Next step?

What is the formula for moving Little Rock to the next level? To know that, we have to be honest about what our level is now. In the last eight seasons we have been first or second in our division four times. I think we are to the point where we expect to be in the hunt for a division title every season and are disappointed if we are not. Next step probably is to get to where we realistically expect to be in post-season contention every season. We are not there yet. How do we get there?

First, I think longevity in quality coaching is a must. Porter Moser was a good coach. Steve Shields has been a good coach. The next couple of years will tell whether or not he can be a great one. Every program needs positive stability in order to excel – Gonzaga as a case in point. Steve needs to show he is a very good coach.

Second, we need to sell the program MUCH better than we have been. This is a no-brainer, and I absolutely cannot understand how an institution the size of UALR can do such a poor job of promoting its flagship team. Just a little big of common sense and attention would go a long way. (Surely P. T. Barnum has a great-grandson out there who can be our public relations man.)

Third, we need to upgrade our talent level. We need to redshirt incoming freshmen on a regular basis unless we have to have them in the current year. That is one easy way to upgrade your talent automatically, because a 5th year senior can reasonably be expected to be significantly better than he would have been as a true freshman. Before this year, our best season was when we had several fifth year seniors on the squad.