The Dome was empty...again. Where are the fans?

[Lame-0]

I could care less is another favorite.

If you could care less then you would care less.

Apostrophes in plurals is my other pet peeve. Once I see that, I generally stop reading and completely discount that opinion.

 

[Dinkyspond]

This is a reasonable take, no one should blast it.

My only quibble is that while it's always good to celebrate a win, it's also fair to recognize that this post-Tennessee stretch has been fairly lousy. We gave back all the ground, and more, that we gained with that Tennessee win.

We're going to know much of what we need to about this program by the end of January. 9 ACC games, none against ranked teams. If we're 7-2 or 8-1 in conference play by the time Feb 1st rolls around then we have some hope. If not then it'll be difficult to see a path to the tourney.

we're back to square 1, got up to 60s in NET after Tennessee win, Hofstra loss erased that and middling wins vs St. Joe's, Mercyhurst and Northeastern has in 90s. Gotta find a way to finish in Top 5 in ACC with some Quad 1 wins or it'll be the fifth consecutive absence from March Madness.

 

[Red Holzman]

SyracuseFan.com: Come for the athletic department bashing, stay for the lexicology lessons!

Had to do me some lexicology on "lexicology"!

 

[Irishsecra1]

Iowa State was playing its third game in a row too. That excuse doesn't hold up.

They are currently the number 4 team in the country.
And they were royally pissed off.
I am frankly shocked we hung with them in the first half.

 

[Sbucketball]

John Wildhack on Syracuse’s dwindling basketball crowds: ‘Fans are somewhat disappointed’

Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack acknowledged that fan discontent with the program has been a part of why the school has seen smaller crowds this season.

www.syracuse.com

"Wildhack said that late starting times and bad weather has played a role in the reduced numbers this year but so have four-plus years of bad results."

 

[Scooch]

John Wildhack on Syracuse’s dwindling basketball crowds: ‘Fans are somewhat disappointed’

Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack acknowledged that fan discontent with the program has been a part of why the school has seen smaller crowds this season.

www.syracuse.com

"Wildhack said that late starting times and bad weather has played a role in the reduced numbers this year but so have four-plus years of bad results."

Everything JW said seemed perfectly reasonable to me. He acknowledged that attendance is down in part due to our multi-year run of non-tourney ball.

Said the Hofstra loss was bad (“You can’t lose to Hofstra,” Wildhack said. “No disrespect. That’s a bad loss.) which is a harsher take than some folks here gave.

All the talk that he's somehow clueless or obtuse about the program's struggles don't align with the things he actually says. Not that it'll stop the usual suspects from continuing that narrative.

 

[Cuse1055]

This article gives me more hope than anything that Wildhack will do what has to be done to save the program. He knows how important it is to the university and entire community as a whole.

 

[BigNastyJon]

I don’t schedule my life around SU basketball like I used to either

My significant other keeps getting shocked when I’ll casually mention there’s a game going on (and we’ll be at the store, out to eat, etc.).

It legit makes her sad seeing me not care about something she knew meant so much to me for so long.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

Wildhack isn’t the problem. The problem is about to retire.

 

[Cusefan0307]

JMA dome food is managed by the SU Food Service department and does not report up through the AD.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

The dome was empty for football as well fans have given up on the 2 biggest sports we offer.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

The dome was empty for football as well fans have given up on the 2 biggest sports we offer.

To be fair football was well attended at the beginning of the season. Football fans will be back in September it was just a long season. It’s going on a long decade for basketball.
Need the Micron Center that holds 12k and is a state of the art facility suited for basketball, volleyball and hockey.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

To be fair football was well attended at the beginning of the season. Football fans will be back in September it was just a long season. It’s going on a long decade for basketball.
Need the Micron Center that holds 12k and is a state of the art facility suited for basketball, volleyball and hockey.

Are you suggesting we move the Hoops team into a 12k seat facility, and cap ticket sales? We averaged 18,888 per game just last year.

People were furious during football season when they got moved from one end zone to the other.

Can't imagine getting a letter from SU telling you that you're not one of the 12,000 cool kids.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

Are you suggesting we move the Hoops team into a 12k seat facility, and cap ticket sales? We averaged 18,888 per game just last year.

People were furious during football season when they got moved from one end zone to the other.

Can't imagine getting a letter from SU telling you that you're not one of the 12,000 cool kids.

Great point. The YUM center is 20k. If you could do that and close upper section for less attended sports that would be perfect.

 

[Cuse1055]

Are you suggesting we move the Hoops team into a 12k seat facility, and cap ticket sales? We averaged 18,888 per game just last year.

People were furious during football season when they got moved from one end zone to the other.

Can't imagine getting a letter from SU telling you that you're not one of the 12,000 cool kids.

20,000 seat arena would be perfect but I know it’s a pipe dream.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Great point. The YUM center is 20k. If you could do that and close upper section for less attended sports that would be perfect.

I remember a few poorly attended early season games years ago where the ushers encouraged fans in the 300's to move downstairs.

Maybe we could get free hotdogs?

 

[richmondcuse03]

Everything JW said seemed perfectly reasonable to me. He acknowledged that attendance is down in part due to our multi-year run of non-tourney ball.

Said the Hofstra loss was bad (“You can’t lose to Hofstra,” Wildhack said. “No disrespect. That’s a bad loss.) which is a harsher take than some folks here gave.

All the talk that he's somehow clueless or obtuse about the program's struggles don't align with the things he actually says. Not that it'll stop the usual suspects from continuing that narrative.

Anyone who has spoken to John knows how much he wants to win. This is all very personal to him. He’s what you want. An AD who cares deeply about his Alma mater and wants to win. He also knows how important basketball is from a revenue perspective.

 

[cusefan88]

Wildhack isn't dumb. Pretty sure this is a small wink and nod that the change will come should things end without a tournament appearance.

 

[JimBoston]

Anyone who has spoken to John knows how much he wants to win. This is all very personal to him. He’s what you want. An AD who cares deeply about his Alma mater and wants to win. He also knows how important basketball is from a revenue perspective.

It's hard to believe, but Wildhack has been at Syracuse for almost 10 years now and he will turn 68 next year.

He needs to look in the mirror and admit he made two risky hires in the two most important sports. Neither had head coaching experience when they were hired, so he had to know he was taking a risk. There is enough data on the Red hire to say it didn't work out and it is time for Wildhack to take action. As for Brown, the jury is still out. First year was great, but the second year was not, so year 3 is very important.

 

[nyucuse]

John Wildhack on Syracuse’s dwindling basketball crowds: ‘Fans are somewhat disappointed’

Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack acknowledged that fan discontent with the program has been a part of why the school has seen smaller crowds this season.

www.syracuse.com

"Wildhack said that late starting times and bad weather has played a role in the reduced numbers this year but so have four-plus years of bad results."

Having read and listened to JW's comments, I am (very) cautiously optimistic about the direction of the men's BB program. I don't get the impression the university will take the easy or cheap road or give more chances at this point. A few things:

- JW was a highly respected and very successful media exec. He knows full well the importance of this program to this university, meaning it's outsized importance relative to the vast majority of P4 programs vs FB. He knows the drawing power, fan base size and media attention a good SU attracts - and impact to the bottom line. He knows the potential of the program and that we are nowhere near that at present, and he was by all accounts hamstrung when he retired JB. And let's not forget he is a passionate, passionate fan with a strong family legacy at the university.

- Now maybe I am reading too much into it, and I don't think I am, but it just feels as though JW wants to make a move. I think it is clear he does not feel Red is the right man for the job. He knows he will not lead us back to consistent prominence and odds are quite high that he will be replaced after the season. He seems equally frustrated by the performance as this board is. I also get the impression that Donnie's absence will not serve as an excuse if we are close to a birth. No excuses. 'You are what your record is'.

None of us want to be disappointed come season's end, but I truly feel good here. Meaning I think JW will surprise to the positive when it comes to the program. I'd be shocked if he is not already contemplating a successor and I hope and feel (in significant part bc SU may be the top open spot nationally come year end) that he will put the program in the best position possible to hire an excellent candidate.

 

[Sbucketball]

Having read and listened to JW's comments, I am (very) cautiously optimistic about the direction of the men's BB program. I don't get the impression the university will take the easy or cheap road or give more chances at this point. A few things:

- JW was a highly respected and very successful media exec. He knows full well the importance of this program to this university, meaning it's outsized importance relative to the vast majority of P4 programs vs FB. He knows the drawing power, fan base size and media attention a good SU attracts - and impact to the bottom line. He knows the potential of the program and that we are nowhere near that at present, and he was by all accounts hamstrung when he retired JB. And let's not forget he is a passionate, passionate fan with a strong family legacy at the university.

- Now maybe I am reading too much into it, and I don't think I am, but it just feels as though JW wants to make a move. I think it is clear he does not feel Red is the right man for the job. He knows he will not lead us back to consistent prominence and odds are quite high that he will be replaced after the season. He seems equally frustrated by the performance as this board is. I also get the impression that Donnie's absence will not serve as an excuse if we are close to a birth. No excuses. 'You are what your record is'.

None of us want to be disappointed come season's end, but I truly feel good here. Meaning I think JW will surprise to the positive when it comes to the program. I'd be shocked if he is not already contemplating a successor and I hope and feel (in significant part bc SU may be the top open spot nationally come year end) that he will put the program in the best position possible to hire an excellent candidate.

Over the last couple weeks I've been feeling optimistic that we'll be pleasantly surprised. And I haven't had faith in SU leadership to make basketball elite for quite some time.

 

[Newhouser]

Athletics future is tied to corporate and big alumni support. Does SU have enough of either to stay in the game for the long haul as the ante price escalates. I don't think they do but hope I'm wrong.

 

[OCESIP]

Having read and listened to JW's comments, I am (very) cautiously optimistic about the direction of the men's BB program. I don't get the impression the university will take the easy or cheap road or give more chances at this point. A few things:

- JW was a highly respected and very successful media exec. He knows full well the importance of this program to this university, meaning it's outsized importance relative to the vast majority of P4 programs vs FB. He knows the drawing power, fan base size and media attention a good SU attracts - and impact to the bottom line. He knows the potential of the program and that we are nowhere near that at present, and he was by all accounts hamstrung when he retired JB. And let's not forget he is a passionate, passionate fan with a strong family legacy at the university.

- Now maybe I am reading too much into it, and I don't think I am, but it just feels as though JW wants to make a move. I think it is clear he does not feel Red is the right man for the job. He knows he will not lead us back to consistent prominence and odds are quite high that he will be replaced after the season. He seems equally frustrated by the performance as this board is. I also get the impression that Donnie's absence will not serve as an excuse if we are close to a birth. No excuses. 'You are what your record is'.

None of us want to be disappointed come season's end, but I truly feel good here. Meaning I think JW will surprise to the positive when it comes to the program. I'd be shocked if he is not already contemplating a successor and I hope and feel (in significant part bc SU may be the top open spot nationally come year end) that he will put the program in the best position possible to hire an excellent candidate.

His comments reflect on Red and his staff, but the players have to feel some of that directed to them. That's more than fair given the era of NIL and portal. The question is, how will it affect them going forward. They could take it as a challenge and motivation to up their play, or as a reason to hang it up and move on next year.

My guess is if there's a couple of critical losses early, it will be the latter. Clemson will be a litmus test. It could be a long season.

 

[RedtheGOB]

Having read and listened to JW's comments, I am (very) cautiously optimistic about the direction of the men's BB program. I don't get the impression the university will take the easy or cheap road or give more chances at this point. A few things:

- JW was a highly respected and very successful media exec. He knows full well the importance of this program to this university, meaning it's outsized importance relative to the vast majority of P4 programs vs FB. He knows the drawing power, fan base size and media attention a good SU attracts - and impact to the bottom line. He knows the potential of the program and that we are nowhere near that at present, and he was by all accounts hamstrung when he retired JB. And let's not forget he is a passionate, passionate fan with a strong family legacy at the university.

- Now maybe I am reading too much into it, and I don't think I am, but it just feels as though JW wants to make a move. I think it is clear he does not feel Red is the right man for the job. He knows he will not lead us back to consistent prominence and odds are quite high that he will be replaced after the season. He seems equally frustrated by the performance as this board is. I also get the impression that Donnie's absence will not serve as an excuse if we are close to a birth. No excuses. 'You are what your record is'.

None of us want to be disappointed come season's end, but I truly feel good here. Meaning I think JW will surprise to the positive when it comes to the program. I'd be shocked if he is not already contemplating a successor and I hope and feel (in significant part bc SU may be the top open spot nationally come year end) that he will put the program in the best position possible to hire an excellent candidate.

I'm not so sure of alot of things but he specifically brought up Hofstra. That's a bad loss no matter last year or this year or if we have the best roster or even the worse one in the history of Orange hoops. Good coaches don't lose that game ever and he knows this..

 

[qdawgg]

I'm not so sure of alot of things but he specifically brought up Hofstra. That's a bad loss no matter last year or this year or if we have the best roster or even the worse one in the history of Orange hoops. Good coaches don't lose that game ever and he knows this..

And it’s not just one loss to Hofstra. It’s the multitude of losses by huge margins up to this point. Hofstra games can happen, it’s unfortunate but it’s but one check on a list of things that clearly aren’t going to be turned around.