Ever since I decided to write off the 2007-08 season as a learning experience for Sid and staff, things have continued in their perilous course. Clemson and UNC each went on huge scoring runs to finish off the Pack at home, leaving us at 4-8 and on the outside of the NIT bubble. I don’t feel any worse about the status of the program because it’s exactly what I expected – otherwise, I never would have published the “writing off” post.
So, where do we go from here? It’s certainly possible that NC State loses out and ends its season on ACCT Thursday (with a losing record overall). It’s probably equally likely that the Pack ekes out 2 more wins, and maybe gets to ACCT Friday, setting up a certain NIT invite. Although the former sounds awful (and the thought of enduring such a stretch makes me cringe), there could be a silver lining.
A “disaster season” would make certain that no staff member or player takes any shred of validation or ego into the offseason. It will be absolutely clear that their attitude, offseason conditioning, and overall approach need a serious overhaul. No consecutive post-season bids to hang one’s hat on. No sliver of respectability. No hiding from the cold, hard truth. No delusions about being “that close” or “we were just unlucky.”
One needs only to look back to the disaster that was his 5th season. Although most of us hated the Princeton system, at least it was unavoidable that something major had to change – and it did. NOTE: This is not free license to turn this into a Sendek thread – just illustrating how disaster can be the impetus for change.
We have to accept that this team is not going to come together. 2 more weeks of practice won’t help much. The awful chemistry apparent through the entire season won’t be fixed at this late date. Players won’t magically get into shape, either physically or mentally. Yes, I’d like to watch another NIT run – I’m a junkie, and I want to see more (and better) Pack hoops. But I don’t think it would do anything positive for the program.
Please don’t create strawman arguments – this is a way to find a silver lining only. I don’t want NC State to lose out. I certainly hate the thought of Gavin Grant’s season ending like that. I will watch every game, and I will cheer for unexpected victories. if we get an NIT bid, we certainly should accept it.
Just some food for thought as the week comes to a close.
