3-8 now. Still think we get to 7-11. Beat Drake and Bradley; and win 2 vs SIU, MO State, UNI, WSU, or Evansville. 8-10 is not out of question either.

I like the optimism counselor. Will you be going to Arch Madness?

For me, it gets tiresome to hear the various debates and camps regarding Porter. Porter can recruit, he can't. Porter is a good game coach, he's not. Porter should get credit for runnin' and gunnin' more lately, no, he should get blame.

Bottom line is he hasn't won enough. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE him in many ways. He looks like a coach, acts like one, and is passionate about LUC. He loves the fans and is clearly grateful for being associated with such an amazing school. BUT, the losses are too many. As much as I like him personally, I wanted him replaced after the 13-14 season. Admittedly, I made a lot of apologies after last year; one of the most fun years in my sports watching career.

But, I've had it. We were favorite last night. We were favored last night. Up at half, up by 9 in the 2nd half and lost. I don't care if it's because we have less talent. Whose fault is that??? This isn't a professional team. There is no GM. It's the head coach's responsibility to get better players, to coach well during games AND WIN.

Yes, do I fear that someone else will come in with less passion, less dedication to LUC and be as futile in getting us more wins? I sure do. But, we need to take a chance. Regardless of next year's recruiting class, we will be worse. Losing Devon, Montell, Jeff (and who knows what will happen with Milton) will simply not result in a plus. Rajala, for instance, is improving, but he is a very fringe player and will not replace Montel. I was SO happy for Porter last year. I'd love him to be the guy. He's not. Let's move on.

4-14 is also not out of the question.

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Have to disagree with this, JCT.

First, if you're at a size and strength disadvantage, how does it benefit you to play more slowly?

Second, this game was not played at a fast tempo. In fact, at just 60 possessions, it was our second SLOWEST tempo game of the season. (Tied with Bradley. UNI was the slowest with 59.)

We scored when we played a little quicker and attacked the basket. It was when Illinois State slowed us into a half court game in the second half that they took over.

Two things happened:

1. They showed a press to eat time off the clock and keep us from getting into the offense quickly enough.

2. They took their time on offense working the ball inside to McIntosh who absolutely destroyed us.

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Would be real nice to have Custer this year...

RamblerSam ....your position is clear........My thought is when you hire a new coach you start from scratch.....unless you bring in someone who has a reputation that resonates and has a large reputation as good coach and recruiter and that costs money . 1. Do you think LU is ready to eat up 3 years of a contract ?( I think that is what Porter has left) and then go out and spend big bucks to get an already established coach? The other choice? find an assistant with potential or a head coach from a smaller school ....or another mid who has lost his shine......and start over again...but with new hope.

Not that means that I am locked in to Porter. If he loses the team...(these last few games will be tough to keep the team motivated and working hard) this year is repeated.....but he has two 3 star recruits coming in next year.....these remaining two scholarships are important
I guess at this point you throw away more than you gain...I dont think we are at the tipping point yet

There is NO WAY Tom Kelly is going to eat Porter's contract. (insert any joke). He has made a career of pinching pennies. The one time he didn't and approved Swoopes' undeserved contract it cost us Shane. Loyola will never hire an established coach that costs unless some alum steps up with the cash. Our only hope is for a new president to ride to the rescue.
I might disagree with some of Porter's philosophies but we could do a lot worse. Do you think you can hire some stupid search firm that's going to find a Brad Stevens? Do you think Watson has so many connections he has a coach like Stevens who will come here because of him?
I always return to a direct quote from Tom Kelly: Loyola doesn't need athletics like other schools to attract students because we have a waiting list to get in.

I enjoyed last nights game. I thought the fellas played hard and got after it. In the end, our rebounding has been exposed and other teams are sending everyone to the offensive glass. So the blame doesn't rest on just the big guys. It really does take a team to rebound defensively. I would like to see Julius and Kirby on the floor together for five mins a half.

Good posts, 86. I'm with you on all accounts.

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