STL hoops without the STL - St. Louis American

Very interesting story here coming from an unusual sort. The columnist suggests Lennox has had his job "questioned." I know there are a few of you out there who have this mindset, but apparently some people in the media view it the same way. It is an interesting conversation, given the coaching carousel is in full swing after Mike Anderson's departure from Mizzou. Thought I would put this out there.

Mike Claiborne - St. Louis American

If there were ever a year to take off from college basketball in the area, this may be it. Saint Louis University fell on hard times before the season started with the suspensions of Willie Reed and Kwamaine Mitchell. Thanks to an administration that had no desire to be fair and impartial, that thought a Kangaroo Court would be more appropriate, the Bills lost their two best and never recovered.

Rick Majerus was under .500 for the first time in his career, and the support started to fade and fade quickly.

It has been a long time since the Billikens have had a season where all who cared to go or follow it were put out of their misery when the season ended. It would be nice to say wait until next year, but who knows if Mitchell will be eligible? Mitchell should be fine but Saint Louis University has nothing inside that would make them a force.

Missouri was also a head-scratcher as Mike Anderson had a team that some thought would compete. They did half the time, as they only won once on the road during conference play. How they got in the tournament is hard to figure, and thank goodness they were sent home after one game.

Anderson will have just about everyone coming back, but if he does not have them wanting to play better defense and play with more intensity, then it will be a repeat of this season. This team suffers from a lack of toughness inside and no real rebounder, so Mizzou has work to do between now and their next cream-puff non-conference game.
Both SIU Edwardsville and Carbondale are wishing they could have a do-over. Both coaches had their job status questioned, as neither team achieved to the level of expectation. Both are good coaches who will not have long to turn it around.

At Illinois, I would just say “See Missouri” if you want to know why they sank. Coach Bruce Webber couldn't wait to get this senior class out of there as they lost touch with each other. Both sides need a change of faces. They will get their wish.

I brought up these schools for one common denominator they all share. None of these programs have any St. Louis flavor that would have impact on the program. It’s not that there isn’t any talent in the area, players have just elected to go elsewhere. There are a variety of reasons, I am sure, but there seems to be a pattern here. A pattern that is a concern.

This is not a boy’s basketball problem; the girls also have an even more glaring situation. There will be somewhere in the vicinity of 5-8 Division 1 players that will be coming out of this area in the next two years. Mention any of the schools above, and there is not even lukewarm interest from most. While some of these programs are going through a transition, the fact that these kids are not giving them a second look is a real concern What happens next is up to the schools. Their athletic directors and coaches need to stop the exodus and stop it quickly, as the good players from St. Louis will soon be seen on TV – and not playing for a program not near you.

NO-CAA for M-E

I am delighted by my decision not to get involved with this year’s tournament. Too many bad teams in a field that is too big. This thing is so watered-down, as the first round proved. So many went home early, and rightfully so. There is a way to fix this thing, and I will break it all down for you next week. It’s easier than you think.

Posted in: Archives,Men's basketball