Bilas on Lowe: “They’ve Just Got To Give Him The Time”

08-09 Basketball Media NCS Basketball Quotes of Note Sidney Lowe53

There’s nothing like saying the same thing three or four times in the same paragraph to make a point:

Bilas: Lowe Just Needs Some Time

“But I think Sidney (Lowe) is a good coach, and I think every guy needs some time. And he hasn’t had that yet. I’ll tell you one thing, when they let Herb Sendek walk out the door and didn’t try to stop him, most people in basketball knew they were losing a really good coach and that they were going to have to take a step back to get back to where they wanted to be.”

“This is the step-back portion. Whether they can take the step forward, we’ll see. I think they hired a good coach and a really, really good guy. They just need to give him the time. This is what they wanted and they’ve got it. They’ve got to give him the time.”

Maybe it’s just me, but does every single media discussion of NC State have to start with our former coach?  Three seasons is more than enough time.  I’ll stop now because this is not a HWSNBN discussion.

Anyway, I am not under the impression that Coach Lowe is under win-or-else pressure this season…yes, fans are hungry for success, but I also think that Wolfpack fans realize that last season’s problems stemmed from injuries, inexperience, and yes, some personality issues (that thankfully weren’t enunciated in the press.) I also think that as much as State’s chances were over-rated going into last year, they are perhaps equally underrated going in to 2008-09.  No, I am not saying they’ll be at the top of the heap, but I do think that this year’s squad will outperform media expectations.  At least I hope so.

This is Lowe’s third squad.  Next year and the year after, he will have largely recruited his own players and at that time we can take a fair and objective look at the work he’s doing at the Wolfpack helm.  So far, recruiting for this year and beyond look good under Lowe, so count me amongst those that are optimistic in the long-run.

08-09 Basketball Media NCS Basketball Quotes of Note Sidney Lowe

53 Responses to Bilas on Lowe: “They’ve Just Got To Give Him The Time”

  1. SEAT.5.F.2 10/21/2008 at 2:44 PM #

    “This is what they wanted and they’ve got it.”

    I love that Bilas and everyone, media and people who look down on the institution (alot of overlap) think that the Wolfpack got what we should have got out of this.

    Foul up has the easiest job in major college athletics. Him not acknowleging that firms like Neinas are not the standard but practically the rule in this modern market of high salary, high stakes sports. He treated the thing like it was a HS coaching search, break out your rola-dex get on the horn for an hour, take and hour break.

  2. BoKnowsNCS71 10/21/2008 at 3:58 PM #

    For the next couple of years I’m with Coach Lowe. As for HSNBN — I won’t say I would never go fishin’ with the man but he ran an average unexciting 3rd or 4th place program. Rarely if ever going deep into the NCAAT — always the competitor — never the champion. But this is not about H — it’s exactly what Bilas said (and i don’t think he is looking down on state — I think he’s just being honest) we did have to take a step back to get to where we want to be. One step backward — eventually 2 steps forward.

    And yes the hiring circus by our AD looked like 20 clowns getting into and out of a small car at the Ringling Brothers show — we wound up with a pretty smart guy who’s resume is not college ball but has appeal to young NBA hopefuls. And Coach Lowe was smart enough to hire the right people under him who had the right resumes and experience.

    Even H did that when he hired that Coach as an assistant. I felt at the time (when we started winning some) that we had finally hired a coach to go along with H.

    I will be glad when we finally reach the point where all of this angst and self flagellation by the second guessers, the pessimists, and the divisive is over and we all reunite and celebrate some victories (regardless of the capabilities of our AD) .

  3. packof81 10/21/2008 at 4:02 PM #

    Of course Bilas is going to toss us a barb any chance he gets. He’s a former dookey.

  4. howlie 10/21/2008 at 4:06 PM #

    I’m not quite sure Bilas knew what he was trying to say. With the recruiting class Sid ALREADY has, next year–and the years ahead–are looking fine [to world-shocking if Wall &/or Favors sign]… and thus, Sid will not only “have time” but wild support and celebration.

    Bilas’ nebullous point seemed to be that most programs NATURALLY “take a step back” when the coaching change is made; and before that program “takes a step forward.” Bilas, himself, was the one who “called out” last year’s team on national TV for its’ sour team relationships. There was nothing ‘natural’ about it… which Bilas still wonders about the ‘unnaturalness’ of it still with a key player having been left behind on a trip this year…

    It’s as if Bilas is saying SID should have time to allow ‘time to heal all’ with some players graduating from the program [?]. To me, that’s irresponsible of any new coach. Instead, take the reins tight and let the players know who–and who alone–is in charge. Which Sid has done.
    And that does NOT need “time.” It simply needs attention by a strong leader. THAT, I believe, we have.

  5. SEAT.5.F.2 10/21/2008 at 4:25 PM #

    You may be unto what Bilas was getting at, the nebulluss stuff, Howlie.

    I happen to think as a lawyer Bilas is a pretty concise guy with his words, there is not much hidden is his meaning.

    When he says “I think Lowe is a good coach..” and “most people knew they were losing a REALLY good coach” in sentences next to each other then he didn’t leave himself a lot of wiggle room in case someone asks him “so you think we eff’ed up Jay?”

    My main point is that he summarized everything as “they got what they wanted”, which is what we hear 99% of the time. Really!? Because for some odd reason I was embarrassed as hell once when watching a live telecast on ESPN that Steve Lavin was doing. He was very candid about all of it and it really nailed home how completely screwed we were at the time.

  6. RBCRowdy 10/21/2008 at 5:01 PM #

    Regardless of what you think of Lowe’s coaching ability, this team will be in the top third of the ACC soon if he keeps recruiting the way he is right now.

  7. Trip 10/21/2008 at 5:14 PM #

    ^^^ Even if Lowe did nothing but golf, with the collection of talent that (could) be here next year, we’d win just playing streetball.

  8. highstick 10/21/2008 at 5:30 PM #

    As, with most attorneys, their use of the English language is far superior to than their ability to understand anything that does not represent billable hours or net fees to their firm.

    We let Herb go without trying to stop him? Jeez, we were all hoping he’d go, Jay! Get over it!

  9. Anthony Grundy 10/21/2008 at 5:53 PM #

    I actually like Jay Bilas. I think he’s much more insightful than most of the other guys on TV.

    Regarding the Herb thing, I think we should just get over it. Time will tell. We don’t need to discuss every time his name comes up. We don’t need to wish him failure either at ASU. He did his best and improved the program while he was here. Eventually, we will either be proven right or proven wrong. I have faith that our team will improve. I’d rather have volatility from season to season (Lowe) than a glass ceiling constraining our team b/c of commitment to a princeton style offense (Herb).

  10. Primewolf 10/21/2008 at 7:25 PM #

    Jay apparently really hasn’t analyzed the situation much. Herb more than peaked at NC State and I dare him to prove that he hadn’t
    peaked, based on performance on the court and recruiting. It is just that the players and style they were playing weren’t going to cut it. And Herb knew that. That is why he left.

    Sid has yet to prove he is a “really good coach”. I think he is proving he is a really good recruiter. Now if he becomes a really good coach, then we will all be happy and all the naysayers can eat their collective hat.

    Sid needs to replace one or more assistants and get a real defensive teacher/hard ass. If I don’t see some decent defense and rebounding this year, then I don’t think Sid has learned much at all in his first two years.

  11. EverettBeez 10/21/2008 at 7:49 PM #

    I don’t understand how anyone can consider us anything but some of the most patient fans on earth. Promise so many years followed by heartbreak so more times then not, and yet we show up and send money, and blog over and over and over again.

    We are either incredibly patient, or idiots, or some combo there of.

  12. Packster 10/21/2008 at 8:11 PM #

    We lost under Herb when it mattered. I’m thrilled he’s gone and I would never wish him back. These are the days of Lowe. It will take a lot of losses under coach Lowe before I start having anywhere near the same amount of bad taste I had in my mouth with Sendek.

  13. LRM 10/21/2008 at 8:14 PM #

    I, for one, couldn’t give a rat’s ass what Jay Bilas, or any other analyst/commentator/columnist thinks about our decisions.

    The problem with analysts is they have no vested interest in a program’s success (for purposes of remaining objective, or whatever the party line is). But they do, however, develop personal relationships with the coaches they cover, so when they comment on coaching situations, they simply cannot remain impartial. Which means every time anyone from ESPN or anywhere else is asked about our situation, they can’t resist taking a swipe at us.

    In the end, non-State fans don’t get to determine how we measure our own success. That’s just not how it works for me.

  14. choppack1 10/21/2008 at 8:31 PM #

    The statement: This is what they wanted and they’ve got it
    can mean alot of things.

    a) They wanted Herb Sendek gone before that got rid of their inept AD, so they’ve missed the tourney the last 2 years after making it 5 straight.

    b) They wanted a great coach gone, so they deserve to have sucked the last 2 years.

    c) They wanted Sidney Lowe – or a coach like him, so they just need to wait till he gets his players in.

    Hopefully, it’s c.

    I do have to wonder, if Herb was such a great coach, why didn’t he leave the program in better shape. Compare the program Herb left vs. what TOB left. (For the record, I think Herb did a pretty good job, but he never got the kind of wins he needed to satisfy most of the fanbase.)

    Regarding Sid – if I was AD, his seat would be warm. Given the relative futility for much of the first 2 years, we can’t afford a 3rd year, like his 2nd one. However, to keep his job, his team would just have to play hard and show preparation and execution for him to keep it.

    Right now, he’s looking like a special recruiter. Unlike the NBA, Sidney Lowe has complete control on who is his roster. So his results could be drastically different than they were in the NBA.

    Keep in mind, he hasn’t proven he’s even a good college coach yet or can run a college program yet. However, he’s got a huge upside – and I’m hoping he does well enough this year so that we all get a chance to see it.

  15. Ismael 10/21/2008 at 8:43 PM #

    I just remember the situation when the dust settled and we saw who was in the starting line-up, 6 M’Fing players, maybe 7 if you count Fergie’s hair. And he COACHED them to the ACC Tournament Final with a win over Duke and a regular season win over M-F’ing UNC-CH

    Someone include that Hubert Davis ESPN commercial where he calls Bilas “boy”. Then quickly delete it, i can’t stand too much tarhole stuff on here, i guess we could classify it as ESPN stuff.

  16. Wulfpack 10/21/2008 at 8:49 PM #

    “Regardless of what you think of Lowe’s coaching ability, this team will be in the top third of the ACC soon if he keeps recruiting the way he is right now.”

    No, not necessarily. You can recruit all the studs in the world, but if you don’t know how to coach them up, how to mold them into a cohesive unit, then it’s going to be tough to finish in the top third in the ACC. Hewitt has recruited some great players, but hasn’t been able to put it together. Of course, a lot of this has to do with guys leaving way way too early. And we need to be very careful of that.

    I have a very strong hunch that Sid is a tremendous recruiter. But I’m going to withhold judgment on his abilities as a head coach. Place the blame where you want but the facts are that he hasn’t exactly proved that this isn’t the case thus far. I just need him to prove it to me.

  17. redfred2 10/21/2008 at 9:02 PM #

    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”
    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”
    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”
    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”
    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”
    “…this is not a HWSNBN discussion.”

    I’m trying.

  18. Otis 10/21/2008 at 9:55 PM #

    Ok i have to know – what exactly does HWSNBN stand for?

  19. Gene 10/21/2008 at 10:41 PM #

    I’m reserving judgment about Lowe till I see how we do this year. Last year was a mess, but realistically, we’re not sporting all world talent on this team this year and will have players we need to hope dramatically improve over last year, if we are going to have a chance.

    All I’m really looking for is improvement in the basics. Fewer turnovers, better rebounding, etc. on a consistent basis, even though it might not turn into wins against quality opponents.

  20. redfred2 10/21/2008 at 10:51 PM #

    Think of the very beginning, and then go back over the entire history of what has transpired over the past two seasons, both on, and off the BB court, regarding Sidney Lowe.

    “More time”, yes he does need that, but what could have possibly helped more than anything, would have been for any number boys to have started acting more like men. Again, that goes for some people who acted like kids and who WERE NOT ever on the basketball court/team (BB staff included), as well several others who were allowed to suit up and get on the BB court, when it’s more likely they never should have been. Then, add to that the great backing and guidance that we all know came from those above at NC State University, and what the hell should anyone really expect?

    Lowe is still getting his feet under him, he’s learning the hard way due in part to some of his own bad decision making. It’s too bad that it has to happen on our watch, but I still BELIEVE we are going to be much better off in just a short while because he is Raleigh.

    That said, and with all those circumstances now in the past, I also have to agree with Chop, there is no excuse for anything ever resembling last season’s performance on the BB court again. IF so, and those type of players are still allowed PT, then Lowe deserves to have his arse greased and ridden out on a railroad track.

    But just think, if they double the number of teams eligible for the NCAA tournament field AGAIN, just like they ALREADY did in the past, then surely some BB coach, from some ACC team somewhere, will be able to topple that unbelievable and unimaginable record run of “FIVE IN A ROW”.

    Oh, wait, some of the OTHER ACC coaches, at some of the many OTHER Two-Time National Championship programs in the ACC, may have equaled that astonishing and unfathomable “five in a row” feat already, they just weren’t coaching at Two-Time National Collegiate BB Champion NC State University when it happened though.

  21. redfred2 10/21/2008 at 11:05 PM #

    “what exactly does HWSNBN stand for?”

    he who shall not be named

  22. Old School Wolf 10/22/2008 at 12:23 AM #

    My belief is that Sid will deliver more than the two steps forward goal before he retires. After Sid’s first season as head coach, he was the toast of the spring and summer barbecue circuit. The second season’s total failure brought all of us face to face with the possibility that Sid might become toast period. I believe we are watching a born competitor (Sid) and a competitive staff take some of the steps necessary to bring an out of control program back into control. We are seeing (2009 and 2010 recruiting, 2008 summer conditioning , professed attitude improvements, etc.)some hopeful signs in our program. For me, next up are game related changes. Word is that 2007/2008 season observations expressed here-in bound plays, team defense/rebounding, and movement are being addressed. We’ll know soon enough. Next two are just me being me. I think Sid needs to accept more than his share of responsibility in post game interviews following a losing effort. I’d also (somebody else on staff if Sid is determined to be Mr. Nice Guy)like to see someone in red get an immediate T whenever the refs “tilt” to the opposing coach- home or away. I would think a team would give even more effort if convinced staff “had their back” in today’s language. After the game Sid can be mostly contrite about any T received if the “referee tilt” is corrected. If the “tilt” continues during the same game, I expect a post game, fact filled, media bitching session which will have followed a well deserved “got my money’s worth expulsion” from the court. I would feel better if Sid gained an E. Case, N.Sloan, and J. Valvano “don’t f with me, no more Mr. nice guy game attitude” from here on out. No matter what I’m glad Sid has our program. I believe last year’s ever so public failure will serve as a challenge for him to use his immense potential to achieve a very successful career. I believe he is more than up to the challenge.

  23. Alpha Wolf 10/22/2008 at 7:44 AM #

    Good points, Old School.

    I’ve commented on the apparent lack of a “don’t F with me” attitude.

    I wonder if Sid has a long-fuse big-bang in him. Last year, in the Duke game, if he was going to explode, that was the time to do it.

  24. Pack92 10/22/2008 at 8:31 AM #

    Who cares what talking head bile-ass thinks? Yeah, we did lose a good coach in Herb and that’s all he would ever be – GOOD. Not “very good” as the talking said. Herb had multiple chances to be “very good” and failed every time. Much better to go with an unknown who POSSIBLY can be great than to live with known mediocrity. Even better that the unknown understands we are NC STATE and what that really means.

  25. Texpack 10/22/2008 at 8:32 AM #

    I think Sidney’s “fuse” is the product of being a point guard and learning the game under Morgan Wooten. He was conditioned to always be under control whether he was barking out orders to his team mates or waving off instructions from Coach V.

    I commented during the previous administration that our inability to recruit nationally respected players was the most important cap on our upside. The fact that Sidney continues to be in the hunt for the top talent in the country, is encouraging. I think it shows what an upbeat and optimistic personality can do for recruiting. If he can land a few of these guys he will set himself up to move the program back to where it was when he was a player and shortly thereafter. That will only happen if he figures out how to make all of the egos buy into the success of the team as their primary objective.

    I still believe Sidney Lowe will be successful at NC State. That means championships; conference, regionals, and national. I think he’s lucky to learn a lesson or two about managing the egos when he didn’t really have all of the pieces in place to be a championship contender. Hopefully he learned some things that will help him when finally gets some better talent in the program.

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