chrisfisher

Interesting read on the mysterious process of conference realignment and how teams go about it behind the scenes.

No doubt and I agree that the major question is whether these new recruits can play because there is no amount of analysis that matters at that point if they can't play the game.. Based on the limited public info on these new recruits, I think we have enough talent coming in to win again - time will tell though.

Harry - Great observation. I was actually going to start a new thread on this, but you beat me to it. Everyone has been so focused on their dislike of Benford, I think its been missed that UNT has been quietly put together a very big recruiting class. They will be a difficult matchup for many teams in CUSA. Even TJ at 6" 3', one of our shortest players now, is 220 LB - A Big 12 type guard who can muscle his way around even if not that tall. Jordan is still listed at 6' 6" but everyone noticed last season he was likely an inch taller. Now with two players at 6' 10" plus a plethora of guards/forwards at 6" 7' and taller, we can really go "big" on the floor when we want too. My guess is that Benford wanted this all along with his "paint first" scoring approach. That can finally open up our guards for some decent 3 point shot looks which we didn't have all season last year. I think the return players will come back with a chip on their shoulder with something to prove, and with good play from the new recruits, it could be a much more interesting season that many think around here.

That's crazy talk that Alzee might be let go. He was one of our most productive players all around and for many years. I really hope not.

Dang. I was really hoping he ended up here.

What an enormous benefit of joining CUSA.

Did we sign Ward yet?

I saw him make several turn around jump shots near the rim the past season... hopefully, that is something they could build on for this season.

My wife, daughter and I moved to Denton in 2005 so I could work on my PhD at UNT. My wife was very reluctant to move there. We all ended up loving Denton. It was the best of "small town" life combined with major metropolitan areas just 30 to 40 minutes nearby, which we frequently took advantage of (malls, Mavs, etc). She found a great job there too (actually closer to Dallas). We left in July 2011 to move to Corpus after I completed my degree and other licensure requirements so I could join my father in practice, which was a life dream, so there was no option to stay in Denton. However, we could have easily lived there for the rest of our lives - no problem at all - we liked it that much. I've been back once already to a UNT game since I left, and I plan to return again hopefully at least one time per year.

Interesting, and surprising: 20. Bobby Petrino, Western Kentucky

Did you see this in that piece: "One of those, who Kugler has already committed a scholarship to, is 28-year-old Iraq war veteran Michael Kelly. Bad news: In a brutal ruling from the NCAA, the linebacker Kelly's three tours of duty in Iraq evidently count as three years of eligibility, as he has been declared a senior instead of a freshman. There's the NCAA's thanks for his service." Of course, I don't know the whole story, but you juust gotta love the NCAA and their rulings.

Nice!

When is the Spring game?

Maybe they should renovate their name too while they are it, and remove "at Lafayette." University of Louisiana sounds so much better.

I had no idea. Glad to hear that it is a parody account - certainly didn't realize that when I posted my response. I was in complete disbelief that DT would handle himself publicly like that.

I honestly can't believe DT and is stupidity to post all that to twitter. I know these guys are kids. But he isn't representing UNT in a good light with cursing, including f-bombs, gangs signs, sneaking beers into Fry Street Tavern, etc. on a public Twitter account. Wow.

I got really excited when I saw Mitchell enrolled at North Texas. I though he re-enrolled and missed the date of the original post (2011). Anyhow, I thank you Tony for taking a chance on UNT. I know it wasn't what anyone hoped for, but I hope that you enjoyed your time at UNT. I wish you the very best in the NBA, and I really, really hope that the Spurs pick you up! Tony is the prototypical player that Pop drafts and goes on to develop into a solid player or superstar.

Ranked 15th best QB in nation at the time. Played 12 games in 3 years and no starts. I wonder if he regrets his decision to sign with OU... there are so many highly regarded players that see very little playing time because they have 3 or 4 in front of them at the power schools. I guess they all think they will earn the starting position. If some of these type players originally signed with other non-power conference schools, say UNT, they would have a full college career on the gametime field, not the sideline.

Crappy ending to a crappy season. Top 25 predictions. Bottom 25 performance. Completely disappointed and disillusioned with this team's performance or lack thereof.

This game over. Predicted "historical" season over.

Hardwick gets technical foul. UNT announcers note that Hardwick, "fouled out last game against ULL, but officials later admit he only had 4 fouls."

UNT down 12. Not looking good.

Keep getting excited when I hear Thompson, then realize ULL. Really miss Triston Thompson.

The Frenchman gets thrown to the ground but no call.... UNT announcers say, closing curtain to a team in last act on stage (i.e., - no calls for those leaving the Belt).

Chris Jones might have hurt foot again or just playing before fully injured... either way, shows lots of heart by CJ.