Amazing difference a new coach makes

[Chuck]

This time next year, should we expect the Bonnies to be competitive in the A-10 and being mentioned as a possible NIT team? Probably not, but Duquesne head coach Ron Everhart has proven it is possible.

College Hoops Net preview has Duquesne ranked at 77 and predict them going to the NIT. All of this optimism created by Ron Everhart after only 1 year on the job. His challenges might have been more daunting than Schmidts:

1. Took over a team that won just 3 games.
2. Duquesne hasn't had a winning season this century.
3. 1977 was the last year Duquesne made it to the NCAA Tournament.
4. Prior to last year numerous times their home attendance was announced in hundreds and not thousands.
5. Basketball budget? In the A-10 they are one spot higher than the Bonnies with a 1.6 million budget. Bonnies have a 1.3 million budget.

One year ago Duquesne situation looked hopeless, especially after the shooting on campus. Amazing the difference a new coach makes. Hopefully next year we will be saying the same thing about the Bonnies. At the very least, there is now hope.

CHN preview of Duquesne
www.collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/2007_08_duquesne_basketball_preview41052

[Chuck]

Talk about a talented starting lineup. This is the lineup anticipated by posters on the Duquesne board.

C Shawn James (6'10") transfer from Northeastern where he averaged 12.4 ppg.
PF Kieron Achara (6'10") he averaged 15.8 ppg last year.
SF Damian Saunders (6'7") a 4 star recruit from Notre Dame Prep
SG Aaron Jackson is a returning starter averaging 11 ppg last year.
PG Kojo Mensah transfer from Siena. At 16.6 ppg he was the leading scorer and star of the Siena team as a sophmore.

[jh]

This time next year, should we expect the Bonnies to be competitive in the A-10 and being mentioned as a possible NIT team? Probably not

Chuck - why say 'probably not' to think this time next year we would have added this top frosh class....with 2 very good transfers joining in that we could not compete for 16 wins next season with that lineup??
Its ok to say it can happen...I'd also be adding 4 newly signed players to add to this strong core group - and the targets we are involved in are similar talent levels....
The scandal is over, wick is gone...sol is gone...no more losing to niagara by 35 points in the RC,,,,its ending,,,,

[Chuck]

JH certainly hope you are right and admit the future looks exciting, but expecting after one year for Schmidt to have 16 wins and leading the Bonnies to the NIT are unfair expectations. Schmidt is rebuilding the Bonnies with a solid foundation of young 4 year players. By refusing to go for the "quick fix" with experienced JUCOs Schmidt has chosen to be patient and develop the skills of these freshmen. The "probably not" comment was made because next season is probably another season of developing young players. We should be expecting something special during this freshman class junior and senior years. Thankful to see us debating how good the Bonnies will be.

[jh]

keep in mind this is not a normal frosh class...they are talented and most are prep school kids (older)....ALSO HAVING mATTHEWS AND mO tHOMAS JOINING they would be in their 4th years out of prep school...lets see what happens....thats will not be such a very young team next year

[clubhouse]

"Duquense hasn't had a winning season this century."

Since we're not even a tenth thru the current century, is that really the measuring stick? I could give you many teams that haven't been in the NCAA this century that would beat the Bonnies hand down this year. Does that really mean anything?

[Chuck]

Found Duquesne's media guide. Their last winning season was in 1993-1994.

grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/duqu/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/mediaguide-06.pdf