Arkansas vs. Kentucky

[hogbacker]

-Enjoyed the banter this morning. The usual suspects (I’m counting myself in that bunch) holding to their long-standing positions. That’s good to know - that we all are firmly locked in on our beliefs.

For General - I just can’t buy in - haven’t for some time. What Coach A is selling no one buys. Unless - as DFarris writes, you are comfortable with always the bridesmaid. I’m not, apparently others aren’t either. It should absolutely make a difference to have six seniors suited up. I hear it every game for those teams that get to the finish line still standing how there is always this older, matured, stable player or group of players that carry teams. Now - when Arkansas FINALLY has a large group of seniors, that argument can’t carry the day? As is said in roundball circles, ‘come on, man!’.

The scheme does not work. You may disagree but as so elequently written this year (and last, the previous …) by … oh … me … , the scheme does not work. Arkansas chased KY all over the court in the first half last night only to find itself tied at the half and run off the court in the second half. KY sat back, threw over the chasing defense, ran their offense and got shots in the paint - just enough to fend off the Hogs the first 20 minutes. When the Hogs legs started to tire in the second half, KY turned up the heat and the Hogs withered. I don’t get it. Why press against a team that is known for having big guys in the middle and no fer-sure shooters on the edge? Why not pack it in and make KY shoot over you? Why? Because that’s NOT Coach A’s game and he’ll refuse to change all the way to the unemployment line. Arkansas’s press does not scare anyone with athletes and more so, with coaches in the elite teams that can adapt.

If you are happy with winning 6 in 10 games but not having the engine to get to 7 or 8 or 9 in 10, then this scheme is your baby. Come on … you telling me Gonzaga, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Arizona, (and yes, even KY and FL) - those teams all have better players? Ahhhh…hells no! What they do have - apparently - are programs that are tuned and then re-tuned to whatever fuel makes it run best at any moment in time.

I don’t apologize for wanting athletes that can and will adapt to a coaches even subtle manipulation. Not happening at Arkansas.

Change the scheme (see Football plan) or change the leadership.

oh … RPI? Won’t matter if we come out of the SEC tourney with 12 plus losses. It will be easy to get to 12 losses (now) … and an RPI above 35 with 12 losses … nope.

First, nobody is telling you to buy it. You don’t like it don’t watch, but don’t presume to say NOBODY is buying it because I’ve seen full stands quite often this season. And no, I’m not comfortable not having a perennial power, but I’m also realistic about our team as well, so you can knock off that attitude as well. And it has made a difference with our Seniors, if you don’t think it has, then you haven’t been paying attention all season.

Second, the scheme doesn’t work? By whose standards? You realize probably 1/3 of college basketball runs a similar system? I’ll grant you, this year, it hasn’t been great for us, but make no mistake, it’s been very effective most years for us. I’ve already explained what happened last night, so I your spin job of last night is moot. As for not changing, you realize we went to a man, 3-2, and 1-3-1 zone multiple times last night? Anderson will do whatever needs to be done to win. So that whole rant is a moot point.

Third, if you go by strictly star ratings, then yes, over half those teams you listed have better players. That’s not saying we have bad players or their not as good now, but it depends on your perameters. And again, saying Anderson doesn’t make changes to our scheme during the game only shows you have no idea what you’re talking about.

Finally, you don’t know or seem to understand how RPI and getting into the tourney works. Yes, 12 losses isn’t ideal and probably would keep us out DEPENDING. Yes, DEPENDING on the circumstances. So indeed, RPI and BPI matters a great deal. We won’t have 12 losses, so you don’t have to worry about that.

I’m going to wade in here just a little, the scheme works if you think winning 57%of your conference games is good enough then the scheme is okay. My problem with the “scheme” is that our that our talent drops off so much when we start subbing in and CMA has always said he wants fresh legs late in the game and at the end of the season. My take is knock off the press because it rarely works other than taking marginal time off the shot clock, instead pick them up at half court conserve some energy and play your best players more. It just doesn’t work like it did when CNR was here because of the hand checking that his teams got away with in the 90’s. As for me winning 57% of the conference games is not enough. WPS

[generalhog]

-Enjoyed the banter this morning. The usual suspects (I’m counting myself in that bunch) holding to their long-standing positions. That’s good to know - that we all are firmly locked in on our beliefs.

For General - I just can’t buy in - haven’t for some time. What Coach A is selling no one buys. Unless - as DFarris writes, you are comfortable with always the bridesmaid. I’m not, apparently others aren’t either. It should absolutely make a difference to have six seniors suited up. I hear it every game for those teams that get to the finish line still standing how there is always this older, matured, stable player or group of players that carry teams. Now - when Arkansas FINALLY has a large group of seniors, that argument can’t carry the day? As is said in roundball circles, ‘come on, man!’.

The scheme does not work. You may disagree but as so elequently written this year (and last, the previous …) by … oh … me … , the scheme does not work. Arkansas chased KY all over the court in the first half last night only to find itself tied at the half and run off the court in the second half. KY sat back, threw over the chasing defense, ran their offense and got shots in the paint - just enough to fend off the Hogs the first 20 minutes. When the Hogs legs started to tire in the second half, KY turned up the heat and the Hogs withered. I don’t get it. Why press against a team that is known for having big guys in the middle and no fer-sure shooters on the edge? Why not pack it in and make KY shoot over you? Why? Because that’s NOT Coach A’s game and he’ll refuse to change all the way to the unemployment line. Arkansas’s press does not scare anyone with athletes and more so, with coaches in the elite teams that can adapt.

If you are happy with winning 6 in 10 games but not having the engine to get to 7 or 8 or 9 in 10, then this scheme is your baby. Come on … you telling me Gonzaga, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Arizona, (and yes, even KY and FL) - those teams all have better players? Ahhhh…hells no! What they do have - apparently - are programs that are tuned and then re-tuned to whatever fuel makes it run best at any moment in time.

I don’t apologize for wanting athletes that can and will adapt to a coaches even subtle manipulation. Not happening at Arkansas.

Change the scheme (see Football plan) or change the leadership.

oh … RPI? Won’t matter if we come out of the SEC tourney with 12 plus losses. It will be easy to get to 12 losses (now) … and an RPI above 35 with 12 losses … nope.

First, nobody is telling you to buy it. You don’t like it don’t watch, but don’t presume to say NOBODY is buying it because I’ve seen full stands quite often this season. And no, I’m not comfortable not having a perennial power, but I’m also realistic about our team as well, so you can knock off that attitude as well. And it has made a difference with our Seniors, if you don’t think it has, then you haven’t been paying attention all season.

Second, the scheme doesn’t work? By whose standards? You realize probably 1/3 of college basketball runs a similar system? I’ll grant you, this year, it hasn’t been great for us, but make no mistake, it’s been very effective most years for us. I’ve already explained what happened last night, so I your spin job of last night is moot. As for not changing, you realize we went to a man, 3-2, and 1-3-1 zone multiple times last night? Anderson will do whatever needs to be done to win. So that whole rant is a moot point.

Third, if you go by strictly star ratings, then yes, over half those teams you listed have better players. That’s not saying we have bad players or their not as good now, but it depends on your perameters. And again, saying Anderson doesn’t make changes to our scheme during the game only shows you have no idea what you’re talking about.

Finally, you don’t know or seem to understand how RPI and getting into the tourney works. Yes, 12 losses isn’t ideal and probably would keep us out DEPENDING. Yes, DEPENDING on the circumstances. So indeed, RPI and BPI matters a great deal. We won’t have 12 losses, so you don’t have to worry about that.

I’m going to wade in here just a little, the scheme works if you think winning 57%of your conference games is good enough then the scheme is okay. My problem with the “scheme” is that our that our talent drops off so much when we start subbing in and CMA has always said he wants fresh legs late in the game and at the end of the season. My take is knock off the press because it rarely works other than taking marginal time off the shot clock, instead pick them up at half court conserve some energy and play your best players more. It just doesn’t work like it did when CNR was here because of the hand checking that his teams got away with in the 90’s. As for me winning 57% of the conference games is not enough. WPS

Fair enough point. My only comment is the 57% comment. By that logic, especially after tonight, only 1 maybe 2 teams are apparently running the right system in this league. Or, it’s just a lot of the teams are very good in this league and is a toss up who wins on a given night.

[hogbacker]

First, nobody is telling you to buy it. You don’t like it don’t watch, but don’t presume to say NOBODY is buying it because I’ve seen full stands quite often this season. And no, I’m not comfortable not having a perennial power, but I’m also realistic about our team as well, so you can knock off that attitude as well. And it has made a difference with our Seniors, if you don’t think it has, then you haven’t been paying attention all season.

Second, the scheme doesn’t work? By whose standards? You realize probably 1/3 of college basketball runs a similar system? I’ll grant you, this year, it hasn’t been great for us, but make no mistake, it’s been very effective most years for us. I’ve already explained what happened last night, so I your spin job of last night is moot. As for not changing, you realize we went to a man, 3-2, and 1-3-1 zone multiple times last night? Anderson will do whatever needs to be done to win. So that whole rant is a moot point.

Third, if you go by strictly star ratings, then yes, over half those teams you listed have better players. That’s not saying we have bad players or their not as good now, but it depends on your perameters. And again, saying Anderson doesn’t make changes to our scheme during the game only shows you have no idea what you’re talking about.

Finally, you don’t know or seem to understand how RPI and getting into the tourney works. Yes, 12 losses isn’t ideal and probably would keep us out DEPENDING. Yes, DEPENDING on the circumstances. So indeed, RPI and BPI matters a great deal. We won’t have 12 losses, so you don’t have to worry about that.

I’m going to wade in here just a little, the scheme works if you think winning 57%of your conference games is good enough then the scheme is okay. My problem with the “scheme” is that our that our talent drops off so much when we start subbing in and CMA has always said he wants fresh legs late in the game and at the end of the season. My take is knock off the press because it rarely works other than taking marginal time off the shot clock, instead pick them up at half court conserve some energy and play your best players more. It just doesn’t work like it did when CNR was here because of the hand checking that his teams got away with in the 90’s. As for me winning 57% of the conference games is not enough. WPS

Fair enough point. My only comment is the 57% comment. By that logic, especially after tonight, only 1 maybe 2 teams are apparently running the right system in this league. Or, it’s just a lot of the teams are very good in this league and is a toss up who wins on a given night.

The 57% is for Mike’s career as head coach while at Arkansas in conference play only. I know I’m being selfish but I want to win more while having a coach that is a good honorable man whom I respect like I do Mike Anderson. If I had to choose between winning at any cost or seeing the program continue the way it is I’ll choose the way it is every time, I never want to see us in a situation like Louisville is in now. Changing schemes is just my opinion because I just don’t see this style of play getting us to where we want to be consistently. Thanks General for you dedication to the Razorbacks and I enjoy dribbling the ball around the court with you so to speak. WPS

[dfarris]

My final point on this team is that they just simply don’t have the quality depth on this roster to consistently play “ The Fastest Fourty Minutes in College Basketball “ which is what Coach Anderson would like to be able to play.
I’m not one calling for Coach Anderson to be fired and never have, but at some point he has to be able to recruit and sign the type of players that give us quality depth with size, speed, defenders, scorers and pure shooters in order to have any sustained success. It’s not like he hasn’t seen the blueprint, he was on the bench and recruiting trail when they got it done.
We may lose Gafford to the NBA draft, so what’s he doing to fill that void if that happens? I hope that Gafford stays for at a minimum one more year to improve his overall game and mature both physically and mentally to be more prepared for life at the next level because the NBA is not forgiving to those that aren’t truly ready to be there.
I hope this squad will finish off this season with a couple of more wins out of the final three, but they could just as easily lose all three.
Of course, it would be considered a successful season if they could reach the NCAA Tournament and win at least two games, but if their seed lands at 8-11 that task will be very difficult.

Go Hogs!

[bakedhog19741]

I’m going to wade in here just a little, the scheme works if you think winning 57%of your conference games is good enough then the scheme is okay. My problem with the “scheme” is that our that our talent drops off so much when we start subbing in and CMA has always said he wants fresh legs late in the game and at the end of the season. My take is knock off the press because it rarely works other than taking marginal time off the shot clock, instead pick them up at half court conserve some energy and play your best players more. It just doesn’t work like it did when CNR was here because of the hand checking that his teams got away with in the 90’s. As for me winning 57% of the conference games is not enough. WPS

Fair enough point. My only comment is the 57% comment. By that logic, especially after tonight, only 1 maybe 2 teams are apparently running the right system in this league. Or, it’s just a lot of the teams are very good in this league and is a toss up who wins on a given night.

The 57% is for Mike’s career as head coach while at Arkansas in conference play only. I know I’m being selfish but I want to win more while having a coach that is a good honorable man whom I respect like I do Mike Anderson. If I had to choose between winning at any cost or seeing the program continue the way it is I’ll choose the way it is every time, I never want to see us in a situation like Louisville is in now. Changing schemes is just my opinion because I just don’t see this style of play getting us to where we want to be consistently. Thanks General for you dedication to the Razorbacks and I enjoy dribbling the ball around the court with you so to speak. WPS

I had an argument on another board about AR. There was a disagreement about whether we were a basketball school or a football school (I said neither, we are a track school). But I looked up our history, we’ve had a basketball program for 97 years. In those 97 years, we’ve made the post season 34 times. That breaks down to a postseason tournament once every three years (2.85). Football we make a bowl game once every three years (2.95). We’ve had one NC in each. Now when it comes to basketball 24 of those 34 are by either Nolan or Eddie. In our history only three coaches have taken us to more than 2 postseasons. Those three are Eddie, Nolan, and Mike Anderson. Think about that for a second. We’ve had a lot of coaches, and Mike is one of three to make more than two postseasons and he also happens to be one of four active coaches to never have a losing season, but that’s not good enough for a lot of people on here. I would caution be careful what you wish for, no guarantee they will be as good or better than Mike.

[generalhog]

I’m going to wade in here just a little, the scheme works if you think winning 57%of your conference games is good enough then the scheme is okay. My problem with the “scheme” is that our that our talent drops off so much when we start subbing in and CMA has always said he wants fresh legs late in the game and at the end of the season. My take is knock off the press because it rarely works other than taking marginal time off the shot clock, instead pick them up at half court conserve some energy and play your best players more. It just doesn’t work like it did when CNR was here because of the hand checking that his teams got away with in the 90’s. As for me winning 57% of the conference games is not enough. WPS

Fair enough point. My only comment is the 57% comment. By that logic, especially after tonight, only 1 maybe 2 teams are apparently running the right system in this league. Or, it’s just a lot of the teams are very good in this league and is a toss up who wins on a given night.

The 57% is for Mike’s career as head coach while at Arkansas in conference play only. I know I’m being selfish but I want to win more while having a coach that is a good honorable man whom I respect like I do Mike Anderson. If I had to choose between winning at any cost or seeing the program continue the way it is I’ll choose the way it is every time, I never want to see us in a situation like Louisville is in now. Changing schemes is just my opinion because I just don’t see this style of play getting us to where we want to be consistently. Thanks General for you dedication to the Razorbacks and I enjoy dribbling the ball around the court with you so to speak. WPS

Fair enough.

[distanthog]

We almost got through an entire conversation without someone finding the need to get snippy. Had to know that eventually someone had to attack someone else’s opinion when they disagreed. Seems the way of the world. I don’t care for ‘that scheme’ either.

To earlier comments - agree … I can’t say ‘no one is buying it’. Overstated. I withdraw that

[hogbacker]

Fair enough point. My only comment is the 57% comment. By that logic, especially after tonight, only 1 maybe 2 teams are apparently running the right system in this league. Or, it’s just a lot of the teams are very good in this league and is a toss up who wins on a given night.

The 57% is for Mike’s career as head coach while at Arkansas in conference play only. I know I’m being selfish but I want to win more while having a coach that is a good honorable man whom I respect like I do Mike Anderson. If I had to choose between winning at any cost or seeing the program continue the way it is I’ll choose the way it is every time, I never want to see us in a situation like Louisville is in now. Changing schemes is just my opinion because I just don’t see this style of play getting us to where we want to be consistently. Thanks General for you dedication to the Razorbacks and I enjoy dribbling the ball around the court with you so to speak. WPS

I had an argument on another board about AR. There was a disagreement about whether we were a basketball school or a football school (I said neither, we are a track school). But I looked up our history, we’ve had a basketball program for 97 years. In those 97 years, we’ve made the post season 34 times. That breaks down to a postseason tournament once every three years (2.85). Football we make a bowl game once every three years (2.95). We’ve had one NC in each. Now when it comes to basketball 24 of those 34 are by either Nolan or Eddie. In our history only three coaches have taken us to more than 2 postseasons. Those three are Eddie, Nolan, and Mike Anderson. Think about that for a second. We’ve had a lot of coaches, and Mike is one of three to make more than two postseasons and he also happens to be one of four active coaches to never have a losing season, but that’s not good enough for a lot of people on here. I would caution be careful what you wish for, no guarantee they will be as good or better than Mike.

Baked my question is, as a fan base are we satisfied with the results that have been achieved since CMA has been the head coach? Just to be sure all understands the question is not about the character of CMA or are we better now than when he arrived here nor is it about how much better the recruiting has been or how many times we got to Dance or how many fans are in the stands, it’s are we satisfied with where we are as a program? Kentucky is the only dominant basketball program in the Sec along with Florida while Billy Donovan was there yet we are in the middle of the pack and here we are in late February just inside and could play our way out if not careful, not that I expect that to happen.I think we should expect more than to be in this position seven years in to CMA tenure. There’s no doubt we could do worse history has proven you right but history has also shown we can do better as when we hired CNR and CMA. I’m not calling for CMA job never have, but sixteen years of playing this scheme of ball has produced a 57% conference average. The question remains are we satisfied? WPS

[bakedhog19741]

The 57% is for Mike’s career as head coach while at Arkansas in conference play only. I know I’m being selfish but I want to win more while having a coach that is a good honorable man whom I respect like I do Mike Anderson. If I had to choose between winning at any cost or seeing the program continue the way it is I’ll choose the way it is every time, I never want to see us in a situation like Louisville is in now. Changing schemes is just my opinion because I just don’t see this style of play getting us to where we want to be consistently. Thanks General for you dedication to the Razorbacks and I enjoy dribbling the ball around the court with you so to speak. WPS

I had an argument on another board about AR. There was a disagreement about whether we were a basketball school or a football school (I said neither, we are a track school). But I looked up our history, we’ve had a basketball program for 97 years. In those 97 years, we’ve made the post season 34 times. That breaks down to a postseason tournament once every three years (2.85). Football we make a bowl game once every three years (2.95). We’ve had one NC in each. Now when it comes to basketball 24 of those 34 are by either Nolan or Eddie. In our history only three coaches have taken us to more than 2 postseasons. Those three are Eddie, Nolan, and Mike Anderson. Think about that for a second. We’ve had a lot of coaches, and Mike is one of three to make more than two postseasons and he also happens to be one of four active coaches to never have a losing season, but that’s not good enough for a lot of people on here. I would caution be careful what you wish for, no guarantee they will be as good or better than Mike.

Baked my question is, as a fan base are we satisfied with the results that have been achieved since CMA has been the head coach? Just to be sure all understands the question is not about the character of CMA or are we better now than when he arrived here nor is it about how much better the recruiting has been or how many times we got to Dance or how many fans are in the stands, it’s are we satisfied with where we are as a program? Kentucky is the only dominant basketball program in the Sec along with Florida while Billy Donovan was there yet we are in the middle of the pack and here we are in late February just inside and could play our way out if not careful, not that I expect that to happen.I think we should expect more than to be in this position seven years in to CMA tenure. There’s no doubt we could do worse history has proven you right but history has also shown we can do better as when we hired CNR and CMA. I’m not calling for CMA job never have, but sixteen years of playing this scheme of ball has produced a 57% conference average. The question remains are we satisfied? WPS

The answer is yes, here is why:

On the old Scout board when Mike was hired I cautioned about the time it would take and how fast the fans would turn, the expectations were too high and people didn’t realize how long it would take to rebuild. I was told three things, 1. CMA is a Top 5 all time coach. 2. Look at how he rebuilt both UAB and Missouri 3. Mike, not Nolan was the reason we won the NC.

I said none of that was true. Everyone on here, even those that like Mike understands he is not a Top 5 all time coach. Look at the 15 years prior to CMA at each of his stops. We were the worst of his three stops, even though Swine, Dudley and a few others want to argue about Missery and AR. In the 23 years prior to Mike Anderson at Missouri the Tigers went to 19 post seasons and two Elite Eights. In the 10 years prior they went to 9 postseasons and an Elite Eight. In the 10 years prior to him getting here we went to three postseasons. And regardless of what people want to believe Nolan, not Mike was the reason we won the NC.

Also, I was told at that time by many now complaining that they just wanted to go back to the dance every year. If we go this year he will have 4 postseasons in the past five years. We have to get their consistently before taking the next step. Now, both Eddie and Nolan got lucky, as has been pointed out. Eddie lucked into the Triplets, and Nolan got MayDay. Mike hasn’t had that type of class yet. BUT starting with Gafford we have from 2017-2021 with those types of players coming in. Not all are coming in on the same year, but that type of talent is in those classes. So, he got us to the first step, if you wait another two/three years he will take the next step and maybe get us to the pinnacle again. I know people don’t like that but it is what needs to occur.

Oh by the way, I also looked up Duke. Duke avgd every three years as well (2.68) so they aren’t that far ahead of us, but I’d bet if you took out Coach K, Duke would be quite a bit worse. Getting lucky and getting two HOF coaches and incredible talent may have spoiled us. It doesn’t happen as much as some think.

[hogbacker]

I had an argument on another board about AR. There was a disagreement about whether we were a basketball school or a football school (I said neither, we are a track school). But I looked up our history, we’ve had a basketball program for 97 years. In those 97 years, we’ve made the post season 34 times. That breaks down to a postseason tournament once every three years (2.85). Football we make a bowl game once every three years (2.95). We’ve had one NC in each. Now when it comes to basketball 24 of those 34 are by either Nolan or Eddie. In our history only three coaches have taken us to more than 2 postseasons. Those three are Eddie, Nolan, and Mike Anderson. Think about that for a second. We’ve had a lot of coaches, and Mike is one of three to make more than two postseasons and he also happens to be one of four active coaches to never have a losing season, but that’s not good enough for a lot of people on here. I would caution be careful what you wish for, no guarantee they will be as good or better than Mike.

Baked my question is, as a fan base are we satisfied with the results that have been achieved since CMA has been the head coach? Just to be sure all understands the question is not about the character of CMA or are we better now than when he arrived here nor is it about how much better the recruiting has been or how many times we got to Dance or how many fans are in the stands, it’s are we satisfied with where we are as a program? Kentucky is the only dominant basketball program in the Sec along with Florida while Billy Donovan was there yet we are in the middle of the pack and here we are in late February just inside and could play our way out if not careful, not that I expect that to happen.I think we should expect more than to be in this position seven years in to CMA tenure. There’s no doubt we could do worse history has proven you right but history has also shown we can do better as when we hired CNR and CMA. I’m not calling for CMA job never have, but sixteen years of playing this scheme of ball has produced a 57% conference average. The question remains are we satisfied? WPS

The answer is yes, here is why:

On the old Scout board when Mike was hired I cautioned about the time it would take and how fast the fans would turn, the expectations were too high and people didn’t realize how long it would take to rebuild. I was told three things, 1. CMA is a Top 5 all time coach. 2. Look at how he rebuilt both UAB and Missouri 3. Mike, not Nolan was the reason we won the NC.

I said none of that was true. Everyone on here, even those that like Mike understands he is not a Top 5 all time coach. Look at the 15 years prior to CMA at each of his stops. We were the worst of his three stops, even though Swine, Dudley and a few others want to argue about Missery and AR. In the 23 years prior to Mike Anderson at Missouri the Tigers went to 19 post seasons and two Elite Eights. In the 10 years prior they went to 9 postseasons and an Elite Eight. In the 10 years prior to him getting here we went to three postseasons. And regardless of what people want to believe Nolan, not Mike was the reason we won the NC.

Also, I was told at that time by many now complaining that they just wanted to go back to the dance every year. If we go this year he will have 4 postseasons in the past five years. We have to get their consistently before taking the next step. Now, both Eddie and Nolan got lucky, as has been pointed out. Eddie lucked into the Triplets, and Nolan got MayDay. Mike hasn’t had that type of class yet. BUT starting with Gafford we have from 2017-2021 with those types of players coming in. Not all are coming in on the same year, but that type of talent is in those classes. So, he got us to the first step, if you wait another two/three years he will take the next step and maybe get us to the pinnacle again. I know people don’t like that but it is what needs to occur.

Oh by the way, I also looked up Duke. Duke avgd every three years as well (2.68) so they aren’t that far ahead of us, but I’d bet if you took out Coach K, Duke would be quite a bit worse. Getting lucky and getting two HOF coaches and incredible talent may have spoiled us. It doesn’t happen as much as some think.

Oh how I hope your right ! I think he can become a great coach, but not with the scheme he chooses to play at this time, due to no hand checking,TV time outs and reviews of critical plays plus drop off of our talent when subbing for starters. He will eventually get more talent but he can’t change any of the other reasons listed which all but guarantee you will not wear down the opposing team enough. I continue to believe the current style will keep us in the middle of the pack in the Sec no better no worse. Hopefully by the time Mike has finished his tenth season I’ll be the one eating crow and not you. We have a difference of opinion nothing more,no matter who’s right we both want the same thing and that’s for our Razorbacks to be competitive nationally and one of great integrity and where halfway there already. Go Hogs, WPS

[bakedhog19741]

Baked my question is, as a fan base are we satisfied with the results that have been achieved since CMA has been the head coach? Just to be sure all understands the question is not about the character of CMA or are we better now than when he arrived here nor is it about how much better the recruiting has been or how many times we got to Dance or how many fans are in the stands, it’s are we satisfied with where we are as a program? Kentucky is the only dominant basketball program in the Sec along with Florida while Billy Donovan was there yet we are in the middle of the pack and here we are in late February just inside and could play our way out if not careful, not that I expect that to happen.I think we should expect more than to be in this position seven years in to CMA tenure. There’s no doubt we could do worse history has proven you right but history has also shown we can do better as when we hired CNR and CMA. I’m not calling for CMA job never have, but sixteen years of playing this scheme of ball has produced a 57% conference average. The question remains are we satisfied? WPS

The answer is yes, here is why:

On the old Scout board when Mike was hired I cautioned about the time it would take and how fast the fans would turn, the expectations were too high and people didn’t realize how long it would take to rebuild. I was told three things, 1. CMA is a Top 5 all time coach. 2. Look at how he rebuilt both UAB and Missouri 3. Mike, not Nolan was the reason we won the NC.

I said none of that was true. Everyone on here, even those that like Mike understands he is not a Top 5 all time coach. Look at the 15 years prior to CMA at each of his stops. We were the worst of his three stops, even though Swine, Dudley and a few others want to argue about Missery and AR. In the 23 years prior to Mike Anderson at Missouri the Tigers went to 19 post seasons and two Elite Eights. In the 10 years prior they went to 9 postseasons and an Elite Eight. In the 10 years prior to him getting here we went to three postseasons. And regardless of what people want to believe Nolan, not Mike was the reason we won the NC.

Also, I was told at that time by many now complaining that they just wanted to go back to the dance every year. If we go this year he will have 4 postseasons in the past five years. We have to get their consistently before taking the next step. Now, both Eddie and Nolan got lucky, as has been pointed out. Eddie lucked into the Triplets, and Nolan got MayDay. Mike hasn’t had that type of class yet. BUT starting with Gafford we have from 2017-2021 with those types of players coming in. Not all are coming in on the same year, but that type of talent is in those classes. So, he got us to the first step, if you wait another two/three years he will take the next step and maybe get us to the pinnacle again. I know people don’t like that but it is what needs to occur.

Oh by the way, I also looked up Duke. Duke avgd every three years as well (2.68) so they aren’t that far ahead of us, but I’d bet if you took out Coach K, Duke would be quite a bit worse. Getting lucky and getting two HOF coaches and incredible talent may have spoiled us. It doesn’t happen as much as some think.

Oh how I hope your right ! I think he can become a great coach, but not with the scheme he chooses to play at this time, due to no hand checking,TV time outs and reviews of critical plays plus drop off of our talent when subbing for starters. He will eventually get more talent but he can’t change any of the other reasons listed which all but guarantee you will not wear down the opposing team enough. I continue to believe the current style will keep us in the middle of the pack in the Sec no better no worse. Hopefully by the time Mike has finished his tenth season I’ll be the one eating crow and not you. We have a difference of opinion nothing more,no matter who’s right we both want the same thing and that’s for our Razorbacks to be competitive nationally and one of great integrity and where halfway there already. Go Hogs, WPS

I believe the issue is with the lack of talent on the “2nd wave.” I do believe that’ll be addressed next year. Something I’ve mentioned on here before. We have two guys Macon and Barford who can create for themselves or others. We have another Beard who has good nights and bad nights. Then you have a freshmen stud in Barford, but the other bigs aren’t that good. Gabe has a lot of potential, but he needs more time to get better, at this time next year he will be a key contributor. Then we have Hall, KY is the first time in a month I’ve thought he played poorly. Other than that, I’m disappointed with the other guys. Next year however, you could have as many as 6 guys that can do that Harris, Embery, Sills, Joe, Phillips, and possibly Garland. You also have an upgrade in the paint with Chaney, Henderson, Phillips, Gabe. Plus you will also have Jones and Hall. In my opinion Hall was our best defender this year, he won’t be next year, but he will be improved. The team next year in my opinion will be rolling about this time, longer, more athletic, better defenders, and better scorers. Then some of these guys will still be here in 20/21, Doakes, Moore, Moody, Peaster ain’t chumps. They’re more inline with the Triplets/MayDay. Now, I was hoping this year we’d get to the Sweet 16, honestly I think it depends where we land in the Bracket, but I don’t think we will get a good draw. Next year reminds me of 92-93.

Having said that, I do believe if CMA is getting us one and done in 20-21 then we need to evaluate the program and direction of it. However, if he’s getting us in the conversation every year (think 90-96 we were mentioned as NC contenders every year) I think we will be good.

[rknsaw]

Just saw your response to my earlier post General. What is it with you? Does this board belong to you? I don’t think so. Other people have opinions too. If you don’t like it, why don’t you just keep your mouth shut instead of constantly insulting people you don’t agree with.

[generalhog]

Just saw your response to my earlier post General. What is it with you? Does this board belong to you? I don’t think so. Other people have opinions too. If you don’t like it, why don’t you just keep your mouth shut instead of constantly insulting people you don’t agree with.

This is a public forum and any opinion, including mine, is up for scrutiny. Lots of people post a lot of opinions and I say nothing. But if I think someone is totally wrong on any particular subject I’ll say something. And the only person I’ve insulted was reddiehog, and I’m sure even he’ll tell you that this has been going on for years between the two of us. Add on oinker, aka “oinkbait” to that list too. But I still like reddiehog, we’ll just rarely agree if ever on basketball.

[reddiehog]

General, you have not insulted me. You do agitate me at times. Earlier I was not quoting Georgia fans, it was Bama and Auburn fans. Throw in some tar heels also. I have not liked MA as a coach since he was hired. I have met him and talked with him in length at the Peach Jam on a couple of occasions and he is a nice guy. I just don’t like the street ball that he coaches. I also feel he needs to upgrade his coaching staff.