A.G.
Junior Member
Posts: 62
|
Post by A.G. on Dec 25, 2005 11:39:33 GMT -5
" I am a genious, ya know."
How about "GENIUS", genius???
|
|
|
Post by ATrain on Dec 25, 2005 22:35:53 GMT -5
PAMedic's a what? Didn't know that...now if only he'd show it...LOL jk
|
|
|
Post by Christmas Wish on Dec 26, 2005 2:15:09 GMT -5
2 years in a row and all i wanted for Christmas is a D-1 win......how hard is that to ask? Will Marist be our first D-1 win 2 years straight? only time will tell.
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Dec 26, 2005 22:40:10 GMT -5
" I am a genious, ya know." How about "GENIUS", genius??? I was in a hurry! (uh-huh. no, really. SUUUUURRRRE) *oh, and I fixed the original post- no one will EVER know
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Dec 26, 2005 22:49:01 GMT -5
If everybody spent time fixing misspellings on this site there would never be any new posts.
|
|
|
Post by eddantes on Dec 29, 2005 6:28:13 GMT -5
Honestly, I don't give a rip about how many D-I games we win before Christmas. I only care about how we do in conference play.
I think potential recruits would prefer to see a school that has a dynamite atmosphere during home games and a successful run in the conference tourney than just to see them go up to a place like Marist or New Hampshire and barely escape with a win, solely to say that we won a D-I game.
|
|
|
Post by Stevev on Dec 29, 2005 11:01:51 GMT -5
I wouldn't put too much emphasis on conference play. The Big South conference is one of the worst basketball conferences in the country. I would think that a good out of conference win would carry a lot more weight, concerning the overall state of the program, in my opinion
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Dec 29, 2005 13:15:13 GMT -5
but that's not what will get you into the tournament. And that's what players want to do. I'm sure any highschooler in the country would rather have a legitimate shot at a tournament appearance rather than a legitmate shot at beating a big name school during the regular season if he had to choose.
|
|
|
Post by thesportscritic on Dec 29, 2005 13:27:41 GMT -5
Beating a bigger school increases your chances for a higher seed in the NCAA tournament or possibly getting an at large bid, whether a team wins their conference or not. Possibly the NIT as well if not the at large bid should a team lose in their conference tournament.
|
|
|
Post by Stevev on Dec 29, 2005 13:43:47 GMT -5
Right now I don't think we better the program by just winning in a weak conference alone and being a "sacrificial lamb" as a 15 or 16 seed. We need quality wins out of conference to get a higher seeding. Our women's team has reached this point in their development but the men have a long way to go.
|
|
|
Post by eddantes on Dec 30, 2005 7:36:37 GMT -5
At this point in the program, I think that we would be best suited to concentrate on the conference. I think that by winning the conference, you win recruits, who will in turn win the D-I games later.
Plus, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to say that we want to get out of the Big South if we can't even win the games we play in it.
Now, take a look at the Lady Flames. They've proved all that they can in the conference. Now they have to win those out-of-conference D-I games. But as for the men, they still have more to go. And I think that it'd be easier to get their by winning the conference than by winning outside of the conference.
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Dec 31, 2005 16:25:24 GMT -5
Here's an open ended question for all you hoops gurus: is it a question of money? like, dumping more into the program? or more schollies avail (is that even possible?)
and lets not even start the "new coach" bandwagon- I'm looking for broader thinking here. whats it gonna take to amp up this program? maybe really only a few years for some very young, talented players to mature?
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Dec 31, 2005 16:45:42 GMT -5
More money is always a good thing. But that primarily is used for recruiting and for scheduling more home games against Division I schools. Money isn't the primary factor or certain big money schools would win every year (and they don't).
We've been hamstrung by injuries and transfers that have put new players (freshmen & JUCOs) in aposition where they had to not only contribute but play major roles from the get-go.
We're not that far away from putting it together. But its definitely frustrating at the moment. But I doubt anyone is any more frustrated than the players & coaching staff.
Its tough starting against HPU right off the bat with their big lineup, but I like our chances in general against the Big South in our own gym.
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Dec 31, 2005 16:52:42 GMT -5
just gotta get students and maybe even some townies (?) butts in the seats to support these guys! wish I was closer.
|
|
|
Post by coachdunton on Dec 31, 2005 19:18:13 GMT -5
PAmedic- I was coming on to wish everyone a great 2006 and appreciate the interest in LU hoops. We are not very good in the front view right now and I take responsibility for moving the program in the direction of national competition. That remains the vision and it will happen. Some things for us to consider.... budget and facilities upgrades are always an issue. But we are now in position to make significant progress in the next two years. I have stepped on one or two land mines and we have seen a couple of players develop slower. Two years ago Winthrop was one and out...a couple players can make a huge difference. We collectively must COMMIT to the program.. genuine passion...constant communication...determined building and problem solving. Don't panic and rush to judgment too quickly. I must grow the program must grow. Three cancers that have drain the energy from the "PROGRAM building' effort that the Liberty environment can create is #1 ACTIVITY WITHOUT DIRECTION-lack of experience in administrating a division I program causes splintered views on the necessary actions from various key positions and even the alumni get confused as to how they can help and support. #2 BURDEN WITHOUT ACTION-not being able to do the things that really matter. Many desire to help and some really understand the price tag of establishing a national program but we have run around like the tower of Babel. It is time for collective involvement..ACTION WITH PURPOSE...UNITY. Then #3 CONFLICT WITHOUT RESOLUTION-it is paramount for professional organizations to MASTER CONFLICT. Confrontation leads to stronger unity with a what is best for the organization commitment. Conflict happens everywhere those who can resolve it and grow from it gain strength. But unresolved it sucks the energy and creativity necessary to climb the elevation we have long desired at LU. We have had good teams but never the collective program development that must be accomplished. You guys are a big step in the right direction. Our gratitude for LU and each other is a huge component. It was tremendous to meet Sly in Lake Charles. What a family...what a valuable resource for LU athletics. A Chinese proverb states "Those who drink the water must remember those who dug the well." Gratitude will advance our cause. We need everyone contributing to Flames Club/Center Circle and all of us work to put a more talented, physically stronger and experienced team on the floor. We can all pass the vision along with our enthusiasm. Each time another person embraces the vision and passes it on, it's like giving the vision "fresh legs". We may be down it may be a struggle but persistence wins gentlemen and quitting is not an option. Here's to agreat 2006! Stay in the fight-rd
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Dec 31, 2005 21:40:10 GMT -5
Very well stated, Coach. Anybody can sit and cast derisive statements at the program. But that solves nothing. Focusing efforts on solutions is where the team should be placing all of its efforts. Clearly, we all know what Coach D has on his mind. As for Lake Charles, the pleasure was all ours. My family puts up with my Liberty fixation but now they are understand why. Both of my kids knew how to 'Hook Em Horns' before they could walk. But they both had a fantastic time cheering their little hearts out for the Flames in Lake Charles. My wife is already talking about getting them in LU gear now. Now for a request, Coach ... give Tom Penders & Willis Wilson calls to see if you can get matchup here in H-town. If not here, somewhere a little more pitcuresque than backwater Louisiana. ;D Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth & San Antonio are all tremendous this time of year as well.
|
|
|
Post by gest2b on Dec 31, 2005 22:32:07 GMT -5
Hey coach, I love the posts. Keep up the good work, things will fall together.
|
|
|
Post by Stevev on Jan 1, 2006 17:26:16 GMT -5
That was a great post by Coach Dunton. Very well stated and with a lot of truth to it. Coach Dunton shows a lot of class by participating on this board and to share his ideas as well as take a little abuse from all of us. I really hope that things will get better in the next few years and hopefully this year as well. Then we can get some serious fan support for the program and maybe can get into a more legitimate conference so that we can sustain that growth.
|
|
|
Post by flameshaw on Jan 1, 2006 18:14:28 GMT -5
Consistent winning will take care of fan support, some of you can probably remember the Aluma days and an almost full Vines Center every game.
|
|
|
Post by Stevev on Jan 1, 2006 18:42:28 GMT -5
Yes I remember those days very well. We averaged between 5K to 6K in attendence per game Aluma's last 2 years and had a chance to get a 13 or 14th seed if we would have won the conference tourney. Things have really fallen apart since then.
|
|
tallyw
Junior Member
Posts: 53
|
Post by tallyw on Jan 1, 2006 18:55:26 GMT -5
I too recall the days of ALU---maaaa! ALU---maaa! Hand signals, keys waving, body paint, storming the court, Jerry crowd surfing.... those were the days
|
|
|
Post by baldspot on Jan 1, 2006 20:05:15 GMT -5
Ditto on being impressed with Coach Dunton taking the time to share his thoughts with us. He deserves a lot of credit for being open about the current state. As an asst he pulled in some good recruiting classes. If one or two hasn't worked out of late, I think he deserves some slack. Basketball is one sport that can be turned around quickly.
Shoot, I haven't seen the Flames play in person in over a decade. I may have to go raid the closet to get some TP rolls and then make the drive to see a game.
|
|
the real formerflame
Guest
|
Post by the real formerflame on Jan 1, 2006 22:05:37 GMT -5
Aluma was recruited by Coach D. But don't go back any further than the present era. The crowds for the 2004 NCAA team were incredible. I never seen anything like the Championship game versus High Point. Talk about atmosphere. Good teams alone do not equate to a good program, but a good strong program will produce good teams. Coach D is the man to get this done with our help. There is a big time possible Big East transfer visiting this week. I for one will stay in the fight and I believe in Coach D. What a tremendous post and challenge for us in 2006. Happy New Year to all and let's build the program we all desire to see.
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Jan 1, 2006 22:18:01 GMT -5
I will echo the rest on here and thank Coach for his latest well written post. Excellent points about program building and conflict management- something any manager in every business MUST be keenly aware of. Hopefully the new AD will get control of this situation and point LU athletics (MBB and FB in particular) in the right direction with regards to funding and administrative support. THANKS AGAIN COACH- we're keeping the faith!
|
|
|
Post by bigsmooth on Jan 2, 2006 8:41:04 GMT -5
i love the chinese proverb! i really appreciate coach D's comments and i hope that the big south season proves to be an exciting one...one of improvement and another for some great wins!
|
|
|
Post by Chris Lang on Jan 2, 2006 10:51:11 GMT -5
This is a big week for LU men's hoops. The entire tenor of the season can change with home wins against two teams playing very well right now (High Point, Radford). I'm reserving judgement on the team until I see how it plays this week. Heck, I haven't seen it play since the Buffalo game thanks to some wacky scheduling. I'm real interested to see these games.
|
|
|
Post by ATrain on Jan 2, 2006 14:32:16 GMT -5
These two games would be more favorable to us if students were back...but then again, even with students on break the team has done very well against the Big South at home.
|
|
|
Post by coachdunton on Jan 4, 2006 12:51:53 GMT -5
The guys gave all of you a great start to '06. I am really happy for them. Confidence comes from demonstrated ability so it is Big that we learn how to win. Two recruiting w's as well. Keep Building, Believing and Fighting for your Flames.
|
|
|
Post by coachdunton on Jan 4, 2006 12:52:30 GMT -5
The guys gave all of you a great start to '06. I am really happy for them. Confidence comes from demonstrated ability so it is Big that we learn how to win. Two recruiting w's as well. Keep Building, Believing and Fighting for your Flames. On to Radford.
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Jan 4, 2006 13:13:42 GMT -5
Did somebody else commit already besides Brewington? I may have forgotten something.
|
|