Here's hoping for the worst
at this hour it is likely that the Northwestern coaching and medical staff are aware of the extent of Kevin Coble's injury. most published rumors have the senior forward missing 4-6 weeks with hopes that he misses no more than that. the official word is scheduled to be released today.
it may seem counter intuitive, but i'm hoping he's done for the season. obviously if that happens, this essentially becomes a wasted season and certainly gives the Carmody apologists yet another year-long leash and even more excuses. however, in looking at the big picture and what is best for the Northwestern basketball program, foot surgery may be the best option.
think about it... in that scenario Coble gets a medical redshirt, has the surgery now (so he is fully recovered by next October) and spends the next 12 months getting even stronger in his upper body. meanwhile, the team slogs through a brutal big ten season but the freshmen and sophomores get invaluable experience. next March we lose Nash and Ryan in the backcourt, but that would (theoretically) be offset by the development of Crawford, Freundt and Marcotullio.
then NEXT season, we have all but those two guys back, Coble returns, everyone else is a year older and (hopefully) stronger, and Jershon can step in to help an already-established team. and while i'm not going to look through all the big ten rosters to predict the 2011 standings, i'm guessing that if the conference is considered the best in the country this season, it probably won't be next season.
so while i certainly don't wish injuries on anyone, i simply offer that the alternative to a half-season from a potentially hobbled Coble may not be as bleak as you think.
it may seem counter intuitive, but i'm hoping he's done for the season. obviously if that happens, this essentially becomes a wasted season and certainly gives the Carmody apologists yet another year-long leash and even more excuses. however, in looking at the big picture and what is best for the Northwestern basketball program, foot surgery may be the best option.
think about it... in that scenario Coble gets a medical redshirt, has the surgery now (so he is fully recovered by next October) and spends the next 12 months getting even stronger in his upper body. meanwhile, the team slogs through a brutal big ten season but the freshmen and sophomores get invaluable experience. next March we lose Nash and Ryan in the backcourt, but that would (theoretically) be offset by the development of Crawford, Freundt and Marcotullio.
then NEXT season, we have all but those two guys back, Coble returns, everyone else is a year older and (hopefully) stronger, and Jershon can step in to help an already-established team. and while i'm not going to look through all the big ten rosters to predict the 2011 standings, i'm guessing that if the conference is considered the best in the country this season, it probably won't be next season.
so while i certainly don't wish injuries on anyone, i simply offer that the alternative to a half-season from a potentially hobbled Coble may not be as bleak as you think.
posted by Fire Bill Carmody at
7:41 AM
2 Comments:
And, if we're lucky, maybe next season we'll actually have a coach who can do something with that talent.
A guy can dream, can't he?
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com
at least one media outlet is reporting that Coble is out 6-10 weeks and may need surgery. Teddy Greenstein also raises the question of Coble not returning but instead pursuing a pro career. am i crazy or does that seem like a big stretch. if he wants to just be done with college and move on, i understand. but i can't imagine he has Euro teams beating down his door (especially coming off a major injury)
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