Obviously it's a little disappointing for all non-UNC fans today. Roy Williams has done a hell of a job recruiting the best talent in Iowa outside of the state. While it's hard to fault someone for going to one of the best basketball programs of all time, coming of a NCAA championship, I think it was more disappointing how Barnes broke the news as opposed to what the news actually was. If he handeled this the right way, people would've been able to accept it without feeling as jaded as they do now.
For example, you live in Ames, Iowa. Do you REALLY think it was a good idea to open the press conference to the public, knowing full well you are going to leave? The only people that are going to be happy for you in town are those who are close to you. It would've made a lot more sense to have something smaller, more intimate in which you invited those who really know you and care about you, instead of basically leading on Cyclone fans into thinking they have a shot at this. His whole ordeal was WAY over the top, and came across as the most selfish commitment ceremony I have ever seen. It's very possible that after this year, he will not be the best player on the court, and it will be interesting to see how he handles it.
Also, I don't want to see a recruit reveal their choice via Skype... Not exactly the greatest, especially when you've got Roy Williams all up in your grill on the projector...
It would've been so much better for Cyclone fans if he just would've eliminated ISU from the time he made his final five. We would've melted down 6-7 months ago, and then would've moved on. Even if he kept ISU in the press, do it the smaller way and everyone can move on so much more quickly.
Probably the most disappointing thing is when you look at the 2010-2011 season, there doesn't appear to be that great of a plan 'B'. Duke, OU, KU, etc., have fall back options and they will be fine. ISU quite frankely does not. We're going to lose two of our top scorers (and rebounders) in Brackins, and Gilstrap, along with a good bench player in JVB. I just don't see where the scoring next year is going to come.
I am not ready for a rebuilding year. It feels like almost every year under McDermott is rebuilding. This year will be pretty solid, but then the following years we are back to square one. Unacceptable to me. Jamie Pollard said Men's Basketball should be the marquee program at ISU. To me, that means NCAA tournament 3 out of 4 years with the NIT typically happening in that 1 year. It really doesn't take a whole lot to make the postseason playing in the Big 12.Is asking for 4th/5th place 3 out of 4 years with 7th/8th place the other years REALLY too much?
Anyhow, we have to move on and focus on the team we've got. We signed Ejim which is great, and hopefully we can add 1-2 more guys between now and the Spring signing period.
As hard as it was to take the news, good luck in the future Harrison. You are going to have a ton of challenges ahead. I personally am glad that we won't have to face you on a regular basis.
Time to move on, cheer for the guys that we do have in this program, and hope for good things to happen in the future.
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