This post, is about the disagreement I noticed in this thread. I think you guys are all offering solid points but it's almost impossible to win this debate. Here is the reason, you guys are all right. It wasn't just one thing that caused the disastrous season, it was a combination.
1) The team definitely needed more time together and let's not forget injuries. Brooks coming in late and then Clarke's injury. It was just a mess and no way they got the time they needed.
2) The team wasn't put together as well as it should've been. I do think covid, played a big part. On paper, we thought we had a decent team. I believe Cal did as well but didn't really get to evaluate the way he normally would've.
3) Coaching..... frustrating is all I can say. I really like Cal and after a ridiculous couple years with the drunk. He brought life into this program and made it the place to be. However, there were so many different things he could've done last year. Instead, he just let the bleeding continue. There had to be a reason, I don't think Cal is as ignorant as some believe. Many here pointed out things, like moving Mintz to starting pg, playing Allen more, etc. Is it possible he wanted to make coaching changes and needed a good reason? Cal seems to have a hard time with hurting his assistants feelings. He tends to only let them go, when they move forward in their career. Everyone wanted Antigua back (including Cal), bonus we also got Chin. I'd say we have the strongest coaching staff, in cbb now. Most on this board could've moved players around and had a better record. There were options where we could've had Mintz running pg, with Allen, Brooks, Boston on the floor and then even could've had Sarr in the middle (center position is debatable). That lineup creates space, with decent defense and plays to strengths of the players. If you think Boston is a bad call, see his performance now. I believe there was more to it and Cal got to make every change he wanted. He has a giant ego and is very loyal to his friends. Let's put that in perspective. He had the balls to take a beating last year, with the BBN livid, to spare feelings. Which is crazy, considering he could've just made the changes, unless he was told no... Either that or Cal is really that bad of a coach, which is scary. I don't believe he is that out of touch and I think we're about to have some really exciting years ahead of us. Regardless, it was tough to deal with as a fan.
I could go on but realistically, it was a mixture. No one can take a hard stance and be completely wrong or right. It was a combination and I'm just thankful that it appears we're about to see good times. I'm not trying to argue with anyone, just trying to help with perspective. Last year hurts and it stinks we didn't get to see a tournament the year before. We would've made a pretty good run. I passed the original timeline docs said and I know one thing I want to see is us make a good tourney run. So I'm gonna keep kicking and hopefully this year's team kicks some butt with me. Go Big Blue and appreciate being part of this family. Everyone have a good holiday weekend.