UND-FB-FAN

http://www.undsports.com//fls/13500/stats/mbasketball/2011-12/und17.htm The January 2012 NDSU vs. UND game in the Ralph Engelstad Arena drew over 7,000 people. Certain games (NDSU, Montana, maybe even Minnesota) will draw large crowds, particularly in the REA. The REA is a great venue to watch any game --hockey or basketball-- and the Betty needs improvements and upgrades, desperately. Not having any video boards in the Betty is horrible and embarrassing; most colleges and even some high schools have them!

You know, this is tough for me. I know Brian Jones agrees with you, so I'm sure the 2015-2016 NDSU game will be in the Betty, but I just think the Ralph should be used to host some MBB games for recruiting purposes and the awe factor. It would give the players a glimpse of what it would be like to play for a Big Ten school and be valued by playing in large venues. The one thing MBB players I've spoke to don't care much about is the obvious discrepancy between the UND's MBB program and UND's hockey program. The basketball-hosting Betty sits adjacent to a building much larger which hosts hockey. It let's everyone know, regardless of familiarity, that UND MBB is an afterthought at UND relative to hockey. I think the MBB players and even fans would appreciate it more if the athletic department would work out one -maybe two or three - games per season in the REA just for the awe factor.

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/21792005/college-hockey-players-increasing-in-number-importance-in-nhl%3Cspan%20class Canadian Hockey League out-produces NCAA hockey; therefore, NCAA hockey is quite similar to FCS football in being second fiddle in terms of professional sourcing. UND fans need to understand that an FCS football national championship would bring just as much publicity to Grand Forks/North Dakota/UND as any college hockey national title would bring.

In the mind of President Kelley, the nickname issue is/was nothing more than a nuisance. Kelley does not want to be preoccupied with university athletic issues; he has very little interest in university athletics and his mindset has impeded the potential progress of UND athletics.

I could care less how many times you - or anyone else - have purely posted, but you have posted several times today regarding nothing more than anonymous posting and subjective descriptions, and that content I do think is telling. Quality over quantity.

You don't care what my other posts say? Well, your ignorance is to be expected, because, well, your post history has already formed a line of (or lack of) credibility for you on this site. Credibility is only formed on this board via post history and content trends. If you require definite credentials, that's fine, but don't criticize posters on this board because they happen to be anonymous. If you absolutely need to know credentials, you can go ahead and rely on face-to-face conversations where you can swap bios, drink some coffee, and discuss whatever it is that floats your boat of credibility.

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/041106aaw.html Alford demoted Jones prior to being hired at UND. He was moved to director of basketball operations and no longer considered an actual on-the-court assistant coach. Not a good event if looking for support of Jones' actual coaching/adjustments/game management capabilities.

Well, I have admitted the comment which included the words prick and idiot was biased and opinionated; however, I also stated that opinions are apart of this debate and the majority of my posts are much less prejudicial. Please don't criticize my position while overlooking the entirety of my opinion on this issue. Although the biased words I chose to use could've been replaced with something more proper in terms of etiquette, I still believe their meanings to hold true. My "attempt at rationalization" was a contextual explanation and not a rebuttal, although I can see how it would appear as one. I don't believe myself to be in a "hole"; in my opinion, the poster who criticized my comment does not hold such an authority or jurisdiction capable of backing me into such a "hole".

You are correct; believing someone is a prick or an idiot would be considered subjectivity, not objectivity. I openly admit that because I stated above that the only post of mine you comment on is "colorful". In that post, I decided to use contextual words to describe Brian Jones as, and only as, the head MBB coach at UND. I would like you, however, to also focus on my opinions comprehensively, and not only focus on a single aspect of my opinion regarding this situation. Picking and choosing is the easy way out of debate. Also, the current UND MBB staff certainly does face challenges, but does that make them immune to failing and incapability? I think not.

I post my honest opinions regarding UND athletics and the Grand Forks community on this site and the vast majority of my posts are without personal adjectives. The post you redundantly mention is but the only post that describes Jones colorfully; the others I've posted on this subject all assess facts and preferred directions for UND MBB. Perhaps you could touch on them? Posting anonymously does not alter the objective contents; therefore, debates regarding correctness are still very viable. If you believe identity shifts the realm of truth, then you're mistaken. The truth doesn't care who you are. Debate the facts and leave it alone. Your offense to such a minor detail is quite telling.

Since you have a difficult time understanding context, I'll clarify for you. The term "prick" represents his rather unfortunate (and disgraceful) demeanor and response to what Paul Ralston innocently said a couple seasons ago. Also, his lack of community involvement is troubling, and it may portray being a "prick". As for being an "idiot", I in no way claim to know Mr. Jones personally; however, I have been able to witness and assess his line of work and I feel his teams have consistently shown ineptitude. For that, I feel Mr. Jones, in terms of basketball coaching, is an "idiot" at the DI coaching level. As revealed above, apparently Steve Alford at Iowa thought the same.

Certainly appears the hiring of Jones was questionable at the beginning. I just think a MBB coach should have some head coaching success before being hired as a DI coach. Jones apparently had negative reviews before even being hired. It's his time to go. A decade of Brian Jones would be too much for any ambitious DI basketball program.

How about hire a basketball coach with previous collegiate head coaching experience (probably at the DII level for affordability purposes) and head coaching success (winning HC record). Jones had no collegiate head coaching experience prior to being hired at UND. It was a shot in the dark to hire him and I think there are a lot better coaches out there that would be willing to coach at UND.

Well, I'm sure if Estan Tyler would've played, the rebounding would've been way better........ Nothing new. This team is just plain BAD.

For those who missed it, Northern Arizona has an Adidas apparel contract so let's hope their shoes give out....... I'm sure Jones is banking on it.....

The linebacking corps will be solid this season. OLBs Sr. Dayo Idowu - guy can both get pressure off the edge and play the run; showed that last season by getting sacks, TFLs, and even interceptions off batted passes. Idowu is a great example of what Bubba and Coach Schmidt want from their OLBs. Remember that game-winning tackle on Homecoming against Portland State last season? Jr. Brian Labat - made a big jump from 2013 to 2014. At almost 230 lbs., he has the frame to be a great run stuffer as well as a pass rusher. Will definitely be the other OLB starter opposite of Idowu. So Jake Disterhaupt - As a RFr., Disterhaupt was a solid rotational player last season. He will continue to log good minutes for the defense. His time playing safety helped him a bit, as he had some nice interceptions last season. Sr. Javen Butler - Consistently a fan favorite to do big things considering his frame and athleticism, 2015 will be his last shot. I think he will be utilized well by Coach Schmidt and will be put in favorable pass rushing situations so he can get after the QB in 2015. Also a good special teams guy. RFr. Dylan Harmston - Athletic kid coming out of high school, I imagine he will see the field this season as a special teams contributor and in a backup OLB role on pass rushing opportunities. TRUE FRESHMEN: Mason Bennett, Jade Lawrence, Keelan Poole Nice incoming class of OLBs coming in; although its possible one of them could have their shirt lifted, I think the returning players provide enough depth to keep that from happening. All three true freshmen are talented though and have a lot of potential. ILBs Sr. WIll Ratelle - best player on UND's defense last season and I see no reason for him not to be that again in 2015. Can stop the run as well as anyone on the team and can even get back and play good coverage. Another 100+ tackle season for him. Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1456253/will-ratelle Jr. Taj Rich - By rights, Rich had a surprisingly good season in 2014. He will be a crucial piece in both 2015 and 2016. Has the ability to rack up tackles and get after the QB; a real nice asset to have playing alongside Ratelle in Bubba's defense. So. Connor O'Brien - Played sparingly last season and will almost certainly continue to get reps spelling Ratelle and/or Rich. Young player with a bright future. Jr. Dylan Bakker - Red-shirted last season and will likely see the field in 2015 as a backup ILB and special teams guy. Adds key depth to the ILB position. RFr. Tahje Hartley - hard to know what Hartley will bring to the table in 2015, but again, he's a guy with potential and hopefully a bright future. TRUE FRESHMEN: Troy Hansen, Donnell Rodgers Both Hansen and Rodgers are athletic guys that are the perfect mold for Bubba's and Schmidt's defense. Same as the OLB freshmen, I don't think Hansen and Rodgers will get their shirt pulled because of the players returning, but they will be crucial pieces down the road. Bottom-line: Very solid group of linebackers in 2015 with both experience and talent/athleticism. LBs make Bubba's pressure defense "click", so expectations for the defense should be high in 2015.

Still a little too early to tell for sure, but his work ethic and mindset are early indications he will be "the guy" for the UND running attack this season. After spring ball, everyone should have a better idea what he will bring to the table.

UND Football Memory Lane: Early 2000s UND football I was talking to a long-time Grand Forks (actually EGF) resident and sports fan yesterday for a bit. We hit on a few points regarding UND football that were exciting to me. By no means is my buddy a die-hard UND football fan, nor is he particularly biased to any one sport; however, he mentioned how during 2001 and 2003 (and shortly after), when the Alerus was filling up for home playoff games, the atmosphere was better than anything else Grand Forks could possibly muster, including UND hockey. Such an idealization should excite folks for the near future. If UND can earn some home playoff games, it will be a hot ticket in Grand Forks. There's no question UND football and the Grand Forks community have a relationship that requires a winner. Once playoff games are hosted, fans will show up in both support and curiosity at the new-found winning product Bubba has put on the field. Good times are ahead for UND football, and one can only hope the noise and excitement experienced in 2001 at the Alerus Center will be returning sooner rather than later. Please share any memories from these past exciting years, and also post any thoughts regarding the promising future of UND football support.

How else would you explain the source of the unnecessary outrage Jones demonstrated when Paul Ralston innocently and mistakingly said the word "choke job"? And of course, that was right after UND MBB and Jones, of course, had choked versus NAU. How many public out reaches has Jones done in the GF community? I don't see him around much, and I certainly don't see many, including myself, carrying up a friendly conversation with him. And then you go ahead and accuse me of, well, assaulting someone and then fleeing? That must be a joke, because that's quite hilarious. It's quite entertaining to hear all this support without any justifying cause; it's really nothing more than bored individuals playing devil's advocate. Lastly, I'd certainly like an explanation as to why I'm a "jackwagon", because I honestly doubt you'll have anything competent to say.

Coaches can't win games on their own. Players win games and lose games; however, coaches can lose games. Explanation: bad players put in the right position will still lose; good players put in bad positions may still win; good players put in good position consistently win. Worst combination is obviously bad players and bad positioning/coaching. UND MBB under Jones has been good players in bad positions, and as a result, UND MBB has won some, lost some (.500) - nothing else.

Put a fork in UND men's basketball this season. Simple and done with. UND MBB and Jones better improve next season like some on here swear they will, or else Jones NEEDS to go. Jones is a prick and an idiot; he doesn't deserve to hold an honorable and impressionable head coaching position at THE University of North Dakota.

That's the general philosophy of the defense; bring 5 to 6 guys consistently leaving 5 in coverage with zero coverage or cover 1 over the top. It's not unusual for many successful FBS defenses, including Stanford, Alabama, and Florida, to name a few. UND's passing defense was suspect due to the personnel in the backend. Thankfully, that's been improved this offseason. Stop trying to troll. I think what you meant to say is not many teams that could pass, because if they could run, it would still play into the strength of the defensive philosophy. Get what I'm saying, Bison "the troll" Dan? UND improved defensively, just get over it. Also, for a league that's not very good, it still got in 3 teams into the FCS playoffs. That's not too bad if you ask me. There's a difference between good and bad, just so you know.

UND's basketball facilities need a lot of work. Doesn't help UND hockey has top-notch and it's all right next door... Produces an easy relative comparison.

Always urged to redundantly mention your superior IQ; not surprising. Perhaps you could enlighten us in terms of the dynamics regarding the relationship of IQ scores and college basketball coaching assessments?

Excellent? UND went 1-3 against Montana and 0-6 versus Weber State during the first two Big Sky Conference seasons. Also, considering it was the junior and senior seasons of Huff, Schuler, Webb, and Anderson, UND should have performed better than those players and Jones did in 2010-2011, when all those players were freshmen. No improvement at all for Jones' squad. Ultimately, in their first two Big Sky Conference seasons, UND MBB was not good versus OOC competition and against top tier BSC teams.