We can't change our geographic location, climate, or history (which has some high points, but is largely unremarkable on a scale of what we'd like the program to achieve). All we can do is tackle the things within our control.
- Hire the right coaches (Pitino has tons of potential, Tubby was the right move at the time, he just badly disappointed).
- Get the facilities situation settled once and for all (either replace Williams Arena or pour big money into renovating it, even if it means a season at Target Center, and get the practice facility done).
- Until consistent winning does the job itself, figure out what must be done to get the seats filled on game nights and the atmosphere turned up, in sales, marketing, and game production.
- Schedule glamour teams in appealing locales (that's already in progress, but should be stepped up and continued).
- Strengthen the ties with Nike or whatever shoe/apparel company we have down the line to get the best gear and perks. We're an afterthought and the recruits, who are tied into the shoe/camp/AAU empires, see that and it hurts us.
None of the Big 3 are likely staying home, but there will be others at home and elsewhere. The calendar says 2013 and will soon read 2014, but it's still a decade or so behind at the U of M sometimes. Change has to happen to the factors within our control to compensate for stuff beyond it.
