MBB vs Arkansas stAte, Friday, March 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+, Holmes Sweet Holmes, finale, #1 Defense v #1 Offense

[BallantyneApp]

This has got to be a weird moment for all the UNC fans on this board. Having to accept that App State basketball would whoop that Tar Heel butt this year. Hopefully we get into the dance so we can knock those bums out!

In Charlotte would make it sweeter

Would be so cathartic for our fanbase. Maybe even get a few of our App FB only alums to start questioning that baby blue

[Stonewall]

One of the top performances of the year. Made the long drive up and back worth it despite the rain and fog. Entire football team was in attendance as they were given the day off and instructed to be there. Aguilar is a LEADER by the way. It’s clear being around him and his teammates, he’s got their confidence and respect.

The QBs sitting together in t shirts spelling out DUSTIN was cool to see.

It really was…they had a blast.

[311neers]

Rewatching all of the videos and photos warms the heart. Hope the whole town was amped after the game! Go Apps! Rest up, and get ready for a cinderella run!

[RaleighApp27609]

Yes , he and his family- which is the most important thing - do love it here , not just his wife and kids but his entire family.However if an opportunity that can replicate that and substantially increase their income comes along he would have to pursue it. And we are no where near the ceiling. One of the players told me mid season that next years team could be better than this one. So could we build a “ Gonzaga of the South”. We could , but will we ? We will have to invest , and invest again but it’s doable. I’ve talked to Trustees who want to . It’s really up to supporters though , a few big donors and a couple of thousand small ones. It takes money . It takes everyone.

Dumb question I guess but outside of Yosef Club, how can small donors invest directly in the basketball program?

[Stonewall]

That’s the right question my friend. You can designate a donation to basketball through Yosef.

[Bootsy]

App is in a really good place as we look forward to Pensacola:

1. Team is peaking at the right time
2. Plenty of scoring weapons
3. Stifling defense
4. No divas, no drama
4. Team is relatively healthy
5. Players are all-in on Kerns’ system
6. Kerns: exceptional HC & a great staff

Finally, what makes me exceptionally hopeful is this: there is NO QUIT in these kids. They play as hard when they’re up by 20 as they do if they’re down by 10. They don’t rattle easily when trailing and they don’t act foolish or become complacent when App is up big.

And there’s a good reason for this. When you lead people, everyone likes to talk about the importance of having folks on your team who are bright, hungry, competitive, etc. All of these are very important. But two attributes that are just as important are humility and integrity.

This team is special because they work hard, they’re coachable and they play for one another. Credit DK and this amazing staff for getting the right players on the bus and instilling them with a mentality that will serve them far after their playing days are done.

[AppOrange]

Had a work event last night and could only watch first half, anyone know why the replay isn’t available on the +

[BambooRdApp]

Yes , he and his family- which is the most important thing - do love it here , not just his wife and kids but his entire family.However if an opportunity that can replicate that and substantially increase their income comes along he would have to pursue it. And we are no where near the ceiling. One of the players told me mid season that next years team could be better than this one. So could we build a “ Gonzaga of the South”. We could , but will we ? We will have to invest , and invest again but it’s doable. I’ve talked to Trustees who want to . It’s really up to supporters though , a few big donors and a couple of thousand small ones. It takes money . It takes everyone.

Exactly...the zags, Wichita State (back in the day), Butler etc. and now St. Marys....all started somewhere....at the end of the day, it comes down to resources and commitment from App. St. perspective....will we anti up the money and do we have it. In my opinion, it seems we have the facilities. Other larger schools are looking to reduce capacity of their gym.
From coaches perspective, it is a personal decision for family and does he think he can win here on the larger stage. Maybe or maybe not today...but will he be given what he needs to win tomorrow so to speak..Also, the more he wins, the more lucrative the other deals are.. Nike, etc.
The other concern (which outside coaches control at App to a certain degree)...will SBC always be a one team in NCAA tournament conference. That is a drawback as well.
I am sure there are other perspectives to the decision such as player nil that they get at P5 schools that impact recruiting, etc. personally, I would prefer to not be in the environment where the player may make more than the coach .
If I could win in Boone and make decent salary, players get decent nil, etc. Be a great story. Kerns would never have to buy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Boone for life.
I hope we can keep him. We are starting to see fan support grow.
#Take The Stairs

[BambooRdApp]

App is in a really good place as we look forward to Pensacola:

1. Team is peaking at the right time
2. Plenty of scoring weapons
3. Stifling defense
4. No divas, no drama
4. Team is relatively healthy
5. Players are all-in on Kerns’ system
6. Kerns: exceptional HC & a great staff

Finally, what makes me exceptionally hopeful is this: there is NO QUIT in these kids. They play as hard when they’re up by 20 as they do if they’re down by 10. They don’t rattle easily when trailing and they don’t act foolish or become complacent when App is up big.

And there’s a good reason for this. When you lead people, everyone likes to talk about the importance of having folks on your team who are bright, hungry, competitive, etc. All of these are very important. But two attributes that are just as important are humility and integrity.

This team is special because they work hard, they’re coachable and they play for one another. Credit DK and this amazing staff for getting the right players on the bus and instilling them with a mentality that will serve them far after their playing days are done.

If Gregory can continue to knock down the 3, Marsh plays within the script and not try to do too much,...the others will continue to do what the do, we have a real good chance in most games. D is desire and our guys have it.

[WASU 93]

Yes , he and his family- which is the most important thing - do love it here , not just his wife and kids but his entire family.However if an opportunity that can replicate that and substantially increase their income comes along he would have to pursue it. And we are no where near the ceiling. One of the players told me mid season that next years team could be better than this one. So could we build a “ Gonzaga of the South”. We could , but will we ? We will have to invest , and invest again but it’s doable. I’ve talked to Trustees who want to . It’s really up to supporters though , a few big donors and a couple of thousand small ones. It takes money . It takes everyone.

One thing we have going (and this feels weird to say) is fan support. I hit a bunch of mid-major games this season and outside of USF, students are not going to games.
Everyone loves a winner, but the seeds were planted this year to have a really solid home court advantage at Holmes. (And facilities wise, it’s mid pack or slightly better compared to a lot of other arenas there are on campus public institutions)

[Bigdaddyg1]

App is in a really good place as we look forward to Pensacola:

1. Team is peaking at the right time
2. Plenty of scoring weapons
3. Stifling defense
4. No divas, no drama
4. Team is relatively healthy
5. Players are all-in on Kerns’ system
6. Kerns: exceptional HC & a great staff

Finally, what makes me exceptionally hopeful is this: there is NO QUIT in these kids. They play as hard when they’re up by 20 as they do if they’re down by 10. They don’t rattle easily when trailing and they don’t act foolish or become complacent when App is up big.

And there’s a good reason for this. When you lead people, everyone likes to talk about the importance of having folks on your team who are bright, hungry, competitive, etc. All of these are very important. But two attributes that are just as important are humility and integrity.

This team is special because they work hard, they’re coachable and they play for one another. Credit DK and this amazing staff for getting the right players on the bus and instilling them with a mentality that will serve them far after their playing days are done.

What I notice is the smiles and genuine excitement that every player gets when a teammate does a great play. I think coach has instilled that 9 starters mentality and the team believes in it. A huge key is still Mantis. I don't know what his minutes are but I'd guess close to 10 a game. If he knocks down 2-3 treys and grabs 3 boards we seem to cruise. All jokes aside about free throws but Abson made that one adjustment of spreading his feet and he's like a different dude at the line. X is lightning fast and seems more confident driving for his shots. I watched him get back on defense a few times and the guy absolutely sprints every time.

[9Steelman]

ESPN+ forgot to download our game for replay. They are in process of correcting the error, they said within 12/24 hours it should be available.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

WBB also beat ark st later in the evening

[Bootsy]

To put a bow on this, I recognize that everyone here has different feelings about the postgame celebration.

First, props to the Mothership for televising the festivities. I can’t recall seeing many televised celebrations after teams win the regular season crown. So ESPN cutting the broadcast right after the horn wouldn’t have been surprising. But they televised it.

Also, keep in mind that a LOT of eyes were watching that game and what happened after. Momentum is definitely building for the program and it won’t take much more to really grow student interest & engagement. But donor engagement is going to be critical to keep us at or above this level.

[BambooRdApp]

In terms of post game celebration. It is hard to win in college basketball it doesn't matter to me if App, or a perennial winner like UConn, UK, Dook, UNC.. celebrate. You accomplished something big.. winning your conference...if teams do not celebrate, their choice. IMO, celebrate the big moments along the way. It is part of the journey. Winning is hard .

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

We may have swept JMU in football and mens basketball but they are still better than us with throwing streamers, so they got that going for them.

[BambooRdApp]

We may have swept JMU in football and mens basketball but they are still better than us with throwing streamers, so they got that going for them.

On one of the Sun Belt message boards, they replied to a post by an App St. fan ..wait until April, we will beat you in baseball...

[canes_mj]

All around amazing experience...the entire season, but last night especially....have so thoroughly enjoyed this team and season; not just the winning but they way they play; nothing but good things to say and still feeling the post game glow today. Totally worth making the drive and braving the weather. Loved it. After the game my 8 year old got to meet several of the players and got a pic taken with one with the trophy and he was just beaming smiling. APP!!!

[hapapp]

To put a bow on this, I recognize that everyone here has different feelings about the postgame celebration.

First, props to the Mothership for televising the festivities. I can’t recall seeing many televised celebrations after teams win the regular season crown. So ESPN cutting the broadcast right after the horn wouldn’t have been surprising. But they televised it.

Also, keep in mind that a LOT of eyes were watching that game and what happened after. Momentum is definitely building for the program and it won’t take much more to really grow student interest & engagement. But donor engagement is going to be critical to keep us at or above this level.

This game was only on ESPN+ wasn’t it?

[Stonewall]

All around amazing experience...the entire season, but last night especially....have so thoroughly enjoyed this team and season; not just the winning but they way they play; nothing but good things to say and still feeling the post game glow today. Totally worth making the drive and braving the weather. Loved it. After the game my 8 year old got to meet several of the players and got a pic taken with one with the trophy and he was just beaming smiling. APP!!!

Very cool. Enjoy the days with your youngster , they pass too soon. Way too soon.