There's a lot of misconceptions on here about Mike Anderson Lovers and Mike Anderson Haters.
I don't see anyone that has been in the Mike Anderson camp making absurd predictions right now, nor have i ever seen any make absolute bold statements or predictions of final fours or national championships. Haven't seen anyone state that next years team would be great or predict a win tota but i've seen plenty of folks state that we will be terrible and predict .500 or under for the season.
The folks that are voicing their concern are making statements like:
"This team will be terrible"
"Mike Anderson can't recruit"
"Welp, on to plan x,y and z"
"They have no plan"
"They will be in the bottom half of the SEC"
"SEC is the worst power conference in the country"- Personal favorite of mine, we put five teams in last year and have had 5 teams in the top 25 recruiting ranks in the last four years.
Which side is more realistic?
Here are the facts:
Anderson has increased Arkansas' win total in each of his first four seasons, from 18 his first year to 27 this season.
"Anderson's Elite Eight team went 31-7 during the 2008-2009 season, but lost its top three scorers in DeMarre Carroll (16.6 points), Leo Lyons (14.6) and Matt Lawrence (9.2).
Missouri went 23-11 the next season, including 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament with a victory over Clemson and loss to West Virginia, with sophomore guard Kim English improving his scoring average from 6.5 to 14.6 points, sophomore guard Marcus Denmon improving from 6.0 to 10.4, sophomore forward Laurence Bowers from 3.7 to 10.2, junior forward Justin Stafford from 3.4 to 8.6 and with freshman guard Michael Dixon averaging 8.1 points.
"We were right back in the NCAA Tournament the next year because we were a team," Anderson said. "When someone leaves, it gives another guy opportunities.
""You're going to look at this team next year and say, 'Man, I didn't know this guy could do that.' As a coach, that's what you look forward to. You look forward to the challenges of getting your team to compete at the highest level."
I pose a question to those that feel we will be terrible next year- what facts do you have to support that? How do you know? Serious question. Put it on paper and tell us why we will be so terrible. What part of Mike Anderson's history gives you a clear path on next years success? What teams in the SEC will beat us for sure? What teams don't we match up with well?
I really don't care that i'm labeled a Mike Anderson hugger, lover. If he falls on his ass next year and fails to address the recruiting needs i'll eat some crow but based on history and facts, this program will continue to rise whether you like it or not. Any any speculation on the Hogs next year, or the rest of the SEC is just that, pure speculation.
I wish i could be more like Damone and Ag and be more even keel. Both great, neutral posters. Damone even gave me a reality check and that's hard to do. Anyway, i won't make another MA thread for awhile.
I don't see anyone that has been in the Mike Anderson camp making absurd predictions right now, nor have i ever seen any make absolute bold statements or predictions of final fours or national championships. Haven't seen anyone state that next years team would be great or predict a win tota but i've seen plenty of folks state that we will be terrible and predict .500 or under for the season.
The folks that are voicing their concern are making statements like:
"This team will be terrible"
"Mike Anderson can't recruit"
"Welp, on to plan x,y and z"
"They have no plan"
"They will be in the bottom half of the SEC"
"SEC is the worst power conference in the country"- Personal favorite of mine, we put five teams in last year and have had 5 teams in the top 25 recruiting ranks in the last four years.
Which side is more realistic?
Here are the facts:
Anderson has increased Arkansas' win total in each of his first four seasons, from 18 his first year to 27 this season.
"Anderson's Elite Eight team went 31-7 during the 2008-2009 season, but lost its top three scorers in DeMarre Carroll (16.6 points), Leo Lyons (14.6) and Matt Lawrence (9.2).
Missouri went 23-11 the next season, including 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament with a victory over Clemson and loss to West Virginia, with sophomore guard Kim English improving his scoring average from 6.5 to 14.6 points, sophomore guard Marcus Denmon improving from 6.0 to 10.4, sophomore forward Laurence Bowers from 3.7 to 10.2, junior forward Justin Stafford from 3.4 to 8.6 and with freshman guard Michael Dixon averaging 8.1 points.
"We were right back in the NCAA Tournament the next year because we were a team," Anderson said. "When someone leaves, it gives another guy opportunities.
""You're going to look at this team next year and say, 'Man, I didn't know this guy could do that.' As a coach, that's what you look forward to. You look forward to the challenges of getting your team to compete at the highest level."
I pose a question to those that feel we will be terrible next year- what facts do you have to support that? How do you know? Serious question. Put it on paper and tell us why we will be so terrible. What part of Mike Anderson's history gives you a clear path on next years success? What teams in the SEC will beat us for sure? What teams don't we match up with well?
I really don't care that i'm labeled a Mike Anderson hugger, lover. If he falls on his ass next year and fails to address the recruiting needs i'll eat some crow but based on history and facts, this program will continue to rise whether you like it or not. Any any speculation on the Hogs next year, or the rest of the SEC is just that, pure speculation.
I wish i could be more like Damone and Ag and be more even keel. Both great, neutral posters. Damone even gave me a reality check and that's hard to do. Anyway, i won't make another MA thread for awhile.
