Well, if nothing else, I certainly generated a lot of discussion yesterday. A few follow-up comments:
(1) Many of Cronin's critics still refuse to acknowledge or downplay the fact that we've been playing shorthanded for an important part of the season missing one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation who is also our best defensive guard.
(2) Donovan Dent - Those calling him a bust by superficially comparing his stats from last season to this one couldn't be more wrong. A deeper dive on his stats say otherwise:
Free throws - His poor free throw shooting early in the season is 100% on him and has nothing to do with the coaching. It could have happened if he was on any team with any offensive system or coach. However, he has improved over the season and is 19-26 (73%) his last five games. But more importantly, he has made them when they mean the most. We've had three close games in January and February: Purdue, Indiana and Washington. He's 17-21 from the line in those games. His free throw shooting is not a problem.
3-point shooting - What the critics fail to notice when they compare his 41% last season to his 19% this year, 3-point shooting has never been a major part of his game. His first two seasons at New Mexico, he averaged about one attempt per game. Last season it was slightly under two, the same as this season. What that means is if he made 40% instead of 19% he would have made a total of nine more threes the entire season, about one every three games. Although we would like him to shoot these better, his 3-point shooting is not a problem.
2-point shooting - Last season he shot 50% on 454 2-point shots. This season it's 45% on 250 shots. There is no statistical significance between these percentages. Some of the difference can be explained by his frequent drives to the hoop. There are much more big, athletic players around the basket in the Big-10 than in the Mountain West conference to contest those shots.
So other than 3-point shooting which is a very minor part of his game, his stats are as good or better than last season given his role here. No longer the #1 option on offense, his scoring has decreased but his assists (3rd in the Big-10) and steals have increased and his turnovers have decreased. Not playing at an All-American level, but a very good point guard. Is he overpaid? Probably most college players are.
If you don't think he's made a significant impact on the team, here's a stat for you:
Tyger Campbell number of double digit assist games in his career (4 years): 8
Donovan Dent number of double digit assist games this season: 6
(3) NIL - Does anyone really believe the published totals of each school's NIL expenditures? Those numbers are the ones which supposedly adhere to the rules for NIL. Mainly these:
What is not allowed is "Pay for play" or NIL used to persuade a prospective student-athlete to attend a specific school. Let's get real. Under the table payments to third parties or future compensation for those purposes could be widespread. Some schools will bypass the rules and just buy players. There really is no regulation.
(4) If you think I'm defending Cronin's coaching, that isn't quite accurate. I just think all the arguments against him (many by folks here who have never coached or played the game at any significant level or are statistically challenged) are not very convincing. Just remember, many here (including me) wanted to get rid of Howland, who had some similarities to Cronin. But we got another coach whose main purpose seemed to be getting his son as many shots as possible, completely ignored defense and couldn't get past the Sweet 16 with three first round NBA draft choices on the team. Be careful what you wish for.