Current state of the program

Goe: Craig Robinson says it's time to raise the bar at Oregon State, and he's right

By Ken Goe, The Oregonian
on March 13, 2013 at 7:38 PM, updated March 13, 2013 at 7:39 PM

LAS VEGAS – It’s hard to put a positive spin on the way Oregon State’s season of futility ended Wednesday in MGM Grand Garden Arena, but goodness knows OSU coach Craig Robinson tried. “We’ve made a lot of progress,” Robinson insisted. “You know, when I first got to Oregon State we were trying not to lose by 30. This year, because of these guys’ hard work continually, we were in every game we played in the Pac-12 this year.”

The statute of limitations for blaming the predecessor is long over.

Robinson has had five full seasons in Corvallis. He recruited every player on the roster. This team’s record is his responsibility, and his alone.

The record isn’t pretty.

The Beavers lost 15 of 19 games against conference opponents this season, the worst in his tenure.

Wednesday’s 74-68 loss to Colorado in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament was typical of the season. OSU played hard and well enough to be in the game late. Roberto Nelson’s three-point play with 18 seconds left had the Beavers within 72-66.

But here is the thing. That isn’t good enough. A close loss still is a loss. When it happens consistently, it’s worse than being blown out because it shows that you’re physically able to play with your opponents.

It’s the coach’s job to take a team the rest of the way.

To his credit, Robinson said after the game the Beavers wouldn’t pursue a berth in the College Basketball Invitational, the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl of college postseason basketball.

The CBI is a tournament that schools have to buy their way into, and Oregon State wasn’t too proud to do it in three of Robinson’s first four seasons.

“Normally we would say yes to that,” Robinson said. “But these guys want to be NCAA Tournament guys. I don’t know with our record if we would even be invited. But we are raising the bar. We want to feel the sting of not playing in the postseason and see how that motivates us for next year.”

Well, good. I don’t know how many OSU fans who aren’t friends or family members would want to watch another CBI foray.

Heck, some friends and family members wouldn’t either.

The Beavers shot less than 40 percent against Colorado and were pounded 43-30 on the boards.

They played a scrappy 2-3 zone that gave Colorado fits. But it was a seriously ugly game to watch. Give former OSU greats A.C. Green and Gary Payton credit for sticking out all 40 minutes.

Robinson seems to be in no danger of losing his job. His contract runs through the 2016-17 season. And, besides he brings real strengths to the school.

He recruits well. He effectively raises money at a school where fund-raising is critical. He represents Oregon State well in the community.

Oh, and he is President Obama’s brother-in-law.

But on the court, this isn’t working. Eventually, every coach at this level gets judged on his record, no matter how good the family connections.

Maybe Robinson should retool his coaching staff to bring in a veteran assistant. An experienced voice beside him on the bench might help. It couldn’t hurt.

At the very least, the long offseason should give Robinson time to come up with a better plan on offense. At the moment, it seems to feature too much perimeter passing with post players handling the ball 25 feet from the basket, and too often results in a forced jumper to beat the shot clock.

Certainly, OSU caught some bad breaks this season with season-ending injuries to post players Angus Brandt and Daniel Gomis.

But that is college basketball. You rarely make it through a season untouched. Players get hurt. They go into funks. Sometimes they leave.

Sophomore forward Eric Moreland, for instance, could turn pro before the 2013-14 season convenes. He will have the opportunity if he wants to take it.

Constant references to players who aren’t on the floor are losers’ laments. Good teams have the depth, will and, yes, coaching to persevere anyway.

“We want to be an NCAA Tournament team next year,” Robinson said. “I mean that’s what programs at this level strive for. That’s what we strive for.”

OK, Robinson is on record.

It’s time for the decision-makers at OSU to hold him to it.

dholcombe wrote:I really hope we see a change in assistant coaches and get an assistant to help create an offense.

dholcombe wrote:I really hope we see a change in assistant coaches and get an assistant to help create an offense. I don't think Rev's a bad coach, but I haven't seen evidence lately anyone on staff is an offensive expert. I see players skills improving, evidence of coaching happening between games, etc. Exceptionally good defense at times and always pretty good on D, but offense. Oh man.

bctigard wrote:Some change would be nice. Based on the last 2 years, I was shocked to see that Rev's coming back.

His scheme should look much, much different next year. If it isn't, we should be prepared for more of the same. The effort is there, but these kids were just not in a position to be successful given their skill set and athleticism.

NoPoNeighbor wrote:He's coming back, but I imagine with little room for error. So as a career preservation strategy, if for no other reason, Rev had better go back to the drawing board for the offense.

Amazing impact of internet...patients think they are doctors, investors think they are stock guru's and everyone thinks they can coach.

wrv wrote:Great quote from Rev. Can't remember one I liked better. But can we get off this topic. The "Current State of the Program" can generate only so many comments. We have decided its lacking, but there is basketball still and I prefer being a fan for the home team that leaves the coaching decisions where they belong.

Sorry. Let my results speak for themselves this yr. In coaching talk is cheap. Either win or lose. Can't hide behind twitter.

“@CoachReveno: Interesting to take stalk of who has bet for you and who has bet against you. Carry no grudges, forgive all but know peoples true character.”