The other element in championships

In most cases, there is that "other" element in championships - other than talent, coaching, etc. A few championships are won on those, but in most cases there is what we might call "luck" involved to a great extent. One team has injuries; another stays healthy. One team has off-the-court distractions; another has a quiet season in that regard. Eligibility issues. Family distractions with key players. A lot of things can derail a championship.

Sheilds among his peers

I wonder to what extent a coach's evaluation by his AD takes into consideration the opinion of his peers toward the coach. I have no idea what other coaches think about Steve Shields. Of course, they always will say nice things publicly, but what they really think of him we will never know. If they do have high regard for him, Peterson would know that, especially since basketball is the headline sport at Little Rock. He would know it, but whether or not he takes that into account, I have no idea.

"winners"

I feel sorry for sports fans who can only get enjoyment from following a winning team. On the other hand, if their pleasure is from enjoying the sport, then in the final analysis, it won't be destroyed by who wins.

"Get rid of the coach"

* In 2009-10, Carmody guided Northwestern to a school-record 20 wins. NU appeared in the NIT for the second straight season, marking the first back-to-back postseason appearances in school history. The Wildcats’ 15 home wins a year ago are a program best.

* Carmody is one of two coaches in program history to win at least 100 games at Northwestern (Arthur Lonborg - 236; 1928-50).

* In Carmody’s 10 seasons in Evanston, the Wildcats have recorded at least six Big Ten victories six times. The program totaled six or more conference wins just five times in the previous 31 years prior to his arrival.


And yet, some fans are yelling to replace him because he has never taken Northwestern to the NCAA. (By the way, no one else ever has, either.)

veteran?

There is a difference between a mature team and an experienced team. Especially at our level, where jucos play a big role, you can have a lot of upperclassmen who have little or no D1 experience.

just three things

1. Tough perimeter defense has to return.
2. Our point guard has to be consistent and dependable.
3. We have to have a post presence.

If two of the three happen, we will be pretty good. If all three happen, we should be quite good.

not a horse - BUT

"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse." Shakespeare said that King Richard III said it. Maybe he did and maybe he didn't but if you change "horse" to "point guard" or "dominant big man," it sums up my feelings about this season.

news hungry

I am really ready for some concrete news from practice. This has been a long off-season.

futile hope?

Don't you wish you REALLY knew how serious Will Neighbour was about coming to Little Rock?

Move! Move! Move!

One of my big criticisms of Shields’ offenses is that is too much like the pros – that is, players standing around watching. The point may be stationary, and the man posted up may be, but the other three need to be moving!