(12-30-2017 10:13 PM)gleadley Wrote:  I appreciate the optimism. I was it was contagious. Coach said post-game that bench players need to come in the game hot, or they'll find their way right back to the bench. Can't imagine how tough it is being stuck on the bench for missing 2 shots when starting senior guards are passing on open looks, missing layups, shooting a combined 2-14 on shots they do take, and making critical fouls and/or turnovers in the final 4 minutes. You know. When it matters most.

At this point, it's hard for me to believe they are anything other than what they are. I have a lot of hopes for this GCU team and players, as I genuinely want them to succeed. Unfortunately, I am also a realist who leans toward pessimism at times. I want to believe in this team, but need to see more before I'm convinced they are anything different than what they've already shown themselves to be.

The program is getting better though. We as a fan base get hyped up. Last year we had good reason for that. This year, admittedly it’s been disappointing. We haven’t really had a true quality win yet. We gave up a few opportunities to make statements. So far we have proven ourselves to be a team that can beat up on MEAC and SWAC teams consistently. New Mexico State has made a couple of big statements this year. I think they may beat us both times this season. Not sure about Bakersfield. I think we may lose one to UVU. It really just depends on who shows up each game. The talent is there to win the WAC. It just takes the guys consistently playing at the level that they’re capable of playing. I hold out hope for a great conference record. I think if we lose three or less, we will get to the NIT. NMSU will likely win in Vegas and be regular season champs. Since they’ll opt to go to the big dance, we could get the NIT bid as regular season runners up.

Again, I’m in no way giving up on this team or assuming this season is a bust. The games start mattering most on Saturday. If we get hot in late February it could be a very special season. I have watched every game this year and I’ll watch the rest. I’m hoping for the best.