Post by motorcitysam on Mar 22, 2023 14:42:58 GMT -5
Ten years ago at this time Titan fans were getting over the sting of the last two games and wondering about the team's prospects for 2013-14. Several things were up in the air, particularly the status of young Ray. Ray averaged 18.7 ppg on the season, racking up numerous honors, including some all American recognition. He certainly had caught the attention of NBA scouts. As I recall, predictions were mixed as to whether or not he would declare for the draft, and eventually, he did just that. At the time, we hoped that Jason and PJ would step up to fill the gap and we welcomed the upcoming availability of Michigan transfer Carlton Brundidge. We also looked forward to the Titans finally filling out the coaching staff. Shortly after Ray declared for the draft, however, PJ made the surprise decision to transfer. I was puzzled by that move, as I thought PJ was heir apparent to the point guard job once Ray was gone.
Late in the summer, Jason surprised a lot of people (including coaches and teammates) by using his status as a graduate to transfer with immediate eligibility. Normally the quiet one, Jason left town ripping the University in a news article for what he considered their unfair treatment of former coach Briggs. Apparently that had been bothering him. He announced his transfer and was in Oregon the next day, so I always figured their was some communication from the Oregon staff while Jason was still a Titan. His leaving put another hole in the backcourt and the Titans were in catch up mode again. The Titans eventually hired Steve Payne and Ernie Zeigler and assistant coaches, finally giving us a full staff, and brought in Matt Grant and Jarod Williams to bolster the backcourt.
Ten years later, we haven't come close to making the NIT or NCAA tournament again, despite the conference being weaker than ever. We've suffered some really bad seasons and more embarrassing off the court stuff. It feels like the Titan team of 2012-13 is overlooked by a lot of fans, but the ten year period that followed them has only made me apperciate them more. It was a time without auto NIT bids, so Detroit put in some real work to get an at large NIT bid back then. It was an exciting team that had a successful season while dealing with all kinds of adversity and issues not of their own making. Hopefully one day the University gives them some recognition.
Go Titans.
Late in the summer, Jason surprised a lot of people (including coaches and teammates) by using his status as a graduate to transfer with immediate eligibility. Normally the quiet one, Jason left town ripping the University in a news article for what he considered their unfair treatment of former coach Briggs. Apparently that had been bothering him. He announced his transfer and was in Oregon the next day, so I always figured their was some communication from the Oregon staff while Jason was still a Titan. His leaving put another hole in the backcourt and the Titans were in catch up mode again. The Titans eventually hired Steve Payne and Ernie Zeigler and assistant coaches, finally giving us a full staff, and brought in Matt Grant and Jarod Williams to bolster the backcourt.
Ten years later, we haven't come close to making the NIT or NCAA tournament again, despite the conference being weaker than ever. We've suffered some really bad seasons and more embarrassing off the court stuff. It feels like the Titan team of 2012-13 is overlooked by a lot of fans, but the ten year period that followed them has only made me apperciate them more. It was a time without auto NIT bids, so Detroit put in some real work to get an at large NIT bid back then. It was an exciting team that had a successful season while dealing with all kinds of adversity and issues not of their own making. Hopefully one day the University gives them some recognition.
Go Titans.