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Ok, Leatherneck fans, I think it is safe to say that for the first time in a long time we have reason for optimism. Let's hope the worst is behind us. I am wondering what peoples expectations for the Leatherneck basketball team is for the next 4 years. Here is my basic win expectation breakdown.
2008-2009: 15 wins, one Summit Tourney win
2009-2010: 17 wins, two Summit Tourney wins
2010-2011: 20 wins, Summit Championship appearance, NIT invite
2011-2012: 23 wins, Summit League Champion, first ever NCAA Tourney invite.
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I hope your projections can be met. Lot depends on non-conferance schedule and new players "Mo" can bring in as far as the win totals for the season goes.
B-Ball Fan
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From today's (4-14-08) Western Courier:
Molinari takes the reins!!
By: Ken Woods
Posted: 4/14/08
The Western Illinois Athletics Department held a press conference Friday morning to officially hand the reins of the men's basketball program to Jim Molinari.
Molinari has served as an assistant coach at Ball State, Minnesota and DePaul and has also been a head coach at Bradley and Northern Illinois. In 14 seasons, he has compiled an overall record of 233-186.
Being an Illinois native was one of the factors that attracted him to the head coaching position.
"I think knowing what type of school it is - 93 percent of the students are from Illinois," Molinari said. "A lot of your success has to do with your background and where my recruiting contacts are. I was aware of Tim (Van Alstine) and the geographic location."
Molinari expressed his interest in the program and the opportunity to build on the current foundation. He has previous experience within the collegiate ranks and feels this is a good situation for him.
"I was excited, and I thought this was a fit. I was really excited, and I'm still excited," Molinari said. "The real excitement comes when you get in the middle of it. This is right. It felt right. I was tremendously elated, and I feel a great burden and responsibility. They're showing confidence in me, and I am going to take that responsibility."
Athletics Director Dr. Tim Van Alstine previously stated the program needs to build a home-court advantage, and Molinari shares the same vision. Molinari said he is prepared to get both the student body and players more involved with the success of the program.
"I have to encourage our young men that if you want students here, then they have to become a part of their students' life," Molinari said. "We have to get students involved and create more of a home-court advantage. We have to play a style and brand that people identify with."
For years, Western Hall has been the stable for the 'Necks. The atmosphere at home has always been important to getting support.
Molinari said he feels positively about Western's resources and wants to continue to build on the groundwork.
"I think the facilities here are fine, (but) I think we can always improve," Molinari said. "The kids today are visual, so you have to do the best with what you have, but I trust that Tim and everyone else here will make the improvements that need to be made."
Molinari was confident about his approach to building the program and getting back to winning ways. He also said he wants to graduate student-athletes and establish relationships with players.
Although he has confidence, Molinari has also come into a difficult situation where the signing day for recruits is fast approaching, and he also has to hire a coaching staff.
"Usually, I think you have to go slow with huge decisions during a rebuilding process, and I'm not calling this rebuilding, but you know what I mean - transition process," Molinari said. "This involves quick decisions on staff, quick decisions on recruits, so I don't feel behind the eight-ball. I feel like going forward to next year with these young men that are here, and I appreciate them coming here.
"We are going to battle next year, and if we can add someone, we will."
Molinari said he wants to bring players with good character, athletic skills and high energy levels. He has never seen Western on tape but said he feels that is positive because he wants to form his own opinions.
He is enthusiastic about the position and the opportunity to work with the players. He had a meeting with the current players and said it went well.
Most importantly, Molinari expressed his interest in winning games.
Go Leathernecks !!
Go Westerwinds !!
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| Saw on chicagohoops.com two freshmen will be transferring to Indian Hills JuCo. Will this change expectations?
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Old B baller! Why is it then when someone mentions D the lazy good for nothins go runnin!!!! You can't get the W's without the D! Yea I know, O is more fun, but D takes the pressure off the O. D lets the O flow! And D will make the Mo-team grow and go!! Good programs play great D and can run or flow when asked to! Feel bad they are leaving if they are. They are going to miss quite a ride!
ps You probably think I am crabby!!! Well I am not!
jc
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So, who are the 2 Freshman leaving to Indian Hills. I've heard James Washington, but who else ?
B-Ball Fan
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| Delvon Johnson & James Washington
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WOW !!!! That is "VERY" disappointing. The 2 best Freshman players from this year and also losing Harrelson from that class. Mo has his hands full for sure. Ithink our expectations for next season just got lowered unless Mo has some diamonds in the rough saved up to bring in.
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| If they don't want to be here then don't let the door hit you on the way across the LaMoine. Same thing happened at Iowa State when Coach Mac took over only worse. After all the transfers he was left with four scholarship players to compete in the Big 12 against the likes of KU and Texas. It will take time, three years minim | | | |