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I guess I'm in random observation mode today. At any rate, these are some thoughts that have been running around my head today, mainly in comparing the Marshall era to the Turgeon era.
One thing that is necessary to put things in perspective is the greater strength - top to bottom - of the MVC between those early 2000's seasons and now. The MVC was hovering in the 10+ area of the RPI rankings then. It's been 8th or better the past several years. The hill is now a steeper climb.
The first years of each regime was similar. Rag-tag first recruiting class and low conference finish. Obviously, we're only in the 2nd year of the Marshall Plan. When I look back at Turgeon's first true class (not counting the ones who left) I see a group of guys that all had talent but glaring weaknesses. Burns' decision making, Howard's antics and shooting, Kampman's inconsistency, Miller's "softness".
But those weren't the players who got us a Valley championship. It wasn't until the next class or two that brought in Cooz, Ogirri and Braeuer, then saw the additions of Wilson, Bradley and Martin to go along with Miller, that Turgeon put the type of team on the floor we want to see year after year.
Even with a stronger MVC and a sub-par 2nd season, I see some similarities, but also the potential with guys like Manigault, Hamilton and possibly Coy and Orukpe in the wings, to rise even quicker. The real question will be, as I alluded to in another topic, can the players execute Marshall's system and can his system be successful in the Valley?
I guess what I'm saying is that it's way to early to get too down on this team or program. Not that anyone is in panic mode, but the signs are starting to appear.
One thing that is necessary to put things in perspective is the greater strength - top to bottom - of the MVC between those early 2000's seasons and now. The MVC was hovering in the 10+ area of the RPI rankings then. It's been 8th or better the past several years. The hill is now a steeper climb.
The first years of each regime was similar. Rag-tag first recruiting class and low conference finish. Obviously, we're only in the 2nd year of the Marshall Plan. When I look back at Turgeon's first true class (not counting the ones who left) I see a group of guys that all had talent but glaring weaknesses. Burns' decision making, Howard's antics and shooting, Kampman's inconsistency, Miller's "softness".
But those weren't the players who got us a Valley championship. It wasn't until the next class or two that brought in Cooz, Ogirri and Braeuer, then saw the additions of Wilson, Bradley and Martin to go along with Miller, that Turgeon put the type of team on the floor we want to see year after year.
Even with a stronger MVC and a sub-par 2nd season, I see some similarities, but also the potential with guys like Manigault, Hamilton and possibly Coy and Orukpe in the wings, to rise even quicker. The real question will be, as I alluded to in another topic, can the players execute Marshall's system and can his system be successful in the Valley?
I guess what I'm saying is that it's way to early to get too down on this team or program. Not that anyone is in panic mode, but the signs are starting to appear.
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