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(12-23-2015 11:21 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:14 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  I'm not saying his frustration isn't justified. I'm just saying that the "get off your butts and go to the games" speech never works.

What would you suggest he do instead to get people to go to the game?

I don't have an answer for you. I don't think there's anything else to do.

I don't think the issue is complacency or apathy in the fan base. I think the issue is needing more fans. The only thing that creates more fans is time.

Full disclosure: I have not been to a basketball game this year.

So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

Who says Bama v Oregon drew 14,000? I spoke to some who were there, and also watched on TV. Don't see how 14,000 can be accurate.

(12-23-2015 11:31 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

I did not criticize him. I made an observation. He can say whatever he wants.

(12-23-2015 11:40 AM)DragonClaw Wrote:  Who says Bama v Oregon drew 14,000? I spoke to some who were there, and also watched on TV. Don't see how 14,000 can be accurate.

Alabamas website and ESPN both list attendance as 14,508. Maybe that's tickets sold, the point remains the same.

And I'm not trying to compare our attendance to theirs, I am just stating that if we can get anywhere near half their attendance figures on a regular basis, we are in a lot of trouble.

(12-23-2015 11:45 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:31 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

I did not criticize him. I made an observation. He can say whatever he wants.

Yeah, right. Saying something he is doing "never works" is not only a criticism, but is also untrue. It works sometimes if you have a receptive audience.

(12-23-2015 11:54 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:45 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:31 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

I did not criticize him. I made an observation. He can say whatever he wants.

Yeah, right. Saying something he is doing "never works" is not only a criticism, but is also untrue.

I guess I didn't realize what my own thoughts were, so thank you for clarifying. Further bickering over semantics with me can be continued in private messages.

Getting back on topic... my understanding of the suppositions in this thread are:

1. If we want to become a big-time program, we need to have better attendance,

2. Teams are currently reluctant to schedule us because they are worried they might lose to a mid-major or whatever you would call us, and

3. A better home schedule will improve attendance.

Is this not a Catch-22 of sorts? As we get better, other teams will be even more concerned that they will lose to us, until we get past that tipping point and become a big-time program. The better we get, the worse our OOC home schedule will be?

(12-23-2015 12:02 PM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:54 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:45 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:31 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

I did not criticize him. I made an observation. He can say whatever he wants.

Yeah, right. Saying something he is doing "never works" is not only a criticism, but is also untrue.

I guess I didn't realize what my own thoughts were, so thank you for clarifying. Further bickering over semantics with me can be continued in private messages.

Getting back on topic... my understanding of the suppositions in this thread are:

1. If we want to become a big-time program, we need to have better attendance,

2. Teams are currently reluctant to schedule us because they are worried they might lose to a mid-major or whatever you would call us, and

3. A better home schedule will improve attendance.

Is this not a Catch-22 of sorts? As we get better, other teams will be even more concerned that they will lose to us, until we get past that tipping point and become a big-time program. The better we get, the worse our OOC home schedule will be?

That isn't true. Big time mid majors have no issue finding good games. I'll post schedules later if you would like.

I see your point, but the issue now is that our rpi isn't good enough to justify coming into our place and getting beat, which most bigger time programs think the risk of is too high. If we consistently get better, keep winning, and play better schedules, our rpi will increase and our the risk of coming to play at our place may be worth the reward. Right now, it's not.

Attendance and fan support at UAB have always been pretty poor. I know we have a lot of other issues that hold us back, but one of the biggest ones is our own fan support. It took me a long time to come to terms with this, but I realize it's true now. If I didn't live 5.5 hrs away, I'd come to a lot more games. As it is, I'm planning on making 3 road games and probably part of the CUSA tournament.

I don't have any issues with coach Haase saying what he did. As long as he didn't come off as accusatory or antagonistic to the fans in the g&g room, I think it was a good venue and audience for him to voice his frustrations to.

I think, and hope, student attendance will continue to increase and help our overall numbers. I think we are primed for a big win streak and another undefeated home schedule. The students have done well so far this year (by our standards), and I hope it only gets better. The players are doing a good job of recruiting the students to games also.

(12-23-2015 12:13 PM)The Answer UAB Wrote:  I see your point, but the issue now is that our rpi isn't good enough to justify coming into our place and getting beat, which most bigger time programs think the risk of is too high. If we consistently get better, keep winning, and play better schedules, our rpi will increase and our the risk of coming to play at our place may be worth the reward. Right now, it's not.

Let's say we have 6,500 come out for the SFA game Tuesday and we win. Obviously long-term, great for the program, but does it scare teams away next year?

(12-23-2015 12:13 PM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 12:02 PM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:54 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:45 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 11:31 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  So without an alternative solution, I would not criticize him trying whatever he can do to get people to the games.

I did not criticize him. I made an observation. He can say whatever he wants.

Yeah, right. Saying something he is doing "never works" is not only a criticism, but is also untrue.

I guess I didn't realize what my own thoughts were, so thank you for clarifying. Further bickering over semantics with me can be continued in private messages.

Getting back on topic... my understanding of the suppositions in this thread are:

1. If we want to become a big-time program, we need to have better attendance,

2. Teams are currently reluctant to schedule us because they are worried they might lose to a mid-major or whatever you would call us, and

3. A better home schedule will improve attendance.

Is this not a Catch-22 of sorts? As we get better, other teams will be even more concerned that they will lose to us, until we get past that tipping point and become a big-time program. The better we get, the worse our OOC home schedule will be?

That isn't true. Big time mid majors have no issue finding good games. I'll post schedules later if you would like.

The problem is that they were unable to get those games scheduled until they became bigtime mid majors. Gregg Marshall at Wichita State could not get any of the P5 schools to take his call and he was willing to play on the road. There was a column about it but I couldn't find it. It wasn't until they went undefeated that coaches began returning his calls. It's still hard for him to get anyone to play him at home.

The same was true for Gonzaga years ago. It was only through deep tourney runs and perserverence that they became big time schools.

Memphis didn''t had as much problems because they had Calipari as a coach, who the media loves and wanted matchups, plus teams were willing to come to Memphis to get a foothold on the recruiting in the city. But now that he is gone, that is falling off as well.

The P5 will keep as many of them down as they can by refusing to schedule. A few breaks through, and they allow it so they can point to them and say "see, we're being fair". But then, they try to grab up their coach as soon as possible.

Given the problems scheduling good teams at home, I think Haase has done an excellent job getting us into tournaments on neutral courts against big time competition. Possibly better than anyone since Gene Bartow. This is continuing for at least the next two years. The problem is last year, we didn't have the experienced personnel in place to pull the upset and this year, we crapped the bed. Maybe next year we can pull some of those necessary upsets.

Coach is right about season ticket holders showing up or giving the ticket to some one who will show up...I was able to provided my tickets to a very nice couple who called me after the game and told me how much they appreciated the ticket and the fun time they had watching the game.
The young couple had never considered UAB basketball as an entertainment option, but now they are looking into purchasing a mini pack of their own... GO Blazer..

Now lets not just talk the problem lets offer solutions... fan bases are grown, so lets get started... My suggestion, UAB need to create a ticket drop off or call in system, I came to that idea when I knew I could not attend and was trying to get the tickets into the hands of someone who would attend.
The system should be unique to every season ticket holder, so that they can input a code ... The code could be simple , not attending seat available..... The tickets should be marketed to Business groups, High school coaches, elementary schools, social agencies, radio stations give aways...the market should be saturated with UAB basketball...on bill boards, side of buses...should sponsor things, this commercial brought to you by UAB basketball. UAB the largest employer should give employees a larger discount...gaining a foot hold into the many employees servicing UAB...UAB has to become a must be at place and at the same time a hard to get into place...

My point is UAB basketball marketing is poor, I have not observed any UAB basketball commercials, unlike the CUSA tournament , that was advertised continually through out the built up to and during the games. advertise UAB vs The basketball world..
Well it doesnt seem like rocket science to market a good product...

(12-23-2015 12:45 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 12:13 PM)blazers9911 Wrote:  That isn't true. Big time mid majors have no issue finding good games. I'll post schedules later if you would like.

The problem is that they were unable to get those games scheduled until they became bigtime mid majors. Gregg Marshall at Wichita State could not get any of the P5 schools to take his call and he was willing to play on the road. There was a column about it but I couldn't find it. It wasn't until they went undefeated that coaches began returning his calls. It's still hard for him to get anyone to play him at home.

Are we still at the 2-for-1 level for getting big home games? I know some people see that as beneath us.

I think that Haase is working at several levels here. First and foremost is very straightforward - home court advantage is due to a loud, partisan crowd. Anyone who has been at Bartow for a really big game knows how electric the place is when it's jumping. Second, he is working on program building, and he needs our help to do it. I have to think that there are few programs who have quite the situation that we have with the Frozen 100. These are long time holders of very expensive season tickets that UAB does not want to alienate, but who in large part are hanging on out of habit and respect to the memory of Gene Bartow. In many cases they have gotten elderly and don't get out to games nearly as often. I think that the athletic department needs to institute and advertise a ticket exchange where people can drop off tickets they don't plan to use, which are either given to people who will go or are re-sold at face value. That would put active fans down by the court and perhaps make more money on the same seats.

They badly need to look at allowing people to move to better, empty seats at halftime. That won't cure attendance, but it will get loud and active fans nearer the court. I know that there are disadvantages to that, but it could be worked out.

The other thing to be aware of is that this may be Haase expressing frustration. He's put a pretty good product on the floor this season and the place is still half empty. That's bad for the team, for his recruiting, for his ego. It's probably bad for his paycheck, as well. I don't know how his incentives are set up but I imagine that tickets sold are part of it. If he does not get a response to this sort of call, if he gets frustrated because of a lack of support, it *will* factor in when he is approached about another job. He's not making that as a threat, but you and I both know that he'll be happier and more willing to stay if the place starts to pack out in response to his efforts.

We keep saying that the bottom line is to put a team out there that plays quality, entertaining basketball. I think he's done that. He's still learning as a head coach, but he's done well building to where we are now. The other thing we always said is "put a winning team out there and they'll come". The team is winning. We, the UAB fans, need to get the support out for this team.

Full disclosure - we had to give up our season tickets this year because I'm out of work. We've still made maybe half of the home games, and will see more as we can. So no, my butt is not in a seat for all home games as is my custom. This season.


As to scheduling, it's been a problem forever. When we had better teams in the conference, it balanced out a bit. We were not as dependent on getting name OOC games to pump up our schedule when we had Memphis, Cincy, and the like in conference. OOC, it takes two to make a game, and just because we think it's an attractive match-up does not mean the other team agrees. Many times they will consider playing us at home but flat won't come to Bartow, period. Two for ones are a necessary evil, and would help both with RPI and home scheduling... but again, it's nowhere near as easy as it sounds.

(12-23-2015 09:57 AM)Big Dee Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 06:11 AM)BamaScorpio69 Wrote:  How did Tulane, UCF, SMU, Houston, and Tulsa get into the AAC with their average to mediocre basketball programs and sucky attendance at the time of their invites?

Market, market(football), market(deep pocket boosters), market (football), and football (basketball was on the uptick at that time).

Who basketball was on the uptick? SMU didn't get Larry Brown until they entered the AAC. Tulsa was ok. Those other three programs no uptick

(12-23-2015 01:35 PM)BamaScorpio69 Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 09:57 AM)Big Dee Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 06:11 AM)BamaScorpio69 Wrote:  How did Tulane, UCF, SMU, Houston, and Tulsa get into the AAC with their average to mediocre basketball programs and sucky attendance at the time of their invites?

Market, market(football), market(deep pocket boosters), market (football), and football (basketball was on the uptick at that time).

Who basketball was on the uptick? SMU didn't get Larry Brown until they entered the AAC. Tulsa was ok. Those other three programs no uptick

I think he is referring to Tulsa, who was on the uptick. They had won CUSA a few years earlier. Plus they have a fairly decent basketball history.

And Larry Brown's first year at SMU was in the CUSA. True, though that his cheating didn't start reaping benefits until he got to the AAC.

(12-23-2015 09:54 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(12-23-2015 08:41 AM)thebernreuter Wrote:  Scolding the fanbase and trying to guilt us into coming to games has worked well in the past.

Think about what he just saw. 14,000 came to a game in his team's city. It wasn't even a big name program that came.(Oregon basketball is middle of the road). We hosted the conference championship in the same building and couldn't get that for one of our games. You don't think that pisses him off just a little?

Enough with Birmingham isn't a basketball town and all the other excuses. 14,000 people in the area showed up to a game. We only need about half of that. If we don't get the invite to the AAC next go around, we are screwed.(say whatever you want about the AAC, they have one team projected above 250 this year, we aren't even close to peer conferences). We all need to do whatever we can, and Haase is right, if you can't use your tickets, find somebody who can.

I can forgive the students for not showing up last night, this is where the fans need to do their part to make up.

Well Birmingham is definitely not a UAB Basketball town at the moment.

(12-23-2015 01:24 PM)UAB Band Dad Wrote:  The other thing to be aware of is that this may be Haase expressing frustration.

Jerod Haase has done everything within his ability for us. And I'm not talking about basketball. His frustration is understandable.

We fought for this, and we should enjoy it.

And so should he. I'll do what I can to prod some folks into going. We all should.

It's easy to think that a few of us won't make much difference. I refer you to our football team, which a year ago was disbanded. We CAN make a difference, if we get off the balls of our ass and work at it.