UND Fan

Good analogy - and the answer is "no"!

I agree with your statement but what about our less-than-stellar play when we were full-strength (other than Brekke, of course).

It certainly isn't impossible to get talented young athletes to UND, just more difficult at times. In situations where location may be a challenge, you need differentiators, i.e. great or very good coach(es), facilities, specific majors, tradition, fan support, schedule and/or conference, etc. UND coaches have told me more than a handful of times that an athlete had narrowed his choice down to UND and one other school. The athlete explained to our coach that it was a toss-up and he decided to go to the other school closer to home so it would be easier for his parents/friends to see him play. Yes, girlfriends come into play once in a while. Again, this certainly isn't as big a deal as it was 10-15 years ago but it does come into play. Losing out on a top recruit (especially in basketball) can really make a difference.

I posted the following on a separate thread last night but will move it here as it addresses your comments above. I won't repeat myself but if selfish, undisciplined and, at times, embarrassing play is what you expected - I have a real problem with that. I realize that you were talking about where we were predicted to finish in the conference but with this team's talent, I am not proud of our record or how looked on the floor at many times this season. Posted Yesterday, 10:40 PM I have had this ready for 2-3 weeks but didn’t want to post it until the season was complete. Had we made the “Dance”, I would have been elated, excited and proud but my comments would not have changed much! Last night’s embarrassing performance also hasn’t changed this much. Comment – had we been going to the Dance the last 10 years, I still wouldn’t understand why we wouldn’t want to play hard, play smart and show some heart when playing a former NCC foe. I don’t buy the travel and disappointment in not winning the BSC title as legitimate reasons not to play with some pride and passion in a CIT game. I do realize we were playing shorthanded due to injuries. What Could Have Been "Should have/could haves” don’t get you anywhere but last year had: 1) Brekke not been hurt, 2) Traylor remained eligible, 3) Nash been cleared to play and 4) Huff not missed a few games due to injury – it could have been a special season This year missing Brekke has hurt a ton. He knew how to box out – this would have made a great deal of difference on the defensive boards where we were quite inept. He would have also provided some inside scoring and, very importantly, leadership which wasn’t provided by the other seniors (other than Schuler when he was able to play). Had Traylor and Nash played last year, I think they would have both been bigger contributors this year. Schuler’s injury issues certainly hampered the team as well. Winning the Great West tourney twice and finishing rather strong the last two years was good and the team got the reputation of being “strong finishers” each year. That may have been the case to some degree when this group was freshmen and sophomores. However, in my opinion, the team underperformed each year and then played closer to their abilities as the season progressed. Some feel this was the best class of players UND has ever had. Talent-wise I suppose that may be correct, but with season records of 19-15, 17-15, 16-17 & 17-17 (69-64) and no signature wins, it is scary what DI may hold for us if this was one of our best teams ever. As I mentioned above, this group lacked leadership. I think Brekke would have provided this to a significant degree as well as Schuler but it was difficult for him without him seeing a great deal of playing time. The lack of “heart” (last night was a good example) was very disappointing. I am not going to spend much time on coaching. I will simply say the team underperformed, fared poorly on the road, didn’t improve their rebounding efforts throughout this year, didn’t play as a team much of the time and had no signature wins (the SU game was certainly a positive, of course). See recruiting below. To me, this has been very concerning. Although the seniors who were with us for the 4 or 5 years were not heavily recruited, we saw that they had talent and signed them. However, since Brekke signed in 2009, we had not landed a HS recruit taller than 6’4” – until the 6’10” Cashman this year. That is four years without signing a HS forward or center. I don’t know how you can build a program without signing any freshman size for so long. You will notice that a total of one HS senior was signed in 2012 and 2013 – that is a major reason we had 7 seniors this year. A look at who was signed during the last six years: 2009 - Brekke, Schuler - good talent but received limited interest from DI schools 2010 - Anderson, Huff, Webb - good talent but limited interest from DI schools 2011 - Antwi, Benton, Gentry - all guards, none highly recruited. I believe both Benton & Gentry were recruited walk-ons 2012 - No freshmen recruited. Nash, Salmonson, Traylor & Hobaugh (not recruited) transfered in 2013 - Hooker (guard) – only HS recruit but a great get. I think many of us expected more from him but I expect him to become a very good player for us. Transfers included Calcaterra, Stefan and Tyler. 2014 - Cashman (6’10” center), Crandall (6’1” guard) signed so far. As noted below, we are undersized. Neither Cashman nor Crandall will help that situation – although I would assume Cashman can put on significant weight. I don’t know for sure but it would appear we still have three available scholarships. As one who follows recruiting very closely, I am disappointed I haven’t heard more about who we might be after – but we certainly may have a line on some good talent. [*]The following is not a good comparison as it includes all players on some of the BSC teams – including those who seldom see the floor, but we are quite undersized at the 3, 4 and 5. This can’t be addressed overnight but we need bigger (meaning heavier/stronger) players to compete in DI. This is based on the positions noted on each team’s roster. Don’t spend a great deal of time on this but it does tell a bit of a story. A better story would be the comparison of each teams’ starters. School Guard-Ht/WtForward-Ht/WtCenter-Ht/Wt UND 6’1.8”/183 6’5.7”/204 6’9.0”/223 Weber 6’3.4”/178 6’7.3”/ 221 6’10.0”/245 NAU 6’2.4”/185 6’7.2”/218 6’8.5”/248 UNC 6’0.0”/179 6’6.3"/219 6’9.0”/253 UM 6’2.7”/188 6’6.4”/212 6’9.7”/227 EWU 6’1.6”/179 6’6.0”/214 6’11.5”/263 PSU 6’1.5”/184 6’6.3”/222 6’10.0”/280 Sac 6’2.1”/179 6'7.0"/223 6'8.5"/238 MSU 6'0.8"/177 6'6.5"/215 6'7.0"/250 [*]Despite all of my above thoughts, it should be pointed out that it is difficult to recruit kids to Grand Forks. The weather doesn’t help but the biggest issue is that, in the vast majority of situations, there are numerous DI schools closer to the Midwest recruit than is Grand Forks. A kid from southern MN, WI, IA, NE, etc. has many options to play nearer home where family and girlfriends can see them play more often. Although I am pleased to be in the Big Sky, I would guess to works to our disadvantage more than to our advantage for kids from the Midwest. Next Year [*]We should be in pretty good shape at guard but it is pretty scary at all the other positions. While I am happy as heck that Shanks has joined the team, I am not sure how much we can expect from him early on. He will not have played a game for more than a year and he still needs to put on some pounds to be able to handle some of the big bodies in the league. At the 3 and the 4, we need to find some power, rebounding and some scoring! [*]While this year’s team had talent, I think they were very likely difficult to coach. Next year will be a good test for Jones. Hopefully, he will have a bunch of kids who want to play together as a team, work hard, have fun and win. It sure appears that we won’t have the same level of talent next year. If we play games without passion and heart again next year, I would think a coaching change would be warranted. I would guess that a couple of my facts may not be exactly correct and I don’t really care to debate any of my points – just expressing my thoughts/concerns.

I have had this ready for 2-3 weeks but didn’t want to post it until the season was complete. Had we made the “Dance”, I would have been elated, excited and proud but my comments would not have changed much! Last night’s embarrassing performance also hasn’t changed this much. Comment – had we been going to the Dance the last 10 years, I still wouldn’t understand why we wouldn’t want to play hard, play smart and show some heart when playing a former NCC foe. I don’t buy the travel and disappointment in not winning the BSC title as legitimate reasons not to play with some pride and passion in a CIT game. I do realize we were playing shorthanded due to injuries. What Could Have Been "Should have/could haves” don’t get you anywhere but last year had: 1) Brekke not been hurt, 2) Traylor remained eligible, 3) Nash been cleared to play and 4) Huff not missed a few games due to injury – it could have been a special season This year missing Brekke has hurt a ton. He knew how to box out – this would have made a great deal of difference on the defensive boards where we were quite inept. He would have also provided some inside scoring and, very importantly, leadership which wasn’t provided by the other seniors (other than Schuler when he was able to play). Had Traylor and Nash played last year, I think they would have both been bigger contributors this year. Schuler’s injury issues certainly hampered the team as well. The Years of this Senior Class Winning the Great West tourney twice and finishing rather strong the last two years was good and the team got the reputation of being “strong finishers” each year. That may have been the case to some degree when this group was freshmen and sophomores. However, in my opinion, the team underperformed each year and then played closer to their abilities as the season progressed. Some feel this was the best class of players UND has ever had. Talent-wise I suppose that may be correct, but with season records of 19-15, 17-15, 16-17 & 17-17 (69-64) and no signature wins, it is scary what DI may hold for us if this was one of our best teams ever. As I mentioned above, this group lacked leadership. I think Brekke would have provided this to a significant degree as well as Schuler but it was difficult for him without him seeing a great deal of playing time. The lack of “heart” (last night was a good example) was very disappointing. CoachingI am not going to spend much time on coaching. I will simply say the team underperformed, fared poorly on the road, didn’t improve their rebounding efforts throughout this year, didn’t play as a team much of the time and had no signature wins (the SU game was certainly a positive, of course). See recruiting below. Recruiting To me, this has been very concerning. Although the seniors who were with us for the 4 or 5 years were not heavily recruited, we saw that they had talent and signed them. However, since Brekke signed in 2009, we had not landed a HS recruit taller than 6’4” – until the 6’10” Cashman this year. That is four years without signing a HS forward or center. I don’t know how you can build a program without signing any freshman size for so long. You will notice that a total of one HS senior was signed in 2012 and 2013 – that is a major reason we had 7 seniors this year. A look at who was signed during the last six years: 2009 - Brekke, Schuler - good talent but received limited interest from DI schools 2010 - Anderson, Huff, Webb - good talent but limited interest from DI schools 2011 - Antwi, Benton, Gentry - all guards, none highly recruited. I believe both Benton & Gentry were recruited walk-ons 2012 - No freshmen recruited. Nash, Salmonson, Traylor & Hobaugh (not recruited) transfered in 2013 - Hooker (guard) – only HS recruit but a great get. I think many of us expected more from him but I expect him to become a very good player for us. Transfers included Calcaterra, Stefan and Tyler. 2014 - Cashman (6’10” center), Crandall (6’1” guard) signed so far. As noted below, we are undersized. Neither Cashman nor Crandall will help that situation – although I would assume Cashman can put on significant weight. I don’t know for sure but it would appear we still have three available scholarships. As one who follows recruiting very closely, I am disappointed I haven’t heard more about who we might be after – but we certainly may have a line on some good talent. [*]The following is not a good comparison as it includes all players on some of the BSC teams – including those who seldom see the floor, but we are quite undersized at the 3, 4 and 5. This can’t be addressed overnight but we need bigger (meaning heavier/stronger) players to compete in DI. This is based on the positions noted on each team’s roster. Don’t spend a great deal of time on this but it does tell a bit of a story. A better story would be the comparison of each teams’ starters. School Guard-Ht/Wt Forward-Ht/Wt Center-Ht/Wt UND 6’1.8”/183 6’5.7”/204 6’9.0”/223 Weber 6’3.4”/178 6’7.3”/ 221 6’10.0”/245 NAU 6’2.4”/185 6’7.2”/218 6’8.5”/248 UNC 6’0.0”/179 6’6.3"/219 6’9.0”/253 UM 6’2.7”/188 6’6.4”/212 6’9.7”/227 EWU 6’1.6”/179 6’6.0”/214 6’11.5”/263 PSU 6’1.5”/184 6’6.3”/222 6’10.0”/280 Sac 6’2.1”/179 6'7.0"/223 6'8.5"/238 MSU 6'0.8"/177 6'6.5"/215 6'7.0"/250 [*]Despite all of my above thoughts, it should be pointed out that it is difficult to recruit kids to Grand Forks. The weather doesn’t help but the biggest issue is that, in the vast majority of situations, there are numerous DI schools closer to the Midwest recruit than is Grand Forks. A kid from southern MN, WI, IA, NE, etc. has many options to play nearer home where family and girlfriends can see them play more often. Although I am pleased to be in the Big Sky, I would guess to works to our disadvantage more than to our advantage for kids from the Midwest. Next Year [*]We should be in pretty good shape at guard but it is pretty scary at all the other positions. While I am happy as heck that Shanks has joined the team, I am not sure how much we can expect from him early on. He will not have played a game for more than a year and he still needs to put on some pounds to be able to handle some of the big bodies in the league. At the 3 and the 4, we need to find some power, rebounding and some scoring! [*]While this year’s team had talent, I think they were very likely difficult to coach. Next year will be a good test for Jones. Hopefully, he will have a bunch of kids who want to play together as a team, work hard, have fun and win. It sure appears that we won’t have the same level of talent next year. If we play games without passion and heart again next year, I would think a coaching change would be warranted. I would guess that a couple of my facts may not be exactly correct and I don’t really care to debate any of my points – just expressing my thoughts/concerns.

92,96 - I was about to post almost word-for-word the same post as yours. I agree - I think these two ladies can help us immediately. Especially Strand, FF doesn't have to rely on her for scoring as they are loaded - so averaging 20+ on that team is impressive! It appears Sawatzke is very talented as well!

Must be having trouble qualifying! I agree that we need this type of size!

My guess is that he will redshirt - needs to add weight and strength!

Please keep the updates coming!

I thought that I had started a VB Recruiting thread on Wiki but Apparently not. I will do so later today.

They were great players but not of the calibre of the others mentioned above.

Edwards just picked up an offer from East Carolina and it appears the interest from Ole Miss is serious.

They often give extensions to make recruits feel better that the head coach is going to be there for at least a couple of years. There is no doubt that was the case here. I sure hope he can hang on to the job - would hate to see Dale get canned.

Good to hear - especially for Madi. Pleasantly surprised about Knox. I am traveling w/o access - who got Coach of the Year?

Who scored the goals?

92,96 - fully agree, Smith would be a great choice!!!

Interesting numbers - thanks!

If you are only looking for four, mine would be: Phil Jackson Scott Guldseth Dave Vonesh Jerome Beasley Others in consideration (in no particular order): Chris Fahrbach Don Augustine Chuck Wolfe Jon Haaven Tom Nesbitt Chris Fahrbach Troy Huff Mount Rushmore of Excitement: Scott Guldseth Troy Huff Travis Tuttle Jerome Beasley

Does anyone know why Podolak isn't on UND's roster? Is she in school, hurt?

It appears he was just a freshman - he must have had the sufficient grades out of HS so he doesn't have to graduate to be eligible to transfer.

We play both UCA and ISU again this weekend.

As with all of our sports, getting the students excited about the program would result in a significant lift in attendance. The energy/excitement of another 300-400 students at each game would be great and it would obviously enhance our home court advatage!

Back within 6 with 4 minutes left!

Great analogy - fully agree!