Hahaha okay.I am plugging my 1977 football teams success that year too and still bummed that this years  Grid Iron Dukes team didn't make FCS . 1969 hoops team was the best I saw and at the time I was in 8th grade wearing Gary Nelsons number! Find memories of going to a packed Civic Arena with my Dad

duq81 wrote:

rittersdiner wrote:

I felt 7 to 10 wins was about right for this season, I'm leaning more toward the lower number now after the loss to Cornell.

Dambrot seems to be a smart guy so that's a positive.

Playing with so few scholarship players is a losing proposition. That's why they played so poorly at the end of some games, fatigue. That will only get worse.

Not sure attendance will ever be good again. They have lost for so long, they have become irrelevant on campus.

Finally, even when they add players next season, it will probably take another year for the parts to jel.
 

The crowds will come if they win, but you have to understand that win means win big. Ron's winning was great for us die hards, but made little impression on the average Pittsburgh sports fan. Win has to mean top 2-3 in the A10, NCAA bids, and maybe scraping the bottom of the Top 25. That is what will fill Palumbo, and have us playing 2-4 big games a year at the Arena.
That said, keep in mind that next year's team is basically already here, and being coached by KD every day. Some here are hyping Swingle, and the other bigs coming in, but these are not stud players, and they will need to be developed before they can contribute much more than playing a supporting role. The guys sitting out are men, and will be the key to the next two years, along with the returning players from this year's squad. KD is coaching them in the system he wants to play, and they will hit the ground much more ready to play than if he was bringing in a bunch of freshmen, and JC guys. No knock on Swingle, and the other frosh bigs, but they're going to make their impact as juniors, and seniors. Next year, they eat up space, and fouls, and maybe rebound, which might be enough.

I believe you are correct.  One thing to know is that KD teams usually shoot well and have numerous guys who can hit the 3....even big guys.  From the box scores....it appears that this is not a good shooting team.  What worries me is that shooting comes naturally and should not be affected by the coaching change...and the competition to date has not been that difficult.  You may get better and more open shots with a good system, but you still must make the shot.  If the shooting does not improve then the incoming guys next year will have a chance to contribute right away.  Jake Kretzer and Reggie McAdams both contributed in a big way as true freshman at Akron because they worked hard and were very good shooters...especially from outside (both were wings, Kretzer is now on your coaching staff).  Don't be surprised to see freshman given big opportunities next year if the current guys don't step up.  They have an incredible opportunity...low expectations and lots of playing time.

Last edited by Dsnyder15 (12/04/2017 10:31 am)