Yuck.
Look, I knew this could be a close game. I even knew NC Central could win (in fact, I told someone in the media room before the game I thought they would). But my goodness, to never even lead? To never be within a possession for the final 18:52? To shoot 25%? To miss 15 shots in the paint IN A HALF? No, didn't see that. Kim Anderson said he didn't think he'd ever seen anything like it. I don't think I have either.
This is why you don't get too high after one game in a pre-season tournament. Look, I don't think Missouri's as bad as it was tonight. But it's not as good as some wanted to believe after the Xavier game either.
At this point, there are no gimmies. Let's say they go ahead and win the non-Arizona, Illinois games in the non-con against teams most of us have never heard of. That puts you 7-5 entering the SEC (and yes, it's optimistic and I'm not saying it will happen). Then you have to go .500 in the league to have a winning season. Do any of us see that happening? I'm not saying it can't, but I sure wouldn't predict it.
This team, this coach, this program, just couldn't afford tonight. But it happened. And barring a turnaround I don't know that they're capable of, it might very well mean I'm covering my fourth basketball coaching search in 11 years. For those who will get mad I'm not only saying it's possible but looks relatively likely, first off, it brings me no joy. Despite what some think, that is not the outcome I am or ever have been rooting for. Second off, sorry, but somebody has to drag you into reality. Because the reality is this: It will surprise me if this team is good enough to save its coach's job. I've been surprised before. I'd be perfectly happy to be surprised again. But tonight was a bad, bad night for those that hoped there was a light at the end of the tunnel anywhere close.
Back on football recruiting and position reviews in the morning, next game here is Saturday afternoon.
Look, I knew this could be a close game. I even knew NC Central could win (in fact, I told someone in the media room before the game I thought they would). But my goodness, to never even lead? To never be within a possession for the final 18:52? To shoot 25%? To miss 15 shots in the paint IN A HALF? No, didn't see that. Kim Anderson said he didn't think he'd ever seen anything like it. I don't think I have either.
This is why you don't get too high after one game in a pre-season tournament. Look, I don't think Missouri's as bad as it was tonight. But it's not as good as some wanted to believe after the Xavier game either.
At this point, there are no gimmies. Let's say they go ahead and win the non-Arizona, Illinois games in the non-con against teams most of us have never heard of. That puts you 7-5 entering the SEC (and yes, it's optimistic and I'm not saying it will happen). Then you have to go .500 in the league to have a winning season. Do any of us see that happening? I'm not saying it can't, but I sure wouldn't predict it.
This team, this coach, this program, just couldn't afford tonight. But it happened. And barring a turnaround I don't know that they're capable of, it might very well mean I'm covering my fourth basketball coaching search in 11 years. For those who will get mad I'm not only saying it's possible but looks relatively likely, first off, it brings me no joy. Despite what some think, that is not the outcome I am or ever have been rooting for. Second off, sorry, but somebody has to drag you into reality. Because the reality is this: It will surprise me if this team is good enough to save its coach's job. I've been surprised before. I'd be perfectly happy to be surprised again. But tonight was a bad, bad night for those that hoped there was a light at the end of the tunnel anywhere close.
Back on football recruiting and position reviews in the morning, next game here is Saturday afternoon.
