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Topper wrote:We don't have a true point guard or a true big in the starting lineup. No one on this team will replace Nic but someone needs to step up and become the emotional leader. I love Shake but I think he may be too cool of a character to be that guy. Maybe one of the upperclassmen can take that role. As far as the big man issue: I see Froling developing into a special player very quickly. Maybe in the starting lineup before long. With a little seasoning he is going to fill an important role in the middle. Overall I think that this team will grow up a lot in the next month.

I think so, too. The freshmen are coming along - but Harry will be the one that makes the difference.

Count me as one who is disappointed with how this season has gone but I am not surprised. We had the two time Conference POY (and floor general, inspirational leader etc.) graduate last year and now everyone is looking around at who will lead this team. The fact that it does not appear that we have established leaders is what has me concerned. These guys could always look over their shoulder at Nic and know that they had a guy that could handle the ball, hit free throws, make the big shot and single handedly turn a game around with a three a defensive stop and another three. It happened too many times to count and the rest of the guys fed off of it. Couple that with a new Coach and this team has a lot to get used to. I am going to reserve judgement to see if someone can step up in the next stretch of home games before conference play. Conference is key at this point so let's see if the guys can find their way in time.

It's a confidence thing and style of play thing. I think our confidence took a huge hit against Michigan. We need a good win at Moody in front of a strong crowd to get back on track. And Jank needs to push the pace. Even without a true fast PG, I personally think we have the athletes to get out and run. And, of course, no Nic. He pretty much single handedly carried this team during our 3 year rise. Of course, without him and LB, we'd take a step back a little bit. The Boise loss is the one that blows my mind. Hope Sterling and Ben (especially Sterling) can step up. Shake has been very disappointing so far. Young man needs to step up now for sure.

This all goes directly to what LB brought ti the table. We know the negatives.

But he put fans in the seats and kids chose (or at least considered) SMU over more established basketball programs.

Funny thing is that our recruiting was only marginally better than it is today and we still had fans griping about attendance and golf clapping blue hairs then too.

We are who we are. We just need to pull out all the (legal) stops to be the best we can be.

CoxMustangFan wrote:I just came from the game and I couldn't believe it. A complete 180 from where this program was at the UConn game when we opened Moody. This team plays like a team being coached by an assistant coach. Zero leadership or energy. The crowd was embarrassing both in terms of size and energy. There was zero game day programming outside of some stupid sponsor gimmicks.

SMU has found a way to ruin one of the best up and coming programs in college basketball.

Well done!

I completely agree with you. I understand that this team is different and we aren't playing the most exciting non conference opponents, but at least make Moody fun. You're right, it's one sponsored oil change give away after another. Not sure what student is going to be excited about that when their parents probably already pay for their oil changes.

My husband talked to a few folks over on campus and I hear that all of the people they hired in 2013 for game day programming aren't even there anymore! I guess that can explain some of the differences. The entrance video (I know I have said this before) Is awful! My kids are literally covering up their ears when it plays. On Sunday we intentionally arrived late so we wouldn't have to hear it. We also used to look forward to the name that tune video every game but now we can't even understand it. The music is dull and the atmosphere is awful. I just want my kids to have a fun time and not want to be on their phones all game. At this point staring at a phone is more exciting I guess, and I don't blame them. Get it together SMU.

PonyUpPaula wrote:

CoxMustangFan wrote:I just came from the game and I couldn't believe it. A complete 180 from where this program was at the UConn game when we opened Moody. This team plays like a team being coached by an assistant coach. Zero leadership or energy. The crowd was embarrassing both in terms of size and energy. There was zero game day programming outside of some stupid sponsor gimmicks.

SMU has found a way to ruin one of the best up and coming programs in college basketball.

Well done!

I completely agree with you. I understand that this team is different and we aren't playing the most exciting non conference opponents, but at least make Moody fun. You're right, it's one sponsored oil change give away after another. Not sure what student is going to be excited about that when their parents probably already pay for their oil changes.

My husband talked to a few folks over on campus and I hear that all of the people they hired in 2013 for game day programming aren't even there anymore! I guess that can explain some of the differences. The entrance video (I know I have said this before) Is awful! My kids are literally covering up their ears when it plays. On Sunday we intentionally arrived late so we wouldn't have to hear it. We also used to look forward to the name that tune video every game but now we can't even understand it. The music is dull and the atmosphere is awful. I just want my kids to have a fun time and not want to be on their phones all game. At this point staring at a phone is more exciting I guess, and I don't blame them. Get it together SMU.

I don't know if you're referring to the starting line-up video or the run out of the tunnel video. I personally don't mind the run out of the tunnel video, but the pre-starting lineup video does not seem to get anyone pumped up. It's not really pump up music and it's all old highlights from last year.. can we not make a new one.

Although I think it will be better with a big crowd, the Intro video is a bit odd. It reminds me of a alien invasion movie trailer or something. No music, just strange noises. Just when you think it's going to kick into high gear it ends. Very bizarre

The video itself is fine. The "music" or noise, really, is just kinda weird.

Hmmm, let's see. Walking across the new bridge in shiny duds or spinning a ball on index finger. The sense of anticipation and stirring of emotions either way is hard to describe.

The first year was awesome and in true fashion, we coughed it up and haven't come close since.

Pop down a couple of Don Julio Reposados and about 4 beers you'll be looking for the music download on Amazon

Pony ^ wrote:Although I think it will be better with a big crowd, the Intro video is a bit odd. It reminds me of a alien invasion movie trailer or something. No music, just strange noises. Just when you think it's going to kick into high gear it ends. Very bizarre

Was strange the first time and every time it just seems more strange.

I'm so sorry your kid isn't entertained. I feel like we have all failed you. Please accept a full refund.

Lol Yo Homer

If Gu wasn't shooting 26% from the floor and was better than 3-24 from 3. THREE OF FING TWENTY FOUR, we'd be looking a lot better.

That said, I've never been a fan of Janks. Hope he turns it around, but so far it's a lot of bleh. Our movement without the ball on offense is just sad and non existent more often than not. They better get better fast.

Topper wrote:I see Froling developing into a special player very quickly. Maybe in the starting lineup before long.

Who would he be starting in front of?