Appearances since the death penalty starting from 1973...82 and 83 (9 year gap), 92 (9 year gap), 94 (1 year gap), 2000 (6 year gap), 2004 and 05 (4 year gap. BUT both appearances vacated), 2014 (9 year gap). Presently going into year 2023 (9 years if we make it). Statistically, we are due.
CE, looks like a pattern of mediocre play has existed for decades. Paschal (and Hatfield) built the program back. Marty had the responsibility of building it from there...but peaked with two NCAA appearances and crashed from there. Evans bailed when the NCAA came calling. UL screws up the next hire and we ended up with Lee doing just like Richard at ULM did...inherted the grade mess. Marlin stared out nice but lost what little momentum we had.
Now we are in a 14 team conference. Nobody will ever break out as an at large because the lower end baggage of this league. RPIs 250+ hurt, and with basketball being the one sport where home court is the most noticable advantage, the blind squirrel lives on in the one bid conferences. The Blackham days get further and further out the picture.
But we must do better regardless and get the brand out there.
In the meantime, here is reality. Our record speaks for itself to paraphrase Robe. Even with the Evans and Shipley vacated years, we have 10 appearances. Nothing to be excited over.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_D...bids_by_school