The New West Coast Conference - It's Going to be a "Dogfight"

After the NCAA tournament selection committee made the WCC seem irrelevant with zero at-large bids, Mark Few went off.  

He totally, and probably rightfully so, "called out" the greater than 200 RPI schools in the WCC and blamed them for dragging the top three teams down....

Just to refresh what he said:  “Our league needs to really step back and take notice.  It’s time for some of these other institutions to start picking it up.  They’re really dragging the top three down.”

Turns out, the NCAA selection committee made themselves "irrelevant" after their at-large selections went down one after another in embarrassing fashion.  Their PAC-12 picks looked like scrimmage teams - while the Zags were a "few" possessions away from a final four.

Well, the "drag down" schools listened and are getting ready to rumble.  Few's going to get the dogfight he asked for and the Zags are the biggest dogs in the fight...so far.

We may need to change the name of the WCC to the "WCCCC."  The West Coast Celebrity Coaches Conference!!!

Check out the Marquee Names:

Pacific hires Damon Stoudamire - NBA great

Portland hires Terry Porter - NBA great and coach

SCU hires Herb Sendek and NBA player Julius Hodge

LMU has Mike Dunlap back - a former NBA coach 

Add:

USF hires Kyle Smith, Ivy leaguer with something to prove

USD has Lamont Smith back with fresh talent

The resumes are impressive.  Star power.  Recruiting will be even more fierce because the "prize" is there for the taking.  The prize being NCAA tourney bids. 

And the schools are going "all in."  

We are not the only program with big facilities makeovers to dazzle recruits.  It's a "gold rush" mentality - NCAA or bust....

The NCAA payout numbers are B-I-G.  A one "win" unit this past year approached $300,000.   A final four appearance, with all the adders and annuities attached, can exceed $8.5 million according to Forbes!!!  That's per NCAA appearance.  So, just think of the loot Duke, Kentucky, Gonzaga, etc are generating.  That's HUGE, even in Donald Trump's world.

So, while we're happy to have our new coach, we have a long way to go to revamp the culture and roster to make a push.  Other than the WCC top three, everyone else is going to be parroting the same message - star coach, facilities, and contend for the big dance. 

One has to ask, why did Mark Few "call out" the rest of the league?  Why would he inflame the other schools to become more competitive and potentially take down the Zags after their 16+ years of supremacy?  

Because IMHO, he has to...

He's either really smart or really foolish.

My view, it's pretty smart and aggressive.  Again, it's all about NCAA's.

I believe he foresees the day, perhaps soon, where he will have to rely on an at-large selection.  A very tough go.  Just ask St. Mary's.

Consider his scheduling issues.  About half his games are set against 200+ RPI schools, mostly from the WCC.  Not the best for rankings.  He does schedule a good number of top 50 name teams to offset the patsies, but he can't afford to schedule many more in case they lose those games.  If he loses those games early in the season and those top 50 end up having mediocre seasons, it just compounds the problem.

So, by yanking our chains, he's minimizing his risk.  He believes he'll still beat most of the WCC non top three, even if they rise to RPI's of less than 100.  Even so, a loss here or there won't kill his chances as it would be to losing to a 200+ RPI team in league.  

Once the WCC starts getting two or more at-large bids, it helps him big time with the things that matter most; recruiting and scheduling.  

Pretty gutsy.  Bulldog mascot, bulldog mentality.

You may not like it, but you have to admire it.

For us.  First things first.  

Get the right "horses" in the corral.  Get them trained and fit.  Get them ready for the track - the NCAA tourney track.  

Mark Few is going to get the "dogfight" he's asked for.  

Time will tell if he's underestimating the fact that the Lions, Tigers, and Broncos he'll face might bring more than his dogs can handle to the fight. 

Game on...

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The Future of SCU Men's Basketball - Are We the "Horse" to Ride?

W.C. Fields would be loving today.  "All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."  Or, on the campus of Villanova, where classes are cancelled today after an epic final shot and national championship victory.

The profile at Nova just became a "$upernova" that will light up the University for years to come...Awesome!

Made me wonder...What does Villanova have that we don't or even crazier, what do WE have that they don't?

The short answer - they have a 25 year head start.

We are both Catholic institutions* similar in mission, size, academic profile, urban locations, great campuses, and athletic facilities.  

Our MBB academic progress multi-year rates are both above 980 out of 1,000.

Etc, etc...

We were national in the early 70's and had a few bright spots in the 80's and Nash 90's.  We chose to build out the University campus, programs and Endowment, while schools like Villanova chose a vision that included athletics as an enabler to accomplish broader University goals.

Today, proudly, we have the "goods" to take this Brand national in MBB.  As season ticket holders and fans, we may feel we are a "dark horse," but we have a war chest to become the "horse" to ride in the WCC and more.  I'm not being a "homer" here.

There are facts to consider

Our Endowment of approximately $900m dwarfs Villanova's and by the way Gonzaga and St.Mary's.  

Our location - heart of Silicon Valley - is on fire right now.

Our Campus - stunning, and curiously enough, there's now a stallion statue right in the middle you can't miss.  Symbols.

Our Sr. University staff and Trustees have gone public that Athletics and MBB are to become nationally relevant in the 2020 strategic plan.

Fr. Engh and the Trustees are saying "yes" to the strategic and tactical needs to enable the vision.

Our A.D. is part of the decision making inner circle - no filters.

AND....

Money from the war chest is flowing...

New A.D. with a vision and attitude to get this done

Amped up branding with a new logo and uniforms

New facilities to impress recruits; lockers, Leavey floor, offices, training space, team space, co-located housing

More support staff to ensure we perform the best in the classroom and on the floor

New Coach with a "rep" for building tournament level teams

New Asst. coaches who have more experience and "cred"

Better scheduling - in tourneys with Arizona, Butler, Vandy

Recruiting budgets that can get us some Scout.Com "star" level players

You get the idea.  Major $$ to make us a serious Mid-Major program.  It's finally real people...

I know we're all from "Missouri" due to the past 25 years with SCU and athletics. 

IMHO, it's time for all of us to get on board.  

It won't happen fast, but the commitment to national, even striving for top 20 in MBB is part of the convo and more importantly, the budget.

The "old" Bronco is being put out to pasture and the new Stallion is getting ready to run - and that just may make us the "horse" to ride.    

*Villanova is Catholic, but not Jesuit

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SCU's New Men's Basketball Coach - Formula for Success

I love "Rumorville."  Especially for the Broncos next MBB coach.

  

It's a lot more exciting than the last nine years, where our best stats were graduation rates not win rates.   

Yawn.  I mean this is Santa Clara.   Ya think we're going to let our athletes flunk out?  Sure it takes effort, but apparently it's a lot easier than winning.  

GMT * which is always dangerous.

How will "we" measure MBB success?  We, meaning the University, Trustees, Dr. B, season ticket holders, fans, and the media.  I mean, this is new territory for SCU.  

In the past, my guess is that previous coaches were asked to run a clean program and win some games along the way.  I don't intend this to be demeaning.  All of our previous coaches, including Kerry, were fierce and dedicated to being the best, but I doubt there were specific measurements; re: winning or you're out.  

I remember my convo with our previous A.D. who said there was actually some "teeth" in Coach Keating's last extension.  So before that, I guess not?  

Not now, people.  Dr. B knows the clock is ticking.  SCU Vision 2020 says "nationally relevant."  

I'm sure each group mentioned above would have different takes on MBB success.  

Since SCU is a prestigious academic institution, I'm going to make it a "formula."   

W/L  +  GR  + N  >  102 

There it is.  Go crazy math quants...

This formula translates to seasons with at least 20 wins AND reinforces commitment to SCU Jesuit values.  It has an adder for post season events that matter - where we want to be.

No more "fuzzy" stuff.  No more Hakuna Matata... 

SO, there it is.  Put it in their contract.  

So, whether it's Herb, Kurt, Lloyd, Jim, Travis, Kevin, Russell, Brian, or whoever, here's the "teeth" in their SCU contract.

Now, we need to get it done and take a "bite" out of those Bulldogs!

GMT = Got Me Thinking

Santa Clara University - The New Men's Basketball Coach Is...

ICYMI, it's open season for Men's Basketball coaches in both the NCAA and WCC. 

Rex Walters (USF), Kerry Keating, Ron Verlin (Pacific), Eric Reveno (Portland) all are "out."

Johnny Dawkins is done at Stanford after eight seasons where an NCAA sweet 16 and two NIT championships were not good enough.  Thanks Cal...

Mark Few was chapped as well.  He piled on with this zinger, 

“Our league needs to really step back and take notice,” he said. “It’s time for some of these other institutions to start picking it up. They’re really dragging the top three down.”

With 20 losses - we're in that "other" bucket...

Few's Plan

“We’re trying to make single-digit seeding – we’ve even tried to make an argument for No. 1.  It’s deeper than just ‘getting in.’ It’s a way to attract recruits.  It creates incredible exposure for the university and the community.  There’s more to it than the tournament — but that’s big in my mind.”

We may not like it, but it's true.  Ask Randy Bennett.  His 13 WCC wins against sub 200 RPI teams torpedoed his NCAA at-large hopes.  He was a free throw away at Cal from getting in...

We are 20 years; let alone a free throw away...

BUT...

We have a new Coach - who is...

At this point a rumor... The "names" - I whittled them down to 20. Some who are hilarious, crazy, and some a dream come true.

Here's a few names from "rumorville."  You pick or comment.

SCU Alums

Kurt Rambis - NY Knicks, would he tear up his new deal?

Steve Nash - Retired and now a Soccer team owner dude

Lloyd Pierce - 76'ers assistant, has yet to run the show

Bay Area Locals

Johnny Dawkins - Just canned at Stanford - no hand me downs

Mike Montgomery - Would he have the "fire" left

The Others 

Herb Sendek - Fired by ASU, from NC State, lots of NCAA's

Jeff Capel - Assoc. at Duke. Head at Oklahoma, leave Duke?

Kenny Payne - Asst. at Kentucky, come West? Uh-uh

Travis Steele - Asst. for 7 yrs at Xavier, ties to Nike, Well, well!!!

Justin Hutson - Asst. at SDSU, UNLV, Young, NCAA's...Hmmm?

Russell Turner - Head at UCI, from Wake and Stanford

Steve Lavin - Proven NCAA machine from UCLA, Not twice

Damon Stoudamire - U of A & Memphis asst, His history?

Dan Majerle - Head at Grand Canyon, daughter SCU Grad, just went Division 1 and made NCAA tourney.  Is he the "phoenix?"

The worst rumor is that we'll look for the "bargain" coach.  No way. Why even go through the exercise?  Been there, done that. 

Our former Coach "K" was making in the $400's.  This hire is to fire up the "engine" to take us national. Hard to get national if you're paying "local."  Our new A.D. won't be shy for the "right" person.  Her job depends on it and 2020 is the "year"...

The conventional wisdom says hire someone who has been a successful head coach.  Good.  However, many current D1 standouts were just assistants when they got their head job, but had serious upside.  How about Brad Stevens or Chris Mack?  Coaches can be like thoroughbred horses.  You have to check their lineage. Did they work for the studs of NCAA basketball head coaches?Would those coaches say they could take their jobs?  Better...

Our A.D. says she'll take her time and no national search firm.  My guess is there's a "go to" few she's waiting on from the NCAA tourney.  Then we will need to strike fast.  There are over 40 openings in D1 Men's Basketball. 

It's a deal maker or breaker for SCU.  It will be only our 7th head coach.  The bright lights are on and it's show time.

As season ticket holders and fans, we just hope this story ends with a little madness.  March Madness!!!

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SCU Men's Basketball - A Case of the "What Ifs"

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.

Mercury News SCU Article

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

Santa Clara University Has Momentum - Does Men's Basketball?

ICYMI*, a strange thing happened last November 5th.  Santa Clara released a University marketing video entitled "SCU Momentum 2015."

Strange, because I have ranted in the past about our marketing and communication gaffes, but wonderful, in that this is the best marketing piece I've seen from SCU since Fr. Engh's tenure began in 2009.

AND guess what?  The star and narrator is Jared Brownridge; an athlete!!!  Santa Clara used an athlete to chronicle all the successes and MOMENTUM achieved in 2015.  The video is excellent and Jared delivers a performance better than his 3pt last second shot in the recent victory over Pepperdine. 

Check it out:

Santa Clara Momentum Video

This is Branding folks.  It screams the message we've all known for decades, but rarely let the public in on:  the phenomenal assets the University possesses, but has been myopic about exploiting.  

This is a MOMENTUS occasion...whether recruiting a potential professor, student, or athlete this will be a great tool.

The video also begs the question, "Do we have momentum in Men's Basketball, the President's Commission on Athletics targeted flagship sport?"  

Sadly, we don't...

M/W soccer, volleyball, even water polo have MO.  Men's basketball - no.

Don't get me wrong, we've had MOMENTS.  The CIT and CBI wins were good moments as was the recent Pepperdine buzzer beater.  But, as we march to the finish of our seventh losing season in the last nine years, we've gained no traction or velocity from those titles.

No P=MV...

Since 2007, our overall record is 135-152 (.47)  and 49-83 (.37) in the WCC.  Our average RPI is 207.  Our best was 104.

Our MBB program is stellar at all the "other" things that SCU demands; including graduation rates.  So are most other WCC schools.  

Fans/donors don't make contributions or invest just based upon grad rates - it's wins and wins against quality opponents.  They want traction, progression, mass that leads to you guessed it - Momentum.

Our program can't "Go" without "Mo."

Students won't Go without Mo...

As MBB season ticket holders, fans, and donors, we're happy to have had some "moments" but what we really want is MOMENTUM...

* ICYMI = In Case You Missed It.

Also on Twitter @Fcrary

SCU Men's Basketball - Close ≠ "Close" in Finishing Games

Last February, I wrote a column about the SCU "Nice Try Syndrome" after we lost another game to the Zags.

Here's the link if you want to read it for a refresher.
SCU - Nice Try Syndrome

Now the "nice try" has morphed into the "we're close" campaign.
  
Reality check.  We may get close, but we just can't "close out" games.
   
In many professions, "closers" get paid the big bucks.  Those that are close, get to watch the "closers" receive their recognition for performing.

Mark Few's teams are closers.  Since 2008, they've won 65% of their games with less than four minutes left and within four points.  We didn't have much to celebrate this New Year's Eve as it was the fifth time they've closed us out when we were either within four or tied in the last few minutes.  We are 1-19 vs Gonzaga since the 2007-08 season.  

We are 34% (24 of 47) as closers since 2007-08, including six losses this season alone.

Here's the amazing part, we were AHEAD with less than four minutes to go in 25 of those games that we lost...Close?

In 2008 Coach Keating said, "Since I've been at Santa Clara we have lost 20 games, 15 of those have been two possession games.  I have to get better, they have to get better - we all have to get better."

I guess it's still a work in progress.

I like the way we played Thursday afternoon.  We actually shared the ball and guys other than Jared made shots.  Emmanuel played his best game yet and gave us a presence in the paint we sorely need.  His "volleyball" spike of a Perkins' shot energized Leavey.  Kai, Hauser and Feagin all made solid 3's in the second half.  Some vital signs...

Jared was Jared; spectacular.

I left Leavey wondering, where was this type of performance in our other 9 losses?  We all know we had another "we let it get away" loss vs Arizona.  The PR machine tells us we're growing, learning and getting better....IMHO, we looked "grown up" enough to take out the Zags!  

Thursday's game was a subtle tutorial on how to close out games.  Sorry to indulge.  I submit four lessons.

At 3:35 to go, Kyle WiltJer, a senior, did a premier acting job in front of the official to draw a foul on Nate. He knows how to get that call and as a 92% FT shooter - smart.

Zags ahead by 2 late, foul us three times preventing the "dagger" 3pt shot, also knowing our "prime time" FT track record.

Late in the game, Josh Perkins catches us off guard with a line drive FT and gets his own rebound - draining key seconds off the clock.

Zags make their clutch FT's in the last three minutes without their best shooters at the line.

For SCU, missed FT's and a layup - at 13 seconds, oh well....Then with only precious seconds to go, Jared fouls out?  We had to make the foul - but both Jared and the bench seemed unaware he already had four fouls.  He walked back onto the court before getting the news.

So we can get close - but we are not yet "closers."

In late game or clock situations, we seem to stop our motion, get the ball to Jared and then stand around and watch him try to beat the defense 1-1.  It's just too much to expect when our opponents know to make sure someone other than Jared beats them.  Until that changes and we trust other options, our "close ratio" won't change much.

If we're close, we play with confidence and consistency.  If we're close, we know how to make our "reads" and hit the open shooter before we default to the Jared 1-1 late clock play.  If we're close, we don't lose six games in the last two possessions this year.

As season ticket holders and fans, we've been hearing about close for a long time and now we'd like to see "closure" - a winning WCC and season record, an NCAA bid, and a program that's known for "closing games" not happy just being close...



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