Since I don't follow Ohio Basketball very closely, what was the historical win percentage at Ohio prior to Hunter? My opinion is that each school has a "normal win rate" that depends on things like facilities and proximity to recruits, and that while various coaches may raise it or lower it slightly, it eventually will return back to that norm. I also believe that Basketball, since it only takes a few players to make a difference, is much less stable than other sports like baseball or football where the impact of a single player is much smaller.
Pre-Hunter basketball wasn't a dumpster fire program like football was pre-Solich.
Ohio had Danny Nee who was coaching during a pretty damn good four-year stretch in the early 80's
1982–83 23–9 12–6
1983–84 20–8 14–4
1984–85 22–8 14–4
1985–86 22–8 14–4
That included two NCAA trips and an NIT trip.
Billy Hahn came in and scuffled for a few years....then came Larry.
He scored three 20-win seasons in 12 years. One MAC championship.....One NCAA trip....One NIT trip. And those MAC/NCAA/NIT came with arguably the greatest Ohio hoop player Gary Trent.
Hunter was incredibly above-average during his tenure. Only two losing seasons...but only ONE with less than 10 losses.
Very Solich-like numbers.
And while the local fans may have been all-aboard with Larry....the university decided they were underachieving and wanted to be better.....thus, a change was made.
In the 15 years since then....
7 20-win seasons
3 NCAA Tourney wins
4 NCAA Tourney berths
1 MAC regular season title
4 MAC Tourney titles
and yes...four losing seasons. Did the world come crashing down because they experienced a few bumps in the road with a few losing seasons?
I would say no.
While those seasons stunk and were tough to watch.....I wouldn't trade them for the success they brought.
So....if you're cool with more times than not 7-5, 8-4 and blah bowl games (losses more times than not) and occasional 9+ win seasons and a few MAC title game appearances.....well, then Frank is your guy. He's proven 12 years of that.
But if Ohio football wants to take a shot at taking the next step.....take a leap of faith and strive for better than above-average.....i think it's obvious something has to change.
It worked for Ohio hoops. And for 4 different coaches in 15 years. Is that a horrible thing? While not ideal, I wouldn't trade the success and enjoyable moments it brought.
BG, UT, NIU football haven't totally imploded with the revolving door of coaches. While some had a down year (BG, NIU this year)....more times than not they've experienced great highs (MACC, big bowl wins, big OOC wins). I'm sure if you asked their fan bases what they'd rather have...MACC titles, BCS bowls, big OOC wins......OR.....8-6 and a Potato Bowl win.....I think you know the answer.
It's pretty simple. Frank Solich & Co = above average program that will never be terrible...but never be great.
If that's what you're cool with. Rock on, brother. You're more than entitled to that viewpoint.
I'm more of a risk taker. I'd rather roll the dice and try to be better. Put the pedal to the floor and see what this indoor practice facility and new stadium renovations can bring. Take this puppy on a test drive instead of a Sunday drive thru the SE Ohio countryside at 45 mph.
Last Edited: 12/29/2016 12:25:05 PM by bshot44