UND-FB-FAN

You know, hockey doesn't make as much $$$ as you'd think. I'm not sure on the exact figures, but they aren't as much as of much of a revenue driver as you'd think. Point is, hockey is successful because the standard and facilities are in place. Football will soon also be successful like hockey because the facilities (HPC) and standard (Bubba and BSC title aspirations every season) are set. UND MBB is not there; facilities are poor to average (no video boards is the big one, along with bleacher seating) and little to no standards. Jones is so disorganized as far as where he wants this team to end up; a carbon copy of Mussman.

There's no question Mussman was the unfortunate precedent set by Faison and his administration. After 2012 (ironically also finishing the season against Northern Colorado, like this years MBB team), most supporters -including myself- knew the level of energy and commitment from the football team was no longer at an acceptable level; a change needed to be made. Of course, Faison elected to give Mussman the benefit of the doubt because Mussman and the 2011 UND football team were co-champions of a very suspect Great West Conference. Sure enough, with even 7 home games on the schedule, UND went 3-8 in 2013 and was even worse than in 2012. Faison finally did the right thing and removed Mussman. The same situation presents itself, although now with Jones. Jones produced a mediocre season in 2013-2014, which apparently will buy him another season, even though this season has been a complete disaster (8-22; 4-14 in conference) and I see no reason for next season to be significantly better. Faison is again taking a risk that may end up digging another program, this time MBB, into the proverbially pit.

You do realize that 2nd place finish was actually a three way tie that UND had the breaker for, right? And that UND was blown out by the only decent BSC team that year, Weber State, more than once. You can tell the conference was down in 2013-2014 because the conference winner (WSU) received only a 16 seed for the NCAA tournament. Defending Jones is pointless for you; you contradict yourself by even stating you want what's best for the program. Jones is leading this team to another losing season next season, but I doubt you'd be willing to agree with that. Just wait and see.

We understand the circumstances surrounding Jones and his contract at UND. He will not be dismissed and will get at least another season because he has two more years remaining on his contract. Don't bring up the transition years and such; Jones was able to put together a "brand new team" in 2010 that won twice as many games as this "brand new" team did. An 8 win season (1-9 vs DI opponents at home) and last place conference finish is always inexcusable, and yet you try to defend Jones with "breaks"? I honestly hope you realize you are in the vast minority on this topic and it's because your thought process is completely irrational. You're supporting Jones because: 1) you want to troll (start arguments by playing devils advocate or you're an NDSU supporter) or 2) you personally know Jones and/or you're family (Jones being dismissed would directly affect you) If you claim neither of these possibilities, you're straightforwardly denying the truth. You just can't possibly support a coach that finished last in the conference otherwise, and you continually support him with blind faith.

Thanks for the clarification.

UND drops another. 1 point loss due to questionable officiating at best.

A season this bad should only end in the dismissal of Jones as head MBB coach. College coaches should just not be able to survive such an horrific season, particularly 9 years into the job. Faison needs to make the right decision here.

Enlighten us; why? A losing record doesn't justify a coaching change? Because it seems nearly every AD in America disagrees with you.

When you mention those three things: 1) below 0.500 career record 2) 8-22 season record 3) 1-9 home record vs DI opponents ... It really makes it hard to support Jones much longer. I think Faison needs to take a long hard look at this, although I doubt he will. I expect Jones back for another season, despite my opinion on Jones' coaching ability.

In terms of football, the Big Sky Conference is actually a positive recruiting asset. Playing against the likes of Montana, Montana State, and Eastern Washington, as well as getting to play in California, is a draw to many young student-athletes. The MVFC has better competition as of late, but the BSC is not far behind. Every season the BSC will produce a serious national title contender, and the last few seasons that contender has been Eastern Washington. UND hopes to be that top BSC team in a couple seasons, if not sooner. As for recruiting footprint, UND still recruits ND and MN the heaviest. That is their calling card, and if UND is winning, student-athletes from the regional footprint will gladly play BSC football and not think twice about what they're "missing" in the MVFC. The whole "out of footprint" thing is completely overblown from a conference standpoint. The member schools and travel opportunities make up for that in the BSC. Also, the Summit is a low-major league; it won't be getting any major attention like you speak of. Yes, the tourney is held in a nice new facility, but that doesn't change national perception. Tons of conference tourneys are held in large, state-of-the-art venues. The BSC allows the top school to host the tourney, which if UND acquired, would be great for the city of GF and attendance would be top notch.

You'd have to imagine the plan will be to stop the run and make Wentz beat you; however, that's dangerous territory as well. As a coaching friend once told me, when you pass the ball, three things can happen, and two of those things are bad. Focus should likely be to stop the run and bring pressure on Wentz, hoping for a sack fumble or deflected pass resulting in an interception. UND's defense will need to create turnovers for UND to have a shot.

Upgrading the Betty is a must, so when is it going to happen? Video boards for score, player stats, advertisements, and replays are necessary. Also, larger bleachers at the ends of the court to create a more "enclosed" setting. These things need to happen because high schools are starting to surpass the Betty in amenities.

I agree. Defense will be tough again this year but the offense is a question mark. After games against Wyoming and Drake, everyone should have a better idea how UND's offense will match up against NDSU's defense.

So with the likely suspension or dismissal of Clive Georges, would you say it's safe to say Alex Reed will be the #1 WR to start the 2015 season?

High school hockey/concerts are very few and far between. Again, UW and Kohl Center host concerts too. The REA can still host concerts and high school events no problem; they have a staff for just REA events!

"Nodakhoops" made a convincing argument and hit all the key points. If Wisconsin can use the Kohl Center for both MBB and hockey, why not UND? Yes, attendance will not be "full" in terms of the REA full capacity, but the total attendance will still be greater than the Betty will bring and the amenities are much better in the REA. A progressive, ambitious AD would make the MBB to REA switch happen.

Proof that the REA draws more than the Betty in terms of attendance (obvious why it would seem). The REA should host a few MBB games every season; my opinion for the reasons mentioned above. Faison should look into this.

This is not entirely true. Yes, UND may have to up the salary slightly, by maybe 20-30K, but there are plenty of proven DII winners out there looking for a shot at DI basketball. Remember, the game of basketball is still the same from DII to DI, just more competition. Jones did not demonstrate any head coach winning ability prior to his hire; DII coaches making less have at least won games and made good game-time decisions.

A change absolutely needs to be made after this season, or else the inevitable will just happen this time next season. Brian Jones has an overall record, from 2006 to the present, of 126-151. That's well under 0.500 after 9 seasons, and all coaching removals can be justified by losing, particularly if the sample size is large enough. From 2006-2008 in the DII NCC, Jones mustered out a 26-32 overall record and a measly 5-20 conference record. From 2008 to 2012, in the Great West Conference (where competition is especially weak), Jones and UND went 60-64 overall and 24-22 in the conference. As a member of the Big Sky Conference, an automatic bid DI league that gives UND basketball a great opportunity, Jones and UND have gone 41-55 overall and 28-29 in the conference. All records are unacceptable and should certainly support the removal of Jones. For those who suggest this a rebuilding year, I do not agree. UND went 0.500 in 2013-2014, so there should be improvement from that, not descent. Also, UND and Jones have recruited and developed poorly. The starting lineup is not absent of talent and experience; it includes 6th year Sr. Jaron Nash, DI Transfer Jr. Estan Tyler, and DI Transfer Jr. Terrel de Rouen. Also, coming off the bench, is Sr. Lenny Antwi. Lastly, there is a waste of potential and/or spots with Jr. Benton not even playing, and last year rotation players Sr. Calcaterra and Sr. Salmonson not even playing. The team is a mess and its because Jones did not develop and plan out his roster accordingly. This horrific 8-21 (4-13) season is largely on him.

I understand. Just as Jones allowed for the growth of Huff, Webb, Schuler, Brekke, and Anderson over their four year career? Oh wait, their senior year contained more loses than their freshman year. Those who think the talent coming in next season will turn this team from last to first are delusional. Next year should be better with Jones, but it almost certainly will be another losing season. No high school development - bunch of transfers everywhere.

They were coming out of a timeout before that possession. Maybe there should be more planned than just getting across half court and then dribbling into the corner?

Of course, Jones fails to let the team know the possession arrow is not in UND's favor and that they shouldn't dribble into a corner... That was an awful deal right there. Jones will get this team no where.

I think it's worth it to press all available connections for scheduling. You just never know what might develop or be open. Crazier things have happened, so no use to absolutely discount a Big Ten MBB game from ever happening in Grand Forks.

Again, what's wrong with possibly hosting NDSU, SDSU, and UNI in the REA during 2015-2016 season? Would be a great set-up and gesture towards UND MBB.

Minnesota's AD Norwood Teague signed off on the WBB team traveling to Grand Forks, and UND played a MBB game in Minneapolis in Dec. 2014, so perhaps worth a try getting a game in the REA. Would be a big crowd, especially if UND MBB can get their sh*t together. How about Nebraska and Tim Miles vs. UND in the REA?