IAIDisbelief

[epx]

[epx]

Elon Has everything it needs to be a factor in Mid Major basketball from the facility, campus, community, etc. standpoint. Book, Blank and the trustees need to get comfortable with the notion that the next coach needs to be someone with a PROVEN ability to COACH, not just be a decent second fiddle. They also need to get comfortable with the fact that the next coach may have to be the highest paid, (high six figures), CAA coach in CAA history in order to turn the tide in Elon's favor. As a long time donor to Elon Athletics, I'd like the coaches' salaries to be published. At least then we can see what commitment Elon has toward the program. Make a statement. Either we make a strong financial commitment or we join a conference commensurate with our financial commitment. I seriously have no problem with going DIII, as long as as we make a serious commitment toward winning at that level. What we've been doing up to this point is only making the Elon Faithful pi$$ed off.

[everelon]

I’d like to remind everyone that we have had 3 “four star” prospects riding the pine injured. You don’t see this with other programs. Maybe the problem is as simple as we don’t have a good strength and conditioning program, hence the injuries. I believe this to be true for football as well. With that being said, there is no excuse for the poor showing of this team. We just don’t have good coaching. The players are too slow and are not athletic.

[phoenix15]

I was a very vocal critic of Matheny on this board so I think it's only fair for me and all of us to be disappointed in this season and critical of Schrage. A couple thoughts on how we got to this point:
1) Poor Assessment of Transfer Market - Compared to other CAA teams we have not nailed our transfer pickups. John Meeks who chose Charleston seemed like a great fit (he is from Burlington!!!), how did we not pursue harder to get him! Between Watson, JBG, and Junkin we have got little to no production from our transfer. Also, unless something drastic changes I don't see a ton of potential between those three over the next season.
2) Lack of Size - Outside of Graham we have no size. I understand it is hard for CAA schools to get ready to play bigs from the HS market, but the lack of any developmental recruits with size is concerning. This is also where it is critical to recruit from the transfer portal.
3) Injuries/Strength - What is going on with Jadun Michael? Biggest recruit in school history and he has barely played in two years. I know there isn't a ton of coverage of this team, but any injury update on him? Otherwise, as Everelon mentioned there may be a need to reassess our S&C program. Sherry needs to get stronger to play at the CAA level (which says something), plus it does seem like we have been hit hard by the injury bug.
4) Lack of Development - This was my biggest issue with Matheny. Players came in as freshman and contributed immediately then stalled out. Year after year it seemed like we would have a young guy come in (Isenberger, Koch, Hamilton, etc.) put up numbers (often inefficiently, but still at least show potential) and then not improve over the next three years. It was maddening! This now seems to be same with the Hunters. Both came in, showed potential, but haven't taken that next step. This is where I am most critical of the coaching staff.
5) Schedule - This team was not ready to play 6 high majors before conference games. I like the aggressive nature, but I think that stunted growth of younger players and chemistry.

Outlook: I think it's fair to say that Schrage has at least one more year. I am very excited about Nick Martinelli as an incoming recruit. I've followed his stats from afar after he committed and based on the highly competitive AAU team he Chicago HS league he played/plays on I fully expect him to come in and get playing time. However, if we are sitting at the bottom half of CAA next year - with a roster of only Schrage recruits, I think it is time for us to really start putting pressure on AD Blank and University Leadership to assess if Schrage is the right guy for the job and if they are serious about ever becoming relevant in Men's basketball.

[bigmike55]

Feb 18, 2022 12:09:14 GMT -5 phoenix15 said:

5) Schedule - This team was not ready to play 6 high majors before conference games. I like the aggressive nature, but I think that stunted growth of younger players and chemistry.

I am with you 100% on this one…