Reasonable basketball expectations going forward

[MSUDC11]

What's the bare minimum in your mind next year? Two years from now?

I think we have to at least be on the NCAA bubble or in the NIT next year for the season to not be a failure. In two years I would like to see us contending for the conference title.

We may be in a position where lose nobody after next season. I don't see anyone on our roster that screams 2018 first round draft pick. Somebody will have to go to make room for Woodard, but I don't see any draft casualties next year unless Little Spoon is incredible right away.

This was a challenging season, and one where we should've been about 3 to 4 wins better. While our talent isn't Kentucky level talent, it's good enough to where quality coaching can elevate it to that level or close to it. It's time to see if Howland is still the same elite coach that he was 10 years ago.

I would like to see our nonconference schedule be more difficult next season. I'm not saying play Kansas and Duke all of the sudden, but our nonconference SOS was 188 this year. Surely we can find a way to get that in the 50-75 range at the very least.

 

[Bneal]

We are so used to losing, it will be hard to make any post season tourney. Until we play defense with our feet, learn the post position(in any fashion) , get a rebound or two, have some toughness anywhere .........
I think we all have hope for great days, but "talent" is only 1/2 of it. If the kids won't respond to coaching, it's null and void. We have talent, we have athleticism ......we have nobody leading or hustling. Howland has his hands full, but I trust he knows how to start us on the right track. Sure hope so!

 

[Hoover Dawg]

What's the bare minimum in your mind next year? Two years from now?

I think we have to at least be on the NCAA bubble or in the NIT next year for the season to not be a failure. In two years I would like to see us contending for the conference title.

You answered your own question. These are the expectations. Howland has exceeded this at all 3 of his previous stops. And honestly, if Howland cannot get it done, who can? Do we really have a choice?