Poll: Keeping Muller

[isuquinndog]

Just curious

 

[Baltimore Bird]

His team will be .500 or a bit better. He is an ISU Grad with a contract in place and the potential for every player to return. He is not going anywhere.

 

[ISU86]

If he can avoid play-in Thursday AND retain most of the current roster ... but that isn't one of the options. I think there is a base to build-on, but if most of the base leaves ...

 

[Adunk33]

If he can avoid play-in Thursday AND retain most of the current roster ... but that isn't one of the options. I think there is a base to build-on, but if most of the base leaves ...

I was just rewatching the second half and had this thought as well about the roster. The opportunity to bring everyone back is huge. Obviously, don't love Muller as the coach because he hasn't proven he can win consistently, but if you bring back the whole roster, that's a team that will compete for the MVC. I was going to make reference to teams that will be hurt by losing a lot of seniors and mention Loyola but remembered they're gone. Overall, if you look around the top teams in the league, many are reliant on covid-year seniors that will be gone next season.

The opportunity is there, we'll just have to see if it comes to fruition. Regarding adding pieces, I don't see a glaring hole that needs to be filled. Maybe the addition of a bench guard but other than that, the team is solid. The coach? We all have our reservations.

 

[Dmills]

The opportunity is there, we'll just have to see if it comes to fruition. Regarding adding pieces, I don't see a glaring hole that needs to be filled. Maybe the addition of a bench guard but other than that, the team is solid. The coach? We all have our reservations.

A lot of ifs here but the two guys we have offered, Brandon Pierce and Brian Moore, would both be great pick ups IMO. Pierce would be a freshman that might see some limited playing time next season. We probably will have 2 roster spots to fill at a minimum due to transfers (hopefully not much more than that). We probably have a better chance at Pierce than Moore. Moore just put up 47 points and would come in as a junior. Could replace a guy like Strong if Strong chooses to graduate and play professionally. If not, he could provide extremely valuable depth at the guard position and might even compete to start.

Realistically, at best, we probably only get one out of those 2. There will be a lot of opportunities in the transfer market once again. The opportunity is there next season to be really solid. However, there is a ton that can happen over the next 3-4 months that could change that.

On a side note, does anyone know if we have had anyone on a visit yet this season for game day? Bradley would have been a good one, but I hope we see some of the guys we are recruiting on campus before the end of the season.

 

[cubird]

After last year, I am enjoying the ride. Last year I never thought they could compete especially playing the Covid schedule of back to back games. This team has the personnel to be better in March. Last night we saw going big gives Dan more options.

I wondered if the AD pushed Dan to make coaching chances this year. Regardless what the AD decides, I hope this team performance in St. Louis makes it a tough decision.

 

[Redbird222]

Continued development of the team, top 5 finish in MVC, and no significant departures announced the first two weeks after season end.

 

[gobirds85]

We need to look at the total body of work...mediocre overall record (165-143 and then throw out teams under 250 NET), declining attendance (4k for last night), declining donations (never, ever a good thing), ten years on the job and very little to show for it other than a hefty extension that tied the hands of the university.

This team has talent, I just don't have any confidence in his ability to pull it out of these guys.

 

[TBS_20]

What I think he needs to do for Brennan to keep him is 15-15 this season. Going 5-9 the rest of the way and missing Thursday.

I don't agree with it but I suspect he'll be here next year at this point.

If he went 18-12 and made it to Sunday in St. Louis I would say okay and see which way it goes next year (20-13 could get a NIT invite if its a poor year)

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

I was just rewatching the second half and had this thought as well about the roster. The opportunity to bring everyone back is huge. Obviously, don't love Muller as the coach because he hasn't proven he can win consistently, but if you bring back the whole roster, that's a team that will compete for the MVC. I was going to make reference to teams that will be hurt by losing a lot of seniors and mention Loyola but remembered they're gone. Overall, if you look around the top teams in the league, many are reliant on covid-year seniors that will be gone next season.

The opportunity is there, we'll just have to see if it comes to fruition. Regarding adding pieces, I don't see a glaring hole that needs to be filled. Maybe the addition of a bench guard but other than that, the team is solid. The coach? We all have our reservations.

I think this could be a very good to great team next year if all come back. If I am coach I point to the case of Joseph Yesufu as to why not to transfer. He got all kinds of pub last year in the tournament then transferred to Kansas where is now averages 2 points a game.

 

[Yogi]

I dont care if he comes back or not Since he has a year left he probaby comes back. The last time I cared was when ISU fired Bob Donewald since then coaches have come and gone I still root for the birds. I am a fan I want to win as much as anyone but the AD makes that call I will still root for the birds. Go you Redbirds

 

[CaliRdBrd]

I was just rewatching the second half and had this thought as well about the roster. The opportunity to bring everyone back is huge. Obviously, don't love Muller as the coach because he hasn't proven he can win consistently, but if you bring back the whole roster, that's a team that will compete for the MVC. I was going to make reference to teams that will be hurt by losing a lot of seniors and mention Loyola but remembered they're gone. Overall, if you look around the top teams in the league, many are reliant on covid-year seniors that will be gone next season.

The opportunity is there, we'll just have to see if it comes to fruition. Regarding adding pieces, I don't see a glaring hole that needs to be filled. Maybe the addition of a bench guard but other than that, the team is solid. The coach? We all have our reservations.

So the Redbirds best hope next season is that everyone else loses their best players to graduation?

Gotcha.

 

[redbirdron1]

I don't see it being realistic to get rid of Dan since our University has committed to building the Bubble Dome. And we don't have a history
of pulling the plug early and getting stuck with large payouts. I'm never sure exactly what the financial commitment is to Dan if/when he leaves
but whatever the amount.......I'd just be very surprised if we took on that debt as well as having to come up with a nice pkg for a new coach.

For this year - we must stay out of Thursday. We have to win 2-3 road games in conference and like many have said, keep the roster close to intact
at seasons end.

Keeping Reeves is the key. If he were to portal out to a P5 I would say it's understandable but he could sure be a Premier Guy in the MVC next year.
I do believe with a reasonably strong finish this year the roster may be stoked about staying together for a run at the title next year. Comment made
about others losing 5th year seniors makes sense but I'd guess the strongest contender next year may be Murray State - that group looked really good at
Redbird earlier; not sure who they got coming back and all but they have RACERS for athletes - impressive bunch. Belmont, not sure but yes, we'd
probably have a shot to be upper tier next year. Again......how can you really tell with Portal playing such importance.

Now let me float this. I can see a very curious conversation between Dan and Brennan if/when Muller's contract actually expires. We all know what Dan makes and frankly it seems HIGH for the results. If we get to that day does Brennan say here's some pocket change for cost of living and we'll re-up you for x years at pretty much your existing salary??? Dan says ok, but feels unloved and immediately updates his resume. I'm NOT in the camp that says
Dan will have many suitors. I'm of belief that's where Dan agrees to leave as Brennan wants to start fresh. Of course, total success at St. Lou and a bid changes everything.

Last thing - I like our roster but I don't think we've got what it takes to be a contender now or next year. I sincerely would like to be wrong but we sure
don't check all the boxes. Most teams in MVC are far from checking all the boxes and that's what makes it interesting to Keep the Faith in our Birds.

 

[TBS_20]

First step is to keep reeves from transferring. If he can't do that next year will be same Ole crap. Let him walk if this happens

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

First step is to keep reeves from transferring. If he can't do that next year will be same Ole crap. Let him walk if this happens

Yes this is what needs to happen. Dan needs to use some of his business contacts in the community and find him some NIL money.

 

[TBS_20]

Come on rivian

 

[Aggie]

ISU needs to win now. No guarantees with the new portal that all the pieces will be here next year. If I am the power 5 I am looking at several birds right now to transfer. Wisconsin seen it in person. And, this will not only affect ISU but other teams in the Valley.

And, ISU may even hit the jackpot and get a better transfer in. Never know, and does not mean I like the new rules, just what it is. Next year and every year in the future will be a roll of the dice and see what turns up, as long as these portal rules stay.

Just put a run together and win it now.

 

[Birdfriend72]

First step is to keep reeves from transferring. If he can't do that next year will be same Ole crap. Let him walk if this happens.

Maybe I am misunderstanding the logic? We are going to let players hold us hostage from making our program better? I love Reeves and the kids, but you haven't done anything special and you are going to hold me hostage? Unless you are making NCAA Tournament appearances that isn't happening.

 

[TBS_20]

Maybe I am misunderstanding the logic? We are going to let players hold us hostage from making our program better? I love Reeves and the kids, but you haven't done anything special and you are going to hold me hostage? Unless you are making NCAA Tournament appearances that isn't happening.

No clue what you mean but let me clarify. Reeves needs to stay for the Birds to have any chance next year. If Dan can't retain Reeves then they might as well fire him because theyll will go nowhere next year. It'll be same stuff, different year. As, the next poster said, maybe Dan can find some NIL money to entice Reeves to stay.

Edit: Reeves is scoring 21 points per game. That's why he gets special treatment.

 

[isuquinndog]

I should have added avoid Thursday to the poll. My apologies. Was mostly curious. I think he's probably safe regardless.