I didn't say that's the only reason but it plays a part. You, me not anyone else knows the full story of why. What we do know is he targeted Jenifer, Evans and Scott and He landed all three. I'm no different than the rest of you. I called the spring a failure. I simply don't feel like some of you that the program is in the doldrums. There are things to be excited about in my opinion. For example all but one contributing player returning for the coming season. The world doesn't end because Andrew Rowsey went to Marquette in part because he wants to play exclusively pg.
As far as the rainbows and unicorns comments above, nobody said that either. Things do need to change and I pointed that out a couple days ago. There is a philosophical mindset that has an effect on recruiting, but the fact remains there is reason to be believe the upcoming season can be a very good season.
And please tell me who you're going to bring in to change all this? It is what it is. I choose to see the positive. Beat the "all is lost" drum is you want I won't do that. I think the team as it stands wins the league and makes an NCAA run.
It isn't so much about Rowsey, as it is seeing another new coach in a rebuild come right in and beat us out for a player. We had everything going for us in this one, and couldn't close the deal. That's frustrating. I think Lawrence is the only player out of 22 since 2009 to be a Top 100 recruit on every service. I know the rankings aren't that meaningful, but considering only 1 of those guys has ever scored double figures here, there may be something to it. So either our style of play needs to change, or the level of recruits needs to change. The latter isn't happening first. In order to achieve freedom of movement, you have to truly have freedom of player. Our players play tenatively, rather than freely, year in and year out. The half court/low possession/2 pt shooting teams are dying. Unfortunately, we have been very firmly entrenched in that approach. Imo we either need to play at a fast pace, where we get it up the floor in 5 seconds and take all open shots regardless of the shot clock, or we need to stay at the pace we are and shoot 20 3s per game. I prefer option 1. But if Troy is the PG, we need him to start 30-35 feet out, with 3 guys around the perimeter and Ellis coming WAY out to screen. Troy is a big PG, we need him to have a full head of steam in his attack. Then he can either get fouled, kick out to a spot up shooter, or lob it to a crashing Clark. Troy is also a good passer so having him away from the hoop helps with ball movement. Guys like Guyn would always stay so close to the 3 pt line, that our "ball movement" is just predictable, station to station passing. Open things up. You're either in a corner, out on a wing to receive a pass, posting up, or setting a meaningful screen. When we keep Clark and Ellis both inside, it clogs things up, bc man or zone, there will be at least 4 big bodies within 15 feet of the hoop. It makes it so hard if you don't have consistent, high level shooters. I'm afraid that things are getting stale. Same staff, same philosophy, same results. No more making faces, screaming at refs, all that stuff. The games are about the players, not the coach. Yell and scream and teach whatever you can in practice, but the game is about the scouting report, not a step by step instructional from the coach on the sideline, teaching the kids how to play basketball. That's small-time, old-fashioned stuff.
