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Hey, Va, it’s obvious to even the most casual reader the amount of work and thought that goes into each of these installments. I don’t take time often enough to thank you, so…..thank you!
I do think, based on our previous “conversations” that you (like me) just enjoy this sort of exercise, so you’d probably do most of this for your own satisfaction, even without a convenient podium. So I guess what I should actually thank you for is sharing this work with us!
Can anybody explain what defensive PI ? I thought both calls on NCSU DBs were obvious, but then absolutely no call on the similarly obvious one on State’s last drive. What am i too stupid to see?
Hey, CD: thx for keeping the lights on…really appreciate reading every week.
Figured you would have some nostalgia this week….nice read…
You have to admit, the defense team hired by UNC’s money had a stellar strategy. The choreography went something like this:
1) Ok, we’ve already admitted fraud to SACS – we HAD to, it was the only path to getting just the probation. And besides, it’s completely self-evident.
2) Remember that things are different now – the NCAA can’t prosecute us for something we don’t admit to. So, we don’t admit to fraud.
3) This means that the only path to prosecution is “extra benefits”. If they go down that path, all we have to do is show that other students (not athletes) had access to these “classees”, then it can’t be “extra”.
4) Then, at the hearing, when they ask us about the SACS document (stay with me now), we have to hold our noses, and say out loud, while trying to keep a straight face, “the word ‘fraud’ in the SACS document was just a typo.”
5) Ok, now hang with me, this is gonna sound crazy…but then we have to get the University administration, the same ones who called this a fraud to SACS, to say nope, sorry NCAA, none of your business. No, we won’t say the word fraud. I know, I know, sounds crazy, but that’s what we need to do…
6) After the hearing, make sure every public opportunity is made to show confidence, and don’t lost any opportunity to bluster in private about lawsuits…Every single piece of this strategy fell into place like clockwork. And the NCAA either bought it, or was too afraid to challenge, most likely the latter. It was ENTIRELY within the purview of the COI to accept the SACS document as proof of fraud and act on it. If they accept the fraud, the athletes instantly become ineligible, and they can sanction. They WILLFULLY declined the opportunity. This cements their sordid place in history – not only are they effectless paper tigers, they are f*cking cowards.
I don’t know what I expected. Deep down, I never thought any banners were in play. But NOTHING AT ALL also never occurred to me.
I guess I’m in the minority…no athletic booty is worth this kind of betrayal. Not even in the name of a football natty will I rationalize diminishment of what my degree represents. I worked hard for my degree, and it enabled me to lift myself out of a family history of poverty, and make a career for myself. It provided a path for my parents to support me and ensure that I had more opportunity than they ever did. I don’t understand the casual “whatever” that I get from so many otherwise rational, logical friends (who happen to be UNC alums). Hey, the non-alums, I get – but I don’t care about them, and don’t pay them the slightest attention. But the alums – I confess, I will never understand how anyone can rationalize the academic implications away and still seem proud of the athletic accomplishment. Never.
This is much quicker than I expected, since I’m hoping the NCAA is girding their proverbial loins for the post-meltdown lawsuits. Likely just wishful thinking.
I suspect the NCAA hurried this a bit so that they could hold this announcement during the fallout from the FBI investigation – air out all the dirty laundry at once, if you will. This doesn’t bode well for those of us holding out hope for major sanctions.
It’s been proven time and again, the path to consistent NCAA success starts with talent and finishes with defense. Why anyone still thinks “they gotta guard us, too” will work is beyond me. If you can spot-motivate, it can get you an exciting upset or two in March, assuming that you can get there. But it’s not sustainable. And, as we’ve learned this year, when the level of competition rises, it’s not enough to get over even that modest threshold.
I was in school when he played and went to every game I could. His laugh and good humor were infectious, and he was more of a quiet leader, pushing the younger guys, than he was ever given credit. V joked and “exaggerated” about them all, but Shack was the one who could never shed the image. He had a tough life, made some bad choices, and died much too young.
RIP.
Really, really torn on this question, but here’s where I end up: In today’s environment, this is absolutely a question that Dennis and his advisors should consider. If I were advising the young man, here’s what I would say:
1) He literally has nothing to prove on explosiveness, athleticism, attacking the rim, and distributing the ball
2) Dial back on the aggressiveness on offense in order to:
3) Use the rest of the season to showcase his versatility shooting; his 3 point accuracy comes and goes, and his FT shooting is, at times, atrocious for a PG.
4) Use the rest of the season to showcase defense (although I understand that’s difficult to do under his current leadership)I wouldn’t say shut it down right now, b/c he can yet improve his draft positioning, IMO. But I would absolutely be telling him to dial it back.
As the OP said, we knew from the start he was one-and-done. Anybody telling him to come back another year is an absolute fool – for more than one reason. He’s given a lot to NC State this year, and I feel fortunate to have seen him play in the red and white. But when I see no hope for the season for any meaningful results, it’s time for him to think of his future.
Thank, Va, good to be back and to “see” so many friends still here. Took on a new role at the office, in a somewhat tangential field, and I’ve had my nose to the grindstone for a while. Hopefully the breathing breaks will be a little more frequent, now.
Thanks for all that you and the other regular authors do. I know from experience that a lot of preparation can go into a single good post, so I recognize and appreciate the aggregate work as I try to catch up.
As I recall, we share an unrestrained program loyalty, tempered by resigned pragmatism. So here’s to hoping for (but not expecting) some February miracles for the team.
Most of the Old Wolves I know are pragmatic in their expectations, but unapologetic for our pride AND our resolve. NC State can compete, but we need the coaching staff to do it. I clutched madly at the Sendek bandwagon longer than most, but by the time he left, I would have bought him a truck if he’d asked nicely.
If I’m not mistaken, the author has an association with Duke. The irony seems lost on him, but I still see it. Let’s see, start the season with a team absolutely packed with talent, underperform so that the fans start questioning things, get pissed at the competition. Yep sounds familiar.
Meh, sounds like sour grapes after the Durham beat down. He sure as sh!t didn’t tell me anything I don’t already know.
Wanker, tilting at windmills, shouting “look over there” so that a few dumb asses will look away from his team’s issues.
Your excellent analysis and presentation paint a bleak picture. Thanks for the work behind this post.
Defense is tired. Tex is right, offense needs to step up.
It’s clear we weren’t going to be allowed to spoil Clemson’s playoff train, so need to play for credibility here. Play clean, but make damned sure they know they were in a game.
Critical offensive series here to protect against the game getting out of hand.
It’s not like our university will do anything about a screw job by the refs.
We roll over like a bitchA world of THIS.
OMG my heads gonna explode. After all they’ve let go, we’re holding? More like a convenient call to pull us out of field deal range. Unbelievable, unbelievable effort and composure by the team and staff so far.
Not sure why this 4th down decision is so hard for Dabo??? Based on previous tendencies today, I would call sweep and tell the fat guys to hold like hell.
We will need to play near perfect. Like last night in Louisville, the zebs know who are supposed to win. Playing above expectations so far!
