With that in mind several questions still present themselves: Can we win with what remains and what has been brought in? Will we add height/length/athleticism, i.e. useful pieces, or more "projects" in our next recruiting class? and… Can we get the big dogs, less Ross whose been locked up for the past decade, of the class of 2011?

We shall see.

Not only does that signify even more that Long has confidence in Pelphrey to turn the program around, it also helps recruiting by showing future potential recruits a stable coaching stuation.

I think we're currently in one of those sticky situations were people always say "It's going to get worse before it get's better.

We have to be patient with our coach or we'll ruin it.

That was a long, wonderful time ago. Today is rebuilding day. So far, no good.

http://hogblog.nwaonline.net/2009/07/complete-sto…

Pelphrey is going to be given his chance to do something here. Two years and one recruiting class isn't enough to base judgement. Let's see what he, and his staff, can do this year. I'm completely convinced that last year's recruiting class, minus Clarke and Fortson, wasn't nearly as good as advertised.

Young coaches have to learn, develop and evolve. Not that this is the correct comparison, but Coach K's first couple of years at Duke were nothing to write home about. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Krzyzewski

Pel played for one of the best teams in the history of the SEC. He also worked with two of the best coaches the SEC has ever seen. I think its safe to say Pel understands both which conference his team plays in and what that means.

Try to have a little patience…just a little.

Confidence is a wonderful thing. So are love and respect. Pel gets plenty of those. But, this ain't the Southland Conference. This is the SEC. Put up or shut up. Yeah, you can build a program but not by going backward.

But, I do agree, he has to be given 5 years. There is no other way. It protects the program. It protects Pel. The next guy will come in fresh with a clean slate.

Of course the only problem is that big recruiting class in 2011. If we blow that we could be looking at another 10 years in the wildnerness. Those kids need to feel like they are the future of Razorback Basketball and headed to two final fours. They will need a coach they believe in.

He hasn't proven he can coach all facets of the game yet, but then again, he hasn't had enough time either.

If a coach doesn't have his kind of players to run his kind of system, (Pel's first season) then his coaching is still in question.

If a coach has his kinds of players, recruiting-wise, but fails to excell with mostly very immature (True Freshmen) players, then his coaching is still in question.

So with all of that being said, Pelphery is still trying to prove he can coach.

Maybe this is the reasoning behind how his contract is structured.

If time is needed for him to excell, we won't be paying a ton of money to him in the meantime (smart) . If and when he starts winning, the money being structured around the incentives will kick in, and we'll all be happy.

I think as long as Pelphrey makes headway on the court over the next couple of years, that's all that really matters to most fans. All the rest between now and then is just talk.

I'm more interested in this quote from Jeff Long, I'd say it's very telling and he knows that things are needing to shake up some:

“I would say that coach Pelphrey has my confidence and he understands the kind of basketball program we want to build and run. He and I are on the same page about that, so I think the future is bright for our men’s basketball program.

“Are we going to win instantly? No, but we’re building for the future. We’re building a strong program on and off the court and one that we can all be proud of.”

The best 'tough' and 'strict' coaches also know how to rebuild a player's confidence. 'Tear them down, build them up.' I'm concerned Pelphrey doesn't have the 'build it up part' down yet.

Robert E Glenn – Clarke 'still talks to them' because he needs them for a reference in his search for a new school.

I hope all you optimistic people are right.

The problems began when the NCAA started allowing True Freshmen to play in their first year, instead of red-shirting.

That , combined with the NBA now allowing HS star Sr's to go after the "quike fix", is taking focus away from our kids's values and educational system.

To add to these problems, Mommys & Daddys/AAU coaches, are now contributing to the mess by jumping on the "quike fix" bandwagon as well.

Coaches like Pelphrey, who actually have a values system set in place, are usually the ones who end up trying to clean up everyone's mess, while usually not recieving any credit for his services.

It would be a lot easier on the coaches to tolerate BS, everyone knows how talented Henry is. Most coaches would have looked the other way for their own benift. I trust coach Pelfrey that he is making the right decision for each individual. Growing up is not easy.

I am very thankful we have someone who is brave enough to ask each player to reach their potential on and off the court. We may not have enough left for a good scrimmage, but at least everyone will be going in the right direction.

What else can happen?

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/sports_article.as…