[Chris Lang]

Also, this assertion that my spot on press row is somehow contingent on me not criticizing the coach or calling for his head in print is ridiculous. Find me a beat writer in the country who writes that the coach on his/her beat needs to go or stay. You won't. That's why papers have columnists. Reporters report. Columnists opine. Now if you want to criticize us for not having a sports columnist, that's fair game.

[JakeP50]

Isn't the fact that there's only one real ball handler and scoring threat a whole other problem that needs to be looked at? *cough* recruiting *cough*

[Purple Haize]

Also, this assertion that my spot on press row is somehow contingent on me not criticizing the coach or calling for his head in print is ridiculous. Find me a beat writer in the country who writes that the coach on his/her beat needs to go or stay. You won't. That's why papers have columnists. Reporters report. Columnists opine. Now if you want to criticize us for not having a sports columnist, that's fair game.

Those sports writers don't cover Liberty

I personally thing you do a great job being fair and balanced. You should work for Fox!

[PAFlame]

Also, this assertion that my spot on press row is somehow contingent on me not criticizing the coach or calling for his head in print is ridiculous. Find me a beat writer in the country who writes that the coach on his/her beat needs to go or stay. You won't. That's why papers have columnists. Reporters report. Columnists opine. Now if you want to criticize us for not having a sports columnist, that's fair game.

Who is inferring this or has even suggested this? I respect the work you do Lang, but continuing to differ blame from the coaching personnel for not having the talent to coach year after year is kind of bizarre. At some point, the coaching staff IS responsible for who they bring to the school, and then you have coaches like Tom Pecora, Tony Shaver, and Jim Baron, all of whom frequently blame the fans and alumni for the players not playing well in a losing effort.

[Chris Lang]

That comment was in reference to Haize's post above.

I'm not deferring blame. I'm not taking a side. I'm just pointing out the issues with this year's team, which very may well be on the road to 20 losses even if everyone is healthy. Hard to tell. They had two terrible games in Cancun, even at full strength. You all make very good points, and I'm keeping them all in mind as the season continues.

[Purple Haize]

That comment was in reference to Haize's post above.

I'm not deferring blame. I'm not taking a side. I'm just pointing out the issues with this year's team, which very may well be on the road to 20 losses even if everyone is healthy. Hard to tell. They had two terrible games in Cancun, even at full strength. You all make very good points, and I'm keeping them all in mind as the season continues.

You know I have nothing but love for you! You are one of only like 5 people I follow on the Twit!

[VAGolf]

But this team is never healthy. We have had injury issues every year that Layer has been here.

[ballcoach15]

I read News&Advance every morning at 5:30. I never realized there was no columnist until Chris stated it above.
I think one should be added. The Roanoke Times has a good one in Aaron McFarling.

[ATrain]

I read News&Advance every morning at 5:30. I never realized there was no columnist until Chris stated it above.
I think one should be added. The Roanoke Times has a good one in Aaron McFarling.

I'm available for freelance work

JK

[ballcoach15]

Me to, but I would need to not use my real name .

[BJWilliams]

I wouldn't mind writing a column. Be a nice distraction from the general annoyance I get on a daily basis from someone I have often mentioned in The Chapel. Not to mention make some extra money on the side.

[JK37]

But this team is never healthy. We have had injury issues every year that Layer has been here.

Exactly! But I suppose injuries are all Coach Layer's fault, too.

[TheGovernor]

[VAGolf]

But this team is never healthy. We have had injury issues every year that Layer has been here.

Exactly! But I suppose injuries are all Coach Layer's fault, too.

Um, you're missing my point. I'm saying that excuse is getting old. Most coaches don't have injured players during every year of their tenure.

[JK37]

But this team is never healthy. We have had injury issues every year that Layer has been here.

Exactly! But I suppose injuries are all Coach Layer's fault, too.

Um, you're missing my point. I'm saying that excuse is getting old. Most coaches don't have injured players during every year of their tenure.

Um, you're right, most don't.

Um, I totally got your point. And, um, I think your inferring notes on the injury topic incorrectly.

[ATrain]

Injuries cannot be the sole reason any longer. Layer has had time to develop the juniors/seniors on his team to compliment/take over when the talent gets injured.

[JK37]

Injuries cannot be the sole reason any longer. Layer has had time to develop the juniors/seniors on his team to compliment/take over when the talent gets injured.

Development only gets players so far. A lot of it has to do with recruiting, as has been mentioned here. A full slate of studs cannot be signed at Liberty's level for multiple reasons. Take away 1-2 key players off any Big South team, there will be a drop off.

[Purple Haize]

This is why I would not be surprised to see him serve the last year of his contract

[TIMSCAR20]

In my humble opinion, I think this team has talent. The reason I felt they could win the Big South Tourmanent two seasons ago is because I thought they were close to winning so many conference games that just didn't go their way. I was on record before that tournament saying they could get hot and win it.

This year's team has some talent but I don't think they are close to having the ability to go on a 4 game run in the Tournament like that group did 2 years ago. Their short comings and scoring droughts within games will do them in probably in the 1st game of the tournament.

We got to see enough of Gielo this season before his injury to know that he just doesn't have the desire or freedom or a combination of both to be the 20 ppg scorer we all feel he could be. I think he is a special talent and have been saying it for years. I fully expected him to dominate games like he did vs UD back in November nearly every night.

Lastly I certainly understand Lang's position as a reporter and not a columnist. This is my own opinion but after the season I think Lang will have some strong things to say about the future of the program (no pressure Chris )

[ballcoach15]

Every player is inconsistent. 14 points one game, 6 points the next. I seen one game where a player scored something like 4 points first couple minutes of game and never scored again.
I viewed stats this morning. One player averaging in double figures (12 pts a game). All we need is one guy that can carry the team. Most all other BSC teams have that one guy.

There's no reason LU should not be able to recruit a couple good players. Other BSC schools can.

[ATrain]

Injuries cannot be the sole reason any longer. Layer has had time to develop the juniors/seniors on his team to compliment/take over when the talent gets injured.

Development only gets players so far. A lot of it has to do with recruiting, as has been mentioned here. A full slate of studs cannot be signed at Liberty's level for multiple reasons. Take away 1-2 key players off any Big South team, there will be a drop off.

There is a difference between a drop off and total inability to compete at the Division I level. He has failed at recruiting and at development.

[ballcoach15]

Recruiting has been a total failure. and it shouldn't be. Football needs 22 players, basketball needs 5. Our football team has done good in recruiting. Why not basketball ?

One of the Old-timers who has watched LU for years told me at church Sunday:

"we are too white"

It appears we go recruiting after everyone else is finished.

[Purple Haize]

Recruiting has been a total failure. and it shouldn't be. Football needs 22 players, basketball needs 5. Our football team has done good in recruiting. Why not basketball ?

One of the Old-timers who has watched LU for years told me at church Sunday:

"we are too white"

It appears we go recruiting after everyone else is finished.

Wisconsin is pretty 'white'. What's your point?

[ballcoach15]

I have no point, I was repeating what the Old-timer told me.

[alabama24]

Racist baptists. Lol