF donation requirements. You finish better than 3rd more than twice in nine years and maybe we wouldn't have as many people complaining.

Regardless of what you think, there are reasons for concern and frustration that people have in regards to coach Marlin's situation. You may not agree with it as well as others here. Those people have given you and other supporters valid reasons why they feel the way they do. The bottomline is both sides have varying thoughts and opinions on what "success" is. Some think that because he's a good man and runs a clean program, the resulting mediocre success during his tenure is acceptable. Others obviously don't feel that way.

[Cajunsmike]

Mike, the fact you countlessly say the same thing is worrisome. You are saying "look, since the administration keeps giving Marlin a pass and extensions that just extends his lengthy contract, there is no bother complaining about the underperformance of the program. Just sit back and accept it."

I mean, that is worrisome to the peopleu who are being asked to pay for season tickets with increasing prices each year and more and more RCAF donation requirements. You finish better than 3rd more than twice in nine years and maybe we wouldn't have as many people complaining.

Regardless of what you think, there are reasons for concern and frustration that people have in regards to coach Marlin's situation. You may not agree with it as well as others here. Those people have given you and other supporters valid reasons why they feel the way they do. The bottomline is both sides have varying thoughts and opinions on what "success" is. Some think that because he's a good man and runs a clean program, the resulting mediocre success during his tenure is acceptable. Others obviously don't feel that way.

I understand why people have varying opinions about the state of the basketball program. You don’t have to accept the situation. It’s that posting concerns here have little impact. You can stop going to games, reduce donations, or voice your issues directly to the administration. Some have done that but not enough yet for them to pay attention Reason some get tired of me reminding folks that the administration is happy with him is because I get tired of people bringing up staff shortcomings so frequently. We all know there are positives and negatives Makes it tough to enjoy whatever success does come. You are probably right in that I do remind folks too frequently that there are not nearly enough folks concerned about this for the administration to spend any time thinking about it. By now most probably have gotten the message.

[zephyr]

I understand why people have varying opinions about the state of the basketball program. You don’t have to accept the situation. It’s that posting concerns here have little impact. You can stop going to games, reduce donations, or voice your issues directly to the administration. Some have done that but not enough yet for them to pay attention Reason some get tired of me reminding folks that the administration is happy with him is because I get tired of people bringing up staff shortcomings so frequently. We all know there are positives and negatives Makes it tough to enjoy whatever success does come. You are probably right in that I do remind folks too frequently that there are not nearly enough folks concerned about this for the administration to spend any time thinking about it. By now most probably have gotten the message.

And Mike, therein lies the question. What does each fan consider "success" as you say? Running a clean program and being a good person? Finishing inside the top 3 twice in 9 years with the highest salary and best facilities in the conference?

[CajunEXPRESS]

About 80% of the mbb season ticket holders are lemmings, myself included. Continue buying tickets for subpar opponents, subpar performance, and subpar expectations.

Running a clean program, graduating student athletes is something like brushing your teeth. It's absolutely the least I'd expect from any of the 300+teams in Division I basketball.

[Cajunsmike]

About 80% of the mbb season ticket holders are lemmings, myself included. Continue buying tickets for subpar opponents, subpar performance, and subpar expectations.

Running a clean program, graduating student athletes is something like brushing your teeth. It's absolutely the least I'd expect from any of the 300+teams in Division I basketball.

We have enough lemmings to have more season ticket holders than any team in our league and over half the teams in CUSA. No argument that should be even better but it is one reason the administration supports the staff.

[zephyr]

I understand why people have varying opinions about the state of the basketball program. You don’t have to accept the situation. It’s that posting concerns here have little impact. You can stop going to games, reduce donations, or voice your issues directly to the administration. Some have done that but not enough yet for them to pay attention Reason some get tired of me reminding folks that the administration is happy with him is because I get tired of people bringing up staff shortcomings so frequently. We all know there are positives and negatives Makes it tough to enjoy whatever success does come. You are probably right in that I do remind folks too frequently that there are not nearly enough folks concerned about this for the administration to spend any time thinking about it. By now most probably have gotten the message.

And I wanted to add another thing about voicing "concerns". This is the place to do it IMO. You say its no use doing it here as it won't have an impact on anything well have you seen what is posted here? 90% of the B.S. that is said here has little impact on anything, much less a coach's job security and the administration or coaches are not going to be hovering around here to see what we think is wrong with our hitting or our defense so why even state those reasons? right?

Its conversation and viewpoints. I understand you and some others here don't want to see those things posted as you are obviously happy with where our program is but these viewpoints are only going to get louder as our yearly conference results remain the same especially since we know that Maggard wouldn't listen anyhow to growing concerns.

[cajun_lannister]

We have enough lemmings to have more season ticket holders than any team in our league and over half the teams in CUSA. No argument that should be even better but it is one reason the administration supports the staff.

That shows you how terrible the sun belt is in basketball and we have only placed top 3 twice in 9 years

[Cajunsmike]

And I wanted to add another thing about voicing "concerns". This is the place to do it IMO. You say its no use doing it here as it won't have an impact on anything well have you seen what is posted here? 90% of the B.S. that is said here has little impact on anything, much less a coach's job security and the administration or coaches are not going to be hovering around here to see what we think is wrong with our hitting or our defense so why even state those reasons? right?

Its conversation and viewpoints. I understand you and some others here don't want to see those things posted as you are obviously happy with where our program is but these viewpoints are only going to get louder as our yearly conference results remain the same especially since we know that Maggard wouldn't listen anyhow to growing concerns.

I think he might listen to concerns if results don't improve. This goes beyond him however. People OK with the basketball program at this stage include people in the academic side, advisers to the President, and the President himself. Another middle of the pack finish next season and all of them may pay more attention to shortcomings. Personally, I think we may not be as bad next season as some think. We do lose two good players but bring in two quality guys sitting out and a top recruit. Possibility of adding more talent in spring recruiting remains.

[CajunEXPRESS]

We have enough lemmings to have more season ticket holders than any team in our league and over half the teams in CUSA. No argument that should be even better but it is one reason the administration supports the staff.

You are now equating loyalty to excitement. Hardly anyone in the Dome is excited about the team. Last year a little because of the record. That excitement was snuffed anytime they played a team with a pulse.

Mike are you saying that the administration is happy with a half empty lower section. At least they’re selling tickets. That’s an attitude that eventually tanks. That’s not how you build programs.

If you think winning is a major part of why many students pick a university we’re losing that battle.

[Boomer]

.....So last year we play LSU with people thinking we should beat them....fast forward 1 year and they are playing for the national championship and we are....Well we aren’t! Any truth to the rumors that these great players were illegally recruited?

[CajunEXPRESS]

.....So last year we play LSU with people thinking we should beat them....fast forward 1 year and they are playing for the national championship and we are....Well we aren't! Any truth to the rumors that these great players were illegally recruited?

Just don't care if they are Boomer, I care that we are sucking. Believe me if LSU goes on probation we are not getting the players they can no longer sign.

[Cajunsmike]

You are now equating loyalty to excitement. Hardly anyone in the Dome is excited about the team. Last year a little because of the record. That excitement was snuffed anytime they played a team with a pulse.

Mike are you saying that the administration is happy with a half empty lower section. At least they’re selling tickets. That’s an attitude that eventually tanks. That’s not how you build programs.

If you think winning is a major part of why many students pick a university we’re losing that battle.

Not saying they are happy with the support as it could be better. I am saying we are doing better than all the teams in our league and the great majority of southern mid majors. That prevents them from feeling any pressure to change anything.

[Cajunsmike]

.....So last year we play LSU with people thinking we should beat them....fast forward 1 year and they are playing for the national championship and we are....Well we aren’t! Any truth to the rumors that these great players were illegally recruited?

I don’t know if the guys on LSU’s team were illegally recruited or not. I do know Will Wade was caught on tape discussing doing business with a guy representing a Big man from Miami. In response Wade says he never did business with the guy. I laughed when I read that as he did not deny DISCUSSING doing some business with the guy. Where this goes I have no idea but I can tell you some basketball people I know believe this will not end well for the Tigers. Don’t look for anything to come of this any time soon as the FBI is still involved. Express is right though in that this won’t have much impact on us.

[zephyr]

Not saying they are happy with the support as it could be better. I am saying we are doing better than all the teams in our league and the great majority of southern mid majors. That prevents them from feeling any pressure to change anything.

Again, I thought we hired ab AD who wanted to create an environment of excellence? It sounds more like we are just trying to stay afloat and not rock the boat too hard. This is the reason, for myself, I have not continued to buy season tickets and don't plan to do so for some time.

[VObserver]

Again, I thought we hired ab AD who wanted to create an environment of excellence? It sounds more like we are just trying to stay afloat and not rock the boat too hard. This is the reason, for myself, I have not continued to buy season tickets and don't plan to do so for some time.

Zephyr, we may not agree on what we need to to to fix the problem, but your assessment and actions are exactly the same as mine.