Liberty men’s basketball is currently ranked DEAD LAST in RPI. 351 Division I teams and Liberty ranks 351st. This isn’t new either. The Flames have been ranked 350 or 351 since early December. Following Wednesday night’s loss to Charleston Southern, it seems like every game Liberty reaches a new low.
But why? Why is men’s basketball so bad? Every other sport at Liberty is successful or has shown tangible evidence it is improving. Why should men’s basketball be any different?
Football – made the playoffs in 2014, consistent contender in Big South
Baseball – made the NCAA regionals last 2 years
Women’s basketball – a Big South Dynasty
Track & Field/Cross country – a Big South Dynasty
Field Hockey – advanced to NCAA tournament last 2 years
Golf – advanced to NCAA tournament last 4 years
Men’s & women’s soccer – consistent competitor in Big South
Men’s & women’s tennis – has shown consistent improvement each of the last 2-3 years
Swimming & diving – has been a national challenger since the program’s inception in 2010
Softball – has been down the past few years but there is excitement under 2nd year head coach Dot Richardson
Volleyball – consistent competitor in Big South with numerous appearances in NCAA tournament
Dale Layer’s tenure has been the worst tenure in Liberty basketball history. In the 31 seasons pre-Layer, Liberty had 5 seasons with 18 or more losses. With Liberty well on its way to another 18+ loss season in Layer’s 6th year, it would be the 4th season under him with 18+ losses.
Unless this team suddenly finds a way to win, this will be the 3rd straight 20+ loss season. Liberty has never before had 3 straight 20+ loss seasons. The Flames’ RPI has declined each of the past 4 seasons under Layer, and are well on the way to extending this streak to 5.
Winning in athletics is all about talent acquisition. Who has Layer brought in that had the talent to win in the Big South? Going back to the 1980s, Liberty has always had at least 1 player that was all Big South caliber: Bailey Alston, Julius Nwosu, Matt Hildebrand, Peter Aluma, Larry Jackson, Chris Caldwell, Gabe Martin, Larry Blair, Alex McLean, Anthony Smith, Jesse Sanders. Who has there been since Jesse? Who is there now?
The University is at an all-time high in all aspects except basketball. Budgets are larger than they have ever been. There is no excuse for the lack of talent. Blame the rules, but it hasn’t affected the other sports. Tell me how basketball is different? It is EASIER to be good at basketball than any of the other team sports. Just one or two talented players would mean a top 3 Big South finish. We don’t have that. We don’t have anything. We have THE WORST program in college basketball. This is a different era than a decade ago, and there is no excuse for it. It has to end now.
With out talking about coaches, We must use late Dr. Falwells quote, “If it is Christian, then it should be better.” Is basketball improving and moving toward that ideal?
Richie McKay gave Liberty one of the best seasons in the school history. What did he get No Thanks from the Athletic Director. I asume Richie thought they would not retain him. So he went to Virginia look where they are!!! The reason Richie was succesful is recruiting, remember Seth Curry!!!! Im sure Liberty is looking for a new coach, maybe they should look for a new AD too?