So why are some really against SMU and the CIT?

[RunningStang]

Not to add fuel to the fire, but wasn't the NIT considered the premier tournament over the NCAA in the 50s when SMU made its run to the Final Four?

[shadowman]

actually during the regular season we were 14-14 against Division 1A teams. 3 wins against NAIA, NCAA Division 3 and National Christian AA. We were way below .500 against teams that don't pass the joke test.

We do what we do...props to stallion pointing out we actually broke even against D1A teams.

And of course, in our tourney run, we have beat all D1 teams with much higher RPIs than us.

ANd Remember, both Marshall and ECU were in this tournament. Hell Marshall had an RPI worthy of the big dance, but they got bounced in the first round and we are still alive.

GO PONIIES!!!!!!!!!!

[Mustangsabu]

What our regular season record was is of no importance, we are sure to finish with a winning record against D1 teams now thanks to some great play and heart from the only people who really matter, the players.

They deserve their chance to play more.

[Mexmustang]

According to people in the know, win Friday and the final will be at Moody--now that would be special. We need to win and fill Moody on Friday.

[Used To Be]

What our regular season record was is of no importance, we are sure to finish with a winning record against D1 teams now thanks to some great play and heart from the only people who really matter, the players.

They deserve their chance to play more.

AMEN. Finally someone has thought of the players.

[Statler]

According to people in the know, win Friday and the final will be at Moody--now that would be special. We need to win and fill Moody on Friday.

Real simple:

Pro: More practice time; more experience, experience in tournament play, a little more local press.

Con: Not counting the teams from the Big East without football programs, there were 25 or so teams in the NCAA tournament that are mid-majors or less, there are additional teams in the NIT, this tournament is made up of teams with low profiles and even lower ratings. We have to pay, not play our way in, and it seems to be giving Doh and the administration a false claim of success.

Reality: Saturday's CIT scores were not even in the Houston Chronicle, nor San Antonio papers, not to mention a story on the SMU game. We're still not a top 25 program, nor even a top 50, or top 75 or ? And Doh gets an extention when in reality he didn't have a winning record against Div 1 teams.

hmmm changing our tune are we.......

[couch 'em]

Why do people keep responding to Patton's garbage? It really brings down the quality of the board.

[Mitch McConnell]

Well, the wannabe moderator strikes again. Good for you, buddy!

Get your own message board if it bothers you that much. Then maybe you and your boyfriend Samurai Stang can talk how much superior the both of you are to all of the rest of the participants.

[Mexmustang]

"hmmm changing our tune are we".......I will always support the players, just don't like using this tournament as an excuse to make a contract extension that isn't justified.

[hoopmanx]

Mexmustang, contract extension is about recruiting not the cit

[mustangxc]

An additional reason Doherty bashers should be happy about this tournament is that it has proven SMU can compete with solid mid-major teams and as a result we should schedule up to teams in the 100-150 range to replace all the D-3/NAIA/DI rpi 200+ teams on our schedule. We would probably have the same record we currently have with a much better rpi rating.

[Mexmustang]

"Mexmustang, contract extension is about recruiting not the cit". You or someone asked why the "grey hairs" (mine is brown) weren't excited by the CIT. Here's why:

With this university a contract or contract extension truely locks the school into the coach, regardless of performance. The top administration will not allow the AD to break a contract (fire a coach based on team performance), an extention or not. Doh would have been gone at the end of last year if his contract had expired. Those of us that have been frustrated with our administration's "smoke and mirrors" management of athletics for 25 years just don't want the CIT to be used as proof that the basketball program is OK--"because we have made it to post season play"--mainly because we don't agree it is OK, did we improve our play? yes, did recruiting improve? yes, but we are a long way from being OK or competitive. For instance, there is no reason, given the renewed support of althletics, admissions, and facilities, that SMU shouldn't be as good or better than Baylor or A&M, and play just as competitive a schedule regardless of conference affiliation. I believe we actually won two SWC basketball championships--after the death penalty. Basketball should have made a comeback 15-20 years ago. Given our historical domination in the Southwest, it didn't need football to recover first. Many coaches now see SMU basketball as a sleeping giant--a parade that they would like to step in front of and lead. I believe there are a number of bright capable and proven coaches, not re-treads, that would jump at the opportunity.

There is not enough evidence for me (and a number of people) to either fire Doh or give him an extention--color me wrong, but if you look at the total years on the job and his record, it has not been what we had hope for. I am extremely happy with our play in the CIT, for our fans and players, but step back a moment, are your really happy with a top 200 RPI after all these years? If Doh performs next year, wins over his players and fans, keeps his temper in check, fine keep him, reward him based on next year's performance, but I just don't want to remain locked into years of basketball mediocrity which is what a contract extention at SMU at this time could possibly mean.

Your certainly entitled to your opinion, and if you want to keep Doh on for the next five years then an extention is what you should lobby for. I just don't think it is warranted this year, that's just my opinion.

[Mustangsabu]

"hmmm changing our tune are we".......I will always support the players, just don't like using this tournament as an excuse to make a contract extension that isn't justified.

You seem to forget that we are primarily using this tournament to win it, or at least a few more games. Our kids earned it. Our school has the money to pay for it. So why on earth would we not play it. And if we're going to play it we might as well try to win it.

My impression is that Doherty's relationship with Orsini and the major players in SMU athletics is what will get him an extension. The fact that we are in the CIT may be used in the press release, but it's not why he'd get one. Those on this board (as far as I know) who believe an extension is a fair response to this season are entitled to that opinion, as are those who disagree, but saying that we shouldn't be in the CIT because it might get us Doh for a few more years is naive and moronic. Being in the CIT might get us a trophy, has already got us some wins, and has us given us more basketball. If you don't like more basketball then I would suggest you find a nice fuzzy knitting forum.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

The negativity is really getting old. Nobody is on here saying we are a top 100 RPI team or anything - but nobody can deny the basketball program is on the rise. Will it be great again? Who knows - but it's the best it has been in about 10 years - and the most exciting.

Currently, the football program is the best it has been in 25 years, the basketball program is better than it has been in ages, the soccer programs (both men and women) are both on the way up, and the new programs (equestrian, volleyball) are really starting to take shape and be very good. Tennis is good, track is good.

Sure, the water sports are in a world of hurt (because of facilities mainly), but this is the best time to be an SMU Mustangs fan in over 20 years, and you know what, I'm going to [deleted] enjoy it.

See you Friday night in Moody.

[ponyscott]

Can' we all just get along??........

Hey Dan and guys don't forget about SMU Mens golf as they just won the San Diego Invitational beating several ranked teams out of 12 teams including #4 San Diego State ( Payne Stewerts son AAron had a great closing round of 73 to make it happen) and they just placed second in the Golf NIT Tournament in Tucson, AZ beating even more ranked teams.....go to Mens golf and check it out.