Am I missing the pessimism?

**BigBake** · 12-04-2006, 09:03 PM

I know Jeremy posted an article on "some" ISU fans being hypocritical but I'm not seeing it. I saw one thread from a Jordan trying to rip a team 7 games in to the season and then 6 pages of fans telling him he's crazy. (his rep reflected this backlash accordingly)

I don't think anyone can make an arguement that we should expect the NIT or better. Yeah, we all know that'd be great but I think 99% also have realistic expectations for this year.

**ripvdub** · 12-04-2006, 09:35 PM

I dont expect a great team, i dont think well get more than 16 wins. But you dont need to rip on our players or the team in general. Weve just gone through a complete overhaul of the players, coaches, and the system. Is a lil patience too much to ask for?

**Blandboy** · 12-05-2006, 08:27 AM

15 wins would be a success as far as I'm concerned. It's a step up the food chain and with Mac's late start recruiting it's probably more than I should expect. How do you spell relief? B R A C K I N S!

**dmclone** · 12-05-2006, 03:02 PM

I heard some clown on KXNO mentioning how all the "chat rooms" were dogging Mac. From what I've seen on this "chat room" that's not happening at all. Everyone knew it would be a long season.

**wonkadog** · 12-05-2006, 03:09 PM

Yeah, it's a myth. Just like the one about playing in January Bowl Games as being some sign of an unbelievable football season.

**Jeremy** · 12-05-2006, 03:17 PM

My column was posted in reference to a few things I had heard from coworkers rather than on this board. The people here have been mostly understanding, except a few. I don't know what is posted elsewhere but I think most of the informed fans know to expect a rough ride for a little while. There will always be critics and I think they're a clear minority but I still wanted to post a reminder to people to keep the spirits high but not the expectations.

Hope is great for rebuilding but we can't be too hard on the guys for trying as hard as they have been. Of course I believe that we can be critical of coaches, that's why we have a message board. But I also understand that it takes time and we'll get it going soon enough. I do think that the majority of fans understand that as well.

**BigBake** · 12-05-2006, 03:20 PM

[quote=Jeremy;55510]My column was posted in reference to a few things I had heard from coworkers rather than on this board. The people here have been mostly understanding, except a few. quote]

Ah okay...that makes a little more sense.

For what it's worth I think most everyone I've chatted with about Cyclone bball are pretty level headed in regards to the season's expectations.

**Jeremy** · 12-05-2006, 03:29 PM

I think a lot of it probably just revolves around people being so on edge about coaching changes and everything that has gone on over the past year.

MBB is a lot easier to rebuild than football and it won't take near the time. Those posting expectations of 9 or 10 wins in FB next year just haven't seen what it takes to get good recruits and install a new style and breed of football.

Another thing to remember is that even though we have returning players, they still have to get used to a completely different type of coach. Mac was a motivator that was always hyping things up. Chizik is more of a business man (like JP said) that knows what it takes and won't accept anything else. He will motivate but he's first and foremost a guy that won't try and make players something they're not. If a player isn't good enough for something, he probably won't be trying to motivate them to do something they physically or mentally can't. They'll be pushed harder than ever but not to do things they won't be good at. Not saying Mac did that, just that Chizik is completely opposite of what these guys are used to.

**CYBORN** · 12-05-2006, 10:01 PM

I do find it interesting and quite frankly refreshing that not many ISU fans were griping after the UNI and Drake losses. It seems that most everyone realizes we will struggle this year. However the optimism and confidence of the masses that Mac will have us cranking by next year is really telling.

**Wesley** · 12-05-2006, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I think a lot of it probably just revolves around people being so on edge about coaching changes and everything that has gone on over the past year.

MBB is a lot easier to rebuild than football and it won't take near the time. Those posting expectations of 9 or 10 wins in FB next year just haven't seen what it takes to get good recruits and install a new style and breed of football.

Another thing to remember is that even though we have returning players, they still have to get used to a completely different type of coach. Mac was a motivator that was always hyping things up. Chizik is more of a business man (like JP said) that knows what it takes and won't accept anything else. He will motivate but he's first and foremost a guy that won't try and make players something they're not. If a player isn't good enough for something, he probably won't be trying to motivate them to do something they physically or mentally can't. They'll be pushed harder than ever but not to do things they won't be good at. Not saying Mac did that, just that Chizik is completely opposite of what these guys are used to.

To rebuild the team, we need a couple new bigs and then we will be fine. Until them tough sledding. The current three are tall and non obtrusive on the court.

**Cyclonepride** · 12-06-2006, 06:36 AM

I think I was comforted a lot during the Drake game by the thought that Drake had better enjoy the hell out of this because it may be a while before it happens again. Drake also played very, very well and you can tell that Tom's system is starting to kick in.