3/1 | Loyola Chicago | 9:00PM (CBSSN)

[spookydog]

University of Rhode Island vs Loyola Chicago University
Joseph J. Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
9:00PM

Media
TV: CBSSN
Online: CBSSN
Radio: Tune In Radio
App: Varsity Network

Previews
Loyola Chicago Fan Forum


All right ramblers, let’s get ramblin’. The University of Rhode Island Rams head out on the road for one last time this regular season to take on the Atlantic 10’s newest team, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. Come tipoff of this game it will be 410 days since last the Rams last road win. If they can’t get the win Wednesday night, it will be roughly another 8.5 months until they get their next chance. Please, please, please get the road victory.

My guess is when Loyola got the invitation to join the A10, how this season has progressed for the Ramblers is not how Sister Jean envisioned. Hopefully she stays clear of Gentile Arena because watching this game has the potential to harm the 103-year-old. I know this season has taken some years off of my life & she is quite older than I am. With just two games left in the season, this game is potentially a battle for who finishes in last place in the conference. Rhody comes in with a 4-12 record while Loyola is 3-13. Rhody has now lost 7 in a row while Loyola has lost 5 of 6. That one win during that span is a road win at UMass. See, even they are getting road wins.

Leading the Ramblers is junior forward Philip Alston. The former DII player from California University of Pennsylvania is leading the team in both points (14.6) & rebounds (5.4). The only other double-digit scorer on this team is guard Braden Norris, who is also leading the team in assists (3.9). Norris is their best three-point shooter & has about 30% of the team’s makes from behind the arc. Freshman guard Ben Schwieger is just shy of double-digits with 9.6 points per game. Butler transfer Bryce Golden (former Richmond player Grant Golden’s brother) starts at center, but most of his minutes go to forward Tom Welch.

Will Rhody have enough to pull out their first road win of the season? No better shot than now. They will need another impressive Malik performance like he has been doing over the last couple games. One thing that shouldn’t happen is Bassy taking the most shots. Never a good recipe for a win. Carey struggled to get his shot going as well. Loyola shoots the ball 6.5% better from the field while Rhody shoots it almost 6% from the line. Being at home, Loyola should be favored by a few points since both of these teams are quite comparable. My prediction Loyola 66 – URI 64. Go Rhody!!


Opponent
Record:
9-19, 3-13 in the A10
25-8, 13-5 in the MVC (Last Season)

Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: 270 (254)
RPI: 272 (270)
KenPom: 257 (242)
BPI: 248 (232)
Sagarin: 211 (215)
Barttovik: 232 (228)

Leaders:
Points – Philip Alston 14.6 (Jr., F)
Rebounds – Philip Alston 5.4 (Jr., F)
Assists – Braden Norris 3.9 (Jr., G) (2.4 TO per game)

Historical
Series: 0-0
H: 0-0, A: 0-0, N: 0-0
Most Recent Matchup: N/A
Most Recent Win Streak: N/A
Match-up Predictor: 34.5% Chance of URI Winning

[section(105)]

39% to win, from Team Rankings

[section(105)]

Basement Bowl?

[hrstrat57]

The
Battle
For
The
Bottom

WOO HOO!!!

[Rhody15]

The Mega Bowl, as Jackie Moon would call it.

[theblueram]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

[spookydog]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

[Jersey77]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Yes, especially considering the talent on those rosters.

[Rhody15]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

I’m a sucker for punishment so I’ll be watching and cheering like it affects our bubble chances.

In my blood at this point lol

[theblueram]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

[section(105)]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

[theblueram]

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

Or maybe Archie can sign some freshmen like EC, Terrell and Hass?

[section(105)]

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

Or maybe Archie can sign some freshmen like EC, Terrell and Hass?

In our dreams……..

[Jersey77]

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

Or maybe Archie can sign some freshmen like EC, Terrell and Hass?

Blueram, I think you will be disapponted then.

I believe only 3 of the top 150 recruits ('23) haven't committed and they aren't on our radar and out of our geographic comfort zone.

[theblueram]

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

Or maybe Archie can sign some freshmen like EC, Terrell and Hass?

Blueram, I think you will be disapponted then.

I believe only 3 of the top 150 recruits ('23) haven't committed and they aren't on our radar and out of our geographic comfort zone.

Then I will be for sure disappointed. I did not expect we hire a coach for $2M+ and get mediocre players. Archie was hired last March. He's had a year to recruit for this October signing.

[RIFan]

Agreed, if this is another dud of a recruiting class it’s on Archie and the staff, no more late start BS.

[NYGFan_Section208]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Yes, especially considering the talent on those rosters.

Well...at least we don't have that (talent) to worry about...

[NYGFan_Section208]

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

Jerry D was 7-23 his second year. We are 8-20. Not much difference. Not saying Archie can't get it done, but this team feckin stinks. Roster overhaul is needed.

Yeah, maybe we can grab a designated three point bomber off the waiver wire, practice roster player that his not getting his due, and and maybe not being a headcase diva would be nice.

Now yer talkin'....

[NYGFan_Section208]

Or maybe Archie can sign some freshmen like EC, Terrell and Hass?

Blueram, I think you will be disapponted then.

I believe only 3 of the top 150 recruits ('23) haven't committed and they aren't on our radar and out of our geographic comfort zone.

Then I will be for sure disappointed. I did not expect we hire a coach for $2M+ and get mediocre players. Archie was hired last March. He's had a year to recruit for this October signing.

Where does the season ticket deposit use it or lose 'em period start?

[KingstonLane]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

[NYGFan_Section208]

I know this doesn't belong here...but I'm putting it here, because this thread is sad, but this...is tres funny, enjoy:

[theblueram]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

[section(105)]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Ish

[NYGFan_Section208]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Ish

He's been much better than anticipated. But, I think most are probably hoping for him not being the best player on next year's team...and if that isn't realistic, it's depressing.

[McRam]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

True fans stay the course. Reconsider!

[theblueram]

I just want to know if Archie's lack of top 100 recruits this year is based on NIL. Because if it is, I may step away from this game.

[KingstonLane]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

[NYGFan_Section208]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Careful, you don't want them to be caught "looking ahead" and overconfident

[ramster]

If A10 standings overall we’re to stay the same, this game could be pretty meaningful. As the 14 seed URI lines up with Fordham as the Top 4 team in their quarter of the bracket. Easily the weakest team of the top 4.

Whoever is in that group has a good chance of a “surprise” semi finals or finals run

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

[theblueram]

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

Does it really actually matter? This conference is a juan bid conference. Just pathetic. And URI is in the dumpster. Never been more dissapointed.

[ramster]

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

Does it really actually matter? This conference is a juan bid conference. Just pathetic. And URI is in the dumpster. Never been more dissapointed.

No I don't think it matters. Thinking ahead to get Fordham in the Quarterfinals means we will have won 2 games prior.
One game at a time.

[KingstonLane]

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

Very hard to predict, some crucial games down the stretch. But will be interesting. This year more than ever feel like we could have a random champ

[ramster]

Lol what does my post have to do with 2024 recruits? I’m talking about the A10 tourney in 2 weeks.

And I’m by no means calling my shot that we’ll make the finals. But just pointing out being in Fordhams quadrant wouldn’t hurt

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

Very hard to predict, some crucial games down the stretch. But will be interesting. This year more than ever feel like we could have a random champ

I agree. Wide open. VCU looks like the favorite but look what happened last year with Richmond.

[RIFan]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

At least the A10 was a legit conference when Jerry D was here. We are the worst in the worst A10 in 40 years. That makes this possibility the worst URI team in 40 years

[NYGFan_Section208]

I'm not even going to watch this game. It's an affront to our fans how bad this team is. Never thought it would be this bad. This is just plain horrible. In the worst A10 conference maybe ever, we are in last place. I don't think I can ever remember a URI team being this bad.

The Jerry D years were much much worse than this.

At least the A10 was a legit conference when Jerry D was here. We are the worst in the worst A10 in 40 years. That makes this possibility the worst URI team in 40 years

Well...that's something to hang your hat on, right? Hopefully, we laugh about this in a couple years...

[Rhodymob05]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

[rhodysurf]

I like your reach and positive vibes. But, at this point, it's futile. I haven't heard anything on 24 recruits. Nothing. Arch has been here a year already, and who are we signing in October? Are we on any recruit that matters?

Ish

He's been much better than anticipated. But, I think most are probably hoping for him not being the best player on next year's team...and if that isn't realistic, it's depressing.

The fuck is this lol Ish’s advanced stats are right around A10 first team level. He will be the best player on the team next year.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Ish

He's been much better than anticipated. But, I think most are probably hoping for him not being the best player on next year's team...and if that isn't realistic, it's depressing.

The fuck is this lol Ish’s advanced stats are right around A10 first team level. He will be the best player on the team next year.

great...

[KingstonLane]

He's been much better than anticipated. But, I think most are probably hoping for him not being the best player on next year's team...and if that isn't realistic, it's depressing.

The fuck is this lol Ish’s advanced stats are right around A10 first team level. He will be the best player on the team next year.

great...

He would be the best player on most A10 teams

[RamStock]

Where do you see Fordham as a seed? Right now Fordham is the 3-seed having defeated St Louis in their only matchup.
St Louis has it tough with remaining 2 games with Dayton and VCU

I'd guess Fordham ends up with the 3-seed, St Louis 4-seed but it's also possible SLU loses both games then it depends on Duquesne, George Mason and George Washington with their remaining 2 games.

Very hard to predict, some crucial games down the stretch. But will be interesting. This year more than ever feel like we could have a random champ

I agree. Wide open. VCU looks like the favorite but look what happened last year with Richmond.

How can anybody think that URI can win the A-10 tournament?? Uri doesn’t have half the talent that Richmond did. A lot of teams in this mediocre conference could win the tournament, but we aren’t one of them. These games are all meaningless going forward

[RIFan]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

That team was bad, but it also had 4 wins in a much tougher A10 and in only 16 games. We can still surpass 4 wins but with more league games played and against weaker competition.

[KingstonLane]

Very hard to predict, some crucial games down the stretch. But will be interesting. This year more than ever feel like we could have a random champ

I agree. Wide open. VCU looks like the favorite but look what happened last year with Richmond.

How can anybody think that URI can win the A-10 tournament?? Uri doesn’t have half the talent that Richmond did. A lot of teams in this mediocre conference could win the tournament, but we aren’t one of them. These games are all meaningless going forward

Literally no one is predicting that they can lol. You people are all so defensive

[Rhody72]

I wonder how much the increase in season ticket prices will be for next year?

With new transfer rules, being a fan of an A10 basketball team is similar to being a fan of a minor league baseball team.

Over the last 20 years has the URI Athletic program exceeded, met or under-performed reasonable expectations?

Because I dislike PC for all the usual reasons, URI's MBB performance hurts even more.

The A10 is a conference for schools that are satisfied or a stepping stone for ambitious schools. What is URI?

[RhowdyRam02]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

You're right, and I think a lot of people are forgetting how bad some of our teams were. The Jerry D years were worse, a couple of the Baron years were very bad, hell I'd say the last two years under Cox were worse than this. At least I feel like we have the right coach and an administration that gets it. That wasn't the case in some of those years. For that reason alone I'd say this year isn't the worst, record be damned

[Rhody15]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

You're right, and I think a lot of people are forgetting how bad some of our teams were. The Jerry D years were worse, a couple of the Baron years were very bad, hell I'd say the last two years under Cox were worse than this. At least I feel like we have the right coach and an administration that gets it. That wasn't the case in some of those years. For that reason alone I'd say this year isn't the worst, record be damned

If we’re talking strictly team on the court though, the last two Cox’s teams would beat this current team.

[Jersey77]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

You're right, and I think a lot of people are forgetting how bad some of our teams were. The Jerry D years were worse, a couple of the Baron years were very bad, hell I'd say the last two years under Cox were worse than this. At least I feel like we have the right coach and an administration that gets it. That wasn't the case in some of those years. For that reason alone I'd say this year isn't the worst, record be damned

If we’re talking strictly team on the court though, the last two Cox’s teams would beat this current team.

I don't feel as disappointed this season as I did in 1999-2000.
We were coming off of "3" straight NCAA appearances including an Elite 8.
We had Clay, Bell, Marbury, and Vinson and only managed 5 wins total (2-14 A10)

With our current staff, at least I feel much more optimistic going forward.

[RF1]

I don't feel as disappointed this season as I did in 1999-2000.
We were coming off of 2 straight NCAA appearances including an Elite 8.
We had Clay, Bell, Marbury, and Vinson and only managed 5 wins total (2-14 A10)

With our current staff, at least I feel much more optimistic going forward.

Slight correction - in 1999-2000, we were actually coming off THREE straight NCAA appearances, FOUR straight postseasons (including 1996 NIT) and FOUR straight 20 win seasons. The program won an A-10 Tournament Championship along with three NCAA games in an Elite-8 run and two NIT games during this period. It was the best four years in URI hoops history.

[Jersey77]

I don't feel as disappointed this season as I did in 1999-2000.
We were coming off of "3" straight NCAA appearances including an Elite 8.
We had Clay, Bell, Marbury, and Vinson and only managed 5 wins total (2-14 A10)

With our current staff, at least I feel much more optimistic going forward.

Slight correction - in 1999-2000, we were actually coming off THREE straight NCAA appearances, FOUR straight postseasons (including 1996 NIT) and FOUR straight 20 win seasons. The program won an A-10 Tournament Championship along with three NCAA games in an Elite-8 run and two NIT games during this period. It was the best run in URI hoops history.

You are right (I corrected), our best stretch.
I was just going back to Jerry D as an assistant to Harrick.
Sorry Al.

[RF1]

You are right, our best stretch.
I was just going back to Jerry D as an assistant to Harrick.
Sorry Al.

There were two constants in all four years of this very successful stretch - ARD and Preston Murphy. No other Rhody players ever experienced as much success as them.

[RhowdyRam02]

2011-2012 End of the Baron Era, the worst season I've ever seen with no hope in sight. This season is not that.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2012.html

You're right, and I think a lot of people are forgetting how bad some of our teams were. The Jerry D years were worse, a couple of the Baron years were very bad, hell I'd say the last two years under Cox were worse than this. At least I feel like we have the right coach and an administration that gets it. That wasn't the case in some of those years. For that reason alone I'd say this year isn't the worst, record be damned

If we’re talking strictly team on the court though, the last two Cox’s teams would beat this current team.

Maybe. They certainly would have the talent to beat this team, but the coaching edge on this team could be decisive in that theoretical matchup