So almost everyone has been putting the ax to the program so like coach said if you continue to do the same thing you will get the same results. So I am going to change it up and say why it will work. Here is my Top 5 why it will work:
1. The fans – Our fans are in the Top 10-15 programs in the country. We will still show up even if the wins are not there. Does it make it more difficult for the marketing team? Yes but it speaks volumes for recruits which will be covered later.
2. Stats - there is nothing that stands out that points to “Coach sucks in this department.” So I view this as we are doing the right things in all aspects of the game. Rather than being able to say we cannot rebound, we cannot defend, we turn it over too much, etc. He keeps us in games, outside of (Cal, Duke, K @ home) you can say we had a legitimate chance to win during every single lose. Which makes it more difficult to accept and easier to blame coach.
3. Players – we are still getting quality players to come. We have had 2 potential NBA lottery draft picks at ISU in the last 3 years (Wes and Craig), not to mention a potential 2nd rounder in Gilstrap. Not too many programs can say that. Is it possible that we over hype the players prior to them playing a game (Lucca, Colvin, and now Ejim and possibly Clyburn)? I doubt a single person would say they thought Wes and Craig would be lottery picks prior to them stepping foot on campus. I think Greg is developing players and still getting quality recruits. He just has not been able to complete the puzzle and it appeared this year it would be there. Big men check, athletic wing check, outside shooter check, experience point guard check. Unfortunately the big men might be the only check now.
4. Greg’s reputation – this isn’t something that other people/coaches make up. I don’t remember Steve Alford getting too many remarks of encouragement during his Iowa tenure because he is an A-hole!!! Don’t even write the comment because they can mark down a win or two…that is not the case. If nothing else they want everyone in the conference to succeed because it only helps their resume. It helps there RPI, quality wins, recruiting. What looks better to a recruit the big 12 getting 5-6 teams in the dance or 8-9? So it does nothing for other programs to fail.
5. Football program – WHY would I put this on there? Well with a coaching change it will cost $1m-2m at least (I would assume the buyout would be negotiated down from the $2.5m owed it typically is). So does JP want to put $1m-2m in a marginal revenue producing sport or try and develop a program that can fund the entire department. JP is a money/fundraising guy, if he can get the FB program rolling the cash will follow it. Therefore until the buyout can be a more reasonable number, Hilton becomes profitable (remember they just took that back over), and/or they cannot give tickets away (Iowa). Greg will be the coach and will turn this ship around.
Remember the product we are purchasing Iowa State!!!
1. The fans – Our fans are in the Top 10-15 programs in the country. We will still show up even if the wins are not there. Does it make it more difficult for the marketing team? Yes but it speaks volumes for recruits which will be covered later.
2. Stats - there is nothing that stands out that points to “Coach sucks in this department.” So I view this as we are doing the right things in all aspects of the game. Rather than being able to say we cannot rebound, we cannot defend, we turn it over too much, etc. He keeps us in games, outside of (Cal, Duke, K @ home) you can say we had a legitimate chance to win during every single lose. Which makes it more difficult to accept and easier to blame coach.
3. Players – we are still getting quality players to come. We have had 2 potential NBA lottery draft picks at ISU in the last 3 years (Wes and Craig), not to mention a potential 2nd rounder in Gilstrap. Not too many programs can say that. Is it possible that we over hype the players prior to them playing a game (Lucca, Colvin, and now Ejim and possibly Clyburn)? I doubt a single person would say they thought Wes and Craig would be lottery picks prior to them stepping foot on campus. I think Greg is developing players and still getting quality recruits. He just has not been able to complete the puzzle and it appeared this year it would be there. Big men check, athletic wing check, outside shooter check, experience point guard check. Unfortunately the big men might be the only check now.
4. Greg’s reputation – this isn’t something that other people/coaches make up. I don’t remember Steve Alford getting too many remarks of encouragement during his Iowa tenure because he is an A-hole!!! Don’t even write the comment because they can mark down a win or two…that is not the case. If nothing else they want everyone in the conference to succeed because it only helps their resume. It helps there RPI, quality wins, recruiting. What looks better to a recruit the big 12 getting 5-6 teams in the dance or 8-9? So it does nothing for other programs to fail.
5. Football program – WHY would I put this on there? Well with a coaching change it will cost $1m-2m at least (I would assume the buyout would be negotiated down from the $2.5m owed it typically is). So does JP want to put $1m-2m in a marginal revenue producing sport or try and develop a program that can fund the entire department. JP is a money/fundraising guy, if he can get the FB program rolling the cash will follow it. Therefore until the buyout can be a more reasonable number, Hilton becomes profitable (remember they just took that back over), and/or they cannot give tickets away (Iowa). Greg will be the coach and will turn this ship around.
Remember the product we are purchasing Iowa State!!!
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