If you're very confident, make the bet. ;)

Gotta earn the respect first.

I'll worry about respect after a few P5 wins and 20 win seasons.

That's not a prediction, that's a prayer, LOL...but it would be sweet if it were answered.

My expectations are that we at least end the year at .500.
I also believe that our coaches mental toughness will translate to this team unlike our past coach. This toughness will results in wins.





GO BOBCATS

My expectations are simply to show improvement as the year goes on. Unfortunately Saul's teams fell flat in this area. I already feel more excitement for this team than any in the past several years and part of it is Jeff Boals' acceptance and embrace of Social Media. I always felt like Saul and his staff were secretive and too wary of using Social Media. I love the little glances into practice and what the guys are doing outside of the gym.

I love when si.com does their "perfect scenario and less than perfect scenario" for teams. Here is mine for OUr guys:
PERFECT SCENARIOS: Darty doesn't skip a beat and averages 12 ppg with 40 percent from 3 and plays all season; any 4 of Roderick, Brown, Price, Foster, Springs or McMurray average at least 10 miniutes per game and score in double figures consistently; Ogbanda is Kevin Mickle but bigger; Preston and BVP show why they were All-MAC freshmen and improve.
LESS THAN PERFECT SCENARIOS: Darty has injury issues and is a shell of his old self; The majority of our freshmen are more Culver/Butler than Ryan Taylor/Mike Laster; Springs, Murrell and McMurray do not show any improvement.

The “experts” sometimes prove to be not so “expert”. Look no further than the “experts” predictions that we would be top dog in the MAC in football this year. So far that prediction is falling a bit short.

That said I think the “experts” are more likely right where they have our b-ball program slated. Boals knew he was facing a major cleanup on Aisle 5 and I think everyone will need to exhibit a huge amount of patience as he attempts to put humpty-dumpty back together again. I’m expecting some major growing pains along the way.

Here's a summary of Boals' quotes from Blue Ribbon

"The freshmen are going to play. A couple will probably start. We've got to figure our the right chemistry and roles, but that will work itself out."

"Dartis is doing really well right now. He said this is the best he's felt in years."

"BVP had a great summer physically. He changed his body and got a lot stronger. He's a guy we're going to play at the 3, 4 or 5. Just a great kid. 3.98 GPA. Did a great job of leading our guys this summer."

"Jason Preston is almost too unselfish. He can shoot, but doesn't really look to shoot. He added 20 pounds of muscle this summer, which helped his body and his confidence."

"Conner Murrell added 14 pounds of muscle. He can really shoot. I think he really feels good about himself after this summer. He's a gym rat who makes an impact."

"We're really fortunate to get Ben Roderick. He's a lefty who can finish with his left or right. Plays with great pace."

"Lunden McDay brings his hard hat every day. He's a winner."

"Miles Brown has great vision and handle, and can really score."

Blue Ribbon summary...

"...there's a chance to make huge gains this season, even if they don't necessarily lead to immediate wins."

I got the chance to talk to coach Boals a good bit Saturday. He hedged a lot as he should but had a clear belief things will come together...just not sure when. When prognosticating a mid-major conference, they are of course going to start (and just about end) with who is coming back from last year. From that perspective, we should absolutely be last. That's fine, I like it...nowhere to go but up.

Does this mean there wasn't any mention of Marvin Price?

Thank you for the additional quote pertaining to Price (and the one about Springs too)!

. . . for example??