bball fans, how do you do it?

[Guest BasketBull.]

How do you find it in yourself to let loose on the team? I just don't have the heart.

In football I can see it -maybe- because they've got 100 guys plus a bunch of coaches so they can take the heat. But in bball, there's just about 20 people altogether.

When the "fans" circle the wagons, there's really just one wagon...

The guys don't play for money and they've got to go out there and represent the school. No matter the result, I'm sure they are trying their best. Most fans can leave early or turn off the TV, but the players must remain while doning the USF jersey...

So the guys have to practice and prepare to play against the competition, in addition to fighting back negativity from their own fans. That's pretty tough odds.

I'm sure I've let stuff slipped out but that's in my weaker moments as a Bulls fan.

Not questioning your right to free speech or anything like that... Please continue on. There are only a few games left, so continue to let it all out. rah-rah, go bulls....

[USFMikeB]

We don't have too many REAL fans.  Instead the program is stuck with a bunch of so-called fans that choose to belittle the players, coaches, administration whether we win or lose.  I feel sorry for our student athletes...

[Guest BasketBull.]

Well, I guess people have different ways to show their pain as a fan. My point is that on an open forum such as this, it gets back to the players and they take it in. That can't be good for the players.

[USFMikeB]

It isn't good for anyone.  The stuff that has occurred on this website serves absolutely no purpose other than ignorance.  Fans SUPPORT their team through thick and thin.  When the season is over, you can voice your opinion to the appropriate authority in order to provide input on dissatisfiers, but to do it all season long on a message board serves no purpose other than to inflame and spread negativity.

I'm sure I'll be attacked with many fallacies soon, but that's all they are.

MikeB - a REAL fan

[usfgrad84]

I have never been one to be negative about the program.  I like to think that I am a pretty strong fan.  However, when no one is showing up for the games (and even those that are seem to be a declining number) and we continue to get blown out of most games against all but the worst teams in the league for four years in a row, there is certainly a lot to question about the program.  I do agree with you that there is no need to be beligerent about it, but other than completely ignoring the team (which seems to be happening at an accelerating rate as evidenced by the attendance situation which is down by about another 10% per game this year).  This is one of the few forums that fans have to expess their total dissatisfaction with the program.

Win or lose I still watch or listen to pretty much every game start to finish.  I still cheer and admire the individual performances, but I have to admit that I miss the days of complete frustration in the days when Seth's teams couldn't get over the hump to the next level.  Now I just hope that we keep the game close enough to have something to get excited about.  During the ND and Marquette games I remembered what that was all about.   Supporting the team and the players is one thing, but one could argue that to not speak up about the death spiral we seem to be mired in is worse because it is a sign of apathy toward the school, the program and the players.  There are many ways to show that you care about the program.  Some choose to be more vocal than others.  Like I said though, no need to be beligerent about it.

[Ferdinand the Bull]

This is like is the glass half full or half empty? Is not the team improving over last year? Have we not moved to a tougher conference than before? Its all in how you look at it. Mac's got the house half built, now let him finish it. If you get some one else and they have to start all over,how can you guarantee that it will get better right away. This sounds like those 15 years of loosing the Bucs went through. The coaches were given 5 years to build a team, but the coaches would get fired before the 5 years were up and the next c oach would hav e to start all ov er again and again and again.

[USFMikeB]

Supporting the team and the players is one thing, but one could argue that to not speak up about the death spiral we seem to be mired in is worse because it is a sign of apathy toward the school, the program and the players.

This is one of the fallacies that I have seen repeatedly on this board.  Reality is that the AD has publicly stated that he has a policy of not reviewing coach performance until a season is over, therefore the incessant crying that has been going on has no propative value for a decision that isn't occurring yet.  Additionally, speaking up on a message board isn't the appropriate manner to provide input.  The AD isn't going to make a decision based on anonymous posts on a message board.  If you feel compelled to speak up about the program in a manner that you wish to be both heard and respected by the AD, then send him a letter that expresses dissatisfaction in a cordial, professional, and respectful manner.  ******** on this message board isn't doing anything but spreading negativity, it has no other value whatsoever.

[USF_Grouper]

I for one would like to see more people speaking out and upset with the state of USF Basketball.

I would bet if you listen to any sports radio show in Durham half the air time is dedicated to how poorly Duke Basketball is playing.  When FSU's football team played so terrible this year, boosters publicly criticized the team and coaching staff.  Boosters worked to have coaches replaced during the season.

[dabull80]

I for one would like to see more people speaking out and upset with the state of USF Basketball.

I would bet if you listen to any sports radio show in Durham half the air time is dedicated to how poorly Duke Basketball is playing.  When FSU's football team played so terrible this year, boosters publicly criticized the team and coaching staff.  Boosters worked to have coaches replaced during the season.

Grouper - the problem here is that at USF, BB has been "at best" average and now no one really cares.  The other programs you talk about have at least had NCAA post season appearences in the last 10 years while it has been "15" years for USF.

[SkypointBull]

Its been brutal lately. But as long as they sell beer I will be back.