Solomon & next year

[BEAR]

As I read all the posts by Solomon's detractors & defenders I wonder what peoples opinions are on what Solomon must accomplish to keep his job? I think most everyone agrees Sol will be our coach next year, whether you feel this is a good or bad thing it is a fact. I personally feel the free ride ends after next season. In my opinion he must make the A-10 tourney or be replaced, period! I do not care how bad we beat Robert Morris or Alcorn St., we must start showing some progress in the A-10 and the first step is finishing in the top 12 of the league. If Sol does that next year he deserves another year to show real progress, if not he should be thanked for his effort and replaced. In my opinion this is a reasonable, tangible goal that Sol can be, and should be judged on. For the Sol supporters is this asking to much or does he get a longer time frame?
For the detractors is making the A-10 tourney enough to give Sol another year?

[efsboca]

Interesting query Bear. I have been a supporter of coach throughout the year and think things would have been slightly different so far this year if our outside game continued to be what it was in the early part of the season. We could get through the powderpuffs when that stretch of reasonable 3 point percentage evaporated, but not A-10 teams, and it has hurt. The players have to be down in the dumps which hurts motivation, focus, etc., and continues the downward cycle. I thought we would win 10 games this year, but don't anymore due to the outside shot impediment. I do think for Sol to keep his job at the end of next year 12-15 wins will need to be a requirement. 13-14 is nearly a .500 record, and I don't think more can be expected, but a healthy Relph to start the season, new recruits supplying more depth, and a year of development under Lee, Hawkins, Carson and Williams as a team should equate to at least 12 -15 wins.

[pete]

In my opinion, we need to restore the reputation of the RC. If we are over .500 at home next year, then the season and coach can be viewed as a success.

[hnk373431]

Bear.... a few weeks ago you started a post about Sol where you indicated that you were unable at that point to determine whether he was a good coach or not. I felt pretty much the same way. Still up in the air? I thought last years team was the least talented that i can remember in following Bonaventure basketball over the past 35 years. Not sure that any coach could have won with the talent on the floor. This year though, I felt there was enough talent for 10 wins. Season still isn't over and there is still a possibility for 2 or 3 wins down the stretch. Not making the A-10 playoffs is a disappointment though. Sol has done a good job in developing Michael Lee and Paul Williams. The team has done a good job on the boards. Have been disappointed in the defense however and can not honestly say that the team on the whole has improved or played to its potential. Hate putting any specific number of wins on next years team without seeing the schedule. More than anything I would like to see the team play improved defense and have a better flow on offense. That may come with better chemistry from having players play together for a period of time. The jury is still out but can't seen any change in coaching being made for at least two years. The school promised Sol 5 years and I think it should stick to that promise.

[BEAR]

hnk I respect that you feel Sol should have 5 years no matter what he does next year, but I am pretty set in my feelings that the A-10 tourney is a must next year or we must look to someone else. As far as my opinion as Sol as a coach I am going to let the results speak for themselves next year, that is why I feel this springs recruiting class is so critical for Sol. In my opinion he will need more talent if he is going to make any strides in the A-10, there are very few coaches he is going to out coach in the A-10 therefore his talent level will have to be better then his opponents. Looking at our returning roster (along with the fall signings) and other A-10 programs the only team we currently have more talent is the Dukes. If he does not sign some impact players this spring we are going to struggle to win many A -10 games next year.