Ugh.........

[PonyDoh]

The last several posts are all I'm really saying. First, it's no surprise we're awful this year, so let's quit w/the outrage. Those overly pissed only seem to watch games, and don't follow the program.

Second, even if Orsini wanted to, we don't seem to have the cash to buy Doh out, he's fairly well insulated, and next years team makes it pretty easy for him to write-off this years results. Especially, when those w/the cash want him to succeed.

FWIW, I seriously doubt anyone extends Doh, but just wait till next years team has another awful OOC schedule, that they can actually mop up.

[PonyKai]

Do we have pretty good involvement from SMU basketball alums? Do they like to come back and remain involved in at least some way with the program? Jones has been pretty public about extending the olive branch to the Pony Express days, Jerry LeVias, etc. but you don't seem to read as much about basketball alums. Maybe I've missed it along the way. Alumni cultivation would certainly seem to be a strong point of Doherty's.

Certainly glad we retired Koncack's number, I'd love to see Terrell's go up as well, or at the very least publicly and gratefully acknowledge his consistent presence and involvement with the program long after he left Moody as a player.

[George S. Patton]

Those overly pissed only seem to watch games, and don't follow the program.

You're right. I've been purposely out of touch since 1987 and don't have the right to be upset/disappointed because I don't have "THE REAL INSIDE STORY'' as to why this program has been totally insignificant for about the last 17 years.

Here's what the outside story says:
The program isn't winning. Doherty has been unsuccessful. Add UALR to the number of ding dong teams Doherty has lost to. Attendance stinks. Even longtime, and I mean longtime, season ticket holders are either giving up their seats this year or will next year if another tank job is turned in.

You can sit there and tell hard core BB fans that this year is a write-off because of the reasons you described. Some my buy that. For the casual fan -- the one this program desperately needs -- they don't give a flip about that. All they know is that this program is brutal.

[PonyDoh]

Those overly pissed only seem to watch games, and don't follow the program.

You're right. I've been purposely out of touch since 1987 and don't have the right to be upset/disappointed because I don't have "THE REAL INSIDE STORY'' as to why this program has been totally insignificant for about the last 17 years.

Here's what the outside story says:
The program isn't winning. Doherty has been unsuccessful. Add UALR to the number of ding dong teams Doherty has lost to. Attendance stinks. Even longtime, and I mean longtime, season ticket holders are either giving up their seats this year or will next year if another tank job is turned in.

You can sit there and tell hard core BB fans that this year is a write-off because of the reasons you described. Some my buy that. For the casual fan -- the one this program desperately needs -- they don't give a flip about that. All they know is that this program is brutal.

I'm not arguing against any of what you're saying. They are fine talking points, but as far as any of us know, it is what it is. When anyone gets definitive word that we have buy out money, lets talk about all these things further. Until then, we have bad basketball to play. At least we have a silver lining moving forward, legit talent.

[PonySnob]

What have the Max Williams, John Koncaks et al done for the program? I am curious. Thanks

Didn't Max Williams help with the "Burgers and Cheer" fiasco?

[Hilltop]

I think a lot of good points are being made, but at the end of the day the real answer is that no one is satisfied with our current situation. As I type this, I think the most overwhelming feeling that I have is one of frustration. As PonyDoh has mentioned, we simply do not have the funds to release Doherty and make a worthy hire to replace him unless some of the alumns that currently have his back decide to make an about face.

I admit that I do not follow SMU BB like I do our football program, but I do enjoy going to the games when I get a chance and have been a casual observer. I knew this season was going to be a rough one, but I expected it to at least be competitive given our weakened OOC schedule. I know that the word around town is Doherty has bought himself another year because of the great recruiting class next year, but if SMU coughs up a season with under ten wins, I wonder if his future becomes a little bit hazier.

If he does get the full run of his contract though, and I do suspect this is likely, I just hope he doesn't ruin any of our incoming talent or break their spirits like he has with other players over the last few years.

[Bergermeister]

when does Orsini say "I have seen enough"?

just got a decent class. Not for at least another 2 yrs. This yr will be awful but next could be much more interesting.

And the beat goes on......

[PoconoPony]

I think we should drop basketball and replace with girl's softball.