(04-15-2020 11:05 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(04-15-2020 09:59 AM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  

(04-14-2020 04:32 PM)Itinerant Texan Wrote:  

(04-11-2020 04:46 PM)Vulpes88 Wrote:  

(04-11-2020 09:16 AM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  Lol point taken. Just wanted to express that the resources are there to go "all-in" on D1 athletic pursuits, if they are so inclined. So far, the A&M system seems more commited to that endeavor than UT. The rise of a strong Kingsville/CC D1 athletic program (including Football) would be very appealing to the top A&M brass, as they see D1 athletics as the best way to market an institution. Tarleton is benefiting from this now, and our new Prez seems to know how to get that money flowing in the right direction.

But back to the point: UTRGV and a newly formed A&M CC/Kingsville makes much more sense for a rivalry than UTRGV-Tarleton. I predict Tarleton will storm into the WAC guns 'a blazin', particuarly in MBB, and will try to make a rival out of the alpha dog in the room, NMST. The only way to do that is hire a big-name coach that knows how to recruit, and go win some games. So far I think we're on the right track. Tarleton is a deep-rooted Basketball school, I'm confident they will find a way to win.

I’m just having a little fun with the new Tarleton posters. I’m really glad you guys are here. I love the BCG hire. I love calling him BCG. I hope you guys do come out guns ‘a blazin’. But others have tried to hire a big name coach with name recognition and oodles of cash to try and topple NMSU (its NMSU, not NMST) and that hasn’t gone very well. I also think you are behind Dixie State coming out of the gate. Should be a fun ride.
[/quote

If we're behind them it's not by much. Talent I'd say even but Tarleton was inexperienced and playing in a tougher conference. We'll surpass them within 2 years at most.

Hmmm...In the 32 years under Lonn Reisman (and son), Tarleton won 693 games. Thats's roughly 22 wins/season. That"s also including the last 2 years the son took over and quickly realized he was in over his head. He won, but he didn't win enough. So after 2 years of mediocrity, he was "promoted" into admininstration, out of respect for Lonn. The real reason he was let go and Tarleton hired BCG is there is an expectation of winning basketball games at Tarleton. Whatever level or conference they play in, that expectation will not change. Not sure if Dixie State has earned that same expectation. Their program may have found some success as of late, but their most successful season in D2 would have been considered a decent/down year for Tarleton.

NCAA Tournament Final Four
Division II: 2005, 2015
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Division II: 2005, 2006, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen
Division II: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Round of 32
Division II: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Appearances
Division II: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Conference Tournament Champions
Lone Star: 2004, 2013, 2014

So you are basically referencing a coach's success (at the DII level) who no longer coaches for you. As others have wisely pointed out, recent success means a lot more.

You are in DI now. And you have an 800lb gorilla to deal with in NMSU.

I like that we have Tarleton posters. I like that you all are passionate about basketball. I like that Tarleton has had some success in basketball. And I love the hire of Billy Clyde Gillespie. All positive stuff. Keep the posts coming.

The positive is Tarleton State is used to winning (Texan fans included). There is passion in Stephenville, TX. However, there is a big difference between winning in D2 and winning at the D1 level. Cal State Bakersfield also had a very impressive D2 basketball history. But outside of one blip in 2016, it has been a tough road for the Runners at the D1 level; in part because of the 800lb gorilla you've mentioned. NMSU has established itself as the kingpin in the WAC. And, all roads leading to the NCAA Tournament pass through Las Cruces, NM; the Aggies winning 8 of the last 10 WAC tournaments. NMSU's level of play sets the bar for all other WAC schools; if they want to go to post season. And, although NMSU is no Gonzaga, its has a choke hold on the WAC Championship much in the same way that Gonzaga dominates the WCC.

To quote BCG: "This is going to be the comeback story of all comeback stories...we're gonna knock this thing out of the park.."

Also BCG: "We plan and intend on winning now. Not 15 years from now, but right now...and we know what that's gonna take"

Fellow (highly-respected) coaches on BCG's hiring:

Bill Self, Kansas
"I think that Tarleton is hiring one of the best builders of programs in this business. Coach Gillispie has proven it at UTEP, Texas A&M and again at Ranger. Billy played a huge role in the success we've had at Tulsa and Illinois and I know he is honored, thrilled, motivated, and appreciative to bring Tarleton State into Division I in a way that no one else could."

Tom Izzo, Michigan State
"Coach Gillispie has incredible work ethic, it's off the charts. He's always been known as a grinder. Like everybody, you go through some ups and downs, but those are the guys that make it even better because they really understand how fragile life is. He has a tremendous ability to relate to kids. I see sometimes where people get on him about being demanding … I always say holding people accountable is what's needed today and I think Coach Gillispie does it in a good way, not a bad way. You look at the greatest coaches out there and they're ones who hold people accountable and I think Billy is in that group. I think Tarleton is a great program for Billy to resurface at the Division I level because you need someone that's not afraid to build from the ground up during the transition. Tarleton made a great hire in Billy Gillispie."

Buzz Williams, Texas A&M
"There is not a better coach in the country to lead Tarleton where they want to go in the WAC. No matter the opponent, or venue, Coach Gillipsie's teams will give their absolute best on both ends of the floor, and everyone in the program will do the same off the court as well. Coach Gillispie has been successful at every level/every stop of his career, and the same will happen with the Texans' program."

Kelvin Sampson, Houston
"Billy Gillispie has a great understanding and talent for coaching winning basketball. His teams are always well prepared and his players have a knack for getting better. Tarleton hit an absolute grand slam with this hire."

Doc Sadler, Nebraska/UTEP/Southern Miss
"The thing only his close friends know, he's as good and loyal of a friend that anyone could have. He's always been there for anyone and there's not a better person that I know than Billy Gillispie. Billy is going to demand a lot, but that's why players that have played for him have left his program not just as a better basketball player but a better person because he's going to hold them to the highest standards. A lot of coaches talk about going to class and doing the right thing ... well Billy is going to demand it each and every day. For a player, when everything is set and done with their careers, they're going to be better off because they went through Billy Gillispie's program. There's nobody that cares more for the kids that he coaches than he does."

Tim Floyd, NCAA/Chicago Bulls/New Orleans Hornets
"I don't think there's a better coach in the United States and that's a strong statement. Billy has an inept ability to find winners and achieve great things with them. I don't know anyone better – and I say this with all due respect to the blue blood programs – but I wonder if they could have done what he did at the places he was at. He's a special coach and a great person. I think he's compassionate, cares about his players and other people. I think he'll be a great fit and Tarleton made a great hire."

But all loyalties aside.. if I were NMSU, I'd be a little wary of a proven D2 program like Tarleton moving up into my conference, coached by a guy like BCG with something/everything to prove. A guy who, by the way, once coached in the WAC, and was even voted COY. I do get the gut feeling that you, NMSU, are all BCG & Co. will be thinking about... morning, noon, and night. Maybe not in the 1st year, but sooner rather than later, I truly believe we will be a thorn in your side.

Is JUCO is where all the best coaches go to hone their craft, or just this guy?

(04-15-2020 09:52 PM)gleadley Wrote:  Is JUCO is where all the best coaches go to hone their craft, or just this guy?

Just this guy.

(04-15-2020 09:11 PM)Itinerant Texan Wrote:  

(04-15-2020 11:05 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(04-15-2020 09:59 AM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  

(04-14-2020 04:32 PM)Itinerant Texan Wrote:  

(04-11-2020 04:46 PM)Vulpes88 Wrote:  I’m just having a little fun with the new Tarleton posters. I’m really glad you guys are here. I love the BCG hire. I love calling him BCG. I hope you guys do come out guns ‘a blazin’. But others have tried to hire a big name coach with name recognition and oodles of cash to try and topple NMSU (its NMSU, not NMST) and that hasn’t gone very well. I also think you are behind Dixie State coming out of the gate. Should be a fun ride.
[/quote

If we're behind them it's not by much. Talent I'd say even but Tarleton was inexperienced and playing in a tougher conference. We'll surpass them within 2 years at most.

Hmmm...In the 32 years under Lonn Reisman (and son), Tarleton won 693 games. Thats's roughly 22 wins/season. That"s also including the last 2 years the son took over and quickly realized he was in over his head. He won, but he didn't win enough. So after 2 years of mediocrity, he was "promoted" into admininstration, out of respect for Lonn. The real reason he was let go and Tarleton hired BCG is there is an expectation of winning basketball games at Tarleton. Whatever level or conference they play in, that expectation will not change. Not sure if Dixie State has earned that same expectation. Their program may have found some success as of late, but their most successful season in D2 would have been considered a decent/down year for Tarleton.

NCAA Tournament Final Four
Division II: 2005, 2015
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Division II: 2005, 2006, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen
Division II: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Round of 32
Division II: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
NCAA Tournament Appearances
Division II: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Conference Tournament Champions
Lone Star: 2004, 2013, 2014

So you are basically referencing a coach's success (at the DII level) who no longer coaches for you. As others have wisely pointed out, recent success means a lot more.

You are in DI now. And you have an 800lb gorilla to deal with in NMSU.

I like that we have Tarleton posters. I like that you all are passionate about basketball. I like that Tarleton has had some success in basketball. And I love the hire of Billy Clyde Gillespie. All positive stuff. Keep the posts coming.

The positive is Tarleton State is used to winning (Texan fans included). There is passion in Stephenville, TX. However, there is a big difference between winning in D2 and winning at the D1 level. Cal State Bakersfield also had a very impressive D2 basketball history. But outside of one blip in 2016, it has been a tough road for the Runners at the D1 level; in part because of the 800lb gorilla you've mentioned. NMSU has established itself as the kingpin in the WAC. And, all roads leading to the NCAA Tournament pass through Las Cruces, NM; the Aggies winning 8 of the last 10 WAC tournaments. NMSU's level of play sets the bar for all other WAC schools; if they want to go to post season. And, although NMSU is no Gonzaga, its has a choke hold on the WAC Championship much in the same way that Gonzaga dominates the WCC.

To quote BCG: "This is going to be the comeback story of all comeback stories...we're gonna knock this thing out of the park.."

Also BCG: "We plan and intend on winning now. Not 15 years from now, but right now...and we know what that's gonna take"

Fellow (highly-respected) coaches on BCG's hiring:

Bill Self, Kansas
"I think that Tarleton is hiring one of the best builders of programs in this business. Coach Gillispie has proven it at UTEP, Texas A&M and again at Ranger. Billy played a huge role in the success we've had at Tulsa and Illinois and I know he is honored, thrilled, motivated, and appreciative to bring Tarleton State into Division I in a way that no one else could."

Tom Izzo, Michigan State
"Coach Gillispie has incredible work ethic, it's off the charts. He's always been known as a grinder. Like everybody, you go through some ups and downs, but those are the guys that make it even better because they really understand how fragile life is. He has a tremendous ability to relate to kids. I see sometimes where people get on him about being demanding … I always say holding people accountable is what's needed today and I think Coach Gillispie does it in a good way, not a bad way. You look at the greatest coaches out there and they're ones who hold people accountable and I think Billy is in that group. I think Tarleton is a great program for Billy to resurface at the Division I level because you need someone that's not afraid to build from the ground up during the transition. Tarleton made a great hire in Billy Gillispie."

Buzz Williams, Texas A&M
"There is not a better coach in the country to lead Tarleton where they want to go in the WAC. No matter the opponent, or venue, Coach Gillipsie's teams will give their absolute best on both ends of the floor, and everyone in the program will do the same off the court as well. Coach Gillispie has been successful at every level/every stop of his career, and the same will happen with the Texans' program."

Kelvin Sampson, Houston
"Billy Gillispie has a great understanding and talent for coaching winning basketball. His teams are always well prepared and his players have a knack for getting better. Tarleton hit an absolute grand slam with this hire."

Doc Sadler, Nebraska/UTEP/Southern Miss
"The thing only his close friends know, he's as good and loyal of a friend that anyone could have. He's always been there for anyone and there's not a better person that I know than Billy Gillispie. Billy is going to demand a lot, but that's why players that have played for him have left his program not just as a better basketball player but a better person because he's going to hold them to the highest standards. A lot of coaches talk about going to class and doing the right thing ... well Billy is going to demand it each and every day. For a player, when everything is set and done with their careers, they're going to be better off because they went through Billy Gillispie's program. There's nobody that cares more for the kids that he coaches than he does."

Tim Floyd, NCAA/Chicago Bulls/New Orleans Hornets
"I don't think there's a better coach in the United States and that's a strong statement. Billy has an inept ability to find winners and achieve great things with them. I don't know anyone better – and I say this with all due respect to the blue blood programs – but I wonder if they could have done what he did at the places he was at. He's a special coach and a great person. I think he's compassionate, cares about his players and other people. I think he'll be a great fit and Tarleton made a great hire."

But all loyalties aside.. if I were NMSU, I'd be a little wary of a proven D2 program like Tarleton moving up into my conference, coached by a guy like BCG with something/everything to prove. A guy who, by the way, once coached in the WAC, and was even voted COY. I do get the gut feeling that you, NMSU, are all BCG & Co. will be thinking about... morning, noon, and night. Maybe not in the 1st year, but sooner rather than later, I truly believe we will be a thorn in your side.

Chris Jans has been NMSU's head coach for three years. Do you want to guess how many times he has been selected WAC Coach of the Year? I'll give you "three" guesses. In reality, by the time Gillispie gets Tarleton State firing on all cylinders, Chris Jans could very possibly be long gone from NMSU and coaching in a power conference. He is just that damn good a coach. I have no doubt Gillispie will get Tarleton State playing at a high level but with Jans, Gillispie is looking into a mirror. Jans is a grinder; a pitbull; a master tactician; a coach who REALLY hates to lose.

I actually love the fact that we are having this discussion. This board has been so quite. I love the fact that TSU has at least some people posting wanting to get involved in the discussion. I also like that it has been a civil discussion. We have had posters in teh past here where everything was aggressive in nature.

I also this that TSU, in an attempt to make a name for themselves in a crowded sports landscape, and at a time where there was not much to write about (seems to be a paradox but it is not) hit a home run. Instead of going the route of potential up and coming coach who will leave for a bigger job, they went with the proven winner, who has some warts on them.

I would venture to say that most NCAA fans had no clue that TSU was moving up, until this story. At least they have some name recognition.

I like both the Dixie St and TSU additions. Both have good potential, but also good established situations as well.

We are glad to be here... I broke the news about the WAC move in our D2 board and no one other than TSU fans believed me.

I also was told that multiple Southland teams would leave and join the WAC for football. I believe the Covid-19 pandemic has halted all talks for now. Which sucks because that was going to be a great conference.

(04-16-2020 08:49 AM)wisdomgymrat Wrote:  We are glad to be here... I broke the news about the WAC move in our D2 board and no one other than TSU fans believed me.

I also was told that multiple Southland teams would leave and join the WAC for football. I believe the Covid-19 pandemic has halted all talks for now. Which sucks because that was going to be a great conference.

I'll admit, I didn't believe you at first. Definitely good sources in your ear.

(04-15-2020 09:52 PM)gleadley Wrote:  Is JUCO is where all the best coaches go to hone their craft, or just this guy?

I can finally give "reputation" on this board. I have been going crazy giving people "reputation". I gave you some for this. Good stuff...

(04-16-2020 11:20 AM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  

(04-15-2020 09:52 PM)gleadley Wrote:  Is JUCO is where all the best coaches go to hone their craft, or just this guy?

I can finally give "reputation" on this board. I have been going crazy giving people "reputation". I gave you some for this. Good stuff...

Haha. Thanks.