How would you rate Tubby's second season as Head Coach?

[MNSnowman]

We ran this poll last year and Tubby earned a 3.1 average. Let's see how he does in his second year.

Format of questions is the same as last year and poll closes in two weeks.

 

[MNSnowman]

I gave Tubby a "B" but my grade would probably be a B- had I made this a more complicated poll.

Here's why my grade this year is a tad bit lower than last year's:

• Getting to the NCAAs exceeded my expectations both when Tubby was originally hired and when I looked at this team at the beginning of the season.
• The pre-conference games exceeded my expectations although, in retrospect, I thought Cornell and Colorado State would be more competitive than they were.
  
  Yes, this was a weak pre-season but that didn't bother me as much as others here (which puts me at odds with Selection Sunday and zTTa -- odd those two are in agreement, eh?) I figured that Tubby planned it this way for a squad that had so many newcomers and it's what I would have done if I were in his much-more-expensive-than-my shoes.
• The conference results were pretty close to my expectations but getting into the NCAAs tipped the scale in the end.
• OTOH, I am disappointed in the fact that this team didn't seem to progress as I expected it would. I figured we'd struggle in the pre-conference and first third or half of the conference and then come on like gang-busters.
• And, I'll admit I was disappointed in our last game. Losing to Texas is something I'd grumble about ... losing by 14 rankles ... letting Abrams go untended for nine consecutive points in a minute really bugs me. That tempers my enthusiasm a bit which may be somewhat unfair. (But it is what it is as some are wont to say )

 

[MilesTones]

I gave him an 'A'. Before the season, I thought our W/L record could take a step back because we lost 60+% of our scoring and rebounding to graduation, which makes this year's squad pretty young. To win 22 games with this team (I feel) clearly exceeded expectations.

A year makes a HUGE difference when you essentially return everyone. If we can develop a scorer or two, the Gophers could be formidable next year.

 

[walter]

I gave a B grade.

A for recruiting.
B for first half season
C for second half season
A for calling out Maturi taking phone call - too funny

I do believe we are definitely headed in the right direction.

 

[MNSnowman]

I gave him an 'A'.

I guess I'm old school. An "A" would have required getting to the Championship round of the BTT and at least an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAAs.

At least this will give the board fodder until next October or so.

 

[Honyocker]

I think this is about what I expected. He has inherited a mediocre team with players who did not necessarily fit his system. He has one of his recruiting classes now playing for him. They will get better as talent is injected and matures. Tubby is completely aware of all the shortcomings of his team, but he does not rip his team publicly. Next year may not be much better than this year, but after that.....look out for the Gophers.

 

[ncgo4]

Jeesh! 9 wins the year before he got here. 20 wins and first round NIT loss first year. 22 wins and first round loss in the Big Dance second year. This was extraordinary. Plus a great recruiting class coming in that addresses many of our remaining needs. 18 months ago if anyone had said this is where we would be EVERYONE on this board would have been dancing in the street.

Remember, please that our incoming recruits this year were well thought about but were not top 25 recruits.

This was a great year and the next two years could be breakout years. Thank you players and thank you Tubby and staff!

 

[TruthTeller]

Big 10 Titles / NCAA Championships

Those are the expectations for on the court performance.

It is clear the expectations of the hole in general have shifted. Sky high expectations in years prior, sliding backward expectations lately.

We shall see if the "A" for recruiting translates to the on the court performance expectations.

Results. Wins.

 

[Moonlight]

Those are the expectations for on the court performance.

It is clear the expectations of the hole in general have shifted. Sky high expectations in years prior, sliding backward expectations lately.

Zta: A few people always have sky high expectations, but there is no way one can characterize the expectations here under Monson or Tubby as sky high. Get an acc't at Dynasty Defenders and view some truly sky high expectations.
The problem you have is you intensely dislike many on the 'hole and it skews your interpretation of every post.

 

[Blizzard]

I would give the Gophers an A simply for the reason that they overachieved. Zierden and his counterpart on CCO were talking about it on the postgame last night. It's hard to argue with.

 

[TruthTeller]

Zta: A few people always have sky high expectations, but there is no way one can characterize the expectations here under Monson or Tubby as sky high. Get an acc't at Dynasty Defenders and view some truly sky high expectations.
The problem you have is you intensely dislike many on the 'hole and it skews your interpretation of every post.

Not true.

Perhaps a few on the hole interpret posts in a skewed manner? No one way streets here.

No way, right moon?

 

[GopherGold]

I gave a B+

I would have given an A if we won first round or beat Mich St. or Purdue once.

Things that got him up to a B+ were win over Louisville, 2 wins over Wisconsin, win over Illinois, NCAA tournament, and 09-10 recruiting class

 

[grunkiejr]

"Big 10 Titles / NCAA Championships"

Those are the expectations for on the court performance.

It is clear the expectations of the hole in general have shifted. Sky high expectations in years prior, sliding backward expectations lately.

We shall see if the "A" for recruiting translates to the on the court performance expectations.

Results. Wins.

You have to be reasonable about your expectations in rebuilding a program. If you think Monson left the kind of talent to win a Big Ten title or NCAA Championship than you can expect that. I for one don't believe that is the kind of talent we have here right now.

Coming in to the season I expected this team to be a bubble caliber team and that if we made the NCAA tournament it would be a successful season. Next year my expectations are higher and I think we should set the goal as a Sweet 16 berth. The following year we should be setting the goal as competing for the Big Ten title and a final four berth.

We should expect a little more out of Tubby and this team every year as he has his systems and players in place. However, you can't set expectations at a winning a title in year two of a rebuilding project.

 

[Reserve]

If you think Monson left the kind of talent to win a Big Ten title or NCAA Championship than you can expect that. I for one don't believe that is the kind of talent we have here right now.

I think TT/ZTA obviously misses guzzling Monson's morning load. When Monson got the boot TT was out a job.

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Tubby is still in the honeymoon period for Gopher fans. I think we will field a legitimate BT contender in two years and still see growing pains next year.

From this time forward, getting to the NCAA's is mandatory. Anything less and questions will pop up about Tubby's performance. The bar has been raised thanks to Tubby.

B

 

[TruthTeller]

You have to be reasonable about your expectations in rebuilding a program. If you think Monson left the kind of talent to win a Big Ten title or NCAA Championship than you can expect that. I for one don't believe that is the kind of talent we have here right now.

Coming in to the season I expected this team to be a bubble caliber team and that if we made the NCAA tournament it would be a successful season. Next year my expectations are higher and I think we should set the goal as a Sweet 16 berth. The following year we should be setting the goal as competing for the Big Ten title and a final four berth.

We should expect a little more out of Tubby and this team every year as he has his systems and players in place. However, you can't set expectations at a winning a title in year two of a rebuilding project.

Grunkie - I respect your posts here more than any other poster. Enjoy your FB posts, especially.

I am reasonable - and realistic. When you get a coach the caliber of Tubby, expectations rise to the level of the coach. Anyone who thinks differently is talking out of both sides of their mouth.

If Todd Lickliter would have been hired here instead of os, what would the expectations have been? Quite different, for sure.

Top 5 coach, top compensation, lots of assistants, = high expecatations. Some time - yes.

That time has come, imo.

Results. Now.

 

[dinkything]

I think this is about what I expected. He has inherited a mediocre team with players who did not necessarily fit his system...

i don't pretend to understand most 'gopher' fans...maybe it's something to do with their ability to accurately recall the past

for someone to suggest that tubby inherited a 'mediocre' team...

when in reality, the monson basketball program was in a complete free fall 2 years ago

ironically, these same gopher 'fans' suggest brewster inherited a program on the ropes??? just delusional

let's look at reality...let's recall properly...let's check the report cards...

2007-08........brewster...F (1-11)

...................tubby.......A (unbelievable turnaround)


2008-09.......brewster....D (gotta win occasionally after halloween)

...................tubby.......A- (still progressing)

 

[hudson14]

B to B+ for performance on the court. He has an interesting mix of players and it's difficult to solve the myriad of roster issues with one recruiting class. But he did get the team to the Dance, which is step one, and he should be commended for that.
A+ for what he's done with, and for, this program. TT/Zeta/Stalker/Diaper Boy wants to continually talk expecations in a shallow defense of a Monson regime that can't be defended. By his own admission Dan didn't work hard, struggled with the commute from Bear Path and collected a lot of money while turning people off to the great experience that is Gopher Basketball at Williams Arena.
In contrast Tubby has the Barn buzzing, the Gophers back on the front page and back in the tournament, a great recruiting class coming in, and the proven ability to coach those players at a high level. They didn't win last night because Texas was better. But Gopher fans everywhere are excited about the future and it's because of Tubby. He's made the program relevant again, both locally and nationally. Maybe A++. Thanks Tubby.

 

[TruthTeller]

B to B+ for performance on the court. He has an interesting mix of players and it's difficult to solve the myriad of roster issues with one recruiting class. But he did get the team to the Dance, which is step one, and he should be commended for that.
A+ for what he's done with, and for, this program. TT/Zeta/Stalker/Diaper Boy wants to continually talk expecations in a shallow defense of a Monson regime that can't be defended. By his own admission Dan didn't work hard, struggled with the commute from Bear Path and collected a lot of money while turning people off to the great experience that is Gopher Basketball at Williams Arena.
In contrast Tubby has the Barn buzzing, the Gophers back on the front page and back in the tournament, a great recruiting class coming in, and the proven ability to coach those players at a high level. They didn't win last night because Texas was better. But Gopher fans everywhere are excited about the future and it's because of Tubby. He's made the program relevant again, both locally and nationally. Maybe A++. Thanks Tubby.

Hire a top coach, pay him millions, allow many assistants, and the expectations are clear.

Huddy cant seem to grasp the different expectations that would be MN BB now if another, lower profile coach were hired.

IN contrast, Tubby Smith is the coach. I guess we will have to wait for years for Huddy/wussy girl to expect something more.

Win. Results. Now.

BTW Dumb A$$ - when will Flipper be replacing your boy ots?

 

[TruthTeller]

I think TT/ZTA obviously misses guzzling Monson's morning load. When Monson got the boot TT was out a job.

I am shocked that King Snowman Moderator would allow such filth.

You now have a full time gig servicing the satchel of the coach, eh Reserve?

 

[hudson14]

Good grief, what a putz. The only reason I started posting again is because I thought you were sent to your trolling grave. But no! The Infant Terrible continues to cry for his rattle and a pants change.
For the record, my expectations for Tubby are to improve the program from one year to the next, fill the Barn, make Minnesotans proud again of Golden Gopher Basketball and win.
He seems to be doing really well on all fronts.
What were your expectations of Danny? Mumble, pick your nose, turn the Barn into a morgue, make excuses and leave with a pot of cash? I guess he did that.
You're sniping at Tubby is ridiculous. But since you are a ridiculous fool, I wouldn't "expect" anything else.

 

[MNSnowman]

Tubby's averaging a ...

3.0 for the 67 ratings received so far. Slightly down from the 3.1 he averaged last year.

 

[GoldenGo4Fan]

3.0 for the 67 ratings received so far. Slightly down from the 3.1 he averaged last year.

Do you give them 4-3-2-1-0????

 

[TruthTeller]

Good grief, what a putz. The only reason I started posting again is because I thought you were sent to your trolling grave. But no! The Infant Terrible continues to cry for his rattle and a pants change.
For the record, my expectations for Tubby are to improve the program from one year to the next, fill the Barn, make Minnesotans proud again of Golden Gopher Basketball and win.
He seems to be doing really well on all fronts.
What were your expectations of Danny? Mumble, pick your nose, turn the Barn into a morgue, make excuses and leave with a pot of cash? I guess he did that.
You're sniping at Tubby is ridiculous. But since you are a ridiculous fool, I wouldn't "expect" anything else.

Poor Hud - when will Flipper be taking over? Is that what you are still upset about?

I'm sure momma will take care of you, little one.

 

[MNSnowman]

Do you give them 4-3-2-1-0????

Yep ... same scale as last year.

 

[ncgo4]

I guess I'm just too basketball dumb to understand why this years wasn't way beyond any reasonable expectations.

We had Nolan and Hoffarber the first year Tubby arrived. These two are very nice players bud did not expansion the Gophers to first tier talent. This year we lost most of our starting front court and brought in two 6' 11" replacements who were regarded as nice players but not impact people and a Canadian guard with potential. We also added two Jr College players, one of whom was a "star" but didn't play defense. With this we won 22 games and beat Louisville, Illinois and Wisconsin twice.

This was clearly a year in which Tubby out coached his talent. Don't get me wrong, I believe we have a solid talent foundation and that our front court is going to be very good with a year of experience. Joseph and Carter will make serious impacts next year, too.

We've signed some real impact people so it should be fun and interesting and next year's expectations should be much higher. Baring injury or defections 22 wins, middle of the B10 and a 1st round loss in the big dance will not be a good year, IMHO.

 

[camken78]

They didn't win last night because Texas was better.

I respectfully disagree, imho the reason i gave tubby a B is because the only thing he failed to do is have the players stick to OUR gameplan consistantly. When we made it a halfcourt game we took the early lead, but when the pace sped up we couldnt locate abrams, thats exactly how we won the louisville game, the best example is our lost at nw and and our dominanant wins against them, and how much better we played michigan the second time around. Winning is about talent but winning in the tournament is moreso about knowing who you are as a team and imposing your style. which our players will have a better understanding of after this experience. GO GOPHERS

 

[TruthTeller]

I guess I'm just too basketball dumb to understand why this years wasn't way beyond any reasonable expectations.

We had Nolan and Hoffarber the first year Tubby arrived. These two are very nice players bud did not expansion the Gophers to first tier talent. This year we lost most of our starting front court and brought in two 6' 11" replacements who were regarded as nice players but not impact people and a Canadian guard with potential. We also added two Jr College players, one of whom was a "star" but didn't play defense. With this we won 22 games and beat Louisville, Illinois and Wisconsin twice.

This was clearly a year in which Tubby out coached his talent. Don't get me wrong, I believe we have a solid talent foundation and that our front court is going to be very good with a year of experience. Joseph and Carter will make serious impacts next year, too.

We've signed some real impact people so it should be fun and interesting and next year's expectations should be much higher. Baring injury or defections 22 wins, middle of the B10 and a 1st round loss in the big dance will not be a good year, IMHO.

Lest we forget the top 15 recruiting ranking?????

 

[Gopher4Life]

ncgo4,

>>Baring injury or defections 22 wins, middle of the B10 and a 1st round loss in the big dance will not be a good year, IMHO.<<

If the program is to progress, I'd like to see our standards higher than that. We might still have too many fans who are satisfied with that or even less.

 

[TruthTeller]

ncgo4,

>>Baring injury or defections 22 wins, middle of the B10 and a 1st round loss in the big dance will not be a good year, IMHO.<<

If the program is to progress, I'd like to see our standards higher than that. We might still have too many fans who are satisfied with that or even less.

Ya think?

Give the Top 5 coach some time. Another 2 years, minimum. Oh, and we should probably up the salary a bit and the budget for asst.