Also, remember that Dicks 3rd team was 12-4, and getting top 25 votes when Low got hurt. They lost 12 of next 14 games. Never much margin of error in Pullman. Again, anyone who follows hoops could see the improvement in the program. Many people didnt think Tony could go 500 with the team Dick left him. He lost his leading scorer to transfer. Instead we have back to back 26 win seasons. I was way more optimistic than most, and they far exceeded my expectations. Then Bone came on board, and people were disappointed with a final 4 NIT. That is what happened to fan expectations
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Not that much into Ben but I do believe the players liked him. I thought he was a Head Coach of WBB in AU at one point?
Porter and he sure haven't done a lot at Portland both are Bennett tree and that tree has not done well in the last 3 years in the WCC.
Porter and he sure haven't done a lot at Portland both are Bennett tree and that tree has not done well in the last 3 years in the WCC.
I did not remember the Low injury. And I had season tickets then. Good memory, gramps
And what leading scorer did we lose? Oh I know - Akognon. Instant offense.
Weaver struggled taking over for Low as the primary ball handler as a sophomore and in addition to Low’s mid-season injury we also lost Harmeling for the entire year.
I remember not being overly concerned about Akognon leaving and if memory serves I don't believe you were either. I was optimistic about where things were headed but didn’t expect the breakthrough year resulting in a Tournament.
Bone’s second year was a mess off the court and there wasn't "the margin of error" in that season to overcome it in the regular season.
Akognon came out and Scored 30 in a win over the Huskies the first game after Low got hurt. However it was downhill all the way after that. Most people thought hus departure was addition by subtraction when he left. Low eas actually the leading scorer before he got hurt
Akognon needed to grow up and I bet would acknowledge that if asked today. When Soderberg was asked about UVA's talent he highlighted how they were a "team". Akognon could fill it up but I don't think he was ready to be part of a team the way Dick demanded. Ivory Clark also comes to mind.
As talented as that first group was other than in a few cases (Akognon and definitely Clark) they also seemed very together, understood their role, and were about each other. I know that's full on cheesy to say but it's a big reason why they became so good.
It's not easy to create but I think it's also a big reason why we have seen teams unravel post-Tony.
I'm also suprised. However, he's 56 - I would imagine if the Cougs came knocking at the door, this is as good of an opportunity as any.
