Joshua Siegel: Wins could open door
The impact of the Cougars’ season will be determined by how deep they can go in the NCAA Tournament — that is, assuming there are no late-season disasters, and they can continue their winning way in the last five games and through the Conference USA Tournament.
When you are trying to attract a fan base that is notorious for being fair-weather, the best way to attract attention is through winning on a consistent basis.
The Cougars have done that, and if they continue their march through Conference USA that should at least grab the attention of the campus.
Finishing the season ranked is important. UH is currently receiving 38 votes in the AP Poll. People like numbers and other things to brag about, even if it is No. 25.
It is important for the Cougars to make a splash this season because five of their seven rotation players are seniors — in other words, the team will have plenty of new faces next year.
They have had a successful program in the last decade in terms of competing in their conference and producing some of its top players, but a successful showing in March Madness could help solidify a fan base while also attracting top-notch recruits from the area.
Keith Cordero Jr: Tournament bid not enough
Sorry Josh, but the Cougars getting to the NCAA Tournament is not going to get the campus excited about women’s basketball.
The men’s team went dancing last season, and little hype carried over. They manage a meager fan average at every game at Hofheinz Pavilion.
It’s unfortunate, because the Cougars are having a spectacular season led by junior Porsche Landry and seniors Courtney Taylor and Brittney Scott; they should be carrying some momentum into March Madness.
Women’s basketball gets a bigger buzz at schools such as UConn, Tennessee, Stanford and Duke. The Cougars should not feel that bad, they just need to establish a winning culture through this season because women’s sports simply don’t generate as much fan support as they should.
If and when the Cougars punch their ticket to the big dance, I’ll be excited. But for the most part, only sports fans will know about how huge it is to make the tournament.
The casual fan may shed a smile and check the box score, but once they are eliminated, fans will be back to the men’s tournament bracket to see if Jimmer Fredette of BYU went off for a ridiculous amount of points scored last night.
Jack Wehman: If you build it, they will come
Wow, looks like you guys have no idea what you’re talking about.
Keith, are you saying that women shouldn’t care about whether people come to games or not? They’re the only Cougars worth cheering for right now — every men’s team is either in rebuilding mode, or fighting to get into the middle of the pack.
Head coach Todd Buchanan has the Cougars on fire, the softball team is the Conference USA favorite, swimming and diving generates Olympic athletes and the soccer squad is coming off its best season in program history.
And as for Josh, yes, when you win, you go to tournaments. Thanks for the lesson. Obviously, we all hope they continue the winning trend. But winning those games will bring two important things: attendance and exposure. With more wins, UH will be put in the spotlight — a top 25 ranking and a few more games on ESPN2 is a decently big deal.
With that exposure comes more fans, and of course, with more fans comes more money-making opportunities for UH. That is always a good thing in these dire times.
Plus, we get to watch more UH games where the scoreboard is in our favor at the end of the game. That’s always something to look forward to.
Judge Brannen: Short headline here
All of you made semi-agreeable points, but since I’m pseudo-psychic, it was nothing that I didn’t expect. So first things first — I win! Sorry, I saw the last sports editor do it and I always wanted to know what it felt like to hijack a Fighting Words.
Josh, I agree; an extended run in the NCAA Tournament could be clutch, but any basketball fan could have come to that conclusion.
Keith, you listed several schools with standout women’s basketball programs. I was surprised you omitted Brittney Griner and Baylor. The Bears claimed the 2004-2005 NCAA Championship and have made it to at least the second round every season after that. Since then, their men’s basketball team has been resurrected, and their football team is just coming off a bowl game appearance. Women’s hoops may have not been the catalyst to spark that turnaround, but it helps when a team is consistently a contender.
Jack, the spirit is appreciated, and you probably deserve the Facetime, but sometimes one must be greedy.
Verdict
This discussion has been seized by me — better known as the invisible force that is Cougar Sports Services.
Facetime
“Try me and run into a wall…outfielder.” -Tunech
