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I am not sure if predictions matter as much as what most expect (or need) out of this season.

I hate hyperbole and scare tactic words - specially as it has escalated in political circles in the last 10 years. Everything is going to be "end the world" REEEEE!

Anyways, I do honestly believe that there is a lot riding on this Athletic Department, this AD, and this fan base this basketball season. Is Umass Football and Basketball going anywhere? No of course not; but there could be a serious facture and separation of an already beaten down fan base. Football does not get a pass, but they definitely have a little more rope.


With this: I ask three simple questions in the context of this Basketball season:

What do you need to happen to completely settle your skepticism about the future of our program?

What finally breaks your remaining faith in anything good about this program?

What keeps your interest or keeps you at least content as pointing in the right direction?


Considering roster turnover, 2 steps backwards in overall conference competition, and what I consider a fairly weak overall OOC schedule. IMO everything from 12 to 24 wins in on the table.

My skepticism comes from Frank.... I am an old school person... his style would motivate the shit out of me, I had coaches like that. Today's player and game are not suited for that style. As much as I may hate that, that is the reality of the game now. There is a thin line between motivating by fear and scaring by fear. You cannot play effectively when looking over your shoulder all the time.


I am not sure any result can bring me patience. Anything 20+ wins and I am good to go.

16 to 19 wins probably keeps the status quo and I am out. I cannot support the continued and allowed mediocrity from this fucking athletic department. Unless this somehow results in the scenario below - I am done with Umass.

If they turn in a real turd of 15 wins or less this year - it will all come down to how it is handled by the school. Fire Bamford and Frank - I am 100% on board!. If it is a (another) next year will be different speech - Fuck them - I am out. For the reasons I stated above, it has to be both - as excited as I would be about a new AD, hoops will continue to flounder.. Frank is not the right guy and that kind of record this year would cement that opinion.

1. What do you need to happen to completely settle your skepticism about the future of our program?
2. What finally breaks your remaining faith in anything good about this program?
3. What keeps your interest or keeps you at least content as pointing in the right direction?

1. Nothing can do that. Mid majors are in a constant state of flux and battling to be relevant. BUT, if you're asking for my expectation, I've stated before that top 3 is my goal for the program. That sets you up to have a respectable NET ranking, a good enough squad to compete for an NCAA tournament appearance, and if not, the NIT might give you a look. A 3rd place finish also means you're going to win 23ish games, and I like wins.

2. Again, nothing will break my faith in the program. I'll be a supporter no matter what. I'll be massively disappointed if they have another bad season and both Frank and especially Bamford keep their jobs. But again, mid-majors are year-to-year programs. I certainly won't be hyping the program up and trying to get friends to come to games with me, but I'll still show up.

3. I'll always be interested (at least I think I will). Anything short of 20 wins will be disappointing and I think Bamford should get canned and there should be serious consideration to buying out Frank. He gave us 20 wins in the A10, he should give us 20 wins in the MAC. Not disrespecting the league, but he's a good coach that should be able to compete at a high level.

This is based on minimal roster and talent evaluation, which I admit is completely foolish. These are my expectations for the program, not my predictions for the 2025/26 roster. Roster-wise, I predict Daniel Hankins-Sanford to be a beast and make the 1st team All-MAC. I predict Marcus Banks' offensive production will carry over and he will have success. I predict Wimbley will blossom mid-season and have an impact similar to RJ Luis in his freshman season. I predict Jayden will create ridiculous levels of havoc and be a leader on the floor. Other than that, no predictions record-wise.