The Lions' Pride

Jeff, were you lucky enough to attend the game (despite the outcome)?

Don't I wish.

Don't see us taking trips with the basketball team until they start making the dance on a regular basis and winning these kinds of games. Could be awhile.

But man, the pics people were sending from Puerto Rico this week were awesome.

We play Providence tomorrow night at 7:30 on ESPN3

Providence just lost to UMASS at the buzzer. We will get a better feel for our team Friday. Tonight was not a fair fight.

This teams has a long, long, long way to go. We simply don't match up with NC State. We won't match up well with Indiana, Michigan, MSU, or the scums from Columbus.

One thing, we as a board need to stop doing is buying into the words of media gurus or coaches about kids that have taken a major step forward before the season starts. We get disappointed many times because we buy it. Based on our lack of shooting, pathetic shooting from outside, sloppy play and turnovers (I guess that can go as one), from what I see, we finish third in the Patriot League behind Bucknell and Lehigh. There is time for this team to gel prior to the BIG season, but they have a long way to go. I wasn't expecting a win versus NC State and I won't against Providence either at this rate.

You have to remember Newbill is only a sophomore and hasn't played competitive basketball for a year and a half. Tim also was nothing more than a role player his sophomore year and we all see what he's developed into. Trying to judge a player by playing NC State is not a good barometer.

I think Newbill will be the clear number 2 on this team as the year moves forward, but tonight I was pleasantly surprised by Graham's progress. We need him to keep getting better, which will allow Chambers to go with the smaller lineups. Sasa hasn't changed a bit playing wise, so depth, as expected will be concerning.

Man, I've been saying this for years. My big wakeup to this was 2006 when I was absolutely certain PSU was going to run the table in football. Then Notre Dame and Anthony Morelli happened. People get caught up in recruiting stars and practice reports and expect big things from these kids before they ever step foot on the field or court. Then we see them in action and wonder why they don't live up to the hype.

You're better off judging a kid based on past performance rather than future expectations. In cases where you've never seen a kid play it's better for your stress level to hope for the best but expect the worst. I would rather be pleasantly surprised than horribly disappointed.