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Xville
02-10-2022, 01:29 PM
I think Steele will be our coach next year, regardless of how we finish the regular season, the conference tournament and if we make the Dance or not. The forces that resulted in Steele's selection as coach were almost impossible for Christopher to resist----Steele's long tenure at X, his (presumed) success with a succession of responsibilities, our prior successful coaching hires from within the program, the overall support of his hiring within the fan base (including yours truly). Christopher would have been swimming against a strong current not to promote Steele. Those same forces, along with Steele's close connection to the board and an administrative bureaucracy that does not like "messiness" (firing him would be very messy) make it unlikely Steele will be let go until his firing is long overdue and obvious to all involved.

Unfortunately, Steele was promoted into a job for which he wasn't ready. It was a big job with historical success, lots of visibility and great pressure to succeed. He might have been fine and grown into the position, as many of us thought he would, at a smaller school without the expectations that exist here. He hasn't shown much growth. He has become indecisive and lost in his leadership. We on the board sense this. His players know this. Free is acting out of frustration. His immature behavior has become progressively worse because, I believe, Steele hasn't confronted him. I cannot think of another B.E. coach who would tolerate the stuff we have seen from Free this year, or, going back a couple of years, who would have put up with Q's nonsense. Steele is frozen. His "coach speak" using the same cliches over and over is more evidence. Some think Steele stubborn because he doesn't make changes. I say he says the same things over and refuses to make changes because he doesn't know what to do. He has lost confidence in himself and unable to make tough decisions in a profession that requires tough decisions.

I do not believe we will see this team "get right" this year. I'll bet Christopher knows this. As his boss who, I expect, interacts with him daily and observes how he interacts with his assistants and players, it has to be obvious that Steele has lost the team. If Christopher doesn't know this, he isn't very good because I think I see it with much less exposure to Steele. Nor do I think the influx of talent next year will, on its own, make a difference. Haven't we seen the very same behavior, heard the very same explanations and seen strikingly similar results every year for the last for years despite improved talent?

Further, I expect we will lose current players who will transfer out or like Nunge, simply graduate and move on with life.

He is not going to get fired. Christopher (whether or not he realizes it) is stuck with Steele. There is only one thing I can think of that might, at this point, help. It is time, as others have suggested, to hire a veteran, former head coach with a known and consistent track record, to act as a senior assistant and mentor Steele. I don't know if that will work but I see no path forward for our program (at least in the next couple of years) unless we get Steele help. It has to be someone who can handle Steele's fragility while still being strong enough to lead Steele to where he needs to be as a coach. Finding and hiring that person is a tall order. But, this program is in trouble and Steele needs help even if it is forced upon him.

In my working career I saw plenty of people promoted into jobs for which they were not ready. Many ultimately succeeded; some failed and some just existed, never truly excelling but hanging on with mediocre results. But the higher the expectations and pressure, the more likely was failure. That is where we are with Steele. I have no ill will toward him. He is a good guy, a decent person, and he doesn't deserve to fail the way he is failing. But, absent intervention, the water seems to be circling the drain.

Fantastic post. Thank you

xavierj
02-10-2022, 01:40 PM
I think Steele will be our coach next year, regardless of how we finish the regular season, the conference tournament and if we make the Dance or not. The forces that resulted in Steele's selection as coach were almost impossible for Christopher to resist----Steele's long tenure at X, his (presumed) success with a succession of responsibilities, our prior successful coaching hires from within the program, the overall support of his hiring within the fan base (including yours truly). Christopher would have been swimming against a strong current not to promote Steele. Those same forces, along with Steele's close connection to the board and an administrative bureaucracy that does not like "messiness" (firing him would be very messy) make it unlikely Steele will be let go until his firing is long overdue and obvious to all involved.

Unfortunately, Steele was promoted into a job for which he wasn't ready. It was a big job with historical success, lots of visibility and great pressure to succeed. He might have been fine and grown into the position, as many of us thought he would, at a smaller school without the expectations that exist here. He hasn't shown much growth. He has become indecisive and lost in his leadership. We on the board sense this. His players know this. Free is acting out of frustration. His immature behavior has become progressively worse because, I believe, Steele hasn't confronted him. I cannot think of another B.E. coach who would tolerate the stuff we have seen from Free this year, or, going back a couple of years, who would have put up with Q's nonsense. Steele is frozen. His "coach speak" using the same cliches over and over is more evidence. Some think Steele stubborn because he doesn't make changes. I say he says the same things over and refuses to make changes because he doesn't know what to do. He has lost confidence in himself and unable to make tough decisions in a profession that requires tough decisions.

I do not believe we will see this team "get right" this year. I'll bet Christopher knows this. As his boss who, I expect, interacts with him daily and observes how he interacts with his assistants and players, it has to be obvious that Steele has lost the team. If Christopher doesn't know this, he isn't very good because I think I see it with much less exposure to Steele. Nor do I think the influx of talent next year will, on its own, make a difference. Haven't we seen the very same behavior, heard the very same explanations and seen strikingly similar results every year for the last for years despite improved talent?

Further, I expect we will lose current players who will transfer out or like Nunge, simply graduate and move on with life.

He is not going to get fired. Christopher (whether or not he realizes it) is stuck with Steele. There is only one thing I can think of that might, at this point, help. It is time, as others have suggested, to hire a veteran, former head coach with a known and consistent track record, to act as a senior assistant and mentor Steele. I don't know if that will work but I see no path forward for our program (at least in the next couple of years) unless we get Steele help. It has to be someone who can handle Steele's fragility while still being strong enough to lead Steele to where he needs to be as a coach. Finding and hiring that person is a tall order. But, this program is in trouble and Steele needs help even if it is forced upon him.

In my working career I saw plenty of people promoted into jobs for which they were not ready. Many ultimately succeeded; some failed and some just existed, never truly excelling but hanging on with mediocre results. But the higher the expectations and pressure, the more likely was failure. That is where we are with Steele. I have no ill will toward him. He is a good guy, a decent person, and he doesn't deserve to fail the way he is failing. But, absent intervention, the water seems to be circling the drain.

I agree with most of this and well said. However I do not think he has lost the team. They seem to like Travis and maybe that is a problem too. Maybe he is too nice to them. They also never quit and keep fighting no matter what happens so you also have to credit that. I don’t see Jack moving on as his brother supposedly is going to be a walk on next year so expect Jack back for another year. Maybe Free will transfer out but don’t see Colby, Dwon or any of the freshman. Hunter could I guess but he would the have to sit since he already transferred once. Love Paul and Nate but will be nice to move on to some other guys after this year. Hope Paul and Nate can find that extra gear for the rest of the year. They both deserve it to end well.

markchal
02-10-2022, 02:22 PM
Love Paul and Nate but will be nice to move on to some other guys after this year.

will it? This was a pretty big "win now" year with high expectations because they returned, but next year feels very much like a rebuilding year. Love him or hate him, Scruggs has scored a lot of points for us when we needed baskets. Everyone else looks way too timid to take over.

Too many times under Steele I've thought "it will be better once xyz leaves" and if you're still saying that on year 4, there's probably some bigger issues at play

IM4X
02-10-2022, 02:27 PM
I agree with most of this and well said. However I do not think he has lost the team. They seem to like Travis and maybe that is a problem too. Maybe he is too nice to them. They also never quit and keep fighting no matter what happens so you also have to credit that. I don’t see Jack moving on as his brother supposedly is going to be a walk on next year so expect Jack back for another year. Maybe Free will transfer out but don’t see Colby, Dwon or any of the freshman. Hunter could I guess but he would the have to sit since he already transferred once. Love Paul and Nate but will be nice to move on to some other guys after this year. Hope Paul and Nate can find that extra gear for the rest of the year. They both deserve it to end well.

I don’t see Free going anywhere. I think he loves being at X. If he can just get focused on what his team needs from him and give 100% effort to that cause, this team could start looking dangerous.

drudy23
02-10-2022, 02:38 PM
Steele hasn't lost the team because Steele isn't the hard ass coach who's going to get in their grill to see how they respond. The players know Steele wants to be more of a buddy to them. Steele also knows players will revolt if he turns into a hard-ass, and he knows players, more than ever, dictate your job tenure more than anything.

That's all fine and dandy, but no one is getting better this way. Not Steele and not the players.

xudash
02-10-2022, 03:23 PM
I think Steele will be our coach next year, regardless of how we finish the regular season, the conference tournament and if we make the Dance or not. The forces that resulted in Steele's selection as coach were almost impossible for Christopher to resist----Steele's long tenure at X, his (presumed) success with a succession of responsibilities, our prior successful coaching hires from within the program, the overall support of his hiring within the fan base (including yours truly). Christopher would have been swimming against a strong current not to promote Steele. Those same forces, along with Steele's close connection to the board and an administrative bureaucracy that does not like "messiness" (firing him would be very messy) make it unlikely Steele will be let go until his firing is long overdue and obvious to all involved.

Unfortunately, Steele was promoted into a job for which he wasn't ready. It was a big job with historical success, lots of visibility and great pressure to succeed. He might have been fine and grown into the position, as many of us thought he would, at a smaller school without the expectations that exist here. He hasn't shown much growth. He has become indecisive and lost in his leadership. We on the board sense this. His players know this. Free is acting out of frustration. His immature behavior has become progressively worse because, I believe, Steele hasn't confronted him. I cannot think of another B.E. coach who would tolerate the stuff we have seen from Free this year, or, going back a couple of years, who would have put up with Q's nonsense. Steele is frozen. His "coach speak" using the same cliches over and over is more evidence. Some think Steele stubborn because he doesn't make changes. I say he says the same things over and refuses to make changes because he doesn't know what to do. He has lost confidence in himself and unable to make tough decisions in a profession that requires tough decisions.

I do not believe we will see this team "get right" this year. I'll bet Christopher knows this. As his boss who, I expect, interacts with him daily and observes how he interacts with his assistants and players, it has to be obvious that Steele has lost the team. If Christopher doesn't know this, he isn't very good because I think I see it with much less exposure to Steele. Nor do I think the influx of talent next year will, on its own, make a difference. Haven't we seen the very same behavior, heard the very same explanations and seen strikingly similar results every year for the last for years despite improved talent?

Further, I expect we will lose current players who will transfer out or like Nunge, simply graduate and move on with life.

He is not going to get fired. Christopher (whether or not he realizes it) is stuck with Steele. There is only one thing I can think of that might, at this point, help. It is time, as others have suggested, to hire a veteran, former head coach with a known and consistent track record, to act as a senior assistant and mentor Steele. I don't know if that will work but I see no path forward for our program (at least in the next couple of years) unless we get Steele help. It has to be someone who can handle Steele's fragility while still being strong enough to lead Steele to where he needs to be as a coach. Finding and hiring that person is a tall order. But, this program is in trouble and Steele needs help even if it is forced upon him.

In my working career I saw plenty of people promoted into jobs for which they were not ready. Many ultimately succeeded; some failed and some just existed, never truly excelling but hanging on with mediocre results. But the higher the expectations and pressure, the more likely was failure. That is where we are with Steele. I have no ill will toward him. He is a good guy, a decent person, and he doesn't deserve to fail the way he is failing. But, absent intervention, the water seems to be circling the drain.

A very well written and reasoned post. Greg Christopher is a very sharp individual. At the very least, he is well positioned and equipped to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with Travis when that becomes necessary. That should become necessary if they lose to UCONN on Friday night at home.

Imagine where we would be right now if we had won the last two games. It is terrible being where we are, having lost them.

I still very much like the idea of bringing in a former head coach who has a clue. Sean Miller doesn't need the money. Sean Miller needs some form of re-entry path if he wants to get back into coaching. Sure it may be perceived as awkward to have Travis in the 1st chair and Sean as his key assistant, but don't splash that idea with negativity too quickly. Imagine the amount of press and attention such a move would draw, not to mention the coaching and recruiting chops that would be established in the Cintas Center. Get past the rear view image. Look forward at what could be. It could truly be a hoot and a hell of a (coaching) team.

Would Sean be willing? We'll never know unless we approach him with the idea. The Deal: 3 year minimum commitment; $500,000/ year with incentives for winning the BET and a deep run in the NCAAT; assistance and participation in recruiting on as much a scale as he is willing to absorb; and some unique title that reflects his standing. Michigan pulled it off with one of our old "friends". Let's think about doing it for ourselves.

xukeith
02-10-2022, 03:57 PM
Larry Brown is supposed to be helping Hardaway. Isn't Matta an advisor to IU's coach?
I do think Danny Peters is an asset who has introduced things to Steele.
Love Miller but it has been what 15 years since he has been at X?

I don't see a correlation between experienced assistant coach and more wins for any program.

xukeith
02-10-2022, 04:00 PM
In second half, X had what 2 turnovers ?
I don't think SH dominated the second half. So theoretically if X starts strong and finishes strong, they will win.

Big IF.
Will 10-9 get X in? How about 9-10?

Xville
02-10-2022, 04:05 PM
Larry Brown is supposed to be helping Hardaway. Isn't Matta an advisor to IU's coach?
I do think Danny Peters is an asset who has introduced things to Steele.
Love Miller but it has been what 15 years since he has been at X?

I don't see a correlation between experienced assistant coach and more wins for any program.

Iu will probably make their first tourney since 2016, and Woodson has actually been a head coach before.

Michigan may be having a tough year but Martelli certainly seemed to help Howard as a first time head coach when they were within a bucket of a final four.

Hell even Rick pitino who is one of the best college coaches ever had older advisors on his staff during different parts of his tenure.

I disagree with your assessment, especially for a guy who is obviously struggling his first time in the big chair and not improving.

N67ER
02-10-2022, 08:01 PM
Our guards get blown by constantly on suarays to the paint.
How much worse can KyKy be?
In addition to not playing much defense, he isn’t very big or strong. He was a terrible passer as well. He was/is fun to watch, but frankly wasn’t bring a lot to the team. I’d love to see him come back next year with added strength and a dedication to defending.

Xville
02-10-2022, 08:09 PM
It’s weird when people say he didn’t bring a lot to the team considering his freshman year when he was all big East freshman, was the best shooter on the team that year and one of the best his second year, and he actually is pretty strong..he’s got an odom like build so I have no clue where that comes from. I wish he would be given a chance,l here but unless Steele is gone that’s not happening. He’s not a good enough practice player I guess….it’s weird Steele is all about his guys..really the only one he’s ever given criticism to his kyky.

xuphan
02-10-2022, 08:16 PM
It’s weird when people say he didn’t bring a lot to the team considering his freshman year when he was all big East freshman, was the best shooter on the team that year and one of the best his second year, and he actually is pretty strong..he’s got an odom like build so I have no clue where that comes from. I wish he would be given a chance,l here but unless Steele is gone that’s not happening. He’s not a good enough practice player I guess….it’s weird Steele is all about his guys..really the only one he’s ever given criticism to his kyky.

Was shocked when kyky didn’t transfer last summer. Wonder why he came back?

Xville
02-10-2022, 08:26 PM
Was shocked when kyky didn’t transfer last summer. Wonder why he came back?

Don’t know… rumors out that he just loves the school itself, or that he only got a few offers that he didn’t think was a good fit. Only he really knows I guess.

xavierj
02-10-2022, 08:34 PM
It’s weird when people say he didn’t bring a lot to the team considering his freshman year when he was all big East freshman, was the best shooter on the team that year and one of the best his second year, and he actually is pretty strong..he’s got an odom like build so I have no clue where that comes from. I wish he would be given a chance,l here but unless Steele is gone that’s not happening. He’s not a good enough practice player I guess….it’s weird Steele is all about his guys..really the only one he’s ever given criticism to his kyky.

Kyky is also one of the most athletic kids on the team and the team lacks athleticism. What happened to him is a head scratcher.

UCGRAD4X
02-11-2022, 04:16 AM
Steele hasn't lost the team because Steele isn't the hard ass coach who's going to get in their grill to see how they respond. The players know Steele wants to be more of a buddy to them. Steele also knows players will revolt if he turns into a hard-ass, and he knows players, more than ever, dictate your job tenure more than anything.

That's all fine and dandy, but no one is getting better this way. Not Steele and not the players.

I remember an old adage about teachers "Don't smile until Christmas."

It is actually based on research. Teachers who start the season as a hard ass and then let up later are seen as more tolerant, respected and competent in the long run. Teachers who start out nice and then when students don't respond, become more strict, are seen as mean, weak, less respected and less competent.