Opinion starting to sway?

[Galen]

I've been outspoken in my criticism of Jeff Lebo. My stance really hasn't changed that much. It's my belief that a coach in his fifth season shouldn't be hoping and praying for his first winning season in the SEC and his first potential post-season bid, particularly given the fact that his team is flush with seniors.

However....

I am edging much closer to the "give him one more season to see if he can sustain the momentum" than I was even a week ago. And here's why.

1) Both Alabama and Georgia are in the market for coaches. Three teams in that close proximity battling in the same field isn't optimal.

2) Of Auburn's six SEC losses, three came against 20+ win teams that are virtual tournament locks. Two of those were on the road.

3) One of Auburn's six SEC losses came against 19-win Kentucky. Also on the road. (Note: KY may have 20 wins by today).

4) Both of Auburn's other SEC losses came against teams with winning overall records.

5) The only loss that could be considered a "bad" loss came against Vanderbilt at home. That one is hard to swallow and could be the nail in the NCAA coffin.

6) In the pre-SEC slate, Auburn lost three games. Two of those came against teams with 19+ wins.

7) The only "bad" pre-SEC loss came at home against a crappy Mercer team. Another hard to swallow loss that could seriously haunt Auburn.


If you take out the two bad losses and swap them for wins, AU is probably an NCAA lock. Unfortunately Auburn's RPI prior to Saturday was 85 and there's no way the team gets an at-large.

I know it goes against my "NCAA or bust" call, but if the Tigers close out the season strong and get to the SEC finals? Maybe my position would change.

No long-term extensions, no parades -- but another year to prove that this wasn't a fluke and Lebo truly is starting to build something. Nothing but NCAA would be acceptable, though.

[AUTerp92]

I agree with you that it would be bad timing to be searching for a replacement for Lebo and I think if we win at UAT or at home against LSU that we will be an NIT lock...postseason play NIT or NCAA will save Lebo his job whether you like it or not.

NCAA possibilities...it will take either win out and make it to the finals of SEC or win the SEC Tournament. The SEC is weak, our non-conference schedule was weak (biggest win on the road against UVA), RPI is weak and too many good teams out there will make it difficult to become an NCAA team...we are not on anybody's bubble list (that I have seen)...beat Mercer, Dayton, Vandy and/or Florida and we are a bubble team with a win over LSU from being a lock...WDE

[pado1974]

I like the way Lebo has this team playing.It seems that they have great effort and we do have a pretty decent bench that has had playing time so experience next year will be a bonus.I say keep him around for at least another 2 years see if we keep improving and go from there.NIT is a lock for us from what i've seen so it is a bonus for the program this season.These kids really have played hard this year.

[Galen]

Originally Posted by pado1974

I like the way Lebo has this team playing.It seems that they have great effort and we do have a pretty decent bench that has had playing time so experience next year will be a bonus.I say keep him around for at least another 2 years see if we keep improving and go from there.NIT is a lock for us from what i've seen so it is a bonus for the program this season.These kids really have played hard this year.

Two more? No. No no and no.

One. One to prove it's not a fluke and he's actually making progress. One maximum. That's as far as I would go.

Consider that we have a complete tool for an AD and he'll probably get a lifetime contract and a free supply of Pop Rocks.

[demon42]

The run the mens BB team has gone on has probably given Lebo another year. I am impressed how the tigers are playing down the strech and wish them well in the SEC tournament. I feel Lebo should have the program in better shape after 5 years, but only care about the team being competitive not who coaches them. If Lebo can make the tigers competitive year in year out I will admit I have been wrong about him. But it takes more than a NIT bid every 5 years.

[demon42]

Originally Posted by Galen

Two more? No. No no and no.

One. One to prove it's not a fluke and he's actually making progress. One maximum. That's as far as I would go.

Consider that we have a complete tool for an AD and he'll probably get a lifetime contract and a free supply of Pop Rocks.

The AD should be ashamed of the way he let the mens BB program hit rock bottom. I cant believe a NIT bid carries so much weight. I could see giving him one more year to see if he can build on this years momentum, but I agree with Galen no more than ONE.

[pado1974]

I consider the NIT as a sub-bcs bowl game.At least your still playing and getting into recruits minds.

[mroetaylor]

Why are so many of you thinking Auburn won't go to The NCAA Tournament? I remember when 20 wins was almost a gaurantee you would be in The Tournament. Admittedly, I not a close follower of basketball, but explain why Auburn shouldn't be in The NCAA Tournament.
I have had serious doubts about Coach Lebo at times also but if he is fired after this season I'll follow Auburn Basketball even less than I do now. In hindsight, Lebo has probably done an incredible job considering the handicaps he's had to work under.

[AUTerp92]

Originally Posted by mroetaylor

Why are so many of you thinking Auburn won't go to The NCAA Tournament? I remember when 20 wins was almost a gaurantee you would be in The Tournament.

20 wins is no longer a guarantee for the NCAA Tournament...SOS and RPI play a major part in the selection. Unfortunately, our SOS and RPI are not very good largely due to our weak non-conference schedule and the overall weakness of the SEC this year. Still think we have a shot at the NCAA, but it is an uphill battle...we are not on any "watchlists"...beat UAT handly Tuesday and beat LSU Saturday and we will be a bubble team.

[WDG]

Alabama looked very good against Ole Miss. Maybe they have found a coach.