I have to say, while I am very frustrated by our first round loss (a waste of $10 to espn to watch, which resulted in a lot of vulgar language at my computer due to our big men missing layups and gant missing almost everthing), deeper reflection makes me think this is for the best. Watching our owls take so long to get off the floor when the buzzer rang with their jerseys over their face may be beneficial for next year. Why???? Everyone is back and they will be hungrier. Lets face it, we weren't going to win four in a row anyway. Losing to a team they were supposed to beat will make them more humble and make them work harder in the off season. Thoughts for next season:

1. Gant: You are amazing, but way to arrogant as a freshman. Learn to become consistent and that you are not going to hit every three. When you are cold, admit and pass.
2. All big men…. learn to relax and hit layups and freethrows. You do not need to shoot as soon as the ball hits your hands under the net. Stay cool and get a  good shot off.
3. Raymond Taylor….. you are the man! Just remember not to get careless with the ball. You are our leader. When you get wild with the ball, it effects the other four men on the court.
4. Jarvis… they are young men. Call the timeout earlier. Dont wait until the lead extends to 14 in a conference game.

Any other thoughts from my fellow owl fans about next year? Anyone disagree or agree with this analysis?

This is a very young team that was competing against the league's top Seniors quite a few times when we "missed the mark".

This year, IMO, was a bonus in some regards…nobody expected us to even do what we did…we will get a lot better, and will offer a new wrinkle at the four with Kore White coming into the line-up at the four spot…he is very talented, and will turn some heads immediately.

Besides, someone needs to take all of the scoring pressure off of Greg Gantt…

Very proud of the team, and what they accomplished this year…looking forward to bigger and better things to come!

Starting in November

I think all of us may have been a bit naive thinking that this team could make a run for the title this year, maybe not though. There were times this year where we saw how GOOD this team can be if we are clicking on all cylinders. I know that without a doubt we could/would beat anyone in this league (and from others) when we play our best because of how talented this team is. I believe like everyone else does, that this year was a bonus year. The fact that we even had a CHANCE for a bye with 3 games left shows just what bonus this year was. We have talent all over the court and I think that a solid off season will help them become even better. I really hope Sanchez comes back next year. I feel like this loss is going to give our guys the initiative to push themselves to get better. We have one of the best shot blockers and best assists man in the country along with one of the best 3 point shooters as well. This team has promise and I think next year we'll be contending for the title. This team learned alot this year and I feel it will show next year. One thing I feel we are missing is an offensive big man. Most of Royster's points come from dunks, layups and free throws. We don't have someone who can make a move off the dribble or shoot a short jumper (ie Carlos Monroe). If Royster can get better at this in the off season then that will just open up another aspect of our game. I think Simpson can get there as he gets older. Over all this team was an awesome and exciting team to watch and I know they must be disappointed now but use this to get better and show everyone that we belong at the top next year!

GO OWLS

Great leap in talent over last year.  A lot of fun to watch.  This loss will be good.  These young kids come from successful high school programs and now realize just how difficult it is to be successful at the next level.  That's why I always talk of the respect I have for WKU in basketball.  They are in the same conference and have been to the sweet 16 seven times.  We know it can be done here; it takes years of improvement.  We have made the step in the right direction.

I agree with Fasho, we have to have an offensive big man.  We will never advance without one.  When we went small and improved it was fun, but you will live and die with that in the long run.  At some point we have to play fundamental basketball and that means having a big man.  The run and gun will win us some sun belt games but will not get us to the next level of competition.

Overall, the product on the court is worth buying into.  Great entertainment.  We need the students, alumni, and community to come out and support this team next year.  It is worth the price of admission.  That has never been the case before.

Go Owls!!!

I have been going to games on and off for years but due to the way this played I will be purchasing season basketball tickets as well as football tickets next year.

The Owls are much better, but the last four games showed Coach has a lot of work to do! If losing the last three (two at home!) after a legitimate shot at one of the three (3) byes does not motivate them, what will. The 6'8" all-state transfer should help but I hope there is still room one more "big" man. The opposing D's have no reason to collapse in making all those threes contested and not wide open looks. Can't hurt, not to mention more rebounds and better D. Let's just hope they can make a close shot, should be very high percentage, but now it's more like a prayer. As ugly as our shooting was vs. USA, we should have one that one with either of the last two "attempts". Go Owls - stay hungry, no, be hungrier!

I always thought our D was a bit soft....I think we play our best when we press...this means getting a deep bench....it will come when we can get some young guys to improve...

The defense was definitely the soft spot this year…

Jarvis made mention of that consistently towards the end of the season…and, rightfully so.

He is content with our offense, and now wants to see the same progression on the other side of the ball…

Even with minimal improvement we will be a dangerous team next year…but something tells me it will be greater than that