Incarnate Word beats Nebraska

[ballz2thewall]

I have several suggestions.

Start playing a style that better utilizes skill instead of tempo to manage the game.  Stop taking bad shots early just to push tempo.  Stop living by pressure, use it strategically.  Stop recruiting primarily athletes with limited BB SKILL, because you aren't a great developer.  Rework your motion offense to work inside out instead of settling for threes and jump shots so much.  Focus on reliable half court D more, particularly against good guards.  Get some recruiters as assistants, since you seem to be poor at it yourself.  Show some fire and intensity on the sideline.  I can't even tell your in a fight, much less with a bear.

Need anymore before you tell me I just don't understand basketball?

shoat sums up pretty much what everyone on this board is thinking.  most posters that articulate their observations are saying the same thing, albeit variously stated.  as shoat says, it boils down to work what you got and make them sword fight.  when a man goes down send another one in.  attack the other village and protect our own.

[-Blu]

Yeah Blu because the CMA plan is working great so far.  He has his system, it does not work anymore, he has shown no sigh of making changes, he can't recruit or coach the players to his system and receives no input/help from his assistant coaches.

As long as he is here, we will be continue to ask the question, "Will we make the tourney?" or statements like "If we can win all the home games and win 2 on the road, win at least one game in the conference tourney and then hope the OOC teams we played do well in their conference we should get in."  What you have is a team in the 50-85 ranking that is scratching, clawing and begging to get into the tourney with a top 30 coaching salary.

I thought this would be the year things turn around, but we are making the same mistakes (players and coaches) that have been made during the 1st 3 years.  The only way it will change is if CMA makes the tough chooses that need to be made and not worry about hurting feelings.  We shall see in the next 3 weeks if that happens or not. If it does I will be surprised, but encouraged.

1. This system was in the elite 8, 6 years ago, then was in the tournament the next 2 years with 23 win seasons after that.  Has the college basketball game changed that much in 4 years?  It proved to work at UAB and Mizzou.  I'll take a sweet 16 appearance, with a system that doesn't work.

2. What coach has Arkansas had since Nolan, that we didn't ask the question "Will we make the tournament"?  Wait, your right, after Pelphreys second year, we knew he wasn't making the tournament so we didn't ask anymore.

3. Name a program that's not an elite program that doesn't struggle on the road?  If you've looked at team's RPI or looked at the teams on the tournament bracket, the common denominator with the teams seed 6-11 are really good home record, and won a few games on the road.  There's very few teams that have a great road record.

4.  Do you know what a culture is?  It takes time to change one.  This program has been bad for a long time, before CMA got here, if you can't see all the progress that he's made, there's nothing else really to discuss, because that means that you don't want to see.

5.  CMA can't recruit.... You do realize we currently have 3 guys on the roster that are NBA prospects right?  According to draft express, which is the biggest mock draft site, Portis is a first round pick in this year's draft, Qualls and Kingsley are projected to be second round picks in next year's draft.  When's the last time an Arkansas roster has had this many potential draft picks?  Also, you know we just signed a top 50 guard in Jimmy Whitt, and we're the current favorites for top 40 PF Ted Kapita.  But, let's go ahead and say CMA can't recruit because it helps fit the "CMA is a bad coach" philosophy.

Everything that your saying, the facts disagree with you, seems like for some reason you just don't like Mike Anderson, and want him out.  That's fine, but just say it, don't come up with all this non-sense, that can easily be dis-proven, be honest.  Also, FYI, "Top Assistant" coaches usually move up to Mid-Major or a lower high major school that doesn't have a strong B-Ball tradition before they come to a school like Arkansas.  Arkansas has fallen, but not that far, we at least get a very good mid-major coach that at least has proven he can be a successful head coach.

[Hawg Red]

^^^^

Which one??

THE tournament.

[hogman99]

1. This system was in the elite 8, 6 years ago, then was in the tournament the next 2 years with 23 win seasons after that.  Has the college basketball game changed that much in 4 years?  It proved to work at UAB and Mizzou.  I'll take a sweet 16 appearance, with a system that doesn't work.

2. What coach has Arkansas had since Nolan, that we didn't ask the question "Will we make the tournament"?  Wait, your right, after Pelphreys second year, we knew he wasn't making the tournament so we didn't ask anymore.

3. Name a program that's not an elite program that doesn't struggle on the road?  If you've looked at team's RPI or looked at the teams on the tournament bracket, the common denominator with the teams seed 6-11 are really good home record, and won a few games on the road.  There's very few teams that have a great road record.

4.  Do you know what a culture is?  It takes time to change one.  This program has been bad for a long time, before CMA got here, if you can't see all the progress that he's made, there's nothing else really to discuss, because that means that you don't want to see.

5.  CMA can't recruit.... You do realize we currently have 3 guys on the roster that are NBA prospects right?  According to draft express, which is the biggest mock draft site, Portis is a first round pick in this year's draft, Qualls and Kingsley are projected to be second round picks in next year's draft.  When's the last time an Arkansas roster has had this many potential draft picks?  Also, you know we just signed a top 50 guard in Jimmy Whitt, and we're the current favorites for top 40 PF Ted Kapita.  But, let's go ahead and say CMA can't recruit because it helps fit the "CMA is a bad coach" philosophy.

Everything that your saying, the facts disagree with you, seems like for some reason you just don't like Mike Anderson, and want him out.  That's fine, but just say it, don't come up with all this non-sense, that can easily be dis-proven, be honest.  Also, FYI, "Top Assistant" coaches usually move up to Mid-Major or a lower high major school that doesn't have a strong B-Ball tradition before they come to a school like Arkansas.  Arkansas has fallen, but not that far, we at least get a very good mid-major coach that at least has proven he can be a successful head coach.

You are right, we are on the right path. 

[Youngsta71701]

Kentucky only beat Columbia by 10 last night. Think of the horror and agony in Big Blue land if Columbia had pulled that off.

I know we are supposed to pull for the SEC according to some but I would have gladly taken the RPI hit to the gut as a conference just to see Cal's press conference afterwards when he throws everybody but the towel boy under the bus. 

LOL, Don't forget about the water boy!

[porkinsons disease]

You are right, we are on the right path. 

lol. Apparently, we have multiple NBA prospects on the roster but still don't play good fundamental D, jack up contested 3's and don't value each possession. Could it be a coaching or developmental issue? The system, perhaps?

[porkinsons disease]

1. This system was in the elite 8, 6 years ago, then was in the tournament the next 2 years with 23 win seasons after that.  Has the college basketball game changed that much in 4 years?  It proved to work at UAB and Mizzou.  I'll take a sweet 16 appearance, with a system that doesn't work.

2. What coach has Arkansas had since Nolan, that we didn't ask the question "Will we make the tournament"?  Wait, your right, after Pelphreys second year, we knew he wasn't making the tournament so we didn't ask anymore.

3. Name a program that's not an elite program that doesn't struggle on the road?  If you've looked at team's RPI or looked at the teams on the tournament bracket, the common denominator with the teams seed 6-11 are really good home record, and won a few games on the road.  There's very few teams that have a great road record.

4.  Do you know what a culture is?  It takes time to change one.  This program has been bad for a long time, before CMA got here, if you can't see all the progress that he's made, there's nothing else really to discuss, because that means that you don't want to see.

5.  CMA can't recruit.... You do realize we currently have 3 guys on the roster that are NBA prospects right?  According to draft express, which is the biggest mock draft site, Portis is a first round pick in this year's draft, Qualls and Kingsley are projected to be second round picks in next year's draft.  When's the last time an Arkansas roster has had this many potential draft picks?  Also, you know we just signed a top 50 guard in Jimmy Whitt, and we're the current favorites for top 40 PF Ted Kapita.  But, let's go ahead and say CMA can't recruit because it helps fit the "CMA is a bad coach" philosophy.

Everything that your saying, the facts disagree with you, seems like for some reason you just don't like Mike Anderson, and want him out.  That's fine, but just say it, don't come up with all this non-sense, that can easily be dis-proven, be honest.  Also, FYI, "Top Assistant" coaches usually move up to Mid-Major or a lower high major school that doesn't have a strong B-Ball tradition before they come to a school like Arkansas.  Arkansas has fallen, but not that far, we at least get a very good mid-major coach that at least has proven he can be a successful head coach.

1- How long are you/should we wait on a sweet 16 appearance?
2-yes, we still wonder if/when we will make the tournament. Status quo.
3-Agreed that is hard to win on the road. I don't think anyone expects a great road record. We just don't want our opponets to circle our game as a guaranteed win.
4- No arguments here. How long in your mind does it take to change a culture?
5-With all of this talent, why are we not better than we are? System, player development, talent was overrated?

I'm not flaming here, I am just curious for your thoughts. I don't think we are horrible by any means like some, but I do have questions and concerns. I see us falling into some same tendencies and patterns that cause us to lose winnable games. What will it take to get us over the "hump"?

[hogman99]

lol. Apparently, we have multiple NBA prospects on the roster but still don't play good fundamental D, jack up contested 3's and don't value each possession. Could it be a coaching or developmental issue? The system, perhaps?

Heck no, we are a team on the rise. Nolan won with this system and once CMA gets in his guys, we will be awesome. These better players will make those 3's and won't need coaching. But remember, it takles 2-3 years to learn the system, so we are still 4-5 years away. 

[ErieHog]

lol. Apparently, we have multiple NBA prospects on the roster but still don't play good fundamental D, jack up contested 3's and don't value each possession. Could it be a coaching or developmental issue? The system, perhaps?

We have one NBA player on the roster, another marginal guy or two that could work their way into the league, and a couple of guys who could play overseas.    College basketball is a very different game, with very different demands to win;  it is far more favorable to generalist skill sets, and the minimum bar for athleticism is much lower, making such deficiencies easy to hide.

[Inhogswetrust]

FIRE THE COACH!!!!!!

I didn't know who their coach was now so I looked it up. Nebraska's coach went to the University of Mary.....................
Not Maryland but Mary.......................a small former all girls school in Bismarck, ND.

[twistitup]

It's happening everywhere...

Fire Haith


Haith's squad RT @CharlieHannema: Tulsa loses 69-66 to SE Oklahoma State at home. First loss to a Division 2 school since 1977

[-Blu]

lol. Apparently, we have multiple NBA prospects on the roster but still don't play good fundamental D, jack up contested 3's and don't value each possession. Could it be a coaching or developmental issue? The system, perhaps?

See, difference between myself and you is everything your saying is your biased opinion and I give you logic and facts.  The 42% for the team 3P% disagrees with your opinion on "we jack up contested 3s", our player stats compared year by year disagree with your developmental issues, the system having previous success disagrees with your "this system doesn't work opinion."  None of your opinions can be backed up with any statistics. 

Here's the links to the players projected draft spots.  This will disagree with you on the "CMA can't recruit" opinion.  If you come back and actually present an argument that's backed up something, and not just you blowing off steam, then let me know, otherwise can I direct you to the "Vent Thread" because that seems like all your wanting to do.

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2015/

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/

[-Blu]

1- How long are you/should we wait on a sweet 16 appearance?
2-yes, we still wonder if/when we will make the tournament. Status quo.
3-Agreed that is hard to win on the road. I don't think anyone expects a great road record. We just don't want our opponets to circle our game as a guaranteed win.
4- No arguments here. How long in your mind does it take to change a culture?
5-With all of this talent, why are we not better than we are? System, player development, talent was overrated?

I'm not flaming here, I am just curious for your thoughts. I don't think we are horrible by any means like some, but I do have questions and concerns. I see us falling into some same tendencies and patterns that cause us to lose winnable games. What will it take to get us over the "hump"?

Could be as soon as this year for us making a deep tournament run.  Barring a season meltdown, we will absolutely be in the tournament we are just too good, and our conference schedule is very favorable for us.  Our only set back right now, is our guards still aren't where we need them to be.  We really need to get a lot of Beard, Babb, and Durham.  Bell, is what he is, a streaky shooting specialist, and Ky is still playing too much on ball, we need Durham or Beard to command that ball handling role.  Once these new guards get up to speed, your going to see a much better B-Ball team.  Just think had one of these guys been ready, we'd won the Clemson game, and we'd be a top 20ish team, and the whole mood around here would be completely different. 

[-Blu]

It's happening everywhere...

Fire Haith


Haith's squad RT @CharlieHannema: Tulsa loses 69-66 to SE Oklahoma State at home. First loss to a Division 2 school since 1977

I don't know if this is a good example, Haith kinda is a bad coach lol.

[Kevin]

nba drafts on potential.

mcdermott had a more impactful college career than embid. but, there is no question who has a higher nba ceiling

so nba potential is misleading when discussing a college player

[-Blu]

nba drafts on potential.

mcdermott had a more impactful college career than embid. but, there is no question who has a higher nba ceiling

so nba potential is misleading when discussing a college player

Same thing as recruiting rankings.  There's kids that average 30+ PPG that's 5'8 in high school and only have mid-major offers, and kids like Malik Dime that only averaged like 7 PPG, but rated as a top 3 JUCO player.  So when your talking about "CMA is a bad recruiter" if he's finding and signing kids that the NBA scouts think have NBA potential, then that means he has a good eye for finding talent, so I don't get how that equates to a bad recruiter.

[porkinsons disease]

Could be as soon as this year for us making a deep tournament run.  Barring a season meltdown, we will absolutely be in the tournament we are just too good, and our conference schedule is very favorable for us.  Our only set back right now, is our guards still aren't where we need them to be.  We really need to get a lot of Beard, Babb, and Durham.  Bell, is what he is, a streaky shooting specialist, and Ky is still playing too much on ball, we need Durham or Beard to command that ball handling role.  Once these new guards get up to speed, your going to see a much better B-Ball team.  Just think had one of these guys been ready, we'd won the Clemson game, and we'd be a top 20ish team, and the whole mood around here would be completely different. 

So, define a season meltdown.....and who would be to blame for it in each scenario?

[porkinsons disease]

See, difference between myself and you is everything your saying is your biased opinion and I give you logic and facts.  The 42% for the team 3P% disagrees with your opinion on "we jack up contested 3s", our player stats compared year by year disagree with your developmental issues, the system having previous success disagrees with your "this system doesn't work opinion."  None of your opinions can be backed up with any statistics. 

Here's the links to the players projected draft spots.  This will disagree with you on the "CMA can't recruit" opinion.  If you come back and actually present an argument that's backed up something, and not just you blowing off steam, then let me know, otherwise can I direct you to the "Vent Thread" because that seems like all your wanting to do.

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2015/

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/

show me where I said Mike is a bad recruiter.
Who would you blame the Clemson loss on? Iowa State was an expected loss, although I thought we game them too many easy looks.

I like the Utopian feeling of Jump Ball, so I think I will stay around. Overlook my posts, put me on ignore, or do what you feel like you need to do.

The Facts are that we have not made the big tournament under MA. I think we might get in this year. I am not going to  pretend everything is ok, just because I have blind loyalty to  Mike Anderson. Arkansas basketball is much, much bigger than Mike Anderson. If he leads us back, then "great job Mike". If he can't, "see you later"

[-Blu]

show me where I said Mike is a bad recruiter.
Who would you blame the Clemson loss on? Iowa State was an expected loss, although I thought we game them too many easy looks.

I like the Utopian feeling of Jump Ball, so I think I will stay around.

LOL Dang my bad Porkinsons, I meant that quote for Hogman99 about Mike being a bad recruiter.   I'm arguing with you guys on one screen and reading/replying to emails at work on the other.... didn't work out for me this time

[Kevin]

Just to ask who on the roster has he gotten, without some sort of connection
Meaning this
Portis-arkansas kid
Kingsley-playered with Portis on aau
Madden-inherited
Beard-arkansas kid
Thompson-arkansas kid
Harris-arkansas kid
Hannah's-arkansas kid
Whitt-from Columbia, close to Watkins.

Babb, bell, qualls, Williams seem to be the players he got with no prior connection, or arkansas connection. 

I think he is adequate, not great

[porkinsons disease]

LOL Dang my bad Porkinsons, I meant that quote for Hogman99 about Mike being a bad recruiter.   I'm arguing with you guys on one screen and reading/replying to emails at work on the other.... didn't work out for me this time

No problem. It happens. Go Hogs

[Atlhogfan1]

We're in a repetitive conversation here this week in multiple threads. 

Those very optimistic point to the E8 appearance which I understand.  It shows he is capable with the right combination to make an E8. 

For those not as optimistic, they may be wondering if that was a one time run where things came together including the transfer in of his nephew.  Over the last few years, I've looked at almost every stat possible of Mike's teams going back to UAB and that team stands out in most every one of them.  Can he repeat it again and then sustain something close to it?  Since, he has won one NCAAT game and one conference tournament game.  That chemistry that came together in the E8 season was gone by the end of his Mizzou tenure evidenced by their late season collapse. 

As far as NBA players, Mike hasn't had that many and recruited even fewer.  He has two in the NBA now in his nephew and friend's son.  He has had a few who played or sat the bench for a very short time in the league.  This over 12 previous seasons as a head coach.  We do have a future NBA player in Portis - I'm not getting into how successful he will be debate.  I'll believe Qualls makes it when I see it.  He not only has to improve his game but also his emotional/mental discipline.  Kingsley looks the part and the scout's see the potential.  When will he begin to get the minutes to show it and what will playing in this system do to his development? 

Mike has never been known as a strong recruiter.  Not when he was the top assistant at Arkansas and not since.  He has been good enough at finding players that fit what he wants to do.  Or at least was at UAB and Mizzou.  At UAB he could go into the JC's and get players he may not be able to recruit to the UA.  He is still mining those JC's though.

[Atlhogfan1]

Just to ask who on the roster has he gotten, without some sort of connection
Meaning this
Portis-arkansas kid
Kingsley-playered with Portis on aau
Madden-inherited
Beard-arkansas kid
Thompson-arkansas kid
Harris-arkansas kid
Hannah's-arkansas kid
Whitt-from Columbia, close to Watkins.

Babb, bell, qualls, Williams seem to be the players he got with no prior connection, or arkansas connection. 

I think he is adequate, not great

Williams = Birmingham = Mike's hometown and where he has a good rep.

Connections help.  Lee was connected to Nolan.

[-Blu]

Just to ask who on the roster has he gotten, without some sort of connection
Meaning this
Portis-arkansas kid
Kingsley-playered with Portis on aau
Madden-inherited
Beard-arkansas kid
Thompson-arkansas kid
Harris-arkansas kid
Hannah's-arkansas kid
Whitt-from Columbia, close to Watkins.

Babb, bell, qualls, Williams seem to be the players he got with no prior connection, or arkansas connection. 

I think he is adequate, not great

I thought recruiting was all about finding connections with the kids and then selling them on coming to your school?  Is that not how it works? Rather they be an in-state kid, a kid that likes/fits your style of play, relationship with family,  AAU connection etc.  I hope we keep getting these in-state kids that's coming up, Malik Monk, Kevaughn Allen, Adrian Moore, Mitchell Smith.  And I hope we keep getting friends and family as well, CMA seems to really have some friends/family with talented basketball players.  Does coach Watkins have another son?

[-Blu]

So, define a season meltdown.....and who would be to blame for it in each scenario?

I would say, a meltdown would be guys getting suspended and costing us games, and we never bounce back from it.  Another situation would be if we get off to a slow conference start and guys throw in the towel.  Someone having a major injury and the team just doesn't recover from it as well would be another meltdown.  Just things like that.

[Atlhogfan1]

I thought recruiting was all about finding connections with the kids and then selling them on coming to your school?  Is that not how it works? Rather they be an in-state kid, a kid that likes/fits your style of play, relationship with family,  AAU connection etc.  I hope we keep getting these in-state kids that's coming up, Malik Monk, Kevaughn Allen, Adrian Moore, Mitchell Smith.  And I hope we keep getting friends and family as well, CMA seems to really have some friends/family with talented basketball players.  Does coach Watkins have another son?

Does Pressey or are there any more Bowers or nephews? 

[Atlhogfan1]

So, define a season meltdown.....and who would be to blame for it in each scenario?

See Mike's last Mizzou team and how they ended their season. 

4 seasons of bad endings giving him the benefit of the doubt as 5 seasons ago his team did win an NCAAT game. 

[-Blu]

Does Pressey or are there any more Bowers or nephews?

Don't know, but hope so.  But, our current recruiting focus needs to be on sealing the deal with Ted Kapita, if we get him, I can see it now "The only reason we got him is because him Kingsley are both from Nigeria".  I can't wait to see someone say that, it's going to be hilarious.

[Inhogswetrust]

I don't know if this is a good example, Haith kinda is a bad coach lol.

How can that be? Everyone in Mizzou told us he was the second coming of John Wooden................

[lefty08]

How can that be? Everyone in Mizzou told us he was the second coming of John Wooden................

My favorite memory of haith will always be Mike laughing at him from the sidelines

[porkinsons disease]

My favorite memory of haith will always be Mike laughing at him from the sidelines

Yeah, Haith acted like an idiot.

[-Blu]

My favorite memory of haith will always be Mike laughing at him from the sidelines

Mine too.  CMA knows he would hurt little Haith.

[Rawker]

This ^^ and it doesn't make our coaches better.

Anderson on road in 3 years before UA: 26-23
Razorbacks in those same years (2008-2011): 5.....and 27.
TWO TIME National Coach of the Year
Elite Eight
Sweet 16 (beating overall #1)
6 NCAA appearances in 8 years before AR (2 years out of NCAAs included CMA having to suspend several players from prior recruitments)
Anderson at UA: Increasing victories (18, 19, 23) immediately after 2 of the worst years (14-16 twice) since before Eddie Sutton

I'm cool that you want a new coach....everyone's entitled to that wish....but it's very hard to find coaches with better credentials.  One of the favorite forum loves before CMA was Doc Sadler.  He's a great coach.  Let's see.  In his last seven years as head coach....no NCAAs, 2 NIT 1st Round losses, finished with a 12-18 at Neb.  Dana Altman....indeed he truly is good.  Came to Arkansas for a day.  Hated it.  Still no Elite Eights and no NCOY.  Guess those guys don't grow on trees.

[PigTimePlayer]

All I know is, whoever scheduled Incarnate Word in December is an idiot.

Nobody is beating Incarnate Word right before Christmas.

[ErieHog]

All I know is, whoever scheduled Incarnate Word in December is an idiot.

Nobody is beating Incarnate Word right before Christmas.

Except UTEP.  I'm not sure if there is a religious lesson there, or not.

[twistitup]

Except UTEP.  I'm not sure if there is a religious lesson there, or not.

That game was more about cartel control of collegiate basketball in the TransPecos region of Texas

[razorbackkid]

All I know is, whoever scheduled Incarnate Word in December is an idiot.

Nobody is beating Incarnate Word right before Christmas.

If Incarnate Word played Holy Cross on Christmas day it'd be a three day event. 

[ErieHog]

If Incarnate Word played Holy Cross on Christmas day it'd be a three day event. 

Given that it is Christmas,  I would think Incarnate Word would have the home court advantage.  Now, in springtime, around Easter?  Holy Cross all the way.