Post by JK on Feb 26, 2014 16:24:02 GMT -5
After an abundance of success and a move to the Big East, it is easy to see why Butler would be a model for mid-major basketball programs that want to take the next step. It has been a rocky Big East season for Butler (2-13 as of the writing of this). I question how ready Butler was to make a jump not just because of their current record (but that glaring 2-13 made me take notice), but how did they prepare for this jump to the Big East. Initially it is great exposure for the school and gives the student athletes the chance to play against some of the most talented college athletes. However, in the long run will this move work for Butler? Did the university set itself up for long-term success or did they ride the final four wave and land somewhere they may regret? I hope for them that they don't wind up like Fordham (2 winning seasons and 1 .500 season in the A10), DePaul (crowning Big East achievement is a 9-7 finish tied for 8th and 6-12 being the next best conference mark), or Duquesne (2 winning seasons in conference since 2002-2003, 9-7 in 2009-2009 and 10-6 in 2010-2011). Those teams are in conferences that a number of mid-majors would strive to get into if they are interested in moving up. Are these teams really in the best place for who they are? On the other end of the spectrum, I think that Memphis is a good example of building a program and making the commitment to realize long-term success.
Now my opinion... I think that Butler is going to struggle in the Big East and bit off a bit more than they can chew by moving up. I am not convinced they build a program. I think a good program can remove their best player or two or the coach and replace them with a reasonable amount of immediate success. There should not be a drop off in performance for any significant period of time. There would be an adjustment period, but that is to me expected.
I relate this to Siena in all the A10 chatter and rumors. If the administration is serious about looking upward then a solid foundation needs to be built. I think the school made the the right move by hiring a coach that had prior success in rebuilding a program and is well connected in many circles (don't go there...you know what I mean). This shows a dedication in rebuilding the program and the new facilities on campus also points to the administration looking upward. This will also help build the women's basketball program which I think is a goal of the college since they went and got a young coach with a decent resume. I think Siena is a little ways off from being ready to move up, but it seems that they are prepping for the future.
Now my opinion... I think that Butler is going to struggle in the Big East and bit off a bit more than they can chew by moving up. I am not convinced they build a program. I think a good program can remove their best player or two or the coach and replace them with a reasonable amount of immediate success. There should not be a drop off in performance for any significant period of time. There would be an adjustment period, but that is to me expected.
I relate this to Siena in all the A10 chatter and rumors. If the administration is serious about looking upward then a solid foundation needs to be built. I think the school made the the right move by hiring a coach that had prior success in rebuilding a program and is well connected in many circles (don't go there...you know what I mean). This shows a dedication in rebuilding the program and the new facilities on campus also points to the administration looking upward. This will also help build the women's basketball program which I think is a goal of the college since they went and got a young coach with a decent resume. I think Siena is a little ways off from being ready to move up, but it seems that they are prepping for the future.
