Join us on Thursday evening for this week's AC Radio. We'll preview IU-Maryland, dip in to the mailbag, and have that macro conversation about the state of the program in Year 3 under Mike Woodson.
No team in any sport gets anywhere by continuous coaching changes. That being said I think it is very true that this program was carried by TJD, Race & Kopp the last 2 years. While not Woody's guys, he recruited them to stay which is also important. My issue with Woody is not only the wins & losses this year. I've been a skeptic from the get-go on his ability and willingness to use the bench. Woody's "system" thrives with ball-hawking defense. And our D was pretty darn good the last two years but has taken a step back. One could argue XJ would've amped that up a bit. But ALL programs have injuries & you have to play the bench to account for it. Early this season I thought the subs coming in brought juice, fire and grit to the floor. It was a much more athletic rotation with Walker, Gunn and Banks in the mix. Certainly not flawless, but they contributed against some good teams. This team has problems scoring and one way to overcome that is to hit 70+% of your FTs and get easy shots in transition. This team does neither. I'm also very concerned about the coaching staff. They can surely recruit, but can they coach? Are they allowed to coach? It doesn't seem so nor does it seem to be a happy staff. I haven't seen Cheaney smile all season. Something is missing. My answer whether to keep him or not is dependent on how long his contract is. If the AD was smart he would've set up a mutual extension after a 4 yr. deal. We shall see.... One thing is for certain: Duke, Auburn, Houston, Kansas, UConn and others continue to rise to the top every single year. We used to be THAT kind of program. But sadly, we are not anymore which pains me.
I am in the camp that Woodson should stay as I think the past 2 years were successful with what he has done. I do think losing Johnson this season for the most part really did hurt and I think Newton may have played a role this season as well. Yes I think Woodson took a gamble and loss on recruiting for this season as I just wonder how not getting Love here (went to AZ) as he went all in on him and the grades were not there. I also think Woodson's coaching style is too laid back but that's me. I do think he has developed some of his players, Ware has done a lot and compared to last season I don't think anyone thought that. Reneau is becoming a monster and next season will just be smarter and bigger, Mgbako needs another season but I think Woody knows what to do with him. Where we are still lacking for next season is a "vocal" floor leader. I do hope Galloway comes back but I just don't know if he's a leader, good solid player overall. Cupps will keep improving and Liam coming in will be a solid player and of course I think Newton will be ready. Get in the portal and find a solid playmaker and I would also put a coach on the bench that will focus on the fundamentals of the game. We have recruiters for the most part and we need coaches. I still find it amazing that we have Hulls and Cheney on the bench and we take make free throws and we have a couple of players who flat out have a terrible shooting approach.
No team in any sport gets anywhere by continuous coaching changes. That being said I think it is very true that this program was carried by TJD, Race & Kopp the last 2 years. While not Woody's guys, he recruited them to stay which is also important. My issue with Woody is not only the wins & losses this year. I've been a skeptic from the get-go on his ability and willingness to use the bench. Woody's "system" thrives with ball-hawking defense. And our D was pretty darn good the last two years but has taken a step back. One could argue XJ would've amped that up a bit. But ALL programs have injuries & you have to play the bench to account for it. Early this season I thought the subs coming in brought juice, fire and grit to the floor. It was a much more athletic rotation with Walker, Gunn and Banks in the mix. Certainly not flawless, but they contributed against some good teams. This team has problems scoring and one way to overcome that is to hit 70+% of your FTs and get easy shots in transition. This team does neither. I'm also very concerned about the coaching staff. They can surely recruit, but can they coach? Are they allowed to coach? It doesn't seem so nor does it seem to be a happy staff. I haven't seen Cheaney smile all season. Something is missing. My answer whether to keep him or not is dependent on how long his contract is. If the AD was smart he would've set up a mutual extension after a 4 yr. deal. We shall see.... One thing is for certain: Duke, Auburn, Houston, Kansas, UConn and others continue to rise to the top every single year. We used to be THAT kind of program. But sadly, we are not anymore which pains me.
I am in the camp that Woodson should stay as I think the past 2 years were successful with what he has done. I do think losing Johnson this season for the most part really did hurt and I think Newton may have played a role this season as well. Yes I think Woodson took a gamble and loss on recruiting for this season as I just wonder how not getting Love here (went to AZ) as he went all in on him and the grades were not there. I also think Woodson's coaching style is too laid back but that's me. I do think he has developed some of his players, Ware has done a lot and compared to last season I don't think anyone thought that. Reneau is becoming a monster and next season will just be smarter and bigger, Mgbako needs another season but I think Woody knows what to do with him. Where we are still lacking for next season is a "vocal" floor leader. I do hope Galloway comes back but I just don't know if he's a leader, good solid player overall. Cupps will keep improving and Liam coming in will be a solid player and of course I think Newton will be ready. Get in the portal and find a solid playmaker and I would also put a coach on the bench that will focus on the fundamentals of the game. We have recruiters for the most part and we need coaches. I still find it amazing that we have Hulls and Cheney on the bench and we take make free throws and we have a couple of players who flat out have a terrible shooting approach.