It was difficult to watch Kansas State Basketball’s 30-point loss on Saturday. The outcome outraged fans and some want to see something change.
Whether you love him or not, coach Bruce Weber has won a lot of basketball games. He may be on the hot seat in Manhattan but it may not be time to make a coaching change.
Consider these items before you pull the trigger on hiring a new coach.
First of all, some believe Bruce Weber’s Wildcats exceeded expectations this season.
Kansas State started strong with a 12-1 mark entering conference play. Only a 1 point loss to a tough Maryland team kept them from a perfect record.
As a result, the Associated Press recognized Kansas State for the hot start with 4 votes in the December 12, poll.
Also, the December 19, AP poll included the ‘Cats- with one vote.
Maybe fans should consider the national attention? Although it’s not huge, it certainly looked good at the time.
In October, coaches picked the Wildcats to finish 9th in the ten-team Big 12. By comparison, the same poll predicted Texas and their big-time talent to finish third.
Bruce Weber’s team is currently sitting tied for 6th with two games to play. Shaka Smart’s Longhorns are tied for the Big 12’s basement.
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Since Texas underperformed, maybe Smart should be on the hot seat rather than Weber?
The Wildcats play in the toughest conference in the country with an incredibly difficult round-robin schedule.
Ken Pomeroy, the guru who tracks college basketball strength of schedules and more keeps telling fans how good the basketball is in the Big 12..
Not only is the Big 12 the best conference, but it's the most exciting. 37% of games decided by 3 pts or less or in OT. No conference close.
— Ken Pomeroy (@kenpomeroy) February 25, 2017
It is especially important for fans to remember Weber picked up a milestone career victory this season. On December 6, Weber earned the 400th win of his coaching career when the ‘Cats beat Prairie View 74-55. There is something to be said for his experience.
Coach Weber knows how to win. Due to injury and other factors we have seen few wins in February. Fans are understandably angry. They expected much more from this senior class. Did they expected too much.
Finally, fans didn’t like Kansas State Athletic Director John Currie’s choice to replace Frank Martin.
Did you know Martin’s hasn’t gone to the NCAA tournament since his final year at Kansas State? His team went to NIT last season. They lost in the 2nd round.
It will be fascinating to see how Weber’s ‘Cats finish the regular season. Stay tuned.