It seems that, due to financial constraints, the options are narrowing. Turner, over at UCI, had a program that emphasized the team more than the individual. And for a while, it seemed like he engendered a high level of loyalty and had lower turnover than most of the league. But, that seems to be changing. I am no longer certain that any BW team can hold on to their best players. Monson managed to do that better than almost everyone in the BW last season. But, I am not confident he could have done so with the four core players even if he had been retained. I read Kansas is spending $4mil/year on NIL. If a kid can get $300k to transfer, who would expect them to stay?
So, going forward for Acker and LB, what is our strategy? Do we focus on highly talented bounce backs from P5 schools who cannot get playing time at that level? Do we pitch kids on getting good enough to transfer out and get money? Do we try to develop a core of players and retain them? Do we try to develop a donor network that can give us enough NIL dough to at least be competitive at the BW level (no way we are competing with P5 money)? It is a new world out there and just doing the old basics is unlikely to be enough.
We have been hanging around the top half of Big West. I want us to be expected to be on top of the Big West. A new coach and staff to me was a step, though tough, that was necessary.
The real challenge for this new staff is going to be staying relevant in pay to play era. Before you were fighting facilities, travel budget, recruiting, fanbase, etc. Now it's almost solely a money game for top guys.
That is the balancing act our new staff has to manage within the constraints of our budget. Can I develop an athlete and keep him here? Can I replace him with a player who won't ruin culture?
Donors are being asked to support the individual, and not the system. A tough task to maintain, when the individual may be on campus for 7 months before moving on.
i never have given up hope on our past or future success -- yes we have had a spills that none of want to see again but reality tells us that it will come back -- yes we had not renewed our season tickets for the last few years but did go to some games through out that time -- renewed our tks about 3 weeks ago and as we all are hoping that this new coach will help bring us back to the top within a few years to stay --- GO 49ers ---
All we know is next year who the coaches will be. No longer worth wondering about beyond that. I think we are in good hands. Long time fans like us have had a winning attitude beaten out of us by 3 straight underwhelming head coaches. I think Acker will change that.
All coaches are involved with player development. Does it need to be said? These coaches will be gone shortly as new head coach hires and then there will be room to bring in ex LBS players. There are many that deserve to be here.
I'm excited! I think this group can lead the MBB program very well. I like the experience and the focus on player development, both on the court, in the classroom, and mental/emotional. Anything can happen but the actual pieces being put in place give success a good chance.
Every year its fun to see 4 or 5 new players, and a new assistant or head coach every once in a while. 2024-25 will be just about everyone new!