Slow Start The Norm

[GrandGreen]

I can't think of any excuses for being blown out by a ASU team starting three freshman. White after maybe his best point play ever at Little Rock, looked very bad two days later. Only Thompson among the guards had any success. The front court after being at least adequate the game before was totally outplayed. The only highlight was the forgotten Knox, who in nine minutes had 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block and a steal.

I was hoping for much better, but JJ's team is about were it always is at this point in the schedule. Last year's team started out the conference schedule 1-3; in the 2007-2008 season, NT lost the first two games and was 2-2 after 4 games and in the tournament championship year NT also started out 2-2. The good thing is that NT finished those years strong; 2008-2009, NT won 6 of 7 regular season conference games; 2007-2008, NT won 5 of the last 6 and in 2006-2007, NT won 3 of the last 4. In the last three years, NT finished well and if had not been for an outstanding WKU team could have more than one NCAA appearance to show for it.

In my opinion, NT has been at best mediocre this year, but JJ's coaching history does give hope that this team still may jell and be something special.

Edited January 4, 2010 by GrandGreen

[CMJ]

Actually last year we started 1-3 in league play. But your point is well taken. All conference games are important, but it does seem as tho when they really start to mean something in mid to late February and early March, we're playing our best ball.

[NT80]

Actually last year we started 1-3 in league play. But your point is well taken. All conference games are important, but it does seem as tho when they really start to mean something in mid to late February and early March, we're playing our best ball.

Not so much. The regular season is only about seeding for the Conference Tourney in March. There is only one way into the dance from the Sunbelt...win the Conference Tourney, all else doesn't matter. UNT runs hot and cold. It usually takes JJ until the end of Feb to find out how to push the right buttons.

[CMJ]

Not so much. The regular season is only about seeding for the Conference Tourney in March. There is only one way into the dance from the Sunbelt...win the Conference Tourney, all else doesn't matter. UNT runs hot and cold. It usually takes JJ until the end of Feb to find out how to push the right buttons.

Tell that to USA acouple years ago when their 16-2 mark got them in the Dance.

Besides, even if you're right - they're still very important. Seeding is paramount come tournament time. Especially now with all the teams going to Hot Springs and playing Saturday-Tuesday. If you aren't a top 3 seed with a bye - you aren't likely to win. Four games in four days is just too daunting.

[GrandGreen]

Actually last year we started 1-3 in league play. But your point is well taken. All conference games are important, but it does seem as tho when they really start to mean something in mid to late February and early March, we're playing our best ball.

corrected, thanks

[NT80]

Tell that to USA acouple years ago when their 16-2 mark got them in the Dance.

Besides, even if you're right - they're still very important. Seeding is paramount come tournament time. Especially now with all the teams going to Hot Springs and playing Saturday-Tuesday. If you aren't a top 3 seed with a bye - you aren't likely to win. Four games in four days is just too daunting.

The main problem this year is UNT's strength of schedule is so weak. Even if we win the rest except for the conference final a 23-7 record or so may not be enough to get us an at-large bid.

[meangreanmick]

I think it could be argued that our bad starts to conference play in the past have been somewhat caused by the particular teams we played. What bothers me about this year is we are losing to teams that are considered to be at the bottom of the league, in games we theoretically should easily win. Unfortunately, I think we are way overrated.