If we had not won the National Championship last season

[UCweCONN]

You could really argue that if Kemba had not carried us on the miraculous run through the BE and NCAA tournaments last season, that the program is in decline. It doesn't translate well to posting here but I broke Jim Calhoun's time at UCONN into 5 year segments starting with the season (regular season D1 wins only). As you can see, the team's regular season winning percentage the past 5 years is similar to Calhoun's first 5 years and regular season losses are nearly averaging double digits.

If you take the last 3 years only, this has been the worst stretch of JC's career from a regular season point of view. I don't know how much of this is the result of the uncertainty over JC's health and future (which started in 2009) but there has been a noticeable drop-off.

Some will say that regular season losses are not the key indicator of a program's health but I say it is a big factor because it impacts you getting into the NCAA's and your seeding if you manage to get there. The higher your seeding the better your team's chance of making a deep tourney run. As other posters have pointed out, top programs are relevant and in the discussion as a championship contenders every year.

In 1999 and 2004, we were one of the top couple teams mentioned and in contention for a title all year so it was no shock when we won. Last year, we really caught lightning in a bottle and rode Kemba Walker to an unexpected championship. You could make an argument that if we had lost early in the BE tourney last year, there was a chance (maybe a low chance) that we would have missed the NCAA tourney. With that in mind, we missed it in 2009-10 and could very likely miss it this year (and next year...). This is why I say thank God for last year. Because of that crazy run, we still have the 2011 National Championship to entice recruits with even though the program is going through a rough time. Without last year's improbable run where would we be as a program? Looking at four staight years missing the NCAA tournament?

With all of the looming issues concerning our eligibility for next year's NCAA tourney, JC's coaching future, the impact on recruiting etc. this is a precarious time for the program.

We need some clarity very soon as far as the future of the program as the uncertainty is killing us at a time we can least afford it. Clearly George Blaney is not the future. It also seems like we are taking shots from everywhere now, be it the NCAA or the media. The worst part is hearing game announcers ridiculing the team's situation and poor play on the court. I never thought I'd see a Jim Calhoun team being the subject of ridicule and this for me has been the worst part of this season.



***Those Ray Allen years of 1993-96 were pretty impressive (we just ran into some tough tourney matchups or we might have won a championship or two).

Regular Season D1 Only W L Avr Wins 5 Year Period Avr Losses 5 Year Period Avr Winning % 5 year Period
1986-87 9 18
1987-88 13 13
1988-89 16 11
1989-90 25 5 18 9 67%
1990-91 18 9
1991-92 19 8
1992-93 15 11
1993-94 26 3
1994-95 23 3 21 6 78%
1995-96 27 2
1996-97 14 13
1997-98 26 4
1998-99 25 2
1999-00 21 8 22 6 79%
2000-01 19 10
2001-02 21 6
2002-03 19 8
2003-04 24 6
2004-05 21 6 22 7 76%
2005-06 26 2
2006-07 18 13
2007-08 24 7
2008-09 27 3
2009-10 17 14 21 9 70%
2010-11 21 9
2011-12 16 10

 

[dpross]

.....I would not have purchased another UConn hoodie. I lie. I probably would have anyway.

 

[willie99]

and if Jim Calhoun never came to Storrs, we would never have won anything ever

and then we'd still be playing 1AA football on campus

and if Geno didn't win all those championships, nobody would be following women's basketball

and if Wes Welker didn't drop the pass............................................

we won, we went to two final fours in 3 years, we're the best program in the country the last 13 years in terms of titles and elite eights and WINNING

can't spin that

 

[huskymagic]

You could really argue that if Kemba had not carried us on the miraculous run through the BE and NCAA tournaments last season, that the program is in decline. It doesn't translate well to posting here but I broke Jim Calhoun's time at UCONN into 5 year segments starting with the season (regular season D1 wins only). As you can see, the team's regular season winning percentage the past 5 years is similar to Calhoun's first 5 years and regular season losses are nearly averaging double digits.

If you take the last 3 years only, this has been the worst stretch of JC's career from a regular season point of view. I don't know how much of this is the result of the uncertainty over JC's health and future (which started in 2009) but there has been a noticeable drop-off.

Some will say that regular season losses are not the key indicator of a program's health but I say it is a big factor because it impacts you getting into the NCAA's and your seeding if you manage to get there. The higher your seeding the better your team's chance of making a deep tourney run. As other posters have pointed out, top programs are relevant and in the discussion as a championship contenders every year.

In 1999 and 2004, we were one of the top couple teams mentioned and in contention for a title all year so it was no shock when we won. Last year, we really caught lightning in a bottle and rode Kemba Walker to an unexpected championship. You could make an argument that if we had lost early in the BE tourney last year, there was a chance (maybe a low chance) that we would have missed the NCAA tourney. With that in mind, we missed it in 2009-10 and could very likely miss it this year (and next year...). This is why I say thank God for last year. Because of that crazy run, we still have the 2011 National Championship to entice recruits with even though the program is going through a rough time. Without last year's improbable run where would we be as a program? Looking at four staight years missing the NCAA tournament?

With all of the looming issues concerning our eligibility for next year's NCAA tourney, JC's coaching future, the impact on recruiting etc. this is a precarious time for the program.

We need some clarity very soon as far as the future of the program as the uncertainty is killing us at a time we can least afford it. Clearly George Blaney is not the future. It also seems like we are taking shots from everywhere now, be it the NCAA or the media. The worst part is hearing game announcers ridiculing the team's situation and poor play on the court. I never thought I'd see a Jim Calhoun team being the subject of ridicule and this for me has been the worst part of this season.



***Those Ray Allen years of 1993-96 were pretty impressive (we just ran into some tough tourney matchups or we might have won a championship or two).

Regular Season D1 Only W L Avr Wins 5 Year Period Avr Losses 5 Year Period Avr Winning % 5 year Period
1986-87 9 18
1987-88 13 13
1988-89 16 11
1989-90 25 5 18 9 67%
1990-91 18 9
1991-92 19 8
1992-93 15 11
1993-94 26 3
1994-95 23 3 21 6 78%
1995-96 27 2
1996-97 14 13
1997-98 26 4
1998-99 25 2
1999-00 21 8 22 6 79%
2000-01 19 10
2001-02 21 6
2002-03 19 8
2003-04 24 6
2004-05 21 6 22 7 76%
2005-06 26 2
2006-07 18 13
2007-08 24 7
2008-09 27 3
2009-10 17 14 21 9 70%
2010-11 21 9
2011-12 16 10

Everything you said is true and nothing to argue about. It was Kemba who willed us to a title and not anything Calhoun or the coaching staff did that won us a national championship. What is clear is that we need to be looking at Brad Stevens, Shaka Smart, Buzz Williams, etc, etc, as our next coaching options, and not anyone on our bench when the time comes.

I feel bad because I know that if everyone came back next year we would be really good and most likely contend for a championship but I doubt Lamb and Drummond will pass up the millions. Lets worry about Villanova now as that is a must win and a game that we should win. We need to forget about Marquette and move on to Nova.

 

[mets1090]

....there probably wouldn't be as many new whiny posters on the board.

 

[dpross]

.....there would be one less banner hanging from the rafters.

 

[UCweCONN]

Everything you said is true and nothing to argue about. It was Kemba who willed us to a title and not anything Calhoun or the coaching staff did that won us a national championship. What is clear is that we need to be looking at Brad Stevens, Shaka Smart, Buzz Williams, etc, etc, as our next coaching options, and not anyone on our bench when the time comes.

I feel bad because I know that if everyone came back next year we would be really good and most likely contend for a championship but I doubt Lamb and Drummond will pass up the millions. Lets worry about Villanova now as that is a must win and a game that we should win. We need to forget about Marquette and move on to Nova.

I agree. Shaka Smart and Stevens would be the first two I would call and I'm sure they would listen if that time comes. Both are young and energetic and good recruiters. Imagine how good they could be as recruiters with the UCONN brand behind them instead of VCU and Butler? I also don't think we can gamble with an unproven guy like Ollie or a re-tread coach like Miller or Hobbs. Before anyone jumps on me, I'm not advocating pushing JC out, just saying we can't afford to go year-to-year anymore.

 

[TopDog18]

But we did win the National Championship last year.....How spoiled some of you posters are is amusing. We are having a disappointing year no doubt, but we've been to two final fours and won a championship in the last three year. If that's not enough to satisfy you then root for a new team. That simple.

 

[Inyatkin]

The Ray Allen years are worth mentioning, though. Three years, we went 49-5 in Big East play. That's insane. And every year ended in disappointment. I wouldn't trade the last three years for those three.

 

[TopDog18]

It was Kemba who willed us to a title and not anything Calhoun or the coaching staff did that won us a national championship

Honestly all your post annoy me. But this one just solidifies you're a f*ucking idiot.

 

[champs99and04]

It was Kemba who willed us to a title and not anything Calhoun or the coaching staff did that won us a national championship. quote]

 

[huskymagic]

Honestly all your post annoy me. But this one just solidifies you're a f*ucking idiot.

Am I supposed to care that I annoy you . Also, I love Calhoun as our coach and leader but the truth of the matter was that it was Kemba's transcendence as a player, leader, brother-figure, athlete, etc why we won last year and not because of Calhoun. Calhoun made huge mistakes this year by starting Daniels over Roscoe and by making Napier as captain of this team. That resulted in what we are witnessing as the Curse of the Scoe. Obviously losing Moe Harkless was a huge loss for us as he would have been a great addition. However, let's wait until the Nova game on monday before we officially write this season over with.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

Am I supposed to care that I annoy you . Also, I love Calhoun as our coach and leader but the truth of the matter was that it was Kemba's transcendence as a player, leader, brother-figure, athlete, etc why we won last year and not because of Calhoun. Calhoun made huge mistakes this year by starting Daniels over Roscoe and by making Napier as captain of this team. That resulted in what we are witnessing as the Curse of the Scoe. Obviously losing Moe Harkless was a huge loss for us as he would have been a great addition. However, let's wait until the Nova game on monday before we officially write this season over with.

Thank you for your interest in UConn Basketball!

 

[uconnbill]

This is why I don't post after a loss. Some of you have a clue how good we have had it as UConn fans these past 20+ years. How many other schools would love to have the record UConn has had and the championships both in the Big East and NCAA Championship.

 

[huskymagic]

Thank you for your interest in UConn Basketball!

I post because I care because if I didn't care I wouldn't bother. There is no sugar coating the problems of our team and we need to point them out for them so we can get better. I will wait until after the Nova game to see if this team can respond or if they have packed it in.

 

[huskymagic]

This is why I don't post after a loss. Some of you have a clue how good we have had it as UConn fans these past 20+ years. How many other schools would love to have the record UConn has had and the championships both in the Big East and NCAA Championship.

How many times are you and other going to remind us of our record of the past 20 years. We already know how good we have had it and because we have had it so good, we expect greatness and perfection year in and year out because this is UCONN and here we expect to compete for titles every single year especially considering the players we have. Get over it already I and many others expect perfection out of this team because winning isn't everything but its the only thing that matters. Being satisfied from past achievements gets us nowhere.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

I post because I care because if I didn't care I wouldn't bother. There is no sugar coating the problems of our team and we need to point them out for them so we can get better. I will wait until after the Nova game to see if this team can respond or if they have packed it in.

You might want to consider that this is a community of sorts that is talking with each other, that we have no influence what happens with the team at all, and that perhaps you should care about the responses you get. It's called feedback. You know, like we want the players to be able to hear and accept.

 

[caw]

Am I supposed to care that I annoy you . Also, I love Calhoun as our coach and leader but the truth of the matter was that it was Kemba's transcendence as a player, leader, brother-figure, athlete, etc why we won last year and not because of Calhoun. Calhoun made huge mistakes this year by starting Daniels over Roscoe and by making Napier as captain of this team. That resulted in what we are witnessing as the Curse of the Scoe. Obviously losing Moe Harkless was a huge loss for us as he would have been a great addition. However, let's wait until the Nova game on monday before we officially write this season over with.

This is just so disjointed. I'm not sure Calhoun's "mistakes" this year have anything to do with what happened last year. So I'm just going to ignore the comments about Daniels, Roscoe and Harkless.

Kemba was a transcendent player, but he got there partially because of Calhoun's coaching and teaching. You also have to believe that Calhoun was at least partially responsible for setting up the defense last year, which was great all year. Not to mention the fact he was able to get Lamb and Napier to step up when needed last year. Getting the rest of the team to buy in last year was as much Calhoun as Kemba. Would UConn have won it last year without Kemba, no probably not. Would they have won it without Calhoun, probably not, but it depends on who is taking over for Calhoun, if it's Blaney I doubt it.

 

[rw005]

and if Jim Calhoun never came to Storrs, we would never have won anything ever

and then we'd still be playing 1AA football on campus

and if Geno didn't win all those championships, nobody would be following women's basketball

If all this happened , we would most likely be in the Atlantic 10 for all sports except football and would have been a MAC football member in the year 2000.

our soccer and baseball teams would actually do well, but basketball would be mid-major city.

 

[zyron]

How many times are you and other going to remind us of our record of the past 20 years. We already know how good we have had it and because we have had it so good, we expect greatness and perfection year in and year out because this is UCONN and here we expect to compete for titles every single year especially considering the players we have. Get over it already I and many others expect perfection out of this team because winning isn't everything but its the only thing that matters. Being satisfied from past achievements gets us nowhere.

Jesus, go watch the Harlem Globetrotters then. There are over 300 Division I schools and for the past 13 years UConn has been the best. Shut the $* up you entitled ass.

 

[UC990411]

But we did win the National Championship last year.....How spoiled some of you posters are is amusing. We are having a disappointing year no doubt, but we've been to two final fours and won a championship in the last three year. If that's not enough to satisfy you then root for a new team. That simple.

It's people like you that really piss me off. We've now had disappointing seasons four of the last six years and you find a silver lining. There is no silver lining. It's embarrassing to think that 67% of the time since 06-07 we as a fan base have been disappointed. If it's embarrassing for us imagine how the players and coaches must feel. Do you think Jc shrugs it off and says, "oh well. We've made a finalfour an won a ship, gee whizz what a ride it's been. Nothing to be disappointed about here.". No, that's like having a genius as a kid and being excited when he brings home a 3.0 GPA. People like you drive me nuts because you think we've won 3 championships and give the team a pass. As far as I'm concerned we should win a championship every year and anything less is a dissapointment. It's even worse when you have the talent we have on a yeArly basis and continually piss it away. There is no reason that a team that recruits like us should ever have a bad year. We aren't UNC, Duke , MSU, Kansas or Kentucky - we are a joke - and if you don't get that maybe you should go elsewhere. I hear BC is happy with NCAA appearances, it's only a couple hours to Cgestnut Hill, perhaps you make the drive?

 

[upstater]

HMMMMMMM, 2 Final fours and a national championship in the last 3 1/2 years. Clearly, Calhoun has a lost it!!!

ROFL.

I think Calhoun is deliberately blowing the season so that the fairweather fans will stop bothering us.

 

[upstater]

It's people like you that really piss me off. We've now had disappointing seasons four of the last six years and you find a silver lining. There is no silver lining. It's embarrassing to think that 67% of the time since 06-07 we as a fan base have been disappointed. If it's embarrassing for us imagine how the players and coaches must feel. Do you think Jc shrugs it off and says, "oh well. We've made a finalfour an won a ship, gee whizz what a ride it's been. Nothing to be disappointed about here.". No, that's like having a genius as a kid and being excited when he brings home a 3.0 GPA. People like you drive me nuts because you think we've won 3 championships and give the team a pass. As far as I'm concerned we should win a championship every year and anything less is a dissapointment. It's even worse when you have the talent we have on a yeArly basis and continually piss it away. There is no reason that a team that recruits like us should ever have a bad year. We aren't UNC, Duke , MSU, Kansas or Kentucky - we are a joke - and if you don't get that maybe you should go elsewhere. I hear BC is happy with NCAA appearances, it's only a couple hours to Cgestnut Hill, perhaps you make the drive?

I couldn't read beyond the first few lines in order to see if you were being sarcastic or not.

But just in case you weren't, you need to do something other than follow college basketball.

 

[huskymagic]

This is just so disjointed. I'm not sure Calhoun's "mistakes" this year have anything to do with what happened last year. So I'm just going to ignore the comments about Daniels, Roscoe and Harkless.

Kemba was a transcendent player, but he got there partially because of Calhoun's coaching and teaching. You also have to believe that Calhoun was at least partially responsible for setting up the defense last year, which was great all year. Not to mention the fact he was able to get Lamb and Napier to step up when needed last year. Getting the rest of the team to buy in last year was as much Calhoun as Kemba. Would UConn have won it last year without Kemba, no probably not. Would they have won it without Calhoun, probably not, but it depends on who is taking over for Calhoun, if it's Blaney I doubt it.

caw I like Calhoun and am thankful for what he has done for UCONN. The point is he has made big mistakes this year with this team. Last year he had a hungry group of guys who had a lot to prove and an all time great in kemba who nurtured he team and inspired them to give it their all. This year we dont have that and the coahing staff has not done a good job even you would admit this.

 

[Robertelamin]

But seriously guys, what if we didn't win World War 2?