Game 9, 2024-25: Central CT (12/4)

[Scott O]

C’mon, guys. Look at the bright side.

[vanmeter]

The excuse of the MAC runs shallow.
Players who committed to play this year did so as we are in A10. If they are good they know they can play in the A10 and can leave after this season. They essentially come to play here for just one year.
We lost key players and added nobody.
St. Boneveture, for instance, lost 7 of the 8 players who contributed to their team last year and far far ahead of where we are this year.

[DoctorJ]

We went nuts like this the last time we lost to CCSU.

Let's try to relax...

[NilesGold]

We went nuts like this the last time we lost to CCSU.

Let's try to relax...

It's not just this loss, the team has stunk all season.

[DoctorJ]

Yeah, we have.

At least we scored more than the football team and have more wins.

[BR72]

I've generally supported Frank but it was coaching malpractice not to put Shahid in the game when CCSU had the ball out of bounds up 2 with less than a minute to go. Everyone in the building knew that would they would get the ball into Momoh who had scored every time down the court (except when he was fouled but the refs called travelling) in the last few minutes of the game because he was guarded by an undersized Rivera. It's not Rivera's fault that he couldn't handle him defensively. Why wouldn't you at least make it challenging for Momoh by putting Shadid on him? Why else is he here if not to be a rim protector?

I was also pissed off by Frank's post-game comments on the radio suggesting that we lost because our spirit was not as good as CCSU's. And he's always talking about the other teams having all of these experienced players. Last I checked, we only have one freshman who plays any minutes. For a guy who claims not to offer excuses, he's always got some explanation for the team's poor play that never have anything to do with the talent level of the players that he brought in.

[Shook187]

This is going to end ugly for the University of Massachusetts and this AD department. A complete overhaul is coming. The Rock hasn't hit the bottom yet

[LS71]

In light of Joe’s hire it’s crazy to think that the outlook for UMass football feels brighter than it does for UMass basketball.

[69MG]

I've generally supported Frank but it was coaching malpractice not to put Shahid in the game when CCSU had the ball out of bounds up 2 with less than a minute to go. Everyone in the building knew that would they would get the ball into Momoh who had scored every time down the court (except when he was fouled but the refs called travelling) in the last few minutes of the game because he was guarded by an undersized Rivera. It's not Rivera's fault that he couldn't handle him defensively. Why wouldn't you at least make it challenging for Momoh by putting Shadid on him? Why else is he here if not to be a rim protector?

I was also pissed off by Frank's post-game comments on the radio suggesting that we lost because our spirit was not as good as CCSU's. And he's always talking about the other teams having all of these experienced players. Last I checked, we only have one freshman who plays any minutes. For a guy who claims not to offer excuses, he's always got some explanation for the team's poor play that never have anything to do with the talent level of the players that he brought in.

I don't have to say much because you are spot on. I would have to check my previous posts but I don't recall ever blaming a loss on Frank. This one is on him. He apparently was mad at Shahid and Malek so he refused to put one of them in at the end of the game. He hung Rivera out to dry. No way he could cover a guy 3 or 4 inches taller and CCSU got it to him every chance they could. Reminds me of Bill B. when he sat Malcom Butler and it cost him the Super Bowl. I hate to say this but there is a chance that Frank will lose the team. I fear it's going to be a very long, sad season.

[Mike0473]

I don't think they are going to fire Frank. I assume they are going to give him at least a couple seasons in the MAC to see what he can do there. Might as well play it out and see what happens.

[Juice Stand]

I've generally supported Frank but it was coaching malpractice not to put Shahid in the game when CCSU had the ball out of bounds up 2 with less than a minute to go. Everyone in the building knew that would they would get the ball into Momoh who had scored every time down the court (except when he was fouled but the refs called travelling) in the last few minutes of the game because he was guarded by an undersized Rivera. It's not Rivera's fault that he couldn't handle him defensively. Why wouldn't you at least make it challenging for Momoh by putting Shadid on him? Why else is he here if not to be a rim protector?

I was also pissed off by Frank's post-game comments on the radio suggesting that we lost because our spirit was not as good as CCSU's. And he's always talking about the other teams having all of these experienced players. Last I checked, we only have one freshman who plays any minutes. For a guy who claims not to offer excuses, he's always got some explanation for the team's poor play that never have anything to do with the talent level of the players that he brought in.

I don't have to say much because you are spot on. I would have to check my previous posts but I don't recall ever blaming a loss on Frank. This one is on him. He apparently was mad at Shahid and Malek so he refused to put one of them in at the end of the game. He hung Rivera out to dry. No way he could cover a guy 3 or 4 inches taller and CCSU got it to him every chance they could. Reminds me of Bill B. when he sat Malcom Butler and it cost him the Super Bowl. I hate to say this but there is a chance that Frank will lose the team. I fear it's going to be a very long, sad season.

Agree with all of this. This loss is on Frank and his refusal to make adjustments because he has some grudge against Shahid and Abdelgowad. I felt bad for Rivera. He was doing his best but wasn't big enough to stop their center from bullying him on the block.

Frank is going to lose this team, and it's going to be his fault. He takes no personal accountability. None. Check out these comments https://www.gazettenet.com/UMass-basket ... e-58304739

“Ask the players [why they didn’t get back in transition],” Martin said. “I’m not the one running back on defense. I mean, that was embarrassing. We shot air balls and we couldn’t get back defensively. Couldn’t get matched up. So whenever we have a press conference, ask the players why they don’t run back.”

[Juice Stand]

Frank bitching and moaning again about how hard college basketball is now that he doesn't own the players for 4 years. Other coaches have figured this out and adapted, Frank. You sound like a whining baby with this stuff. https://www.gazettenet.com/UMass-basket ... e-58304739

“Really happy for [CCSU head coach] Patrick Sellers and his team,” Minutemen head coach Frank Martin said. “I’m jealous, because that’s what we all used to have, is you brought guys in and learn how to win together. And then once you learn how to win together, you can create competitive spirit where you don’t care about individuality, you don’t care about the moment you just stay disciplined and make the play – that’s what college basketball used to be about.”

Yes, that's what college basketball used to be about, and apparently still is for some coaches? Why can Sellers do it and you can't?

[bunkerhill87]

oooof!!!! tough to watch. I do agree that the coaching seems to be struggling to put the right 5 out there. Hard to build a cohesive unit w/ so many newcomers but EVERY team has that issue. This season is going to be gross. I dont see this team coming together at all. Im sure everyone saw the shooting stats for this team. bottom of the barrel in 3 categories. Disappointed in Diggins as a leader. this should be his team. 1st half he had a horrendous turnover in a critical time. He had a decent 2nd half and his missed 3 late was in and out. Anyway We are Umass. Still suffering since the glory years . Add the abysmal football season and hockey being so young gonna be a hard year. Ill tune into every game though hoping to be entertained . Who would have thought that the Soccer team would be the bright spot

[inthescoop]

Frank Martin stands there with his arms crossed thinking he is the most important guy in the room. Even if all the fingers are pointed at him, his reaction is, “it doesn’t matter, im right you’re wrong”. He preaches that you learn from criticism, but he doesn’t practice what he peaches - he thinks that he has it all down. The best leaders always continue to grow and adapt.
After the game, the way he approached and spoke to the CCSU kids he thought he was Jesus, he believed that whatever he said to them would be their guiding light in life. NO - Those kids believe in Pat Sellers, not Frank Martin. Times have changed. Give up your fucking ego, you’re not doing a good job.

[stevemaz]

I think there is about 5% chance that Martin is the basketball coach next season with a stronger possibility that FM quits versue being fired. Bamford should definitely be shown the door despite what i think will turn out to be a good move with JH and the increase in budget.

You MAC naysayers really need to stop and honestly turn in your UMass sports fan card forever and get the hell out of the way. The G5 FBS conferences are going to pull away in all sports from conferences like the A10 because of the money factor. The Big East may survive but I wouldnt count on that for much more than 5-7 years. The MAC may always be battling the SB and CUSA in the bottom 3 in football, but that situation is going to be way better than being FB Indy or FCS and staying in the A10. Keep in mind that the highest paid state employee one day is going to be a QB. Schools will start to pay players directly based on performance, ability, and marketing factors so there will be no concern about athletes in less important sports not being paid much at all or even anything. One driving factor in the pay the players directly format is that schools will now force the athletes sign contracts coming out of high school so good freshman or sophmores will not be transferring. by 2030 The MAC will be a way better basketball conference than the A10 (even though i suspect UMass will be in a different conference by then)