Ok so maybe I'm critical. Maybe I'm a skeptic but this was far from fantastic.
Reasons why
10. I think I saw our Sweet 16 banner. Could we get a mention of that please?
9. Zack Holt scared me. Didn't this guy just transfer to Parkside a year ago? What was his name?
8. Tyrone Young watched in a warmup. didn't look hurt. Why? Amazingly disappointing. Avery Smith and Paige Paulsen even ran around bit and shot. (In review, this probably should have had a higher ranking)
7. The buses took forever. We waited for 30 minutes to get on after being told we'd have to wait when the first one cruised by. Then on the way out, we waited for nearly an hour and some people needed to stand when two actually did come. This is unacceptable given the lackluster turnout.
6. I argued for much of the month/week/night about how it is good that it was at the Cell rather than Klotsche. With my main point being that they now know where it is and that it is a good time. I would stand by this point, but given the treatment given by the fans in attendance, Klotsche would have been better.
5. The dunk contest in general. I realize that dunk contests are limited in moves and are especially limited in the college talent arena. Regardless, the DFord cop-out and the crew of contestants that was without Young and JTuck was a little dissappointing.
4. Who in the hell thought this shoot for the TV contest would work out? Lets allow them to shoot layups. I think the student section took a yawn during this. If I wanted to waste 20 minutes of my time watching 4 guys shoot layups I'd be mentally insane. I prefer a 3-point contest thank you.
3. Who in the hell thought a legitimate shot at making 25k meant 2/3 from half court? C'mon now I realize its a lot of money and all but 2/3 is worse than lottery odds even if you're MJ. If you need it to be tough shoot 1 fullcourter. At least they only need to get struck by lightning once.
2. Comedian. Need I say more? He was bad. His time slottage was horrible. I was told by multiple UWM people who ran the event that the comedian was a part of the plans all along. I was pretty sure I read through the press release on the webpage. Just reviewed it. "The volleyball match with UWGB begins at 7 p.m. and the men's and women's basketball teams will take the court after the volleyball match." Do you see a comedian there? No? How about on the page?
uwmpanthers.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100605aab.html I wonder why people were mad?
1. Rob Jeter. The man was my wallpaper for the last 2 months. I realize I've been spoiled by Bruce. I don't want Rob to be Bruce nor do I expect him to be, but c'mon. Did he even have a pulse in that speech? "We have a great team this year...yada yada yada." To top off his ho-hum job he makes a comment about Jimmy Collins that was dumb and uncalled for. Robbie-its not just bruce that hates him. We hate him too. This criticism of Jeter was met with mixed emotions when I first made it known. Some fans told me angrily that I should write his speeches then. Some fans totally agreed. And some didn't really care. In rationalizing what I saw, I tried to understand why he would act like that. I'm told the man is wonderful and there is undeniable evidence that he is a nationally renowned recruiter. He has been at this University before. He should be in his element and acting as though he's been here before. That is not what I saw. Again, I know that he won't be the type to run up on a table and tell the fans we need to yell loud cause we're gonna beat the f""ck out of the other team but he made zero reason for our fan base to care other than the position he held. His interview this morning on ESPN radio was the same blah he spooted this evening. I was a little concerned coming in but assumed he would clean it up in person.
This is somewhat of an openning night. I haven't seen him in a game nor have I ever spoken with him. I will speak with him eventually just to see what he is about. This event was attended by A LOT of Underclassmen who were not happy. I am sure that next year's event will be better, as will our future games.
Ok now for good things
The volleyball team. They did great and showed up in front of our crowd as a HL force. Great job gals.
The players' warmups being thrown into the stands. That made a lot of people's nights. I only worry if the program can afford it.
Bud Haidet. No one fights harder for UWM sports. Any honors he gets are well deserved.
The lets go panthers cheer. Educate us cheerleaders. The more cheers the better.
Kaylan Anderson, my pick for winning the dunk contest actually winning. (Although I don't understand how Wimmer was voted out of the final)
I saw the "Fan-Addicts" at Goolsby's. They were ready to go right out of the gate. Great work.
The bus commradery. Wonderful kids on the bus on the way here. Vocal and ready to go. Can't wait to hear them this season.
