Failure may be the only option
How to describe the basketball season?
First, for some perspective, here’s what I wrote at mid-season, on January 7th:
At the halfway point the team is undefeated at 15-0, which is impressive and fantastic. But it is not something that hats can be hung on. There are games left, all of which are in-conference, and we know from past experience that ACC play in the 2nd half of the season isn’t the same as OOC play in the first. At this point, the correct way to judge this team is based on how well they do in the 2nd half. Good/great starts are fine, but they’re worth almost nothing with a bad/horrible finish.
So what about that 2nd half? The Tigers failed to seize control of the ACC when they had the chance and went on to record an 8-7 conference record after I wrote that post (The win against Miami occurred earlier in the season). It was then followed by tournament losses to the worst team in the ACC and to a #10 seed in the NCAA. After starting 15-0, the team went 8-9 in the last 17 games. Based on the criteria I described, I’d call that a pretty significant, if not monumental failure.
OK. I’ll shut up about the basketball season now.
On the bright side, we have made to the big dance twice in a row, and have three 20 win seasons in a row. I still believe we are improving and hope that next year is as good if not better than this year.
Now, back to waiting for football season.
you forgetting baseball? Maybe CLemson can do something there…
If by something you mean clearing teh regionals, then I am all ears. Unfortunately, I know what Leggett is capable of, and anything less than a super regional berth or trip to Omaha is not where I expect us to be on a given year. Last year was supreme rebuilding so I cut a little slack. This year, not the case.