Are we about to experience basketball withdrawal?

[GiddyUp]

Let's hug it out -- "Ari Gold"

[PonyDoh]

dare I ask, how many wins keep Doh's job??

it wasn't in jeopardy this year. Big money has his back, and they've been shown what's on the bench ineligible, and then came the local-centric recruiting class. The fact they are playing well, just solidifies a decision that was made long ago

[PonyDoh]

so PonyDoh, is your mood today less festive than it would usually be after a Pony 'w' as a result of the Terps losing to Duke last night?

I wouldn't say that. I'm quite close to the Terp program, but i've been frustrated at it's direction for quite some time. I've known what we are and aren't for years. Every program has its ceiling, and Maryland doesn't even come close to tapping it's potential, so I wasnt particularly shocked by the outcome. I'm sorta sad that the money-men around Terp hoops can't distinguish between program & Gary Williams. They seem to have merged over the years, to the detriment of program. Nothing about 'daring to be great' in College Park these days.

Dare I ask what you think the ceiling is for SMU basketball?

Very high, far higher than football.

[RGV Pony]

[quote="RGV Pony"]so PonyDoh, is your mood today less festive than it would usually be after a Pony 'w' as a result of the Terps losing to Duke last night?

I wouldn't say that. I'm quite close to the Terp program, but i've been frustrated at it's direction for quite some time. I've known what we are and aren't for years. Every program has its ceiling, and Maryland doesn't even come close to tapping it's potential, so I wasnt particularly shocked by the outcome. I'm sorta sad that the money-men around Terp hoops can't distinguish between program & Gary Williams. They seem to have merged over the years, to the detriment of program. Nothing about 'daring to be great' in College Park these days.

Dare I ask what you think the ceiling is for SMU basketball?

Very high, far higher than football.[/quote]

While June dreams of a TCU type run, I'll bet on the top of Doh's list would be elite 8 and possibly more than that a w over the Tarholes at the AAC.

[ponyte]

Does the success thus far of this team help Doh recruiting? If this team continues to perform and makes a worthy post season tournament, would Doh start to have some of the success advantages in recruiting that gets even better players? Does this week allow Doh to contact potential players with a great deal more confidence about the future at the hilltop in BB?

We anticpate improved overall talent next year. But does this year alow us to get even better talent down the road?

[CalallenStang]

Does the success thus far of this team help Doh recruiting? If this team continues to perform and makes a worthy post season tournament, would Doh start to have some of the success advantages in recruiting that gets even better players?

Absolutely. Winning builds cred, and a winning program in a major city appeals to a lot of recruits. Honestly, it's amazing the incoming class is as good as it is given our recent losing history (amazing, but not totally surprising, given the amount of time we are now removed from Tubbs' firing).

This year will allow us to recruit at a higher level than we've been recruiting. The success to come in following years will take us to an even higher level.

Honestly, there is no reason why SMU cannot be regular tournament contender with the ability to make a Butler-like run every once in awhile.

[GiddyUp]

I think that is what is so frustrating to me. Turnaround in hoops only needs 1-3 years depending on what you have, a few nice Juco transfers and 2 decent classes. Easier than football - you just have to play the very sketchy recruiting game well. With Butler as an example, a small school in a major city CAN make it the Final Four. How likely is that in football?...pretty slim.

[PonyDoh]

Does the success thus far of this team help Doh recruiting? If this team continues to perform and makes a worthy post season tournament, would Doh start to have some of the success advantages in recruiting that gets even better players? Does this week allow Doh to contact potential players with a great deal more confidence about the future at the hilltop in BB?

We anticpate improved overall talent next year. But does this year alow us to get even better talent down the road?

I think the best way for me to tackle this question is to drive home how we had to recruit Cannen Cunningham. Basically, Brown & Doh had to sell Cannen on what amounts to an empty trophy case. The pitch was we haven't done jack since '93, even then we weren't legitimately a contender, and if you want to be a follower/number, go elsewhere. IF you want to be a local hero, a pillar of the community, and a leader, fill this case up and write your ticket.

As we win some, show progress in incremental steps, we don't have to get so radical in the pitch. It becomes more like, be part of the resurgence, you can see it, everyone can see it, join other locals, internationals, whatever. We play ball at the highest level, and we don't apologize. Doh can sell, as can Brown. Undeniably it becomes easier w/momentum at your back.

[RGV Pony]

PonyDoh, how did we land Williams as opposed to anyone else in the state? NTx, Tx-Arlington, TCU, TxState etc? Cotton's help? For that matter, how did land Cotton (same question as Williams)

[PonyDoh]

PonyDoh, how did we land Williams as opposed to anyone else in the state? NTx, Tx-Arlington, TCU, TxState etc? Cotton's help? For that matter, how did land Cotton (same question as Williams)

Cotton was high on us before he committed to Nevada. Don't know the specifics of his transfer. Brown & Cotton went after Williams. I don't think either kid considered UTA/TxState etc, knowing they could play at a higher level. NTSU wanted Williams, not sure about TCU. I'd think w/their move to the Big East, and Christian on his way out, just a ton of turmoil. They are Depaul w/o the established coach in the Big East

[BarbiePony]

Wednesday can't get here quick enough.

[Harry0569]

welcome barbie pony.

[BarbiePony]

Long time listener, first time caller!

[Mustangsabu]

Welcome Barbie Pony. I feel like the Basketball forum just did a collective head-turn at your entrance!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

I just hope it's not another cross-dresser in here.