SMU Beaten By Academic Risks Part III

[Stallion]

how does a [deleted] coach with a 6-24 record turn into a genius with a 14-3 record in one year. He signs the best JUCO class in the nation. UTEP's JUCOs score AT LEAST 69(probably more) out of 88 points. National Blue Chip threesome of Jason Williams(23 pts, 11 reb, 6 [deleted]. 2 steals), Omar Thomas (22 pts), Filberto Rivera (9 pts before injury forced him to leave game). Add in solid JUCOs with Chris Craig(9 pts) and Murphy with 6 pts. Not to mention the best ballhandler in the WAC who is the leading reason why UTEP has the lowest number of turnovers in the WAC. How come I was the only one to PROMINENTLY POSTED on signing day last year that UTEP would be a contender this year? How come most of you are yet again on the downward slope of our bi-annual rollercoaster ride of hope and despair for the 29th time in both FB and BB over the last 15 years. FIRE THE COACH!

<small>[ 01-29-2004, 07:36 PM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

[Hoop Fan]

Its gonna take a new leader to get any enthusiasm back from the fans and boosters, ie $$$. Whats done is done. Its also gonna take a strong personality with some leverage to negotiate some of the changes you want. I'm sure you could give us all a lesson in the truism that no one gets what they deserve, you get what you are able to negotiate. Simple as that.

[Pony_Fan]

Contrary to your belief - we are not idiots - State the obvious but what does that have to do with a SMU team completely lifeless and not competing whatsoever. They are not EVEN TRYING now - how do you explain that? If Dement stays on this program is going to be worse than football.

I like most people on this board are sick of your posts. We are NOT a 9th place team.

<small>[ 01-29-2004, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: Pony_Fan ]</small>

[angryfan04]

Stallion - is UTEP just going to be a contender or are they going to win the WAC? Which team has the most talent? That's all I need to know because coaching doesn't matter. All these coaches teach the same thing anyway - right? Whoever has the best athletes always wins no matter what system is being used. The most talented kids just learn to play defense and learn to play together by themselves - nevermind the coach. I need to know which team to put my money on.

[Charleston Pony]

While it may be true that UTEP is a much improved bball team, consider this possibility. Let's say SMU followed the practice of signing JUCO players rather than Frosh. Let's say Simpson, Castro & Isham had all come out of H.S. "academically challenged" and had gone the JUCO route. My hunch is that we would have been positively giddy about Dement's class this year and would hav predicted that trio to take us to the next level. Couple them with Seniors Low and Atkins and mix in a few high schoolers now in their 2nd yr in the program (Rack and Hopkins) and my guess is that nobody would expect us to be 26 pts worse than UTEP.

My point is: there's not a huge talent gap to blame here. This team has lost it's confidence, it's will to win, it's desire to play for this coach or perhaps worse...even to be at this school. Something's gotta give here, folks!

[EastStang]

And Rice is filled with those academic risks, right Stallion! We are starting two underclassman, one of whom was a McDonald's All-American. The JUCO argument doesn't work in this scenario, but at least you're consistent.