LionFan
Senior
Posts: 398
Reg: 11-07-06
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01-20-18 11:16 AM - Post#244104
In response to Columbia 37P6
Isn't the criticism of Engles a bit unfair? After all, he inherited a team that lost four starters, who had taken the Lions'-share of game minutes, especially in the backcourt. In his second year, he has a team with only two seniors, one of whom had lost a year of play to injury. He has had only one full year of recruiting. He has a team that couldn't miss a shot in the first half against Connecticut and couldn't make a shot against Princeton (despite open looks). His schedule opened with 7 road games, and includes 4 power conference games. His young team was competitive in each game, despite a thin and inexperienced front line, with the exception of the Princeton game. They've had some key injuries in a young and thin rotation. And those of us who watch closely can see improvement individually and as a team, especially on the defensive end. His record at NJIT, which was a really hard sell when he got there, suggests he knows How to build and coach a winner. Maybe he deserves some more time to turn things around? And by the way, he was Pilling's (much praised) choice. It's unlikely the AD will pull the plug soon absent misbehavior, which is highly unlikely in Engles.
That said, I'd question the team's continued heavy reliance on three-point shooting with such an inconsistent-shooting team.
Anyway, tonight's game will tell us something about the progress they've made. Princeton was a buzz saw, making so many contested treys. Penn was winnable, despite a couple of their guys playing over their heads. The Cornell games will allow the team to get some traction, if they are going to do it this year. I'll be there tonight with fingers crossed. Regardless of what happens, I expect significant improvement in the W-L next year, both out of conference and in league play.
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