Live from the RBC Center
Hi folks,
I'm here in the media room at the RBC Center (aka "The Big ATM") with a little time to kill, so I figured I'd blog. It's one of the strange quirks of a job that has many strange quirks. Sportswriters usually get to events 1.5 to 2 hours early. We like to beat the traffic, sometimes (like at the RBC Center) we have to fight for a good spot in the media room. And we like to sit around, gossip and complain about our editors.
Anyway, I've been struck by how much negativity there is circulating around Wolfpackland these days. I probably should be used to the high-strung nature of some State fans by now, but it still amazes me at times. Cruising the message boards, listening to the radio, and just talking to folks, I get the impression that tonight's game is make-or-break for State and that if the Wolfies lose tonight, the season's over and Herb will be fired.
My feelings on this? State probably needs to win one of its next two home games, either tonight against Duke or this weekend against Tech. You don't want to start the ACC season 0-3 with two home losses on the ledger and no strong non-conference wins to lean on.
And I wouldn't be surprised if one of those wins comes tonight. I think Duke has a definite quickness advantage on the perimeter, but as State has shown in the last two years, it can play at a very high level at home. And as the Blue Devils have shown consistently this season, they have trouble starting strong in games. If Duke sputters out of the gates this time, the crowd will get into the game and the Wolfpack can feed off their energy.
That's why I'm picking State, 68-62. But please, please don't wager any money based on my alleged expertise.
Comments (2)
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I really thought State had a chance in that game. And then I realized that they just. can't. shoot. They cannot shoot. They have horrible shot selection and I sometimes think they're AIMING for the rim rather than for the basket. Combine that with a porous defense and State never really had a chance.
I don't have a personal stake in the matter, but I think it's time for Sendek to go. He has the kind of players he needs to be competitive, but they underachieve annually. I think that the offensive system he has in place just doesn't work. It too often leads to stretches in which State cannot score and in which they hoist up too many three-pointers. I think Sendek has taken them about as far as he can. Next!
Posted on January 14, 2005 9:31 AM
Kehaar,
You are hardly alone in the "Fire Herb" camp, as I'm sure you're aware. But here's something you and the other anti-Herbites need to consider.
Who could you get to replace him?
I'm not being argumentative. It's a serious question. Coaches look very closely at programs before they make the leap. And if Herb were to get fired after this season - let's say State goes 17-13 or so, and doesn't implode - they'd see a program that had made three NCAA tournaments in the past four years, where the coach had been ACC coach of the year in 2004 yet was fired the next season. They will also see a place that dwells in the considerable shadow of Duke and UNC and where Jimmy Valvano is still used as a difficult measuring stick.
That's going to scare off some potential candidates.
Having said that, I'm sure State could still lure a young, go-getter at a mid-major who's eager for a large contract and the chance to coach in the ACC. Would that be good enough? Just curious.
One other question - what if Tony Bethel was healthy? Would State still be in this predicament? Again, not being argumentative. I just want to know how much of a difference you think he would/would not have made.
Posted on January 14, 2005 7:31 PM