re: MBB : Early conference play opinion

I think some are using the terms goals and expectations interchangeably when they are, in fact, different. The goals should always be, at minimum, to reach the NCAAT. But yearly expectations often fluctuate. Last year the goal was to at least make the NCAAT. But a reasonable expectation wasn't that high because of the significant turnover in the program. This year the goal again is to at least make the NCAAT. But the expectation isn't that high. Largely because of last year's performance. The expectation is (or at least should be) to be markedly better than last year. Until (almost) 3 weeks ago the program wasn't reaching those expectations. At the moment it seems to be trending in that direction (but there is still a long way to go).

Next season the goals will remain the same as they have been. It's the expectations that will change. It will be year 3. So while 6-8 SEC wins this season will likely satisfy expectations, the expectations next year will be higher (or at least they should be). So while 6-8 SEC wins this year may be just good enough, that won't be the case next season because expectations will be higher.

Johnson vastly exceeded expectations in year 1. Then fell significantly short of reasonable expectations in the following year. Jones exceeded expectations in year 1 (even though it was only a .500 SEC record). As the reasonable expectations got bigger the results failed to meet them.

Wade exceeded expectations in year 1. He vastly exceeded them in year 2. In years 3 and 4 he probably met the new expectation level, but didn't necessarily exceed them. In year 5 he somewhat underachieved (regular season). But he had enough goodwill in the bank that people were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt year 6 could/would be better.

McMahon doesn't have that goodwill/benefit of the doubt yet. He lost all of it with last year's performance. So if we get through year 3 and LSU is still a bottom 1/2 of the SEC program there won't be anything to look back on and give you confidence he can improve that standing.