Back in November, the MBB program mantra was "R-I-S-E."
Since then, we've been looking for Momentum from our Young players to try to Close Out games for a season on the Brink...All headlines of recent past Blogs.
Now, with just two conference games and the WCC tourney left, the program is "IFFY."
Right square in the cross-hairs of "iffy" is Coach Keating's tenure.
This is not really news within Bronco circles, but before Tuesday it didn't make the news until Jeff Faraudo's Mercury News column that included quotes from our new A.D.
Click on the link below to read.
So, let's go explore some "What ifs?"
What "if" coach Keating's contract is not renewed?
Too many, that's the straightforward thing to do. There will be vigorous debates and the usual "statistical sword-fights" over his successes and shortcomings. Bottom line. Just not enough W's.
And too much at stake...
To many Bronco fans, it may seem straightforward and a simple thing to fire and hire a coach. IMHO it is ANYTHING BUT THAT...
It's not just a reset, but a total reboot to Men's Basketball. I submit that it will be one of the hardest things to pull off successfully in SCU athletics history. Too dramatic of me, maybe...
But.
What "if" we can't attract or afford the right coach?
Heresy to many. I mean who wouldn't want to come to Santa Clara? The place is amazing...True.
But it is also known for being amazingly underfunded, with facilities that aren't yet amazing to the better recruits we'll need. Program support (marketing budgets and programs, community outreach, television, radio deals, etc) that amazingly do not exist yet at a proper level. Our new head coaching recruiting line will be the promise of how amazing it's going to be. A promise we've had a poor track record delivering.
NCAA Division 1 head coaches are expensive. SCU has yet to pony up with salary numbers that might attract proven winners or the best "up and comer."
For example, Mark Few at Gonzaga makes > $ 1 Mil and that's low compared to the top echelon of coaches. I'm sure salary benefactors are being recruited right now - you know who you are...We'll see.
What "if" key players and coaches leave or transfer?
NCAA rules are a curious thing. There are some exception games that can be played. What "if" Jared Brownridge decided to leave? Other good players may decide to exit given the uncertainty of their future. Some players, harsh as it is, might be told their scholarships will not be renewed by the new Coach.
What "if" key coaches decided to leave? Potential continuity lost. In reality, few, at best would be retained.
I can go on with many more "ifs."
Here's the deal. This reboot - hold on to your chairbacks - could take at least three years!!! One of the biggest of many reasons, will be trying to convince two and three star recruits to believe in Santa Clara. In the past nine years, I'm not sure we've been able to recruit a one star let alone a two or three. Unless we get some budding stars from the JUCO* ranks, it takes time.
OR, we could have our current core players play better...
The Commission, Trustees, Fr. Engh and Renee Baumgartner all have the goal of national relevance in MBB by 2020.
At least we're having the conversation and have stated goals about going national, which is way better than the last 20 years of "IFFY."
Just think, "What if" we actually pull it off?
Now that would be truly AMAZING to be a part of...
* JUCO = Junior College Transfers
