Is anybody else losing their "love" for Gopher BB?

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This just isn't enjoyable to watch, I don't see any reason this is going to change this year, I will be surprised if they exceed four B1G wins. The defense doesn't have the intensity I've seen in the past, it's okay but not great. The offense is lethargic, shooting is bad, and doesn't seem to be improving. This will be two years in a row where the level of play is as bad as it ever was under Monson.
 

ruppertflywheel said:
3,000 empty seats for the Iowa game and "yes", Williams Arena is a shadow of its former self. My buddy said people arrive like they've self inflicted wounds.
I take his words to heart. He has been a season ticket holder for 30 years and bleeds maroon and gold.
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Ruppert, the Iowa home game had 4,000 empty seats this year and that was at the new TCF Bank Stadium on a beautiful day!!!! Can you believe that?!

Go Gophers!!
 

sal said:
For all the nostalgia I read here about Clem, by ’96 there was a lot of grumbling about the head coach. We got drilled by 19 at home in the ’96 NIT (NIT!) and I remember being pretty down, there was much gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands by the fan base. I’m sure some fans bailed after that failure. That was about Clems best bunch of recruits and Tulane destroyed us, they had better athletes and I thought if this is all we got, what chance will we ever have? Well ’97 happened and we all know the story.
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No kidding. A lot of revisionist history. I remember Clem getting destroyed because his teams were absolutely inept on the road (when Clem wasn't cheating). Same thing happened after 58-0 to Michigan on the football board....Glen Mason walked on water.
 

Some perspective always helps, Sal.

Was severely bummed leaving the arena Wednesday night (having flashbacks that I'd seen this all before), felt better after waking up Thursday morning, then a little better after watching Penn State spank Purdue last night, now completely back in the saddle after waking up this morning. Some losses take longer than others, Iowa was 1 of 'em, but now am back in "let's get this thing headed in the right direction" mode. It's not like the Gophers haven't played any good basketball this season. They have. They need to get back to that.
 

ruppertflywheel said:
3,000 empty seats for the Iowa game and "yes", Williams Arena is a shadow of its former self. My buddy said people arrive like they've self inflicted wounds.
I take his words to heart. He has been a season ticket holder for 30 years and bleeds maroon and gold.
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Attendance: 12,018....(obviously tickets sold)

Over 2,000 tickets short of a sell-out for Big Ten opener?.......Yikes.
 


jovs said:
This just isn't enjoyable to watch, I don't see any reason this is going to change this year, I will be surprised if they exceed four B1G wins. The defense doesn't have the intensity I've seen in the past, it's okay but not great. The offense is lethargic, shooting is bad, and doesn't seem to be improving. This will be two years in a row where the level of play is as bad as it ever was under Monson.
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Last year through January, we were 5-3 in the Big Ten, top 15 team, wins against Purdue, Michigan, North Carolina and West Virginia, and looking to go to the tournament for the 3rd year in a row for the first time in school history. It hasn't been that long or sad of a drought that most people are making it out to be. It's been an awful stretch since then, the Iowa loss was unacceptable, but people are acting like these are the dark years of Gopher Basketball. Give me a break.
 

then a little better after watching Penn State spank Purdue last night
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Wasn't that something to watch?

Wisconsin gets beat at home by Iowa. Messageboard meltdown.
Minnesota gets beat at home by Iowa. Messageboard meltdown.
Penn State beats Purdue at home. Messageboard meltdown.

Bears are still shi--ing in the woods this morning.

Just another day of being a college basketball fan.
 

Reserve said:
Wasn't that something to watch?

Wisconsin gets beat at home by Iowa. Messageboard meltdown.
Minnesota gets beat at home by Iowa. Messageboard meltdown.
Penn State beats Purdue at home. Messageboard meltdown.

Bears are still shi--ing in the woods this morning.

Just another day of being a college basketball fan.
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I've kinda' been wondering what Xavier's messageboard is like right about now. A complete pratfall since the scrum with Cincinnati. The Bearcats, on the other hand, have bucked up and looked great since then, despite the suspensions. Now everyone's back.
 

SelectionSunday said:
I've kinda' been wondering what Xavier's messageboard is like right about now. A complete pratfall since the scrum with Cincinnati. The Bearcats, on the other hand, have bucked up and looked great since then, despite the suspensions. Now everyone's back.
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Apparently Mick Cronin > Baldy McBaldwimp (as Souhan would call him)
 



Touche. I'm surprised Mr. Souhan hasn't written a column to remind us of X's recent struggles.
 

SelectionSunday said:
Touche. I'm surprised Mr. Souhan hasn't written a column to remind us of X's recent struggles.
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He openly admits he doesn't pay attention until March, which lead to that pathetic week of columns in the first place. I'm guessing outside of the fight, he couldn't tell you one thing Xavier has or hasn't done.
 

If we as fans sit idly by and do not demand excellence then we get what we deserve. If the athletic dept is continually poor you only have to blame them. They are paid to turn out a good product. We cannot be expected to give support no matter how big a fan we are. Why recruit at all? Just open tryouts. Pick the best 15, put them in maroon & gold. Hope and pay for the Alma mater.
 

Right on "Unfortunately" - my feelings are the same. How exciting it was to watch Lou Hudson, Archie Clark,Flip and the Boys, Willie and the Boys, McHale, Brewer, Thompson, Tucker, Bobby Jackson, and so many more; plus the coaching of Musselman, Dutcher, and Haskins. The Barn was alive and the crowd new the game; for example: The crowd new when the team needed a run and actually prompted the players to get at it. Lately I have seen a better crowd interaction at my churches' contempory service. And Ralph Sampson - put him in the U choir.
 



Fedup said:
If we as fans sit idly by and do not demand excellence then we get what we deserve. If the athletic dept is continually poor you only have to blame them. They are paid to turn out a good product. We cannot be expected to give support no matter how big a fan we are. Why recruit at all? Just open tryouts. Pick the best 15, put them in maroon & gold. Hope and pay for the Alma mater.
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*rest of the B1G as we do this* LOL CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY THEM
 

Gold Vision said:
Last year through January, we were 5-3 in the Big Ten, top 15 team, wins against Purdue, Michigan, North Carolina and West Virginia, and looking to go to the tournament for the 3rd year in a row for the first time in school history. It hasn't been that long or sad of a drought that most people are making it out to be. It's been an awful stretch since then, the Iowa loss was unacceptable, but people are acting like these are the dark years of Gopher Basketball. Give me a break.
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14 years since we were relevant. A 50 year slide into the abyss. A lost generation of fans. What team are they talking about?

It may happen one more time in my entire life. We should stop recruiting and have open tryouts. Anyway some of you drama queens can stop posting here?
 

It's been a bit frustrating, for sure, but I guess I am still a big Gopher fan.... and rather than attack everyone on the coaching staff and team I'm going to be as loud as I can at Williams arena in support of our players on Sunday and hope others will join me. Let's notch up the energy to get a V against Purdue!
 

ruppertflywheel said:
I'm sorry, but last night was the old nail in the pine box. I held season tickets for 22 years, dropping them in 2004 because it was getting tough to get down to the games with the different TV schedules and me flying all over the country. In the Clem era the kids layed their guts on the line every night. Clem had compassion and was so involved in the games( ripping off his coat, or taking a "T" when he thought it was needed) He had a great X & O guy in Al Brown and Williams Arena was "alive" because of Clem. Now, I see an old guy that has dealt with health issues and has lost his compassion and insight for the game. My buddy went to the game last night and he said: "It's fricken Iowa and except for a few " Who hates Iowa" chants from the student section the crowd sat around like they were constipated" Sorry for the rant, but
man that was pathetic last night.
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I intended to post on this a while ago - but I see this thread has exploded. I'm kind of surprised at the backlash you've received for saying what thousands have obviously been thinking, as season ticket sales are not good. The good news about that, is we have a ton of die-hards on this board, that nothing will make them sway.

As for me, I will get ripped for this, but I completely see where you're coming from. I would say I'm extremely frustrated, probably moreso than I have as my time as a fan. Does that mean I won't attend and watch every game? No. I still revolve my schedule and even vacations around the Gopher basketball team (as crazy as my friends think I am). But I think I too, have lost some love. Losses used to hurt me, a lot, they don't hurt as much anymore. I don't know if that's a loss of love, or just getting used to constantly losing, and knowing I can't sulk for 2 days after a game...because I'd pretty much be sulking everyday. The fans frustrate me to - the Barn isn't what it used to be, and I'm not talking Musselman times...I'm talking during a lot of Monson seasons. I have friends dropping tickets like crazy - and it makes me sad, but at the same time, I can't blame them. Buying season tickets is paying about double what you would buying tickets individually.

I still love The Barn, I love walking in there, I want our team to win so very badly...but I'm at the point where I'm not expecting a lot. Perhaps that's more apathy than loss of love?
 

Hi,
This is my second post in, maybe, the last 6-8 months. Does that tell you something?

I've watched one game on TV this year. Does that tell you something?

I'm a guy who used to check out The Gopher Hole 15-20 times a day, from the very beginnings. I went a couple months without checking out this site last summer. Does that tell you something?

I feel disconnected from this team.
 

I hardly ever post in the basketball forum, by my name obviously, I am a much bigger Gopher Football Fan. The basketball team is my second favorite team on campus and probably third favorite team in all of sports (Gopher Football, Viking Football, Gopher Basketball). This is what I have to say. If you are doing something that makes you bored, why continue to do it? Gopher basketball has made me bored. I would rather be cleaning the basement or picking up stuff around the house than sit and watch unenthusiastic basketball. You can say I am not a true fan, but I think that is your way of being in denial. Each game I give them a chance, but as the game moves on I become more disinterested. I believe that is because the team and coach are disinterested.
 

Mikie S said:
Hi,
This is my second post in, maybe, the last 6-8 months. Does that tell you something?

I've watched one game on TV this year. Does that tell you something?

I'm a guy who used to check out The Gopher Hole 15-20 times a day, from the very beginnings. I went a couple months without checking out this site last summer. Does that tell you something?

I feel disconnected from this team.
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What does it take for you to feel connected to the team?
 

GopherLady said:
I intended to post on this a while ago - but I see this thread has exploded. I'm kind of surprised at the backlash you've received for saying what thousands have obviously been thinking, as season ticket sales are not good. The good news about that, is we have a ton of die-hards on this board, that nothing will make them sway.

As for me, I will get ripped for this, but I completely see where you're coming from. I would say I'm extremely frustrated, probably moreso than I have as my time as a fan. Does that mean I won't attend and watch every game? No. I still revolve my schedule and even vacations around the Gopher basketball team (as crazy as my friends think I am). But I think I too, have lost some love. Losses used to hurt me, a lot, they don't hurt as much anymore. I don't know if that's a loss of love, or just getting used to constantly losing, and knowing I can't sulk for 2 days after a game...because I'd pretty much be sulking everyday. The fans frustrate me to - the Barn isn't what it used to be, and I'm not talking Musselman times...I'm talking during a lot of Monson seasons. I have friends dropping tickets like crazy - and it makes me sad, but at the same time, I can't blame them. Buying season tickets is paying about double what you would buying tickets individually.

I still love The Barn, I love walking in there, I want our team to win so very badly...but I'm at the point where I'm not expecting a lot. Perhaps that's more apathy than loss of love?
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Well put Nadine. I certainly do respect the diehards on this board. You can tell I'm dating myself here, but the thrilling days of yesteryear with
Mussleman, Dutcher, Clem, and yes even some of Monson's teams has graduated into watch the game and don't even react. Heck, I remember on some of the road games watching on the tube if something happened I didn't like I would sling my slipper at the TV and hollar a curse. The other night against Purdue I sat in stone, cold silience. I almost feel like somebody infused two pints of Tubby's blood into my veins. My wife asked if I was coming down with the flu. Such is the state of Gopher BB with me at this time. I certainly hope it changes and wish the team well.
 

ruppertflywheel said:
Well put Nadine. I certainly do respect the diehards on this board. You can tell I'm dating myself here, but the thrilling days of yesteryear with
Mussleman, Dutcher, Clem, and yes even some of Monson's teams has graduated into watch the game and don't even react. Heck, I remember on some of the road games watching on the tube if something happened I didn't like I would sling my slipper at the TV and hollar a curse. The other night against Purdue I sat in stone, cold silience. I almost feel like somebody infused two pints of Tubby's blood into my veins. My wife asked if I was coming down with the flu. Such is the state of Gopher BB with me at this time. I certainly hope it changes and wish the team well.
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You're giving up a year too soon. Clem's first year was extremely painful. How many of those guys belonged in the B1G? Monson's last full year, I woke one morning and realized I didn't know their record, didn't know who they are playing next etc. But I staightened that out.

I don't care about the one and done crowd. I don't care if there are too many seats open on the bandwagon. I care alot about long term fans like you! IMO you can't be replaced.
 

Tonight is a main reason why I said absolutely no and never will lose my love.

I enjoyed tonight so much more than I disliked the frustrating Purdue game and for that reason, it's why I will never lose my love for Gopher sports.

Go Gophers!!
 

Interesting thread. I believe I share a similar type sentiment as GopherLady. I love Gopher Basketball and the Gophers Final Four run is the best sports fan memory of my life. I have always been heavily invested in Gopher basketball and want badly to see the program succeed. That said, I am at a point in my life where I can't continue to invest so strongly in a product that has continuously disappointed me. My passion to see the Gophers win at a high level in the Big Ten is as high as it has ever been, but my willingness to sit through second division finishes is completely gone. You can't go 14 years without winning a tournament game and expect fans to keep investing in the program at the same level. At some point, most of us get tired of investing so much time and emotional energy in to something that has been unfulfilling for so long. I think it would do wonders for the fanbase to see something as modest as a top 5 Big Ten finish and a trip to the sweet 16.
 

With my friends and family Gopher sports is a long term, face to face thing of love of the game. When I transfered after two years of college and was accepted to the Business School, I had no clue what it meant other than a childhood dream to go to the U. My degree opened so many doors and is still opening them. Cold day in Hell before I give up.
 

For me, I've never even seen any of the teams I am a fan of make it into the championship game. I'm used to watching losers, so losing has absolutely no effect on me.
 

BleedGopher said:
Tonight is a main reason why I said absolutely no and never will lose my love.

I enjoyed tonight so much more than I disliked the frustrating Purdue game and for that reason, it's why I will never lose my love for Gopher sports.

Go Gophers!!
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Damn straight. Frankly, I actually don't understand any other answer as I have loved Gopher hoops forever. Yes, I love the individual teams and seasons..but I loved Gopher hoops before the final four, before Clem's S16 runs.. just do and always will.
 

I haven't read this entire thread, but I'll kind of echo what zambam (and I'm sure others) said, and add one thing: if a bad stretch for your team means you give up on them, you weren't a fan in the first place. This seems to be a lost concept for many people who follow Minnesota teams.

We'll see some folks jump on the bandwagon after last night, but isn't it more fun when you never left the wagon in the first place?
 

Tonight is yet another reminder why I will never lose an ounce of my love or passion for Gopher sports.

What a blast tonight was - so glad to be there and be apart of it.

Go Gophers!!
 

Sweaty Frasier said:
I haven't read this entire thread, but I'll kind of echo what zambam (and I'm sure others) said, and add one thing: if a bad stretch for your team means you give up on them, you weren't a fan in the first place. This seems to be a lost concept for many people who follow Minnesota teams.

We'll see some folks jump on the bandwagon after last night, but isn't it more fun when you never left the wagon in the first place?
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You got it - this thread sure went from glass half empty to glass half full really quick.
 

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