Tim's getting a little worn down

[swmckewon]

 

 

What makes being the basketball coach at Nebraska so difficult is our fans projecting all of the success we've had in football on to every other sport and especially men's basketball.

No they don't. 

 

No, really, they don't. 

 

Sure Sam that's why after 4yrs and 1 NCAA tourney appearance, the first in over 20yrs Tim is being talked about as being on the seat. 

 

Nebraska basketball fans do not hold the basketball program to the same standard of the football program. They don't. Sorry. 

[Norm Peterson]

Miles should be feeling a little heat.  I'd like to think we had higher expectations this year.  Overall though the direction is good.  I like the freshman but they aren't five star types.  They need experience.  A center would also help.

Coaches always feel heat.  This is a competitive market and a cut-throat business.  College basketball is a zero-sum game: A win for me equals a loss for you.  And fans' memories of the good times is short -- a coach is never much better than the last season they had.

 

But the normal heat that coaches feel that just goes with the territory of being a college coach and having to win is not the same thing as having a hot seat.  Having a hot seat means results are needed in the near future or his job is in jeopardy.

 

Coaches don't lose their jobs over 1 disappointing season, unless it's really, really bad compared to what was expected.  Chris Mullin, for instance, might lose his at St. John's this year.

 

But let's review a little bit:

 

Year 1:  15-18 (5-13)  ... Given the roster he inherited, this record was beyond expectations.

Year 2:  19-13 (11-7)  ... First winning record in conference play in 16 years; first NCAA tourney bid in 16 years.  Nuff said. 

Year 3:  13-18 (5-13)  ... Total disappointment.  But a lot of issues not totally at Miles' feet.

Year 4:  14-17 (6-12)  ...  Moderately disappointing except when you consider 70% roster turnover from prior season.  This was a rebuilding year.

 

Obviously, he needs to turn things around a bit beginning next year, but his seat isn't hot at this point.

[Norm Peterson]

 

 

 

What makes being the basketball coach at Nebraska so difficult is our fans projecting all of the success we've had in football on to every other sport and especially men's basketball.

No they don't. 

 

No, really, they don't. 

 

Sure Sam that's why after 4yrs and 1 NCAA tourney appearance, the first in over 20yrs Tim is being talked about as being on the seat. 

 

Nebraska basketball fans do not hold the basketball program to the same standard of the football program. They don't. Sorry. 

 

Some do.

 

Not in general. 

 

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality."  That's an actual quote from one such person.

[swmckewon]

Some do.

 

Not in general. 

 

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality."  That's an actual quote from one such person.

 

There will always be "some" of anything. 

 

In general -- well, in the vast majority --  it's not close. 

 

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans. 

[49r]

 

 

What makes being the basketball coach at Nebraska so difficult is our fans projecting all of the success we've had in football on to every other sport and especially men's basketball.

No they don't. 

 

No, really, they don't. 

 

Sure Sam that's why after 4yrs and 1 NCAA tourney appearance, the first in over 20yrs Tim is being talked about as being on the seat. 

 

 

Where are you coming up with this "first in over 20yrs" business?  Like Norm said upthread it was 16 years between.

 

 

Not that a 16 year dry spell is acceptable, I'll agree it's not.  But what it is not is 20+ years.  Just sayin'.

[bball23]

 

Some do.

 

Not in general. 

 

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality."  That's an actual quote from one such person.

 

There will always be "some" of anything. 

 

In general -- well, in the vast majority --  it's not close. 

 

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans. 

 

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans."  Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

 

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now.  Don't understand it at all in fact.  The guy has been here 4 years.  Made the tourney in year 2.  Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in?  (see Wisconsin this year).   

 

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here.  We have lost a lot of close games.  We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's.  But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good.  IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

 

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too).  Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that.  He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes.  Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job.  I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

 

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win.  And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!"  Which will be total BS.  

 

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions.  One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest!  We lose the next game, and we suck!  

 

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much.  We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too.  On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again.  Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.  

[jason2486]

Some do.

Not in general.

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality." That's an actual quote from one such person.

There will always be "some" of anything.

In general -- well, in the vast majority -- it's not close.

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans.

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans." Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now. Don't understand it at all in fact. The guy has been here 4 years. Made the tourney in year 2. Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in? (see Wisconsin this year).

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here. We have lost a lot of close games. We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's. But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good. IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too). Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that. He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes. Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job. I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win. And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!" Which will be total BS.

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions. One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest! We lose the next game, and we suck!

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much. We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too. On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again. Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.

Well put sir!

[CrazyforNUHOOPS]

Some do.

Not in general.

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality." That's an actual quote from one such person.

There will always be "some" of anything.

In general -- well, in the vast majority -- it's not close.

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans.

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans." Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now. Don't understand it at all in fact. The guy has been here 4 years. Made the tourney in year 2. Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in? (see Wisconsin this year).

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here. We have lost a lot of close games. We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's. But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good. IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too). Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that. He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes. Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job. I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win. And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!" Which will be total BS.

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions. One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest! We lose the next game, and we suck!

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much. We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too. On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again. Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.

If you could see me right now you'd see me standing and applauding this post. Very well put!

[Silverbacked1]

Some do.

 

Not in general. 

 

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality."  That's an actual quote from one such person.

There will always be "some" of anything. 

 

In general -- well, in the vast majority --  it's not close. 

 

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans.

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans."  Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

 

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now.  Don't understand it at all in fact.  The guy has been here 4 years.  Made the tourney in year 2.  Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in?  (see Wisconsin this year).   

 

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here.  We have lost a lot of close games.  We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's.  But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good.  IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

 

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too).  Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that.  He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes.  Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job.  I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

 

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win.  And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!"  Which will be total BS.  

 

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions.  One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest!  We lose the next game, and we suck!  

 

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much.  We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too.  On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again.  Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.

Very well written ball 23

[Norm Peterson]

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans."  Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

 

But that was year 2.  He needs to get us there every year.  Like a bowl game.

 

(snark  )

[ajb5856]

Some do.

Not in general.

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality." That's an actual quote from one such person.

There will always be "some" of anything.

In general -- well, in the vast majority -- it's not close.

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans.

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans." Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now. Don't understand it at all in fact. The guy has been here 4 years. Made the tourney in year 2. Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in? (see Wisconsin this year).

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here. We have lost a lot of close games. We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's. But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good. IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too). Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that. He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes. Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job. I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win. And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!" Which will be total BS.

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions. One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest! We lose the next game, and we suck!

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much. We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too. On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again. Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.

Very well written ball 23

Yes, very well put bball23. To add to this sentiment about those who are calling for the warm seat...I have to wonder and speculate...and hopefully not make us sound too much like Creighton fan, but does anyone else wonder if the majority of fan's who are calling for the warm seat either came on board when PBA opened or at least it was the first time in a long time that they 'paid attention' to Husker hoops? Not to put down any long time regular on here who has warm seat feelings but I just have to believe that the majority of them are recent followers, fairly new or newly rejuvenated fans after a long absence, lack the understanding of the current collegiate basketball landscape and have a lack of understanding when it comes to Nebraska Basketball history. I just have to believe that any fan who has a true grasp on where this program has been recognizes the incredible jump we've seen in recruiting, isn't too quick to discount the NCAA tourney appearance, and recognizes the challenges in roster turnover/management. I'm not saying fans that think the seat is warm are out of control ridiculous and I'm not saying the long haulers are holding onto a bunch of excuses...it's just that when I hear someone say 'seat warm why are we settling for mediocrity' I just have to believe they are 'new'. It only makes sense.

[Red Don]

This talk about how fickle the fans are reminds me of the story about the disgruntled Oklahoman who stood up in the stadium after losing to Notre Dame in 1957; breaking Oklahoma's historic 47-game winning streak and shouted: "I KNEW Wilkinson was No Damn Good!"

[Ron Mexico]

 

 

 

What makes being the basketball coach at Nebraska so difficult is our fans projecting all of the success we've had in football on to every other sport and especially men's basketball.

No they don't. 

 

No, really, they don't. 

 

Sure Sam that's why after 4yrs and 1 NCAA tourney appearance, the first in over 20yrs Tim is being talked about as being on the seat. 

 

 

Where are you coming up with this "first in over 20yrs" business?  Like Norm said upthread it was 16 years between.

 

 

Not that a 16 year dry spell is acceptable, I'll agree it's not.  But what it is not is 20+ years.  Just sayin'.

 

Gee thanks.

[Husker4theSpurs]

One thing that concerns me is that we haven't put a lot of good ball together except for about a 5 week run in Miles's second year. Yes, that resulted in an NCAA bid and that was huge. Miles himself has said he's not so sure that team was that good but that "we just got hot." In private, which became public, he said he felt like we were "a year early" to the dance.

Now, yes all of this did occur ... we did make the dance ... we did make that run. When I take all things into account though, we haven't put together a lot of good ball. We overachieved Miles's first season yet still had a poor record. We came out of nowhere after a LOT of mediocre ball in Miles's second year to make the tourney yet only had a 4 win improvement from the year prior (6 game in conference improvement), we underachieved last year and finished about where I figured this year but the way we got there left me a little disappointed.

All that being said ... I do have hope that we can improve as we have some nice young and new talent arriving. We'll see how it goes and I hope we can hang onto the talent we want to hang onto. I have some faith it can happen, but I have a little less than I have had in the past. Miles has earned the right to have leeway. Depending on how next year goes however, it could get a little warm ...

[eastofomaha]

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

[Norm Peterson]

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

[AuroranHusker]

 

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

 

 

#TrollJays

[ShortDust]

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned. As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles. The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke. Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

#TrollJays

But what does Mike Riley think?

[AuroranHusker]

 

 

 

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned. As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles. The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke. Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

#TrollJays

But what does Mike Riley think?

 

 

#Jayskers

[eastofomaha]

 

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

 

 

And for those who are interested. this is how someone refuses to confront reality.

[Chuck Taylor]

Trolling or not, that is the issue: Was 5 weeks of basketball bliss in 2014 a look into the future or just lightning in a bottle?

 

But is Miles on the hot seat? Absolutely not. It's one thing to have doubts and begin to question where we're going on a message board, but there's no way he won't be given a chance to see how this freshman class turns out. 

[bball23]

 

 

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

 

 

And for those who are interested. this is how someone refuses to confront reality.

 

I can understand why some people may think that we just had one "hot streak"  But was recruiting Roby, Morrow, Watson, Gil, White also just a "hot streak" of getting top 150 talent to NU? 

 

Again, I understand the results weren't great this year, but let's see how these guys pan out before we pass too much judgement on Miles. 

 

Now, for eastofomaha, was Dougie just a "hot streak" for Coach Mac?  Years post Doug aren't exactly great for CU.  Two bottom half finishes in the league. That may be "refusing to confront reality" as you so put it.

[huskerbaseball13]

 

 

 

I think fans have every right to be skeptical and concerned.   As someone mentioned, a 5 week run of playing good ball is the total 4 year legacy of Miles.   The tournament game and the year after suggested the entire thing was a fluke.   Yes, things need to vastly improve next season or he will lose me completely.  

Now, for those who are interested, this is how you troll.

 

 

And for those who are interested. this is how someone refuses to confront reality.

 

I can understand why some people may think that we just had one "hot streak"  But was recruiting Roby, Morrow, Watson, Gil, White also just a "hot streak" of getting top 150 talent to NU? 

 

Again, I understand the results weren't great this year, but let's see how these guys pan out before we pass too much judgement on Miles. 

 

Now, for eastofomaha, was Dougie just a "hot streak" for Coach Mac?  Years post Doug aren't exactly great for CU.  Two bottom half finishes in the league. That may be "refusing to confront reality" as you so put it.

 

 

Yep....McDermott's first four years were a "fluke" because of his son.  McDermott in conference play is 31-69(Big 12/Big East) without his son. 

 

Of course...Krayton fans will come back with..."well who developed Doug?"......and then will totally ignore the development of guys like Shields/Petteway.  Krayton basketball knowledge....no bueno. 

[swmckewon]

 

 

Some do.

 

Not in general. 

 

But some certainly do and some would say that having any lower expectations than what we have for the football team would be a "loser's mentality."  That's an actual quote from one such person.

 

There will always be "some" of anything. 

 

In general -- well, in the vast majority --  it's not close. 

 

A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans. 

 

"A mere NCAA Tournament bid is enough for most fans."  Ok, well he did that...in year 2.

 

I honestly don't understand the fans that want Tim's seat hot right now.  Don't understand it at all in fact.  The guy has been here 4 years.  Made the tourney in year 2.  Call it a "hot streak" but in a power conference, isn't that how you get in?  (see Wisconsin this year).   

 

I've said this before so I am repeating myself here.  We have lost a lot of close games.  We aren't just going out there and getting our butts kicked night in and night out. I understand at the end of the day its about W's and L's.  But we have an EXTREMELY young team this year and I truly believe that young talent is pretty darn good.  IF, and its a big IF we can get a decent big man, I think we have nice pieces around our roster.

 

The other thing (and others have mentioned this too).  Miles had NO clue TP and WP would leave like that.  He also lost Tarin Smith who was playing big minutes.  Then Craig Smith leaves, we hire another assistant and he leaves before even really taking the job.  I'm not trying to make excuses, this is just the reality of the situation.

 

I firmly believe Miles will get us that 1st NCAA win.  And all the "haters" and so called "fans" will say "I always knew he would do it!"  Which will be total BS.  

 

With social media the way it is, fans think they know everything and can now voice their opinions.  One game we win (MSU) and Miles is the greatest!  We lose the next game, and we suck!  

 

Its no different than sitting at Memorial Stadium and listening to our fans bitch one moment that we pass too much.  We then run, that doesn't work and that play sucks too.  On 3rd down we pass a bomb for 25 yards and all is good again.  Its an emotional roller coaster with so many fans.  

 

That's human nature. People complain about their jobs, and they show up day after day for them, and they often do a good in those jobs. People, similarly don't always get along with their siblings. It doesn't make them bad siblings. 

 

Fans tend to ride roller coasters. Do they show up? Yes, at Nebraska, they do. Secure coaches understand this and embrace the "suggestion box" as a sign that fans care enough to share their thoughts. 

 

At any rate, Nebraska fans are unusually supportive even by that standard.