I know a lot of you guys are over the moon with the potential recruits Musselman might land, but when exactly is that going to happen? Besides Cylla, it’s been one giant goose egg. I thought this guy was gonna be a giant ball of energy, put us back on the map of basketball greatness. So far, all I’ve seen is Scotty Thurman not being retained, one signee, and absolutely zero hoopla or communication with the public on anything. I’m a Hog through and through, but Coach A got fired for this? I hope to be impressed, but so far I’m just meh. Where is that winning personality that Musselman displayed on YouTube? I, for one, have seen none of it since he’s been here. Still waiting…
Mercy.
You’re a pretty hard grader, don’t you think?
Save your mercy, Navy. If you’re gonna fire calm, cool Mike Anderson for this whirling dervish of energy, when do us plebes get to see said energy? I’ve seen exactly zero of Musselman’s magic so far, and I’m not a hater. No local interviews, no nothing for the fans of this state and program. None of us know him at all, but I guess that’s ok with you. It’s not with me.
I’ve seen interviews with Muss and I don’t even live in the state, so I don’t know why you haven’t, other than your not wanting to see them.
That is so not true, Swine. Look, I want Musselman to succeed, but I do not believe he has made much effort to embrace his new home and fans. Just a little too clinical for me, and I’ve got skin in the game of this program. If you are gonna take over for Mike Anderson and demote Scotty Thurman, at least get out there and glad hand the fans and sell what you are planning to do. That is my only point. Rake me over the coals if you want, but if we are getting rid of all the people who took this program to The Mountain, shouldn’t we expect the new Head Hog to be much more engaging to the masses than what he has shown so far? My opinion only. Don’t shoot the messenger.
We got rid of the guy that “took us to the mountain” in 2002. Haven’t been close since. There were others along for the ride but the man left then.
Sounds like a “rush to judgement” just ahead of three transfers announcing their decisions in the next few days. Since this year’s high school recruiting was pretty much done when he was hired, the “proof in the pudding” for high school recruiting will not happen until the next class. Since he has higher ranked recruits than Anderson ever had talking positive about Arkansas, that looks like it might be an upgrade. If all of that falls flat, THEN, you will have something to hate with. Right now, you are really reaching.
Generic name. Not many posts before. Suddenly, attacking a new coach with little justification. Are you sure you aren’t the second coming of Elmo?
Nothing personal, but it’s clear that you aren’t connected with many college basketball outlets on social media or you aren’t paying attention.
Since he’s been hired, he’s done countless interviews. He’s done two statewide radio spots in the last two weeks, one that was over 20 minutes long. Arkansas basketball social media accounts have put out more content in a period of time than ever. And, Muss has offered more players in a period of time than ever.
So, the energy and activity is there.
The results are fair to question at this point, but there is still a lot of time to get them.
And on this, I have skin in the game as well. I want him focused on getting players and a staff first and foremost. Come hug me after that.
Wow. It’s April. He’s been on the job a month. I bet you’re already counting down the days until his first loss.
Personally I love love his energy and passion. I’m impressed with the increasingly relevant social media presence, and I’m impressed with the recruits he has contacted. Pretty solid first month on the job IMHO. And my feelings aren’t hurt because he’s not out ‘glad handing’. Plenty of time for that later. At least give the man a chance to unpack his moving boxes before you start bashing.
Yep.
[quote=“Jeremy”]
That is so not true, Swine. Look, I want Musselman to succeed, but I do not believe he has made much effort to embrace his new home and fans. Just a little too clinical for me, and I’ve got skin in the game of this program. If you are gonna take over for Mike Anderson and demote Scotty Thurman, at least get out there and glad hand the fans and sell what you are planning to do. That is my only point. Rake me over the coals if you want, but if we are getting rid of all the people who took this program to The Mountain, shouldn’t we expect the new Head Hog to be much more engaging to the masses than what he has shown so far? My opinion only. Don’t shoot the messenger.
[/quote]I’ve got skin too, don’t know if it is the game, since I am not sure what was really meant by this–season ticket holder, donor, fan, or whatever. However, the lack of patience and possibly the lack of appreciation for the what has been done and what has to be done are observations that I might make regarding this poster. The roster evaluation, realignment and retention of players, some of which may not have been sure things, seem to have been important tasks that Coach would make a high priority, in addition to recruiting.
The fact that some of the graduate transfers have selected higher profile programs is as much on Mike as it is the present staff, as he had the opportunity to help get us back in the game profile-wise. Like most Hog fans, Thurman is a hero, but not sure that his experience or fit really justify me being upset with him not being offered a bench position.
[quote=“KeithGuthrie”]
Huh? This is what I’m afraid is going to be the theme for the next year or so. Blame the former coach for anything that could and will go wrong. And so it begins…
I was prob the biggest Mike “supporter” of all.
I don’t get the complaining already. People were freaking out because it was “too late” in the process for Mike to get anyone. Now that Muss has signed one grad transfer and is on several others and will more than likely get a commit from CV this week it makes no sense.
Every interview he’s done not only has he praised Arkansas as a fantastic job but he’s also given MA huge credit for building this roster and his teams playing hard. Muss is saying and doing all of the right things. Next years recruiting class will be the one to judge him on. He’s in a new territory, getting pub on a National level and absolutely killing it IMO.
It’s ok to like Mike and Muss.
[quote=“Swinesong51”]
Are you surprised by that? That is the playbook for at least next year.
But that is common. Fans get to dislike a coach and when he is fired, the new coach is all gold and can’t do no wrong. And every loss and mishap is placed on the previous coach. And every win on how he improved the players that the old coach recruited.
That lasts until the new coach starts losing a few years in a row, we just went through this cycle with Bielema. Fans even praised Jeff Long for getting a three time Rose Bowl winner to come to Arkansas
As you know I am not all sold on the impact of social media in landing recruits. The question is whether it is a long relationship or use of social media that lands big time recruits at a school like Arkansas. I do agree that it is a “feel good” for the fans, as evidenced by posters on this board.
If we land Walker and Burnett, I think it is about the long relationship Muss had built with them and not social media.
I would love to survey the kids we sign and find out what it is that attracted them to sign with us.
Since Muss is a heavy user of social media, I do look forward to learning more of the impact if social media on actually landing players.
Now don’t take me as someone who does not believe in social media. I do believe in it’s impact on sales of products and manipulating public opinion. I am only unsure about its effect on landing big time recruits who have choices,
The debate over “social media vs. long relationship” reminds me a lot of the debate over “nurture vs. nature.” I don’t think it’s either or; I think it’s both.
Sorry for my negativity last night. I was just frustrated after hearing Khadim Sy was going to Ole Miss and discovering that, all of a sudden, my alma mater can’t sign a linebacker. I probably took it too far. Just ready for some good news. As far as my name being generic, that was a low blow. 
It’s all good.
We’ve all been there.