SCU Men’s Basketball - Will our A.D. Bolt to Boise?

 

                                                              

Word is out in the Boise Press that Renee Baumgartner has interviewed and may be a finalist for the Boise State job.  

Boise State would be a good move for Renee.  They have a full compliment of D1 programs and a commitment to Athletics. 

Does Santa Clara?

Fr. Engh convened the Blue Ribbon Commission on Athletics and went public with a goal of becoming Nationally relevant by 2021. The hiring of Renee and her hiring of Coach Sendek were signals that money would be there to undo the many years of decimation under Fr. Locatelli’s tenure; 25 fewer scholarships than any other program in the WCC as one example.  Meanwhile, Gonzaga seized the day and has since been eating our lunch both on the basketball court and national acclaim.  

Has anyone heard from the Chair of the Commission in the past 5 years?  A recommitment or progress update?  How about the Administration?  

While Renee made many good moves toward coaching upgrades, the AEC, and building a more capable and expanded staff, the increase in overall programs win/loss results haven’t shown up.  Men’s Basketball had a 20 win season, but other than that, it’s still Women’s Soccer that leads the way.  If she is accountable, so should others. 

It may be time to face reality that until we have an Administration and Board of Trustees that have the courage and long term vision to build a well rounded University nationally recognized in BOTH Academic and Athletics Programs, we will continue to be viewed as “mid-major” in everything.  

It’s not just about one Coach or one AD.  As a University, we seem to spend so much time being politically on message with all the issues of the day, that we overlook that words don't get results - actions do.

Instead of all the fancy PR slogans like “We’re on a Mission” and “Stampede Ahead,” we should be honest - “Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget.”

 

 

Santa Clara Men's Basketball - There's No Place Like Home

 

                                                                                                     

For the Broncos, there really is no place like home.  Coach Sendek and the team have been effectively been evicted from Leavey.  More Covid Rules.

It's like a spell cast upon us from the 1940's Wolfe novel "You Can't Go Home Again."  Like the novel, until vaccines are available, the Broncos will need to feel more "at home" while away.  

In a strange way, it might be good for us.  Just focus on playing basketball.  This team has some resiliency and that persona played a big role in the first four wins.  Our shooting in all areas has been off; particularly at the free throw line.  The UC Davis win was a great example of our resiliency, when we clanged five free throws with under 30 seconds left and a one point lead.  The "D" rose up causing 2 turnovers and a key rebound that closed it out. 

Last night in Santa Cruz against CSU Bakersfield was another display of grit - winning ugly.  Our shooting wasn't just cold, it was arctic.  But as cold as we were on offense, the defense was on fire holding Bakersfield to 11 first half points.  In the end, it was defense that won this game; which speaks to the resolve to dig in and not give up. 

We're making it happen with better pressure, rebounding, and decent ball control.  Interestingly, most of our turnovers have not come from our guards.  Carlyle and Jaylen Williams are less than 2 TO/G.  Our front court - not so much, committing 11 of the 17 turnovers at UC Davis.

Doesn't sound like 4-0?  One thing for sure is that we'll need to be much better than our first four to make noise in WCC play.

The schedule from here is wobbly at best.  The Sacramento State game will probably happen either in Santa Cruz or Sacramento.  We are currently on the Boise State and Oregon State schedules.  These are questionable with our County's quarantine rules - 14 days for travel over 150 miles.  We would need to stay and practice in Boise or Corvallis to pull those off.  

IF Oregon State happens on 12/23 that's just 10 days before the scheduled WCC opener vs LMU on January 2nd.  The quarantine and no sports ban could be lifted by then, but our County hasn't shown much compassion for these things.  It would be nice for the County to produce data that substantiates that these sports are causing Covid case surges - but I doubt it.  They ask us for data and proof, but choose not to do the same.

So the farther from "home" we get, the more at home we'll need to feel.  Until there can be fans in the stands, the motivation must come from within each player.  Accepting the personal challenge and having the internal fire to win.  Not easy.

Other teams have the same challenges.  Look at USF.  At 2-2 with a signature win over # 4 Virginia, then losses to UMass and Rhode Island.  

It will be this type of season for the Broncos.  A "headshaker" season.  CSU Bakersfield lows and hopefully a few upset highs.  We, as fans hope our team embraces this challenge and this moment and leave us all with our heads held high!