rlh04d wrote:Not being a 250+ RPI and a punching bag in conference and out would be a good way to get heat off him and bring attendance back up.
A big win is a good way to get enthusiasm up for a team that's already turned the corner, as an exclamation mark to the fans. A big win before you turn that corner will only get expectations up to a point where fans will be disappointed quickly.
Yeah but it's much easier and faster for people to get the message you're back to being competitive when you beat a top 25 team in December. Otherwise the naysayers will ask who you've beaten, and it's possible to go a full season without answering that. A 5th place season with no big wins still won't be enough for many. You turn heads by challenging Wichita in February or beating K-State in December.
You seem to operate under the assumption that Bradley can't be good this year and must see a year of transition before legitimately competing with Kansas State; that he must first field a team that finishes 5th before he can take on the likes of the Wildcats. Maybe, but I'm not so sure considering there was a big roster overhaul and he's bringing in the best class (on paper) in the conference. As for the risk of being disappointed by losing to UWGB a couple weeks later if we pull the upset, that's a risk I'm willing to take. I think even if that happens, the buzz generated by the big win isn't close to offset.
As for Geno's job security, I think this recruiting class has bought him another year unless this season is a disaster on and off the court.