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on Doherty's efforts so far? Based on his first class of recruits and coaching, is it looking like he's (a) ahead of the curve (b) behind the curve or (c) right on schedule in terms of making us a winner in the next few years?

Do you envision that with the addition of next year's class of freshmen and potential JUCOs that we will be on the verge of turning the corner?

EDIT: I realize I am asking for speculation with very little in the way of assumed facts. I am just new again to SMU bball and I would like a little insight from others who know more than I do about the progress of the team since Doherty. The Doherty hire got me interested again, but I do not really know the level we were at before he got here as compared to now or what the expectations are from here based on his 1st class and verbal commitments for next year. Thank you.

The only thing I can say so far is that we will be lucky to win a CUSA game this year. It is very possible the BB team and FB team will have the same number of conference wins. But as I said in another thread, I do believe they look better overall than last year.

I think we will be competitive in Conf USA. Beyond that I do not know. Some big holes to fill. Four of our freshman, Harp, Dia,Walker and Malone show promise. A work in progress.

mrydel wrote:The only thing I can say so far is that we will be lucky to win a CUSA game this year. It is very possible the BB team and FB team will have the same number of conference wins. But as I said in another thread, I do believe they look better overall than last year.

That's a bit pessimistic. I would think we could beat Rice, Marshall, ECU, USM. Hopefully we can hang with Tulsa, UH, UAB, UCF, UTEP. I doubt we'll come close to Memphis, but I thought the same thing last year and we nearly won. I wouldn't count these guys out. They are definitely getting better.

if he stays with us, we can be good in 2 years

he is behind the curve

It's a build for the future. The freshman will be solid players, and I'm beginning to like next years class more & more. I see that Doh and staff are on the trail, pretty much everywhere, so thats encouraging.

We need a true PG, that handles the ball, knocks down FTs, and controls tempo w/o turning it over. Walker was a nice addition, and Dubois is an effective combo, but we need another true PG. Haynes, Otis & Dubois should help. Hopefully, we can get Nyakundi on the same page as Doh.

The program is filling back up w/talent, its just gonna take a few years. 10-12 wins this year. Maybe 17 or so next year, and then 20's the year after?

Frustrating, but right on track.
We all (and perhaps Coach D) hoped it would go faster, but when the infusion of talent is all freshmen and makes up two-thirds of the roster or more, this win-some lose-some result is to be expected.

At this point we can't ask for much more other than for the team to consistently improve. That appears to be happening.

I have alot of confidence in Doh & I really feel we are lucky to have him.

He inherited a depleted talent pool. It is going to take a few years but I think he will get the job done.

My only negative as I have previoulsy stated is the scheduling.
A big time schedule will help attract recruits & draw more fans to the game

Moody is a great atmosphere.

BRStang wrote:EDIT: I realize I am asking for speculation with very little in the way of assumed facts.

What, exactly, is an "assumed fact?"

what is the stated goal? On track for what?

1) Being competitive in CUSA and not having embarrassing non-conference losses?
2) Getting invited to the NIT within 5 years?
3) Getting invited or qualifying for the Big Dance within 5 years?

Gotta agree on a benchmark first and think in terms of that. Being an 18-20 win program is something Dement did pretty well. Is that success for us?

The PonyGrad wrote:

BRStang wrote:EDIT: I realize I am asking for speculation with very little in the way of assumed facts.

What, exactly, is an "assumed fact?"

Assumptions like (1) Doherty will continue to get the types of recruits he brought in during his first year; and (2) Doherty will continue his marketing efforts, etc...

Hoop Fan wrote: what is the stated goal? On track for what?

1) Being competitive in CUSA and not having embarrassing non-conference losses?
2) Getting invited to the NIT within 5 years?
3) Getting invited or qualifying for the Big Dance within 5 years?

Gotta agree on a benchmark first and think in terms of that. Being an 18-20 win program is something Dement did pretty well. Is that success for us?

I think the stated goal is top 25 or Big Dance opportunities, right? I don't think anyone is comfortable with only just being competitive. I certainly didn't get interested again in Doherty and SMU bball only to wait for finishing 5th in C-USA by 2012.

Thanks to all for your comments and insight.

couch 'em wrote:At this point we can ask for much more other than for the team to consistently improve. That appears to be happening.

Agreed.

Top 25 and Big Dance hasnt happened in a long time. At this point I think NIT in 2010 should be the long term goal. We have a long way to go....but besides the bad losses this year (SC Upstate) I think we are on track. The only way to get good long term is take the lumps with the freshman early.