niouxsiouxfan

i like what you did there!

Just a hypothetical, as I could see this as being another reason to hate on Coach Jones, but there is another possibility. Perhaps Jones has a friendship or acquaintance with Nike. It is possible that person is giving Jones a great deal on apparel. I don't know the numbers, but I agree with above poster, that if the money was substantial Faison would have forced the deal.

Thank you for the correction, you are correct! But premise still holds

You are onto something. It's a money thing. They can keep larger part of the pie amongst themselves. The tier below them still has bowls, but less likely to get into playoffs.

And I suppose you were one to say the Big Ten would never add more teams. (Just a bit of useless trivia. With the financial issues in Illinois, if Chicago State wanted back in the Big Ten, they would have to be allowed in). The Big Ten will expand again likely to 16, the Big 12 wants to get back to at least twelve. I can't speak for the other conferences but they also have gone thru expansion.

That is the thought for the larger groupings. The argument for eight as you can imagine is, "we have so many really good teams tho" coming from the big and good conferences (SEC, Big Ten, ACC). They want multiple teams represented. I'm sure the Pac 12 isn't far behind. And of course the idiots in the Big 12 (idiots because they don't know how to count to 12, I know Big Ten also has this problem, but they at least they got their minimum) want their conference represented. Add in a G5 program that is having a great year, or Notre Dame (tho I think they will fall into conference), and you are easily at eight, again upsetting the bigger conferences, so then you have to expand to at least twelve. ***There is some tread on what SiouxVolley puts forth about UND and BSC, I'll get into the whole realignment thing another day. But the Playoff Expansion is a part of it

The Playoff will jump to eight teams as soon as they can, maybe 12-16 by then,

Agreed that he has not had much success drawing up a play at end of games. But just take TO to tell players get it into Geno's or Q's hands on the break (or from OB) and go from there. Usually want PG to have ball and make decision. I was yelling at screen when Drick was coming up floor, then louder when he passed it to Collins, then I was swearing when my feed cut out! Have I mentioned I hate eversport?

I thought they were teasing for Reno I was getting all excited for the slots and flashing lights

I believe he got hurt. YES should have taken timeout. Coach can't call it, but had time during free throw to tell everyone take a timeout after rebound. But I suppose I can't blame it on Jones yet can I?

Or the loss to Montana, or the one to Idaho. BOTH AT HOME!!! But agree with your last statement!

VMeister: It was a comment that wasn't needed. His piece would have been better without it. When the team goes to the NCAA Tournament, which I presume in the next few years they will, it will bring more pub to UND than hockey. That writing only lends to the "hockey college" belief In GF, will hockey ever be supplanted? Maybe, but tough to do.

Agreed! And the youngest I believe. Have heard some analysts praising this team

The ranking thing is being debated in the football thread, but it holds the same in basketball. Unless they are Top100 or so, it's murky at best. However, UND has recruited some serious talent and athletes in the last few years. May with high level experience. I can't speak for all, but here's start. Q- Mr. Basketball (MN) with State Championship experience. Geno- Multiple State Championships (MN) under one of the best coaches in the nation, leading the team as PG McDermott- Led team to championship tourney (3rd place-best record ever) Cortez- Led team to State Championship, first ever Collins- Same school/coach as Geno, DeLaSalle. multiple state championships, more of a role player, but did his job exceptionally well. This kid is athletic! Wheeler- Also has State Championship experience, played all four years of Varsity. Shanks- One of the top centers to come out of MN. Not sure about championship tourneys, but led team to many wins (please add if choose to do so, son't know Avants and others history) POINT being these guys know how to play the game and what it takes to win. They want to continue the success they've had throughout their young career, and will work at doing so. Let's continue to enjoy the show

http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3943554-mens-basketball-finally-some-reasons-cheer MEN'S BASKETBALL: Finally, some reasons to cheer QUOTE: The days when basketball was on par—or at least in the same zip code—with UND men's hockey may not ever return to Grand Forks. Is Wayne Nelson really this dumb? This statement is on par with some of the Sid and Reusse classics.

If that's the only reason, FIRE JONES! sorry, been awhile

And, supposedly, it's easier to win three in a row, rather than four. Go figure

I have been wondering the same thing for awhile. What does Avants have to do to get the start? I like Shanks, and think he could be an asset. Use him as a true post player, as he does better in those situations. He needs to work on hands, finishing, and defense, among playing more up tempo. Avants plays well in the pick/roll system and is very good on defense. If you bring Shanks off the bench, I think you give him a chance to have better matchups and hopefully bring his confidence level up.

Collins should definitely redshirted. With all the forwards on this team, the coaching staff should have had his best interest in mind and made it a point that it would be a benefit to him. I believe Geno was a year young coming in, and it definitely helped him.

Any spot in the top four going into the tourney for a game off is good. Number one is tough, would like second, and settle for third.

Agree completely. He should be coming off the bench. He can be useful. I really like the passion he plays with, needs to get that bit under control. But there is time in the game, when UND is going thru subs to rest Geno and Q, that he could be used. They single him down low in the post quite often. I've seen him be successful in both areas, but have seen him fail in both instances as well. There were times he played well and should have went back to him, he helped create even more of a mismatch for Bernstine. These guys deserved this win, and the people that matter better know it. Then they need to do something about it

This is one thing that is so frustrating with Jones coaching. His play calls after TO's is mind boggling. I will say, it was nice to see them go 2-for-1 finally. But, yeah, not going to get the foul call on the final play of the game.

Watched the game with some basketball people, and they brought something up I didn't see. Shanks plays like the game is too fast at times. Whether it's late movement on pick and roll, or not ready to catch a pass. He has other problems too that are frustrating. However, he has his good moments too. Plus, he is a seven footer. The coaching staff has to figure a way to use his strengths to help the team, and his teammates need to keep him focused and positive. Geno's put back dunk is 50/50 call. (I won't rip these refs) I've seen that same play not waived off many times. That is a rule that needs to be addressed sometime. Turnover's always come back to get you. This game was one UND should have won. Drick had mismatch regularly and Jones didn't force the play to go to him more often. Especially on the last play.

Another close loss that is on Jones.

Sneakers are for Coaches for Cancer. The audio is horrid! And I kind of like these refs.