Louisiana vs UT Arlington

[zephyr]

Our softball program is actually driving interest. Men’s basketball, not so much these days.

It's softball versus basketball. That was my point. No offense to softball but as a sport, it doesn't drive anywhere near the interest that CBB does on a national level. It only feels that in this town it is different.

[ZoomZoom]

Sounds like a good idea to me! On the subject of firing a coach, UTA doesn't have a football program, so there is no reason they shouldn't be a Top MBB program in the SBC. They are a diamond sports program right now.

Very hauntingly familiar. Scott Cross was there 12 years. Won 72 games over last 3. Only made NCAA's in '08. Won regular season with best season in program history and got bounce out conference tournament at end, went to NIT. His last season, finished 4th, and if I remember correctly Hervy was hurt part of year. What UTA has had on the court since seems to be true to headline. New coach, program not as good. Life in mid major hell. Cross as we know landed at Troy.

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/20...h-scott-cross/


"Even after Cross led UTA to the best season in program history last season the coach's end-of-year meeting with Baker didn't go well. Voices were raised amid Baker telling Cross he wanted UTA to be the "next Gonzaga."

[zephyr]

Very hauntingly familiar. Scott Cross was there 12 years. Won 72 games over last 3. Only made NCAA's in '08. Won regular season with best season in program history and got bounce out conference tournament at end, went to NIT. His last season, finished 4th, and if I remember correctly Hervy was hurt part of year. What UTA has had on the court since seems to be true to headline. New coach, program not as good. Life in mid major hell. Cross as we know landed at Troy.

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/20...h-scott-cross/


"Even after Cross led UTA to the best season in program history last season the coach's end-of-year meeting with Baker didn't go well. Voices were raised amid Baker telling Cross he wanted UTA to be the "next Gonzaga."

And it works both ways. I know you are doing your own little part to suggest why Marlin should stay here but it works both ways. Sometimes a program that is in a rut gets an energizing hire and things change. Someone like a Chris Beard at UALR turned it around in a very short period of time and that happens often. Plus, did Bob ever win 72 games in a 3 year span?

[wcd35]

Had a meeting tonight, watching replay. UTA has a students' app that gives points for attending events that converts to discounts for UTA gear and such. Hello UL marketing...

UL introduced a program before this football season that basically has similar setup. Can't knock them there.

https://ragincajuns.com/news/2019/8/...ntroduced.aspx

[Hatch]

I'll give coach Marlin and staff credit for the biggest improvement in the team thus far that is able to actually keep us in games and possibly win.....Rebounding. During much of the year, we were a negative net rebounding team. We were one of the only teams in our conference to actually get outrebounded on average on a per game basis which is very poor. In some of our big losses last year like to Arkansas State as well as our losing streak this year, we were getting manhandled on the boards. Last night we had 16 offensive boards alone and Johnson had a career rebounding night.

That rebounding was a big reason for our 7 point lead at halftime even though we were shooting 14% from 3pt range. That's a solid win on the road against a team that whooped our ___ at home a few weeks ago.

That 14% was an error put on the screen by the UTA broadcast. We were actually shooting 43% from 3 at halftime compared to 28% for UTA. That fell all the way to 17% in the 2nd half and UTA actually finished the game outshooting us 33% to 31% overall. We were just 1-11 from 3 in the 2nd half before Dou’s game winner. Once again I think that has a lot to do with legs in the 2nd half.

[Turbine]

That 14% was an error put on the screen by the UTA broadcast. We were actually shooting 43% from 3 at halftime compared to 28% for UTA. That fell all the way to 17% in the 2nd half and UTA actually finished the game outshooting us 33% to 31% overall. We were just 1-11 from 3 in the 2nd half before Dou’s game winner. Once again I think that has a lot to do with legs in the 2nd half.

Marlin must find a way to keep his team fresher.

It's doable, don't ask me how but it is doable.

[Hatch]

Marlin must find a way to keep his team fresher.

It's doable, don't ask me how but it is doable.

With Gueye and Smith both starting and Spenkuch playing more Johnson’s size isn’t needed for rebounding 40 minutes a game. Just need to work on someone else being able to hit those midrange jumpers. I think Gueye and Lafayette could do that. Heck as long as Smith and Gueye are down low to rebound I wouldn’t mind seeing Lafayette get a chance to shoot over a smaller guard from the perimeter, he has shown he can knock down shots. I also think Russell and Hardy expelled a lot of energy last night breaking the press from UTA. Would have been nice to have Wesley doing that and the shooters positioned down court.

Anyways just spitballing some doable ideas to save get a few minutes on the bench for a few of these guys.

[Cajunrunner]

It's softball versus basketball. That was my point. No offense to softball but as a sport, it doesn't drive anywhere near the interest that CBB does on a national level. It only feels that in this town it is different.

I think that speaks to the head coaches of both programs. The one that should generate more interest, there is a complete non-care factor (I’m included in that number, except it’s irritating to see what we are paying for); and the one that to everyday people would seem to be irrelevant has generated excitement and an enthusiastic fan base.

[ZoomZoom]

And it works both ways. I know you are doing your own little part to suggest why Marlin should stay here but it works both ways. Sometimes a program that is in a rut gets an energizing hire and things change. Someone like a Chris Beard at UALR turned it around in a very short period of time and that happens often. Plus, did Bob ever win 72 games in a 3 year span?

I'm not suggesting anything Adam Schift....er, Zephyr. Just noting the similarities. Your words, not mine.

As I've said before, I'm leaving all that to Maggard.

[Cajunsmike]

That 14% was an error put on the screen by the UTA broadcast. We were actually shooting 43% from 3 at halftime compared to 28% for UTA. That fell all the way to 17% in the 2nd half and UTA actually finished the game outshooting us 33% to 31% overall. We were just 1-11 from 3 in the 2nd half before Dou's game winner. Once again I think that has a lot to do with legs in the 2nd half.

Lafayette has slow reaction time which causes him to give up too many offensive rebounds. That is why he does not play more. Express is right in that Dou is more effective when he limits his dribbles Coaches have been frustrated in the trouble they are having in getting him to do it less. Of course basketball is a game of instinct with minimal decision making time. Difficult to change habits but that is why coaches get paid. As far as playing time goes, note we lost by 18 at home to UTA without Gueye, Wilson, or a healthy Russell. That may be why playing time was limited for guys who saw more action in Game 1 against UTA. It is refreshing to have a MBB thread with a positive vibe. Once again we have won four straight when Wilson plays. His defense and penetration ability are major difference makers.