RChildress107
Well-known member
So it seems like most people are in agreement that something similar to Skip’s first season (KP: 30, 21-13 (9-7), ACCT semis, and Round of 32) is the expectation for Manning next year.
Nope. Right in line with you and every other person that doesn’t act like the sky is falling. He has next year to produce, if not he’s gone. I even said the 2019 recruiting class being subpar combined with a good season would have me feeling pretty bad about our future with him. I get the rep of being a huge manning fan because I tell people how stupid some of their specific critiques are. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
I want to be an 8 seed or better next year (could be lower if we win 1/2 games in the tourney) and have a good incoming class for 2019 or I’ll think Manning needs to go. My stance really isn’t something absurd like the people all in their feelings seem to suggest it is. Pretty moderate, actually.
I'm not going to pound pavement for Manning to be removed; but it's tough watch our defense, intensity and turnovers and think that Manning has signs of becoming a good head coach. Right now he seems to be a decent recruiter and big man specialist. Nothing more.
My criteria:
1. Any one of the following (20 wins, >500 in ACC play, NCAA birth)
2. 2 four star 2019 recruits
Barring unforeseen departures/injury, I'm very confidant next year's team will be good. I'm mostly worried that this year will screw up recruiting for 2019 and we will end up with backup choices that are 3* non-starter level ACC players. We have 3 players (Hoard/Brown/Sarr) that could be similar to Collins---ie they have potential to blow up and leave early and it is hard to know if and when that actually happens. With turnover in college Bball these days we just can't have major gaps in recruiting years since Wake can't fill these with top level JUCO/transfers like other programs.
and the next guy will come in and have a full cupboard to take to the post-season.
This is what he must do in 18-19 and 19-20. I don't think that even the strongest Manning supporter would state otherwise. He must produce consistent success. All I have ever really seen argued (outside of maybe CharlotteDeac - who seems to be a huge fan of Manning), is that Manning deserves more patience as a coach due to the steaming pile of crap he inherited. Every coach gets a year or two of grace to figure things out. I think Manning deserves about 3-4. Come next year, he will need to produce or hit the road.
Man if we sign two 4-stars in 19 I will be absolutely giddy about our future, doesn't even matter if Manning turns out to be a dud at that point, we will be set up. Either Manning will succeed and we will have our coach, or he will flop, and the next guy will come in and have a full cupboard to take to the post-season.
A somewhat related question: What would this team have to do over the rest of this season to make you hopeful for next season?
You used to be a coach which gives you some added credibility on this subject. I wonder if it also gives you added sympathy for a struggling coach.
My question is "what specifically has Manning shown that gives you confidence that Manning knows what he is doing and is a good coach and will have a banner year next year?"
I have seen very little to suggest it. Do you think Wake just needs the talent and coaching is over rated?
winning a game might be nice
That’s not mutually exclusive with being a good head coach. Good recruiting is the best way to fix defense and turnover issues. Not even going to address “intensity”. We could have a team full of Wojos and Hansbroughs but if we were losing someone on here would still be bitching about “intensity”.
He coached a top 40 team in year 3 despite inheriting a program with 3* talent that hasn’t been relevant in 4 years.
He recruited two top 35 players who will both be on the roster next year to go along with 3 other top 100 players.
Far from conclusive but certainly more than very little.
Is this incoming class as good on paper as the one BZ inherited year one? I don't think it is.
Missing out on the round of 64 with one of the all time great talents at Wake would have me rethinking just about everything I did as a coach. Certainly would not be a laurel to rest upon.