24 hours later......

[hoopjunkie]

I purposely refrained from posting after the game, but because it's always better to wait 24 hours before going crazy over something I knew upset all of us, losing to UAlbany again. Posting while overly emotional is never a good thing.

The game really means nothing. It's just another OOC game that happens to draw a lot of local people. It's always been a bad game for us. Win, because you're supposed to as the #1 program in the area. Lose and it's, "how the hell did you lose to that school?" The pressure on us to win this game is 10x tougher than it is on UAlbany. The game has always been more important to UAlbany because they've felt disrespected for 40 years now since Siena dropped them from their schedule when we moved up to D-1.

There's something to be said for a group playing for respect year in, and year out. They don't feel they get it, so they fight like hell to get some, once a year on our homecourt. Our kids feel pressure to appease our fans, followers, supporters, etc...by winning this game so a state worker can go into work Monday and brag on how his green team, beat your purple team. Whatever....

UAlbany has a come long way, and has done some good things so far on the D-1 level, but they'll never be the #1 mens basketball program in this area in most of our lifetimes. They played a great game last night, and our kids didn't. They deserved to win. We're insanely inconsistent, and that screams, young and immature. Not sure if this leadership issue will fix itself this year or not. Right now we have none, and Jimmy does need to alter his coaching style somewhat with more, "atta boys," and less "what the effs" in kids faces. Coaches that are on edge, make their players on edge. Coaches that ooze confidence, will make their kids feel that way too.

It's one game people. Let it go. Let's focus on this short-handed group getting better each game, and hopefully peak at the right time again this season.

[SIENA1971]

One aspect of the Siena program that differs from Albany is the passion of its' fans.

[glen]

It is 1 game but that kind of attitude by our players and coaches is probably why they have the cup over in their display case. We're #1 in attendance but UA owns Siena right now. In case you didn't notice this will impact the negotiations too. Do you think we can really walk away as losers!?!? Nope.

Given the financials of the school at the moment, this is a TERRIBLE time for having the cash cow puking in the field. The quickest route to #2 is to assume we'll always be #1. The program needs to prove it on the court.

[hoopjunkie]

Dec 15, 2014 7:47:13 GMT -5 glen said:

It is 1 game but that kind of attitude by our players and coaches is probably why they have the cup over in their display case. We're #1 in attendance but UA owns Siena right now. In case you didn't notice this will impact the negotiations too. Do you think we can really walk away as losers!?!? Nope.

Given the financials of the school at the moment, this is a TERRIBLE time for having the cash cow puking in the field. The quickest route to #2 is to assume we'll always be #1. The program needs to prove it on the court.

So if we won Sat night, it would be considered okay to walk away from this series as the "winners?" Both schools will do what's best for each of them. UA got $18,000 from this game. If I'm them, I'd rather get a $100,000 guarantee game with a Duke or Kentucky on the road.

This win, like the two in a row previous, won't increase their attendance. Their "fans" really only care about the Siena game. Sure their 1000 die-hards will show up, but the other ones got their water cooler bragging privileges for the year, and that's good enough.

You people freaking out will be all glowing if the team starts winning. We'll see how it goes without Bisping. Silas hurt a little, but Bisping too? That might be too much for us to overcome, and reach any lofty expectatons.

[siena70]

Every year UA threatens to end the series but makes a deal. The same thing will happen next year.

Siena makes $ on this event , and more importantly so does their Landlord, Albany Co.

Therefore, there will be pressure to start a new series.
Siena losing 4 out of the last 5 games ( our administration sucks !!) will now cost Siena $.

The bonehead decision to hire Mitch and give him a 4-year contract is still costing Siena . The total will exceed $2 MM when all is said in done. Probably the biggest bonehead decision of the Board of Trustees in the history of Siena.

[SaintsFan]

Dec 15, 2014 8:37:37 GMT -5 hoopjunkie said:

Dec 15, 2014 7:47:13 GMT -5 glen said:

It is 1 game but that kind of attitude by our players and coaches is probably why they have the cup over in their display case. We're #1 in attendance but UA owns Siena right now. In case you didn't notice this will impact the negotiations too. Do you think we can really walk away as losers!?!? Nope.

Given the financials of the school at the moment, this is a TERRIBLE time for having the cash cow puking in the field. The quickest route to #2 is to assume we'll always be #1. The program needs to prove it on the court.

So if we won Sat night, it would be considered okay to walk away from this series as the "winners?" Both schools will do what's best for each of them. UA got $18,000 from this game. If I'm them, I'd rather get a $100,000 guarantee game with a Duke or Kentucky on the road.

This win, like the two in a row previous, won't increase their attendance. Their "fans" really only care about the Siena game. Sure their 1000 die-hards will show up, but the other ones got their water cooler bragging privileges for the year, and that's good enough.

You people freaking out will be all glowing if the team starts winning. We'll see how it goes without Bisping. Silas hurt a little, but Bisping too? That might be too much for us to overcome, and reach any lofty expectatons.

if you think having bisping and silas would somehow have this team with a different record you might want to reassess. All the two injuries provide... is an excuse to the untrained eye. This team might be a little better with those two... but not much. Neither provide a solution to the athleticism/speed/talent issue.

[billmurray]

Dec 15, 2014 1:17:36 GMT -5 hoopjunkie said:

I purposely refrained from posting after the game, but because it's always better to wait 24 hours before going crazy over something I knew upset all of us, losing to UAlbany again. Posting while overly emotional is never a good thing.

The game really means nothing. It's just another OOC game that happens to draw a lot of local people. It's always been a bad game for us. Win, because you're supposed to as the #1 program in the area. Lose and it's, "how the hell did you lose to that school?" The pressure on us to win this game is 10x tougher than it is on UAlbany. The game has always been more important to UAlbany because they've felt disrespected for 40 years now since Siena dropped them from their schedule when we moved up to D-1.

There's something to be said for a group playing for respect year in, and year out. They don't feel they get it, so they fight like hell to get some, once a year on our homecourt. Our kids feel pressure to appease our fans, followers, supporters, etc...by winning this game so a state worker can go into work Monday and brag on how his green team, beat your purple team. Whatever....

UAlbany has a come long way, and has done some good things so far on the D-1 level, but they'll never be the #1 mens basketball program in this area in most of our lifetimes. They played a great game last night, and our kids didn't. They deserved to win. We're insanely inconsistent, and that screams, young and immature. Not sure if this leadership issue will fix itself this year or not. Right now we have none, and Jimmy does need to alter his coaching style somewhat with more, "atta boys," and less "what the effs" in kids faces. Coaches that are on edge, make their players on edge. Coaches that ooze confidence, will make their kids feel that way too.

It's one game people. Let it go. Let's focus on this short-handed group getting better each game, and hopefully peak at the right time again this season.

100% on target.

[billmurray]

Dec 15, 2014 11:18:40 GMT -5 SaintsFan said:

Dec 15, 2014 8:37:37 GMT -5 hoopjunkie said:

This team might be a little better with those two... but not much. Neither provide a solution to the athleticism/speed/talent issue.

this last thought is accurate, but these two players could have, against this schedule, helped produce a couple of more W then Siena currently has. Certainly they are not the future of the program, but they are missing pieces on this team, this year.

[saints73]

Dec 15, 2014 1:17:36 GMT -5 hoopjunkie said:

I purposely refrained from posting after the game, but because it's always better to wait 24 hours before going crazy over something I knew upset all of us, losing to UAlbany again. Posting while overly emotional is never a good thing.

The game really means nothing. It's just another OOC game that happens to draw a lot of local people. It's always been a bad game for us. Win, because you're supposed to as the #1 program in the area. Lose and it's, "how the hell did you lose to that school?" The pressure on us to win this game is 10x tougher than it is on UAlbany. The game has always been more important to UAlbany because they've felt disrespected for 40 years now since Siena dropped them from their schedule when we moved up to D-1.

There's something to be said for a group playing for respect year in, and year out. They don't feel they get it, so they fight like hell to get some, once a year on our homecourt. Our kids feel pressure to appease our fans, followers, supporters, etc...by winning this game so a state worker can go into work Monday and brag on how his green team, beat your purple team. Whatever....

UAlbany has a come long way, and has done some good things so far on the D-1 level, but they'll never be the #1 mens basketball program in this area in most of our lifetimes. They played a great game last night, and our kids didn't. They deserved to win. We're insanely inconsistent, and that screams, young and immature. Not sure if this leadership issue will fix itself this year or not. Right now we have none, and Jimmy does need to alter his coaching style somewhat with more, "atta boys," and less "what the effs" in kids faces. Coaches that are on edge, make their players on edge. Coaches that ooze confidence, will make their kids feel that way too.

It's one game people. Let it go. Let's focus on this short-handed group getting better each game, and hopefully peak at the right time again this season.

I have to respectfully disagree. This game does mean something and it is also symbolic of where the two programs are heading.
In my opinion, Siena should never lose to UAlbany when you consider the resources of the two programs. Everyone on this boards knows the stats: Siena has 3,200+ season ticket holders, plays in an NBA type arena, has the full attention of the 57th largest media market, and has a rich history of success that most major programs would envy. With those credentials, why isn't Siena out recruiting every mid major program in the norsheast?? It has to be a failure on the part of the administration and coaching staff. The AD has been essentially handed the keys to a Ferrari and is opertaing it like a Honda. As Siena fans and backers, we should all be enraged. It is unacceptable.

[SaintsFan]

Dec 15, 2014 12:02:10 GMT -5 billmurray said:

Dec 15, 2014 11:18:40 GMT -5 SaintsFan said:

this last thought is accurate, but these two players could have, against this schedule, helped produce a couple of more W then Siena currently has. Certainly they are not the future of the program, but they are missing pieces on this team, this year.

its all shoulda woulda coulda talk. Neither are stars and have shown weaknesses at different points that have cost games. It is arguable that if they had played that Siena could have a same or worse record and the younger players wouldn't be getting the early development/experience.

right now "it aint look'n good" but there is time. There is talent enough to be respectable and get into the top half of the maac. Championships ... are another story. baby steps

[glen]

"You people freaking out will be all glowing if the team starts winning."
To this is duh, no kidding. The point is we are losing...and we aren't losing to Duke or Kentucky - we're losing to UVM, UA, Fordham. So yes, we're freaking out.

Jimmy should expect a rash of sh*t now. He knew what he was getting into and what the fans expectations were. I'm not sure John D has those same expectations - he's fairly happy with mediocrity and he's Jimmy's boss. If they think the fans are going to keep renewing those season tix out of habit they are in for a RUDE surprise. This team didn't do well until we bought the CBI (yep, I said it). Sure the team played the games but getting the home games was key for a sub-.500 team. IMO Jimmy has a LOT to prove.

[MTS]

Dec 15, 2014 14:38:16 GMT -5 glen said:

"You people freaking out will be all glowing if the team starts winning."
To this is duh, no kidding. The point is we are losing...and we aren't losing to Duke or Kentucky - we're losing to UVM, UA, Fordham. So yes, we're freaking out.

Jimmy should expect a rash of sh*t now. He knew what he was getting into and what the fans expectations were. I'm not sure John D has those same expectations - he's fairly happy with mediocrity and he's Jimmy's boss. If they think the fans are going to keep renewing those season tix out of habit they are in for a RUDE surprise. This team didn't do well until we bought the CBI (yep, I said it). Sure the team played the games but getting the home games was key for a sub-.500 team. IMO Jimmy has a LOT to prove.

How about that road win at Fresno State?

[billmurray]

Dec 15, 2014 13:01:50 GMT -5 SaintsFan said:

Dec 15, 2014 12:02:10 GMT -5 billmurray said:

its all shoulda woulda coulda talk. Neither are stars and have shown weaknesses at different points that have cost games. It is arguable that if they had played that Siena could have a same or worse record and the younger players wouldn't be getting the early development/experience.

right now "it aint look'n good" but there is time. There is talent enough to be respectable and get into the top half of the maac. Championships ... are another story. baby steps

That is basically my point.

[OneIndian]

Dec 15, 2014 14:50:20 GMT -5 MTS said:

Dec 15, 2014 14:38:16 GMT -5 glen said:

"You people freaking out will be all glowing if the team starts winning."
To this is duh, no kidding. The point is we are losing...and we aren't losing to Duke or Kentucky - we're losing to UVM, UA, Fordham. So yes, we're freaking out.

Jimmy should expect a rash of sh*t now. He knew what he was getting into and what the fans expectations were. I'm not sure John D has those same expectations - he's fairly happy with mediocrity and he's Jimmy's boss. If they think the fans are going to keep renewing those season tix out of habit they are in for a RUDE surprise. This team didn't do well until we bought the CBI (yep, I said it). Sure the team played the games but getting the home games was key for a sub-.500 team. IMO Jimmy has a LOT to prove.

How about that road win at Fresno State?

Ancient history!

[hoopjunkie]

Dec 15, 2014 12:06:11 GMT -5 saints73 said:

Dec 15, 2014 1:17:36 GMT -5 hoopjunkie said:

I purposely refrained from posting after the game, but because it's always better to wait 24 hours before going crazy over something I knew upset all of us, losing to UAlbany again. Posting while overly emotional is never a good thing.

The game really means nothing. It's just another OOC game that happens to draw a lot of local people. It's always been a bad game for us. Win, because you're supposed to as the #1 program in the area. Lose and it's, "how the hell did you lose to that school?" The pressure on us to win this game is 10x tougher than it is on UAlbany. The game has always been more important to UAlbany because they've felt disrespected for 40 years now since Siena dropped them from their schedule when we moved up to D-1.

There's something to be said for a group playing for respect year in, and year out. They don't feel they get it, so they fight like hell to get some, once a year on our homecourt. Our kids feel pressure to appease our fans, followers, supporters, etc...by winning this game so a state worker can go into work Monday and brag on how his green team, beat your purple team. Whatever....

UAlbany has a come long way, and has done some good things so far on the D-1 level, but they'll never be the #1 mens basketball program in this area in most of our lifetimes. They played a great game last night, and our kids didn't. They deserved to win. We're insanely inconsistent, and that screams, young and immature. Not sure if this leadership issue will fix itself this year or not. Right now we have none, and Jimmy does need to alter his coaching style somewhat with more, "atta boys," and less "what the effs" in kids faces. Coaches that are on edge, make their players on edge. Coaches that ooze confidence, will make their kids feel that way too.

It's one game people. Let it go. Let's focus on this short-handed group getting better each game, and hopefully peak at the right time again this season.

I have to respectfully disagree. This game does mean something and it is also symbolic of where the two programs are heading.
In my opinion, Siena should never lose to UAlbany when you consider the resources of the two programs. Everyone on this boards knows the stats: Siena has 3,200+ season ticket holders, plays in an NBA type arena, has the full attention of the 57th largest media market, and has a rich history of success that most major programs would envy. With those credentials, why isn't Siena out recruiting every mid major program in the norsheast?? It has to be a failure on the part of the administration and coaching staff. The AD has been essentially handed the keys to a Ferrari and is opertaing it like a Honda. As Siena fans and backers, we should all be enraged. It is unacceptable.

I don't know you, but guessing you're in your mid 60's?? Fans in your age bracket remember Albany St and their D-3 world. That's changed. They're D-1, and have something we don't have at Siena. COACHING STABILITY. Every 4/5 years we're back to the drawing board replacing a HC that was very successful, or one that was a huge failure. UA has had the same guy for 14 years now. Makes a huge difference.

The rest, I'll simply stand by my post.