Expectations

[Big D]

I had pretty reasonable expectations going into this season. I was hoping for an above 500 record and a 4th place or higher finish in the HL. I was hoping for a first Rd HL tourney home game and at least 1 win in the tourney. I was trying to being realistic. We had one of the toughest schedules we have had in years and a very young team with only THREE players that suited up for the Raiders last year.

Somewhere along the way my expectations grew because of the way we have been able to compete with everyone this year (at least most games). I may not be happy with the way we have played the last few games, but I am still happy with the direction the program is headed. And when I sit back and look at the big picture, we still have a good chance at achieving all of my original preseason goals.

If you look at Coach B's short tenure, he is light years ahead of where Schilling's had our program at this point in time. 22 games into our second full season with Coach B and WSU is 24-26 overall and 15-12 in HL play. 22 games into Schilling's second season, WSU was 18-32 overall and 6-18 in the HL. We may not be where we want to be as a program yet, but I think we are headed in the right direction.

[PapaRaider]

Big D,

Even though I am not ready to run coach B. out of town, I am not as eager to give him a free ride in confidence and lack of accountability as I gave Ed Schilling. At the same time, you have to consider several important factors favoring Biancardi:
- Horizon League was much stronger during first two years of Schilling's tenure (I believe the league send 3 teams to NCAA in ES' first year plus Youngstwon State wasn't around to provide easy wins).
- 5/8 rule held Schilling back as he was unable to keep his recruits (Vova will probably be replaced by an even better talent).
- In the hit and miss recruiting game, Ed had a big miss in his first recruiting class with Marvin Rogers and Tony Baultrippe.

It feels pretty low right now, but it can still get better even this season.

[raiderman]

I think PB is a great x and o coach. I think he gets all he can out of this team. I just think this team is getting tired. Only seven players get significant minutes. It has to take it's toll.

[Raiderfan]

I'm not sure I have the answer but I do know that last year we hit the wall the second half of the HL season just like we are doing this year. Why? It could be that we have no depth, or he won't play more than 7 players, and they are just worn out. What causes me concerns is that it could be that PB isn't making any adjustments the second time through the HL. Just like last year the first half of HL play we looked good then the second time through we struggled. Are the other HL teams making the adjustments the second time they play us in the season and PB isn't? I don't know myself but it has crossed my mind.

Another area of concern is that we are losing to teams that are just as young as us so what makes any one think next year will be any different. Unless we sign a difference maker does anything change? You say, well all our players will develop and be better next year, can't you say the same thing about the other young teams?

Big D, I think I too had unrealistice expectations after we started out 4-2 with a win at Tulsa. This post is more out of frustration and then anything else.