[teejers1]

Farmboy, you can make the argument that Stanford's early record should have drawn people to Maples.  And maybe that would be the case at other universities.  But the truth is that there has always been a lag time with Stanford fans (see football).

Moreover, there is an argument that discerning hoops fans knew that the record was totally misleading; that the team was inconsistent at best; and that 13-3 proved nothing.  Honestly, that opinion bore out, imo, as the Cardinal stumbled through conference play.  There is no escaping 7th place in the worst Pac 10/12 conference ever. 

BUT, the run to the NIT championship was paved by pretty damn good play against decent to very good opponents, culminating in 2 terrific games in thh last 3 games (home against Nevada, and the championship game).  The defense was enough to get me off the couch yelling at the TV last night, and the offense - especially against Nevada - was beautiful.  To this fan's eyes, there was a qualitiative difference in the level of Stanford's play of late.  THAT play deserves support.  And I hope it comes in the form of improved numbers early next season.

I think it will.

P.S.  Coaching at Stanford is unique in so many respects, including fan enthusiasm/loyalty.  That's just the truth.  If a coach wants the fawning attention and love shown at some other institutions, well, Stanford is not the place.  If a coach is willing to build a winner and enjoys coaching terrific kids (the vast majority are) who will not have you worried about receiving the 3:00 a.m. call from the police, well, Stanford can be a rewarding place.  I've always thought Dawkins was in this latter camp (and was more worried about his ability to build a winner).  But perhaps I was wrong on both counts.  We shall see.

[teejers1]

Farmboy, you can make the argument that Stanford's early record should have drawn people to Maples.  And maybe that would be the case at other universities.  But the truth is that there has always been a lag time with Stanford fans (see football).

Moreover, there is an argument that discerning hoops fans knew that the record was totally misleading; that the team was inconsistent at best; and that 13-3 proved nothing.  Honestly, that opinion bore out, imo, as the Cardinal stumbled through conference play.  There is no escaping 7th place in the worst Pac 10/12 conference ever. 

BUT, the run to the NIT championship was paved by pretty damn good play against decent to very good opponents, culminating in 2 terrific games in thh last 3 games (home against Nevada, and the championship game).  The defense was enough to get me off the couch yelling at the TV last night, and the offense - especially against Nevada - was beautiful.  To this fan's eyes, there was a qualitiative difference in the level of Stanford's play of late.  THAT play deserves support.  And I hope it comes in the form of improved numbers early next season.

I think it will.

P.S.  Coaching at Stanford is unique in so many respects, including fan enthusiasm/loyalty.  That's just the truth.  If a coach wants the fawning attention and love shown at some other institutions, well, Stanford is not the place.  If a coach is willing to build a winner and enjoys coaching terrific kids (the vast majority are) who will not have you worried about receiving the 3:00 a.m. call from the police, well, Stanford can be a rewarding place.  I've always thought Dawkins was in this latter camp (and was more worried about his ability to build a winner).  But perhaps I was wrong on both counts.  We shall see.