Now that I've recovered somewhat from that donkey punch. . .
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2015 9:39 amI'm going to use this opportunity to write a few thoughts about the game, the team, and the future. This is an important step for me in the recovery process, so please be supportive.
1. The game. Wow, just wow. No words. Tough, tough way to lose. But what is done is done. In the annuals of SMU sports, this one was very tough. . .but Mustang Nation seen worse (see 1980 Holiday Bowl, 1983 Sun Bowl, the DP, Larry Johnson's defection, 0-12 football seasons, etc. I could go on and on).
2. The team. Minus yesterday, this was a great season! It had its highs and lows, but overall the Ponies were a really fun team to watch. I love the fact that we won the conference and the conference tourney. And I love the fact that Cannen and Manuel got to experience going from just about the lowest point all the way to the NCAA tourney during their time year. Memories for them that will last a lifetime. And I think this season built upon last year. I like the progression, NIT, then NCAA, and next year lets go back and win a couple in the tourney. If we make it back, we'll have some guys who have experienced the Dance before. . .so I like the trajectory.
And big kudos to the seniors. Tough way for Yanick to go out. . .but we're not even in the tournament without him. Loved watching him develop this year. I also loved watching Cannen and Manual contribute this season. And Jean-Michael, who coached my son at basketball camp, has always been a favorite in our family.
3. The future. I'm nervous about the NCAA investigation, but it is what it is. Hopefully it doesn't result in anything too serious.
As for the new guys coming in next year (both frosh and transfer), I'm pretty excited. If I'm being honest, I'd say next season could be up and down with the new guys either adjusting the college game or adjusting to playing for SMU. But I think a big part of it will be whether Markus and/or Keith return. I'm assuming Nic will be back. If all three of those guys come back and are eligible, then I think we have a chance to be pretty good from the outset. If not, then I suspect we will struggle through non-conference a bit, but hopefully start putting it together during the conference slate and make a run at the post-season.
Finally, I really hope for better things from the rest of the AAC next year. Despite being one and done in the tourney, I think overall SMU carried its weight for the conference this year. The only non-conference loss that I really hated was IU. And kudos to Cincy, Temple, and (to a lesser extent) Tulsa, as well. But we really need to see more out of UConn and Memphis next season, in addition to SMU, Cincy, Temple, and Tulsa hopefully keeping things going. And I'd like to see UH step up and start living up to their potential (as a program) a little more.
1. The game. Wow, just wow. No words. Tough, tough way to lose. But what is done is done. In the annuals of SMU sports, this one was very tough. . .but Mustang Nation seen worse (see 1980 Holiday Bowl, 1983 Sun Bowl, the DP, Larry Johnson's defection, 0-12 football seasons, etc. I could go on and on).
2. The team. Minus yesterday, this was a great season! It had its highs and lows, but overall the Ponies were a really fun team to watch. I love the fact that we won the conference and the conference tourney. And I love the fact that Cannen and Manuel got to experience going from just about the lowest point all the way to the NCAA tourney during their time year. Memories for them that will last a lifetime. And I think this season built upon last year. I like the progression, NIT, then NCAA, and next year lets go back and win a couple in the tourney. If we make it back, we'll have some guys who have experienced the Dance before. . .so I like the trajectory.
And big kudos to the seniors. Tough way for Yanick to go out. . .but we're not even in the tournament without him. Loved watching him develop this year. I also loved watching Cannen and Manual contribute this season. And Jean-Michael, who coached my son at basketball camp, has always been a favorite in our family.
3. The future. I'm nervous about the NCAA investigation, but it is what it is. Hopefully it doesn't result in anything too serious.
As for the new guys coming in next year (both frosh and transfer), I'm pretty excited. If I'm being honest, I'd say next season could be up and down with the new guys either adjusting the college game or adjusting to playing for SMU. But I think a big part of it will be whether Markus and/or Keith return. I'm assuming Nic will be back. If all three of those guys come back and are eligible, then I think we have a chance to be pretty good from the outset. If not, then I suspect we will struggle through non-conference a bit, but hopefully start putting it together during the conference slate and make a run at the post-season.
Finally, I really hope for better things from the rest of the AAC next year. Despite being one and done in the tourney, I think overall SMU carried its weight for the conference this year. The only non-conference loss that I really hated was IU. And kudos to Cincy, Temple, and (to a lesser extent) Tulsa, as well. But we really need to see more out of UConn and Memphis next season, in addition to SMU, Cincy, Temple, and Tulsa hopefully keeping things going. And I'd like to see UH step up and start living up to their potential (as a program) a little more.