gorvy
Associate Head Coach
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Post by gorvy on Sept 4, 2013 12:21:34 GMT -5
So what does Mississippi Valley State have to do with Siena? Most years, absolutely nothing, which is how it should be. But the 2011-2012 Delta Devils may have provided a lesson for Siena and its fans. That year, the team lost 10 of its first 11 games, all away from home, with the lone victory a neutral one-point double overtime victory. The kids didn't quit, however. They blazed through the conference portion of their schedule and made it to the NCAA tournament, a one point defeat against Western Kentucky in the first round. This year's Siena team faces a similar scenario, with many "up" games and long stretches away from home. Now, that team likely had more experience than Siena, and they probably weren't trying to fix a PW mess. But the point is, these kids are all division 1 athletes, and they have already been through a lot. There may be numerous losses in the beginning of the season, but I don't think they will give up when the easier portion of the schedule rolls around.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2013 12:36:22 GMT -5
That team was the favorite in their conference and started 5 seniors. Bad example, but I like the effort.
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gorvy
Associate Head Coach
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Post by gorvy on Sept 4, 2013 13:13:39 GMT -5
Actually, only 3 out of 10 coaches picked them to win while Alabama State was the overall selection, but thanks anyway for the extra information. Rothstein titled his write up of Siena "WILL SIENA SURVIVE ITS NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE?" Not sure if this is the reason why he picked Siena 9th, but if it is, I disagree with it. If anything, the schedule should bolster its maac chances. Ordinarily, I despise the notion that the non conference schedule is only preparation for Maac schedule. Normally I would consider this a loser's mentality (and usually it is only stated by losing coaches on their way out). But for this one season I really think the good early competition will be beneficial for the team.
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Post by diamonddog on Sept 4, 2013 18:54:22 GMT -5
We have seen coaches in the past at Siena take tough schedules and it usually benefits the team in someway. It could be quality wins, or it could be a close loss to a upper tier program that helps the players believe in the system and themselves. It could be a blowout where they learn their mistakes and get better at the next shot at the elite schools in the NCAA.
And I think it does make a difference come MAAC conference play. It helps you prepare for teams in conference that you have seen much better versions when you played the tough opponents. The teams overall in the MAAC are lesser than what you experienced before if you have a difficult schedule.
In my opinion, the teams in MAAC have not struck fear in upper tier schools since Siena's three year run at the conference title. We need to bring the fear of, "Oh man! We're playing Siena?!?"
If you look at last year, the schedule was too soft in my opinion. Ask the last coach and he would say, "Yeah! it's tough enough!"
And remember how the last coach thought the schedule after the year Fran left was too difficult?
That's hooey. You need to challenge yourself to get better. Time will tell, but I believe we are headed in a good direction.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2013 22:33:20 GMT -5
Actually, only 3 out of 10 coaches picked them to win while Alabama State was the overall selection, but thanks anyway for the extra information. Rothstein titled his write up of Siena "WILL SIENA SURVIVE ITS NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE?" Not sure if this is the reason why he picked Siena 9th, but if it is, I disagree with it. If anything, the schedule should bolster its maac chances. Ordinarily, I despise the notion that the non conference schedule is only preparation for Maac schedule. Normally I would consider this a loser's mentality (and usually it is only stated by losing coaches on their way out). But for this one season I really think the good early competition will be beneficial for the team. Well, I didn't go look up the coaches poll, those usually aren't accurate either, since coaches have agendas. Several publications picked them 1st.
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glen
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Post by glen on Sept 5, 2013 7:43:35 GMT -5
The schedule baffles me. I'm wondering who made it up...John D or Mitch. I would think Mitch would've wanted a way easier schedule. Either he was delusional or he was pushed into it. I don't feel getting destroyed does anything for a team. I look at all the mids who do their guarantee at Duke and wonder are they that desperate for the money??? Playing up is great. Close games are great - even in a loss sometimes. Losing by 30 or 40 really adds no value. I hope we don't have that problem in Orlando.
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