I have not really wanted to look at these boards following the Asheville loss
We have like the worst supporters in the Big East
We live in the biggest market and have a huge alumni base and no one shows up to games for various reasons, too far to get to Queens from work, too expensive. uncomfortable seats at CA, Garden too hard to get to from LI, etc. etc.
Instead we just hide behind the computer screen complaining about EVERYTHING, bashing the players, etc. etc.
Because of the attitude of our "fans" it makes it even harder to recruit.
Yes, our team has been inconsistent and lacks an identity, yes you can be critical of the staff for coaching, etc. but we are a talented young team that needs YOUR support. Instead we hope all games are televised and "fans" just wait for bad stuff to happen.
It's really disappointing.
sju89tr - first and formost I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful holiday.
I am lucky to call you a friend, you are a GREAT guy and probably THE biggest & most dedicated fan of this program I know but I have to be honest, your post is a little offensive to quite a few very loyal fans.
I can't use my personal situation as an example but to call anyone out for not going to games in this economy is just wrong. For me, I have chosen to spend my free time with my three young children and if anyone questions my "fan loyalty" because of this, they can honestly GFT (and that is not directed at you TR)
Fans complain, that is what they do. Everyone is a Monday morning quarterback and everyone, right or wrong, thinks they actually know something about the game of basketball. TR - you are too smart to not clearly see on this site who the people that know the game or who the people are that have absolutely no idea what is going on.
All that being said though... there has a been A LOT of money invested in to this program and there just have not been returns yet. The frustration is not just with the fans but also very clearly with some VERY large supporters of the program.
Personally, I have been critical of the staff a bit from a basketball perspective. I think Coach Lavin has been doing a great job but a he made a mistake this past off season by not replacing Coach Dunalp with a similar type of coach. He tried to get different people into the role but its didn't work out and I think it can be seen on the court this year. The team has looked unprepared for opponents a few times and does anyone think that would have happened if we had as assistant coach that was a prep fanantic in the mold of Mike Dunlap. The team doesn't need an X&O guru but they need someone who specializies in watching film, developing game plan and then helping implementing it on the court in practice. People can say whatever they want about Chiles, Hines, Martin and even Mo Hicks - none of them fill role. I would much rather have a guy like Matt Grady from Manhattan on staff then a Darrick Martin or Mo Hicks at this point. Everyone knows I am no fan of Tony Chiles but he is a well respected recruiter, not sure what else he offers though.
As for the teams performance this year, I had no expectations or dreams of a NCAA apprearance, I thought we might end up a touch over .500. We got hurt because I really don't think anyone, Lavin included, ever looked at Mo Harkeless as a one and done kid. He would have been a dominant player for this team this year if he had stayed. I think Harrison is a very good college basketball player but he is not an All American like people make him out to be. Sampson is a future NBA player. Once he learns to rebound the ball better he is going to be a very special player but it will take 2 - 3 years in college for that to develop. Obekpa has a chance to be very special but he is an offensive project and he too is not a good rebounder at this level. He reminds me of baby Ben Wallace at this point.
Hopefully the team plays well in BE play and gives us a ton to look forward to next year.
I do think that landing Lawrence and Jordan are musts for this staff though.