Is That A Chill I Feel?
February 27, 2009 at 2:41pm by HogBlogger
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Basketball
Wally Hall’s Friday column had a bit that caught my attention.
Any time a team goes from 23-12 to 13-13, there are going to be whispers about turmoil among the staff, between players or both.
If there are any problems, they are being kept in-house as there are no leaks in the athletic department.
While there is no way this team could be as dysfunctional as last year’s team, something isn’t right.
On paper, they have more talent than a 1-12 team, especially in a year when the SEC is down a little.
Getting blown out by an Alabama team that is 15-12 overall and 5-8 in the SEC is an indication that some things have not improved this season.
Before you all blast me – I know Wally is not well thought of by most Razorback fans. I’m not that crazy about him myself.
But . . . when the sports editor for the major state paper writes this type of thing it validates the discussions going on within the fan base. Not saying here I agree with anything about this.
But . . . we all know these things are being said within parts of the fan base – I’ve referenced the ‘improved’ thing a few times myself – and they’ve been basically ignored / not mentioned by the print or TV press.
I’ve been around this a long time. Orville, followed on by Wally, would not make statements like these unless they knew the statements addressed items appropriate for discussion. How would they know that? Let’s just say they were / are well connected.
I’m not saying anything is going to happen related to these items anytime soon. Just saying a door has been opened.
I’m betting the “HogBlogger is crazy” comments outnumber anything close to agreement with me by about 8-1. Fire away. I’m interested in everyone’s thoughts on this. Is Wally validating the discussion?
By the way, let’s not have the discussion now. I’m sure all you would tell me it’s way premature to do that. I agree.
Patience emphasizes calmness, self-control, and the willingness or ability to tolerate delay. Can we all just take the wait and see approach, dang! This was supposed to happen. We didn’t have any Mcdonald’s all americans coming in did we? Yeah we saw the you tube videos of Rotnei scoring 60+ points on midgets, and Fortson dunking on people (in high school) and i too drunk the razorback red kool aid but at the same time i new this was going to be a challenging year. We essentially have a basketball team that has never started an entire division 1 college basketball season. Let that sink in for a quick second. As talented as these kids are i am kind of glad we are taking our lumps. It will will make them stronger and hungrier, that’s if they hold on the the preverbial rope John Pelphrey has on them. The 12- 1 non conference record gave everyone including me a false sense of hope but they finally came back down the earth. There is no doubt that they will be a very much improved team next year if we all just practice a little patience. MY GOSH!!!!!!
I’d say too soon to entertain this discussion yet. I’m hoping that John is using this to grow too but so far I’m not sure that he has but I’m willing to wait.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I love our coach and I love our players. I also happen to like our new President, but that won’t stop me, or anyone else, from criticizing his performance as we see fit.
I won’t disagree that this much losing wouldn’t breed some discontent. I think the Freshmen have continued to develop. I think that Stephan especially has fallen off. I think Michael has as well to a degree although quite possibly to double teams. I kind of wonder if due to the lack of success, the Juniors {upperclassmen) are kind of falling off the wagon on believing in the new style. I still think that this is like his {Pel’s} first year because he came so late the only Sophs we have are Britt and Sanchez {who wouldn’t start on any SEC Team}. I really think next year this time we will have a better feel for if we are on the right track.
It’s like Wally said in his article, the 1994 NC team played with guys that knew and accepted their roles.
If I had my guess, our current players don’t do that at all. As a matter of fact, how could anyone not see that?
I’ve stated in the past Marcus Washington didn’t have any buisiness shooting the 3, and that little stat that says 12.5% from behind the arc, SHOULD be a little bit of an eye opener to Pelphrey.
Who’s going to get the rebound, Fortson? Doesn’t he already have enough problems to figure out?
Sanchez certainly isn’t going to get it, because he’s sitting on the bench after getting his 3rd foul, with 7 minutes left in the 1st half.
Welsh definately isn’t going to get it, because he’s positioning himself on the other side of the perimeter, WHERE HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE, and Clarke should be the last one considered to get the rebound, since he’s standing only about 6 ft. from Washinton. See how unorganized that is?
What’s that going to teach the other young players on the court? How about the ones sitting on the bench? Does this keep them from making the same, stupid mental errors, or does it just confuse the situation a little more often?
Maybe it sounds like a small issue to some, but it’s a pretty big deal for me.
We have a football coach that makes a huge deal out of all the “little things”.
This is also a coach that has based his huge, past sucsesses on doing all those little things right.
Why should it be any different on the basketball court?
Okay guys. This was a test. Here’s the grade report.
BaconBits flunks patience. He fell into the discussion instead of addressing the question I asked. I specifically said not to have the discussion now. Needs to take his first sentence and apply it to himself.
In fact, the first 5 of you flunked. I said not to have the discussion now. Owasso gets partial credit on that point as he said it was too early to have the discussion. I give Reason and Gonzo props for having really good, interesting points and avoiding the stuff that Wally is alluding too. However, none of you addressed the question I asked..
So, lets try again.
The question was, “is Wally validating the discussion?” To date, other than the Jeff Long blips a few days ago, the news media has avoided this type of discussion like the plague.
Now Wally brings it up after the big loss at Alabama. Is Wally opening up the door so that this type of thing is now fair game in the sports columns? Why would he do that?
So, BaconBits, since you set the bottom of the curve, you get special instructions. Read with a bit of patience and think before you start writing. You obviously didn’t even make to my last paragraph last time before you were formulating your little emotional rant.
For those of you still not getting it, this is asking you to think about the relationship between the sportswriters and sportscasters and the “powers that be” (which can be a fragmented lot). Is Jeff Long using Wally to send a message – since his “message” a few days quickly got squelched in the media? Jeff Long’s message previously(if there even was one) was carefully veiled. Is this a second shot over the bow? How much of a role does the media play in influencing the fans feelings about the coach? Or, does the media simply reflect them? Or, does something like this serve to get more of a reaction out of the fans – stir up the supportive ones to get as loud as the negative ones? How much do you think Wally’s radio show callers reflect overall fan sentiment? How much to you think those calls influence Wally’s opinion and what he writes?
Is Jeff Long using a Frank tactic or getting one used on him? Or is Wally just filling up his column with whatever rot passes through his head?
If this just seems to be so much nonsense to you, then fine. I included the link on the old Houston Dale / Frank post for you as it was written at the point where the media and the “powers that be” – and also some “powers that wanted to be, and eventually became” started sparring in the background and using the media – actually various members – to be their message carriers in an attempt to influence the fans opinions. It was a mess that took three plus years to play out.
Are we going to go through a mini-version of this with the basketball coach? Can Jeff Long control this or is he just going to join the old flow and fray?
I know, this is nuts. About as nuts as Jeff Long getting Bobby Petrino to come to a program that should only be expected to regularly finish in the middle of the SEC in football – I think it was 8th – and that had a fan base that just needed to realize that and be content.
Washington is not going to get any 3 point shot rebounds. Ok, he took 14 of those shots that he did not make. That didn’t lose us any games. It didn’t lose us any games when Oliver Miller did it. He shouldn’t take em, but he is the only guy on our team getting doubled so lay off a little.
Steph can’t hit the broad side of a barn in 80 % of our SEC Games and again would not start on any other SEC Team.
We simply don’t have a team because we don’t have the athletes. You are gonna have to give it another year.
Wally is validating the discussion or giving Nolan Props. A little bit of both. I think as a reporter you get tired of the standard response from Pel. They were all pissed about getting left in the dark about Monk for so long and Wally personally stated that he thought that was at Monk’s expense. Although, truth be told it was Monks fault for doing it without (I assume) asking for clearance. I think Wally is baiting Pel to give a little more than “I can’t give up on these guys”. We get that already. If they aren’t doing the fundamentals if you had a full barn, you would switch horses. There aren’t any more horses right now. I really wish Henry had not gotten his head bonked at Bama because when you go to Bama you are going to face up athletic ability. We missed his points and rebounds.
I hate failing a test so I hope I did better this time.
I’d say that Wally is validating the discussion … which also is a discussion that shouldn’t even be going on right now. I don’t think this is a Jeff Long orchestrated deal — from what I’ve seen of Long so far, that’s not his style.
If anything is occuring here on Wally’s part, it’s simply more speculation to feed the fire.
First and formost, he’s a reporter, and there’s really nothing here to base any kind of a theory on to begin with.
Now if there’s a future story to be told here, relative to this possible speculation of sorts, make no doubt that Wally will draw a detailed map of his past discussions, pointing to all of his self-proclaimed clues to the current event of the day.
If nothing comes of it, well, then whatever future story comes about in Razorback basketball, will simply go down a different avenue.
As far as Jeff Long possibly being involved in a “heads up” kind of way, no body would really have clue, except for certain, maintsream, media types. (Like Wally)
Who’s to say Frank Broyles doesn’t still feed Wally a line or two?
This discussion is just too wide open to pin-point.
Wally is doing what you do HogBlogger, baiting the discussion. Trying to drum up controversy and drama to engage debate and sell papers. He’s done this for the over 35 years I’ve read his column.
To me his columns that present this type of potential rumor and innuendo is very destructive. This wasn’t a problem ‘back in the day’ cause we didn’t have instant information and a forum where regular guys like us can get on blog sites and perpetuate the drama and swell up until it gets out of hand…yes, similar to the Nutt situation.
I think this sort of discussion is idiotic. If this was Pelphry’s team of jrs and srs then this would be legitimate discussion. But good grief, it’s his second year, first year with his players. AND WE KNEW THIS WOULD BE A REBUILDING YEAR. Some folks get that, others just want to continue to whine…..like Gonzo, who can’t get over Washington’s once-per-game 3 point shot. Good grief gonzo, this isn’t why we’re losing basketball games. It’s all about our 3 point defense. When teams hit 13 3s a game on you or 60% from the field like Bama did, you’re not gonna win. If we can get a couple tall quick guards that can play some D and get a big guy, we’ll be in excellent shape. Washington is not a big man, he’s a taller Sonny Weems and is playing out of position.
soupd,
Where exactly in my comments do see an explination of how Washinton’s 3-pt shooting is THE reason for the Hogs losing games. And you accuse other posters of drumming up controversy and drama? Yeah,…. Good grief!
No, it’s not ALL about our 3-pt. defense, even though I agree that issue must be addressed in the very near future.
Look, if your team leadership isn’t getting it, the rest of the team won’t get it either, get it?
Disapline is ALWAY’S were you begin when rebuiling a team. That is NEVER sacrificed in ANY situation.
You say Washington only shoot’s the 3 once per ballgame? ok, then that’s at least one more rebound per ball game we could be getting back, if he keeps his butt where it belongs.
Whining you say? how did you come up with that analogy, because it goes against your opinion?
Please explain to me how this magnificent 3-pt shooting helps this team develope cemistry, and improves it’s chances of winning any more games.
Tell me that, and I’ll stop whining.
I’d also like to know how his outside shooting is compared to Sonny Weems?
Out of position you say? you bet, every single time he shoots one.
The ARDemGaz sports editor is not a sports writer. He was only hired like John Robert Starr to stir emotions to try to get more subscriptions, but it is not working with most people with the internet and all. He lives on innundo…for facts, but some people like to gossip and he plays to that crowd. The newspaper industry is hurting for subscribers nationwide with the state paper perhaps doing better than most. I give that sports editor no credit for knowing inside information. His knowledge level is zero when it comes to inside information. Baiting, yes perhaps but with the AD that will not work besides the season is basically over and it is probably not even an issue this season. I believe the AD is a straight up guy until proven otherwise. That AD knows the facts and that is what he will operate on.
Gonz,
Cause you always ream on Washington for shooting a three. Ream on somebody that isn’t contributing.
Actually, as much as I like Pelphrey, you could say I’m reaming a little on him too, for letting Washington get away with it in the first place.
Look guys, I’m not saying anyone has to agree with me on that particular topic, I’m just saying It continues to be one more thing that shows lack of consistantsy and leadership, in my opinion.
If we had at least one more big man inside to compliment him, this probably wouldn’t even be an issue to me at all.
But as things stand right now, I can’t convince myself to be comfortable or accepting of something that’s destructive (even if it is once per ball game) and has no value to the team. This is what you exspect your Freshman to do.
All in all though, I guess nothing should suprise me this season.
Gonzo, I suppose that you didn’t list ‘Marcus’ Washington’s 3 point shooting as THE reason for us losing games…I guess I took the leap that this was your opinion since you have posted this as an issue multiple times. It’s mind boggling to me that you are so focused on one shot/possession per game from a guy that’s .03 percentange points from averaging a double-double (despite being double/triple teamed) vs a broader problem like our lack of 3pt defense, Sanchez’s inability to get a rebound, our horrific FT shooting, or jump on HogBloggers bandwagon coming down on Fortson for being second in the SEC in assists per game…ya’ll are right…he’s a freshman and we should be expecting MUCH more from him.
I’m not sure what basketball league you’ve been involved in, but discipline is not where you start in rebuilding a team. You start with players, a scheme and game plans that maximize your strengths. Discipline comes from being held accountable for your mistakes – which Pelphrey is doing great job of. Is Washington shooting one 3pt shot a ‘mistake’ and ripping apart the chemistry of the Hogs? Doubt it. In terms of demonstrating leadership, I think averaging a double double is a pretty strong display….call me crazy.
The Weems comparison comes from Washington’s ability to beat his defender off the dribble and finish. Washington is quicker than 80% of the guys that guard him. and he finishes strong, just like Sonny….he doesn’t take the wimpy finger roll; he takes it to the hoop and slams the ball home. Remember the move against Texas? Also, Washington has a decent 15 foot jumper, similar to Weems.
Not all about the 3 point defense? Are you kidding me? 16 opponents have shot over 35% from behind the arc. 12 opponents have hit 9 or more 3s. I think this is our single biggest problem. A missed 3 is typically a defensive rebound, which helps with the transition game. Fix that and we win more ball games. We don’t get beat on the inside, we get beat on the outside. That’s how we beat Oklahoma – despite them being unconcious from 3 point land in the second half (thank goodness for our huge lead) – and Texas.
Good luck on your “Marcus” Washington 3 pt tirade…..he’s probably SEC player of the year if Meeks wasn’t having such a strong year.
Meeks plays within his ability, on a more disaplined team. That’s why he’s better.
Is the 3- pt defense our single biggest problem? On the court, You bet, never doubted it.
Rebuilding a team doesn’t start with disapline? Your way off on that one pal.
We’ve seen the last 4 seasons go straight down the toilet because of disapline issues game, after game, after game.
Not important? Yeah, I agree, your crazy if you think that wasn’t the very first issue on Pelphrey’s agenda when he set foot on campus.
Does that change now, just because he has a brand new set of players? Absolutely not, enless their playing in your league, that is.
What happened to Montrell McDonald? There’s one of those “players’ you mentioned in your disapline tirade. Wasn’t he supposed to be a lock-down defensive player, much like Sonny Weems was supposed to be? Wasn’t he a 6′ 5″ guy, who was supposed to generate great 3-pt. peremeter defense.
I think that’s a pretty strong display of disapline coming before the “player”…..call me crazy.
Gonzo, you’re making my point for me – thanks. Of course discipline (adherence to rules/principles) is important, but it’s not where you start. I’ll say it again, cause it’s simple….Rebuilding a team starts with players. If the players lack discipline (adherence to rules), they are held accountable…just like Pelphrey has done. That’s why we’re down at least 3 guys and have no bench…it’s also why Fortson sat out against Kentucky. Pelphrey is enforcing discipline. Does this carry over to performance on the court? Kind of – it affects our personel, but ‘discipline’ isn’t the reason we’re not winning ball games. It’s lack of 3 pt defense, Sanchez not getting enough rebounds, and horrible FT shooting – and if you’re HogBaller, it’s Courtney Fortson’s fault.
If your definition of discipline is the same as lack of execution (CAUSE WE”RE A YOUNG TEAM) then I agree with you.
But it seems your definintion of lack of discipline is Washington shooting a 3 pointer. That’s not lack of discipline, that’s taking a low percentage shot….like everyone else does now and then, including Meeks.
Your circular logic is confusing and doesn’t make sense.
That’s because your mind is spinning in circles. Washington isn’t a Freshman. That’s the point.
By the way, we won big today. Guess what? Washington attempted another 3.
What’s his percentage now, 10%?
You win, soupd, I think he needs to keep doing it every single game. That would be the only logical conclusion.
Gonzo, which bothered you more, the 3 point attempt or double-double?
GO HOGS!!!
The double-double. I absolutely love to see those missed 3-pt. attempts.
GO HOGS!!!!!