by smallmodularreactor » Wed Mar 30, 2022 11:58 am
With noting is that after those 4-5 players transferred out in season a few years ago Gtown changed their recruiting philosophy to target kids with better resolve and values. The only player that has transferred out from there post-transformation group was a little used backup, TJ Berger, who was frankly recruited (as a non counter) as a way to build a relationship with better players on his hs team we were recruiting. When he was signed it was already rumored to be a short term thing.
So I say all that to say, time will tell whether the new breed of recruit understands their mission better, and is less ego-driven, and until I see more transfers I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt.
The addition of Nickelberry is HUGE. The best addition to the program, player or otherwise, since Pat was hired. Can’t understate what kind of impact he will likely have. If he’s able to bring in Brandon Murray or Efton Reid that’s just a plus.
We had a really, really bad year that isn’t really defensible. But GU runs a much different administration of their basketball program than the vast majority of other programs, and I have it on good authority, from different angles and sources, that Ewing has been handcuffed in a lot of ways (Ronnie Thompson has also been trying to sabotage the program since the day Ewing was hired because he wanted a job on staff and didn’t get it, which led him to a power struggle with 1 of the only 2 people Ewing was allowed to bring on board when he was hired. The GU admin filled out the rest of the positions.
And now, with the vote of confidence from Lee Reed, Ewing seems to finally have the authority to hire, etc that almost every other high major coach has. Even when he’s tried to make staff changes in the past few years (particularly early during Covid), he has met resistance. He is not the puppet master many are making him out to be. He is definitely accountable for our performances being the HC, but that’s different than being responsible for what played out and I think the fact that he still has his job is recognition of that by those that give him his paycheck.
All that to say, I’m still optimistic about getting this thing turned around. Certainly nowhere to go but up. And it’ll help that everyone is losing their super seniors this year. We didn’t bring back any, and had we brought back even one (take your pick) there’s no way we would’ve won less than a handful of BE games. But alas, that did not happen.
Also, I have it on good authority that Wahab has been exploring options for a reunion. Time will tell whether it’s even feasible and whether or not that door is still open, but I still find it interesting. Kids like playing for Ewing, clearly. Those with big egos and who are not as much about being great, less so. I think that’s a natural balance. No one player is bigger than the program.