How much longer of mediocrity?
Mullins has some proving to do. I still think his first year was our most athletic/talented roster we've had of the 3 seasons so far. But to expect this to be turned around by now would be foolish. Everyone should have know this would take time. We have some pieces, now time to start recruiting and landing better players. We're competitive, just can't get over the hump this year. Next year is going to be very important for Bryan's tenure here
How much longer of mediocrity?
You have to add a year or two when you hire a young first time coach. Even Weber, who was a first time HC, had been an assistant for over 20 years (don’t quote me on the 20 — I don’t want to take the time to look it up.)
I'm not sayin' -- I'm just sayin'!
Even with the Valley losing a ton of talent and Loyola next year, I don't expect to be much better next season unless there's some roster/staff changes. I wouldn't be shocked if the stability success we've had changes this offseason with all the losing the last two years. Guys want to win and aren't going to stick around if things aren't improving. So we might naturally see those changes. Losing certain players would hurt though.
For now the focus is on this season. There is enough on the roster to win some games and try to finish the season strong and with some momentum.
Once the season is over, I just hope Bryan looks at the state of the program with a critical eye and does a clear-eyed assessment of all aspects of the program: what’s working and what needs improvement. He’s a loyal guy, which is wonderful, but there may well be some changes that are needed to get the program to a stronger place. I think there will rightfully be some expectations for better performance and MVC contention in Year 4.
did people really expect this to be completely turned around in 2.5 years? A decade of ineptitude, poor recruiting, losing, poor class balance…
No one thinks mediocre is good enough except the previous coach. Ebube and Hornecker will hopefully improve the inside game next year. We still need at least one very good guard who can score and play defense. This scholarship cannot be used for a player that is just ok. He has to be a real difference maker for this team to contend for a title.
did people really expect this to be completely turned around in 2.5 years? A decade of ineptitude, poor recruiting, losing, poor class balance…
After year 1 I did. Maybe that was unrealistic with Seniors getting an extra year but what's sobering is SIU doesn't really look close despite the results of nearly every game appearing close. I'm not sure they can flip that switch and suddenly become a contender next year. 4 years is more than enough time to be turned around given what SIU was when Mullins took over. B***y had his best season in Year 4.
@salukiworld this reminds me a lot with the situation that we faced with Nick Hill and the football program. Although difficult Nick made changes with his staff, I don’t see Brian doing that. We are 10-24 over the last 34 MVC games including the MVC tournament. Yes Marcus was hurt last year but that record is sobering and shows how fragile our program currently is. Hopefully Brian lands a recruit or two this spring that changes our current projection, because with the current roster I don’t see a return to the postseason anytime soon.
How much longer of mediocrity?
That is a non-sensical sentence, but thanks for your input Mrs. Hinson.
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The fact that this team is full of good, smart players (GPA, etc), no headcases, and are cohesive with great team chemistry, I think enables the coaching staff to see that they are pretty maxed out at an average at best squad. That is, nothing mental or off the court is holding them back (well, free throws, I guess). It’s now clear as it’s ever been that more overall talent is needed to compete in the MVC. Just more athleticism.
I think it’s interesting that many blue-blood football programs have tweaked their recruiting in the 2010’s to multi-sport athletes and not just football players. It seems like this SIU team has a lot of good basketball players but the overall athleticism is lacking. And that seems to be the way the game is going.
did people really expect this to be completely turned around in 2.5 years? A decade of ineptitude, poor recruiting, losing, poor class balance…
After year 1 I did. Maybe that was unrealistic with Seniors getting an extra year but what's sobering is SIU doesn't really look close despite the results of nearly every game appearing close. I'm not sure they can flip that switch and suddenly become a contender next year. 4 years is more than enough time to be turned around given what SIU was when Mullins took over. B***y had his best season in Year 4.
I get what you are saying, I really do... Can we really call this year 3 though. Tonight we play Lucas Williamson and Uguak... This is not a true third year. Mullins decided to play the long game and build with freshman, players being granted 5th years delays what you are building toward, it just does.
I remember these same questions after Weber's 3rd year then all of sudden Dearman becomes all valley Williams steps up a key transfer in Roberts the team blossomed as a whole and the rest is history oh yeah a couple of redshirt step up mostly Brooks so it can be done
I remember these same questions after Weber's 3rd year then all of sudden Dearman becomes all valley Williams steps up a key transfer in Roberts the team blossomed as a whole and the rest is history oh yeah a couple of redshirt step up mostly Brooks so it can be done
Weber had a pretty good team his 2nd season and took over a pretty tough situation with Herrin's teams taking a downward trend.
Weber's teams were 32-22 in the MVC his first 3 years. Mullins is sitting at 18-25.
I am just saying we were not ncaa until year four and no pandemic to deal with 6 year players and this season isn't over yet
