Yesterday’s News and Observer article focused primarily on recruiting and the uncertain situation of incoming freshmen Davis, Werner, and Horner. My general take on this is that things will work out (perhaps with some attrition), but that it is nothing to obsess over. Just an inevitable part of a coaching change.
However, towards the end of the article, the N&O talks with Director of Basketball Operations Quentin Jackson. QJ had this to say about scheduling:
While Harris must focus on maintaining recruiting momentum, State’s new director of basketball operations, Quentin Jackson, already is looking at filling holes in future game schedules. About 95 percent of next season’s nonconference schedule is set, Jackson said Thursday, so he is focused on the 2007-08 season and beyond.
“We want to play the top teams in the country because that’s what we did when we played,” said Jackson, the starting point guard for the Wolfpack’s 1987 ACC Tournament championship team.
At the same time, he added, State will balance the nonconference schedule with games against mid-major conference opponents and non-ACC teams from within the state.
“I don’t want to schedule him out of a job,” Jackson joked, referring to Lowe. “But at the same time, to challenge the kids to reach their highest potential, if you [want to] do that consistently, you’re going to play some of those top 20 teams.”
I agreee 100%. A non-conference schedule needs to CHALLENGE a team. Playing a bunch of cupcakes can inflate your overall record and assure an NIT berth, but it hurts your RPI and you enter ACC play with bad habits that better non-conference foes would have exposed (and given you a chance to correct). It’s also good preparation for the NCAA Tournament to have played good teams (including mid-majors) other than familiar ACC foes. QJ also nicely addressed the strawman argument, noting that there are options other than Cupcake City and Murderer’s Row. You do need a few bunny games to experiment with player rotations and offensive/defensive sets. It’s when you have too many of these games that it hurts your program. Over the past 8 seasons, NC State has had an OOC strength of schedule of 200 or worse SIX times (thanks again, VaWolf). I look forward to Coach Lowe and QJ changing that.
