LETTER: Toughen up the b-ball schedule

To the editor:

I should preface my remarks by saying I really respect Stew Morrill. He runs a quality basketball program. His offense is efficient, his defense is tenacious, and he seems to get the most out of his players. Additionally, his players always seem like quality people. During my years here at USU, however, I’ve also noticed another trend with the Aggie basketball team – weak scheduling.

As I watched Wednesday’s game against UVSC, I couldn’t help but wonder why we were playing them in the first place – especially since we already played them earlier this season. It seems to me the caliber of program Coach Morrill has built is above playing home-and-homes with vastly weaker opponents.

Don’t get me wrong, I certainly understand the necessity for tune-up games in pre-conference play; however, does that mean that every preseason game should be a patsy? How does that prepare us for stiffer WAC competition? How does that prepare us for postseason play? It doesn’t. What’s the solution? Seek out better preseason tournaments, and be willing to play tough road games. Gonzaga was able to go from small mid-major to national powerhouse by doing just that. They were willing to get beat up by the big guys to achieve long term success. Now they’re one of the big guys.

Playing stiffer competition can only help us, now and later. Not only will it better prepare our current team, but the increased national exposure will improve recruiting in years to come. Again, I love Stew Morrill, and admire the success he’s had in Logan; but maybe we need to ask ourselves if 20 wins is really all that great if they come at the hands of Centenary, South Dakota State, and IPFW. Personally, I’d rather have 17 wins and a more respectable schedule.

Shane Thompson