Don't just look at individual games

[Original Frank]

I noticed below that some of us are changing positions on Dement based upon results week to week. This is a micro-consideration mistake that will both lead one to incorrect conclusions and make you insane in the process.

We must look on a macro level as even poorly coached teams with any semblence of talent will win some games. It doesn't take an 0-31 season to merit a new coach. Look on the macro level: Is the team getting better year to year? Is the team getting better as the season progresses? Does the team build momentum during the season and finish with a positive trend? Is recruiting producing better classes? Is the school energized? Is the community energized? Does the team ever win the big games, especially at home?

For the last 5 or 6 years, the answers are mostly resounding "No's"! Look at big games. SMU is about 3-25 over the last few years to Wake, Tech, Mizzou, Tenn, Hawaii, Fresno, Tulsa, TCU, etc. If not for a few not-so-big wins this year vs. TCU, Baylor, and a great road win vs. Tulsa, the stats in big games would be unbelievably hopeless. when did SMU last win with a big crowd at Moody? (I can't remember and I have seen all the big home games for 7 years.) And the lack of a trip to the NCAA's during the entire Sasser Years, the late season swoons, the first round loss in virtually every conference tournament, and the NIT disaster create a very bleak backdrop. And these results are against teams SMU is not overmatched on paper.

Now, this is not meant to be a beat-up Dement commentary, it is just meant to focus our evaluation of Dement on issues other than a win here and a win there. Win tonight, I am delighted, but it doesn't change the fact that he is a very poor coach as compared to the other coaches SMU faces week in and week out.

Know that I will be at all the games pulling for the Mustangs just as loud as I can, but I do not feel that Dement will ever pull the program up to a higher level. The teams, win or lose, are just poorly coached, they have no semblence of an organized offense (what is it we do well offensively?), and I watch the interest wane every year.

We need to start again. Just as Bennett has energized the football team even without a winning season, we need to start again with a new b-ball coach. Face it gang, what have we got to lose?

[SoCal_Pony]

Did you post this before or after Nevada started their 25-2 run??????

[Pony_Fan]

Tells it like it is - the big picture - amen brotha'!!

Mr Frank, you'll get arguements here:
1. Who?
2. Dement's contract

[ponybutt]

boy!!! You have a fan in Pony_Fan!!

[Original Frank]

1. Who? Gang, there are lots of coaches who view SMU as a diamond in the rough. Don't forget, b-ball is not like football. You need about three great players to make a great b-ball team. This compares to about 15 great players you need in football. What if SMU had gotten BHop, Horton, and Bosh or Wright last year? Hello Sweet 16! In a dymnamic market like Dallas, you are only three recruits form being a top 20 program. Many, many coaches understand that. Furthermore, there are many great up-and-comers that would love to cut their teeth on a school like SMU. Look at Tulsa. New coach every year and consistent top 20 finishes. In Tulsa! In Dallas, any real success will be viewed by a top 5 market and over 3 million persons every day. I submit, as I have for years, the local media would pounce on the opportunity to cover SMU given any semblence of success on the field.

2. Dement's contract. I don't think it's all that great of an obstacle. I doubt it would be a problem. The bigger problem is the administration's focus on the fact that mediocrity is acceptable. Can you imagine how great it would be to go to a meaningful game in March or to go on a road trip to a Tournament game in the Dance? We mustn't allow ourselves to be satisfied with mediocriy in a setting where success is only a few recruits - and good coaching - away. Look at TTech. Dare anyone compare them pre-Bobby to today? Good grief, in his first year, he turned a mediocre team into a contender with only his coaching guile (and a few jucos and foreigners). In sand-swept Lubbock Texas, no less!

Ask yourself this, what coaches in the WAC or Big XII would you prefer over Dement? That's right, almost all of them (other than the UTEP knucklehead). Again, let's start over. What have we got to lose.