GMac should be ticked

**ISUFan22** · 10-23-2009, 10:56 AM

We have a preseason All-Big 12 player. We have the preseason newcomer of the year. All indications from people around the league point to both of these guys being NBA players.

And we're picked to finish 8th in the conference. If things are legit about Craig (they are) and Gilstrap (unknown) - when was the last time a team with 2 NBA talent players finished that low in a conference? (honest question, as I don't know the stats)

IMO, it's a blatant disrespect to Greg. You could say it's about the other talent on the floor, but I think enough of these guys have proven they can be serviceable - no great track records yet - but good enough to win with a couple great players on the team.

So, back to Greg. I don't think he's been wronged, his record in the Big 12 is not exactly stellar. But, with the talent - being picked that low is a bit of a slap in the face.

I hope he sees it that way and this puts an extra chip on his shoulder this season.

**isucyfan** · 10-23-2009, 10:59 AM

I really just think these preseason polls are a "what have you done for me lately" type of thing. It's all based on past performance, so we're about where we should be. I'm more concerned with the post-season polls.

That being said, anything that adds some extra motivation is a good thing.

**DaddyMac** · 10-23-2009, 10:59 AM

I really doubt GMac gives two toots about preseason polls.

If I were he (and with his paycheck, I wish I was), I'd be thrilled about the low expectations.

- Gives motivation material
- Finishing higher is nothing by gravy

Bad side is that the reason we're picked low with a pretty good looking ball club is that the Big XII is L-O-A-D-E-D this year. A true case of drastic improvement might not be reflected in W-L's

The Fizer/Tinsley team had similar expectations, as I recall (not making a prediction here....)

**Al_4_State** · 10-23-2009, 10:59 AM

A slap in the face is exactly what it is. We have the talent to go to the tournament. Do we have the coach? He hasn't proven ANYTHING in the Big 12 so far. Hopefully stuff like that is "bulletin board material" for the coach too.

**Cyclonepride** · 10-23-2009, 11:01 AM

I think having issues with this kind of thing would point to a problem with a coach's self confidence, and if anything, he'll just file that under the "I'm about to show you what we can do" category.

**ISUFan22** · 10-23-2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by isucyfan

I really just think these preseason polls are a "what have you done for me lately" type of thing. It's all based on past performance, so we're about where we should be. I'm more concerned with the post-season polls.

That being said, anything that adds some extra motivation is a good thing.

I agree, as I noted - it's if it comes true.

But, if the coaches put these guys on those lists, they're anticipating them to be top players in the league. My post is not predicated on what will happen, but more of the disparity between what the coaches think will happen with players and league results.

**RoseClone** · 10-23-2009, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

I really doubt GMac gives two toots about preseason polls.

Agree

**Cyhart** · 10-23-2009, 11:05 AM

I think we will finish higher than 8th, but Im fine with the prediction.
I really like GMac and I hope he earns a lifetime contract here but lets face it, he hasnt proven he can win at this level yet. His record at ISU leaves a lot to be desired. The Big 12 is loaded this year. Maybe even a 7 bid league. Baylor made it to the NIT chamionship last year and we are picked to finish above them. I'm ok with 8th for now because we still have to earn our props. And we will......

**bos** · 10-23-2009, 11:05 AM

He hasnt proven any big wins yet. But he has proven he can keep a team of walk ons leftovers competitive with the big teams. Now that we have some talent loaded up, I expect to see the big wins coming.

**CyAggie** · 10-23-2009, 11:06 AM

I understand what you are saying, but I think it puts us where he wants to be.
Prove them wrong and play above expectations. It is working in football.

**4429 mcc** · 10-23-2009, 11:06 AM

The Big XII is stacked this year 5-8 is a wash, but ISU has been the least relevant team out of 5-8 in recent years so I understand the ranking.

**cyco2000** · 10-23-2009, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

We have a preseason All-Big 12 player. We have the preseason newcomer of the year. All indications from people around the league point to both of these guys being NBA players.

And we're picked to finish 8th in the conference. If things are legit about Craig (they are) and Gilstrap (unknown) - when was the last time a team with 2 NBA talent players finished that low in a conference? (honest question, as I don't know the stats)

IMO, it's a blatant disrespect to Greg. You could say it's about the other talent on the floor, but I think enough of these guys have proven they can be serviceable - no great track records yet - but good enough to win with a couple great players on the team.

So, back to Greg. I don't think he's been wronged, his record in the Big 12 is not exactly stellar. But, with the talent - being picked that low is a bit of a slap in the face.

I hope he sees it that way and this puts an extra chip on his shoulder this season.

I would hope these numbers tick him off more:

6-10
4-12
4-12

The preseason poll doesn't mean crap.

**CYdTracked** · 10-23-2009, 11:12 AM

Until we prove this team can win we really don't deserve to be any higher than we are in the preseason picks. I'm cautiously optimistic right now because I don't think it's a slam dunk that we are going to the dance this year.

**CycloneErik** · 10-23-2009, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

I think having issues with this kind of thing would point to a problem with a coach's self confidence, and if anything, he'll just file that under the "I'm about to show you what we can do" category.

I love that approach.

**gocubs2118** · 10-23-2009, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

He hasnt proven any big wins yet. But he has proven he can keep a team of walk ons leftovers competitive with the big teams. Now that we have some talent loaded up, I expect to see the big wins coming.

We have hung around and should have beaten multiple top 25 teams while GMac has been here. The Kansas game during the 06-07 season comes to my mind first, stupid Brandon Rush. Then the Texas game during the 07-08 season, stupid AJ Abrams. I think this will be the year he finally gets over that hump.