agrinut wrote:PantherSigEp wrote:I'd be interested in seeing how that stacks up using a 5-year average which would be much more prudent and relevant to measuring the current program in place. UNI has had some awful years in the past since joining the Valley but I'd say, especially in recent years, they've been one of the top programs, even if you discount the Sweet 16 run.
The above is a 10 year average provided by our SID.
Even 10 years is not all that accurate when looking at the current program, I'd still prefer 5. Look at SIU, for example. You would guess that they had a strong program by looking at this chart, all because those years of NCAA success that are covered at the very beginning of this average. We all know that is hooplah. That success has long since dissipated. The players are gone, the coach is gone (thank goodness), the momentum and recruiting is gone and the fan support is essentially gone too. Almost nothing positive besides a couple banners in the gym are leftover from that success and we have once again predicted the Salukis will be at the very bottom of the conference. How in the world could you consider that 10 year average to be accurate in this case and call SIU the 4th best program in the conference? Rhetorical question, for your own safety from becoming Casey, don't attempt to answer that.
This average also is supposed to lead us to believe that Indiana State is a below Drake, Bradley, Missouri State and of course SIU. Maybe this season will be necessary for some of you to open your eyes but I think it's incredibly asinine to say that all 4 of those programs (no offense to any of them) are in near as enviable a position as the Sycamores are. They have two of the conferences premier players, a solid coach, good fan support and getting ready for an NCAA-or-bust season. Those other 4 programs could maybe only claim to have 1 or 2 of those attributes. Bradley is close but I'll need proof in the form of a .500 + season. Something they haven't done since 2009. Fed has them moving in the right direction though.