nodakhoops

Wow, how hard is the forum up for actual journalists? I thought this was a joke until I went to inforum and there is an online story. Correct me if I am wrong but isn't SB Nation one of those sites where anyone can write an article and give their opinion? Any journalists who is using that to put in an actual paper is a little concerning, they are basically message boards with articles. It's literally just someones opinion, with no actual evidence of anything correct? If that is the case they could have looked at Sioux Sports and Bisonville and said "so and so poster on Sioux Sports is predicting the UND vs. NDSU game will be a gameday game." Not very professional in my opinion, but journalism is kind of going that way these days.

Muss had a few, but I agree it wasn't as big of a priority as Bubba is making it. Bubba also isn't backing down from NDSU on them which is nice to see even if we lose a couple. Last year UND signed quite a few and 2016 appears to be a strong year for local kids so I would expect more. IMO the high school football in state is really starting to get good and I think we'll see more D1 talent in the next 5-10 years than ever before. Kids now have 2 D1 schools to strive to play at now as well as NSIC level which is really good D2 football. A little different than the NCC and Dac 10 days.

Part of it is a little worry by some of these NDSU die hards i'm sure. I don't think they are worried about losing to UND next year, or even if Bubba starts making the playoffs consistently. Most probably care could care less because its different conferences. I do think they are probably worried though because there are a ton of bandwagon fans in this state and if Bubba starts putting a winning product on the field NDSU has a lot more competition for some of those dollars from those bandwagon fans. For me I think it would be awesome if both teams were selling out games every week at home and playing in the playoffs. It would make college football even bigger than it already is in this area. I think most ND residents would like that, but my guess is most of these NDSU die hards that post here wouldn't be thrilled about sharing the spotlight or some of those NDSU bandwagon fans with UND. This is probably why some Bison fans don't want Gameday to come for the game with UND because they don't want to share the spotlight with UND. Before the trolls jump all over me I know UND has a long ways to go to get to that point, I was just stating I don't think it would be something you NDSU guys would like to see.

I would consider myself a realist on expectations and I would have to agree with UND-FB-Fan. The coaching job I saw last year was one of the best jobs I have seen in a while, and I have been watching college football at UND and in the area for a very long time. Bubba took a defense of Mussmans backups and turned them into the best in the conference. He had a team go through 3 qbs and still went 5-6. I would say Mussmans roster the year before had more talent by far and they went 3-8 with some very bad losses. Just and incredible job by Bubba and staff. I expect the defense to keep them in most games this year and if the offense improves to even middle of the road Big Sky and the team catches some breaks they could get to 7-8 wins. More realalistic would be 5-6 but I think they could be a playoff team this year with the right breaks. Do I expect them to beat NDSU, not at all, but you never know.

I actually really like Collins potential. He averaged 11 a game on a team with both a Minnesota and Marquette recruit. His athletic ability and frame give him the potential to be an above average energy/defense/rebounding guy in the Big Sky. He'll be able to guard positions 2-4 in the Big Sky so I think he'll be a very valuable role guy for UND over the next 4-5 years depending on if he redshirts. I also wouldn't mind Bubba asking him to play TE on the FB team when he's done with BBall. The kid has a really nice frame and some serious athletic ability. Could be a monster TE with a little coaching. Lorenzo Riley from NDSU (basketball/football) comes to mind although Josh has a better frame. We'll see how he develops though as he's not even on campus yet.

Miller is really talented. If he was 6'1-6'2 he'd be going to a pretty big time school. Still feel he'll get more offers (I think he has 2-3 already) but hopefully were in the running with our TC connections and being the first to offer. With only 2 open spots I think UND is in a position to just take the best players they can get with those 2 spots. An impact front court player would be ideal, but those are tough to find at this level, you almost have to develop them. I'd take any combo of Miller, Peterson, Nikko, and Jackson from the Twin Cities and be happy. Allen Anderson might be a nice option to. The frontcourt guy from Iowa Ryan Kriener looks like he could be a big impact player, but I think there will be a lot of competition for him.

To follow up on the success some of Bubba's recruits had at the track meet last week. The Hartness twins from Davies are playing in the State championship for baseball today. Both are pretty good baseball players as well. All of the ND kids Bubba is bringing in are all really good multi sport athletes, it will be fun to watch them develop once they concentrate fully on Football. Austin Cieslak was a good example from last years class and he's already to the point of being in the rotation for next fall on the DL as a Rr Fr.

Sorry, not trying to be hypocritical and not trying to stir the pot. I'll break it up in bullet points for you. - I honestly don't care what UND picks as I will support them either way that is why I said a nickname is just a nickname and my day isn't ruined no matter what they choose. - Of the nickname suggestions that are out there I honestly like Roughriders the best. I gave my opinions on why I liked that but like I've also said if it isn't chosen my day also isn't ruined. I'm fine with other names I just like that one the best. - I also do only care about UND in this situation and that is why I am not a fan of just North Dakota because in my opinion that is not what is best for the school long term. Having said that, if that is what's chosen I will still cheer for UND, just don't think it's the best decision for the school. To summarize 1. Roughriders (gave my thoughts on why) 2. Badlanders, Cavalry, North Stars, Flckertails, whatever 1000. North Dakota (Unofficially the Fighting Sioux) -gave my thoughts on why I also wasn't "backing off," anything. I like Roughriders the best, I like some of the other names, and I don't like just North Dakota, but I'm being totally serious my day isn't ruined either way. No matter what I'm good, as I will still be at the Alerus, Ralph, and Betty for some games next year to cheer on UND. I just have a nickname preference much like everyone else. I'll take my own advice of not caring either way and check out of this convo, because it is just a nickname.

I've stated multiple times I really don't care what UND chooses, just want what is best for UND. Yes, Roughriders is my favorite and based on what i've seen and heard i'm not the only one who thinks that, but i'd be fine with lots of different names. Even if it's something I don't like I'll get to like it over time because i support UND not a nickname.

Speaking as someone who bleeds Fighting Sioux and has my whole life I can tell you I moved on years and years ago. At the end of the day if UND ends up just staying North Dakota will I care, I'll care a little because I don't think that is the best long term decision for the school, but my life goes on and i'll still support UND. If UND chooses a name like Roughriders, North Stars, Badlanders, or whatever do I care? Yes, i'll care a little but as long as we get an ok name and not something like Sun Dogs i'll be fine. Even if it is a name I don't like my life goes on and i'll still support UND. So as you can see i'm good either way, because it's just a nickname and I've got more important things to worry about. I will still support UND either way and my life will be just fine. How will you and some of the other "Sioux Forever," people be holding up if just staying North Dakota and unofficially being the Fighting Sioux is not what we end up with. Judging by your post I'd be a little worried for you.

Based on the fact only 2 committee members thought that no nickname (aka, unofficially being the Fighting Sioux) should move along I think there are plenty on the committee that can carry that torch for the rest of us.

No joke, that is my opinion. I don't think it is in the best interest of UND to just stay North Dakota just so people can hang onto the Fighting Sioux name. I love the Fighting Sioux name but it's time to move on. As for the committee, I have no idea what they will actually do or actually think just know a lot of them want what is best for UND and in my opinion moving onto a new nickname is best. I am certainly not alone in that opinion.

I would agree with this. Don't think North Dakota ends up on the ballot though for many reasons. I know a few on the committee and I don't see them letting it happen. They know what is best for UND.

Not sure I follow. If you are a UND hoops fan, does that make you less of a Fighting Sioux fan?

I've seen Roughriders as a top 3 choice in an unofficial SS poll, Herald Poll, and Fargo Forum poll. Not sure how many more unofficial polls I need to see to tell me that it is at least a top 3 choice among fans. As for Badlanders there is plenty worse on there and if the Forum poll is a good indicator I am fine with that name if it's on the ballot. In my mind these polls are actually a good thing for the committee to look at. Gives them an idea of what some of the fans top choices are. Not counting just North Dakota as like I mentioned it shouldn't even be up for consideration.

Looks like Roughriders is closing in as they are both at 10% now. Assuming North Dakota is not an option because I don't think it should be let's just go with those top three of Badlanders, Roughriders, North Stars and end this committee stuff. Time to figure this out and get to a vote. Still think Roughriders wins a vote, but i'm fine with any of those 3.

Was thinking of going as well. It would be nice if UND could setup a big tent for UND fans in the tailgate lot, and maybe even have some TVs in there. If I can't get a ticket to the game I would go and tailgate in the UND tent and watch the game from the parking lot. Guessing they would fill up a tent pretty quickly. Maybe they could even ask BWW across the street if they could be the official UND hangout.

So let me get this straight if UND was called the University of North Dakota Roughriders or whatever it would actually cause you to move to a different town? I'm sorry, but if that is true maybe it is time to find some new hobbies. Folks, it a nickname at a University, I have lived and breathed Fighting Sioux most of my live, but the day it starts getting to you this much is a little troubling. It's a nickname, its not life or death, it won't change your day to day lives, and it won't change much at UND or UND events other than what the team is called and some new traditions that develop over time. Just a little perspective for those that are letting this get to them that much.

Sorry about that. PR nightmare no matter how you pick it.

Splitting hairs at that point. Rough Riders and Calvary can be taken an branded totally separate from any military connection at all. Look at the CFL team, there is no reference to anything military with them and they are the Rough Riders. I think you could also do that with the name Calvary, but the difference there is that there were Calvary groups that fought and killed many Sioux people in the late 1880s and I think that is a PR nightmare UND should avoid.

This is UND and the state of ND looks to UND. I've been to every part of this state and pretty much west of I29 North Dakota this is rough tough hard working farming, ranching, and oil country. You get up with the sun and get stuff done. Of the names that tie into that theme from the list I see Badlanders & Rough Riders that fit that mold. I like both, but prefer Rough Riders. Top 3 would be Rough Riders, Calvary (has no chance based on previous discussion on this thread), and Badlanders in that order. I'm open to whatever, but I have yet to see a name that makes more sense than Rough Riders. Based on the vote of the people on this site it's obvious it is the clear favorite at the moment. It's been the name talked about the most and at the very least should be in the top 3 for final vote. We can then let America decide what they want the name to be.

Your argument against Teddy R and the name Rough Riders is tiresome. I don't want to repeat myself, but again it doesn't matter how many ND residents fought for the Rough Riders, it doesn't matter how long Teddy R lived in ND, and it doesn't matter the Rough Riders isn't the "official," state nickname. What matters is the name is and has been engrained in the culture and the people of this state for as long as I can remember. How that came to be doesn't matter. North Dakota residents are proud to be associated with Teddy Roosevelt and they are proud to be associated with the name Rough Riders. You can stop with all the other talk because it doesn't matter. Facts are facts, and the Rough Rider name being tied to ND and ND residents is a fact. Did you actually grow up in ND or were you a transplant that just went to school here? If so I understand, but if you actually grew up in ND I don't see how you do not know how much that name has been apart of the states culture for a very long time. As a ND resident myself, I am proud to be associated with Teddy R and the Rough Rider name and would be proud to have UND take that as a nickname. ND people are strong, tough, hard working people, who stand up for what's right.......kind of like a group of people Teddy R led to battle back in the day. Again lots of great names to choose from, but Rough Riders makes the most sense by far. As GFhockey and the GOBC like to say.....ROLLLLL RIDAS

Who cares whether it was the ND Tourism Dept or not the fact of the matter is that name is engrained in the states culture. I've heard this state referred to as the Rough Rider state for as long as I can remember, and based on things like having the highest honor the state gives called the Rough Rider award I think the majority of the people here like being referred to as the Rough Rider state. It used to even be on liscense plates. How nice of branding for UND would that be? Go look up why North Carolina is call the Tar Heel state, most people don't know but guess what the nickname of their flagship University is. Indiana is called the Hoosier state and their are many ideas where that came from but most don't know. Guess what their flagship schools nickname is? North Carolina Tar Heels Indiana Hoosiers I don't care how many ND residents actually fought for the Rough Riders, the fact is at some point along the way ND residents became proud of their state by referring to it as the Rough Rider state. I see no issue with calling the states flagship University by the state's nickname. There are plenty of other names that will work, but none make as much sense as Rough Riders.

I actually like Cavalry but I don't think it flies. You do know what the 7th Calvary was responsible for right? Rob Port was all over this when it was first on the list, I'm not sure if Calvary deviates enough from that. If we did end up the Calvary i'd be ok with it, but I don't think it gets very far based on that. As for the uniqueness of Rough Riders I think you are way off. Minor league teams and high school teams are not a big deal. The only one of those with any real brand awareness is the CFL team and they are in Canada. Rough Riders is plenty unique and it ties in well with this state. Besides if you read that letter to the editor I linked a few pages back you would've seen that in the SEC alone there are 3 teams named the Tigers....Roughriders is plenty unique. You could nitpick any name if you wanted to start digging through high schools and minor league teams.

Here is a letter to the editor you should read and everyone should read. Lays out a ton of great points why UND should choose Roughriders. If your big reason they shouldn't is because Grand Forks Red River uses it I question whether you have ever traveled outside Grand Forks County in your life. No one thinks of Red River high when they hear that name. http://www.grandforksherald.com/opinion/letters/3740341-letter-und-would-be-only-rough-riders-central-grad-would-cheer The part i like the best. What is the highest honor a North Dakota resident can get.......THE ROUGH RIDER Award!! Just a no brainer imo. This is the Rough Rider state, the name is plastered all over ND already, and you could do a lot of great things with that name.