Here we sit at 5-5 in nonconference play. Given the grind of the B1G in conference play game after game, Groce's traditional January/February swoon, and our record to date, barring a miraculous turnaround or run in the BTT we're not making the dance again.
Groce's teams also don't play with any passion in the NIT. So even the tournament to be #69 in the country isn't exciting.
So what's left to play for? As was said in the game thread, we're stuck with this regime through the end of the year at a minimum.
For me a couple of games stick out:
1. Missouri - beating the heathens from my home state is a moral imperative.
2. @#1 MSU - any time you have a chance to take out the #1 team in the nation, it's a must watch.
3. IU - wrecking their season is always something to shoot for. Why not take them down with us? Unless Crean's job is in jeopardy; then I hope we mail it in.
It's justified to question giving up at this point but I would counter by saying there's more than enough data around to see that this team with its poor defense, inconsistent effort, baffling player rotations, and questionable coaching tactics is going to have a hard time in the Big Ten. We're therefore left with whatever small moral victories we can eke out while we wait on the next AD. It sucks but it's the way it is.
Flame away. Asbestos underwear is on.
Groce's teams also don't play with any passion in the NIT. So even the tournament to be #69 in the country isn't exciting.
So what's left to play for? As was said in the game thread, we're stuck with this regime through the end of the year at a minimum.
For me a couple of games stick out:
1. Missouri - beating the heathens from my home state is a moral imperative.
2. @#1 MSU - any time you have a chance to take out the #1 team in the nation, it's a must watch.
3. IU - wrecking their season is always something to shoot for. Why not take them down with us? Unless Crean's job is in jeopardy; then I hope we mail it in.
It's justified to question giving up at this point but I would counter by saying there's more than enough data around to see that this team with its poor defense, inconsistent effort, baffling player rotations, and questionable coaching tactics is going to have a hard time in the Big Ten. We're therefore left with whatever small moral victories we can eke out while we wait on the next AD. It sucks but it's the way it is.
Flame away. Asbestos underwear is on.
