We think this misses the mark

Are we off base here? Do let us know because we see the following as both a false take and a cheap shot. Just why and how is Greg Graham (or any coach) supposed to motivate a community?

Wins do that and Boise State men's basketball certainly performed well in that category last season and is doing well in this one despite major personnel losses.

What suggestions does Mike Prater have to energize the masses in Boise (because they are missing in his commentary)? Maybe Graham should borrow one of Rick Pitino's white suits? How about being caught panting on the porches of sorority houses a la...? (okay, we admit that was a cheap shot)

As for issuing t-shirts to players, well, gimmicks are part of the motivational tricks of the trade in college coaching and Graham certainly isn't the first to do so and won't be the last.

We suggest a commentary directed at the Boise sports fans who turn out in overflowing numbers for football but apparently choose not to leave the house or to go do something else come basketball season.

Maybe the Idaho Statesman should survey the Boise football faithful in order to determine the lack of enthusiasm for roundball. That would be far more helpful.

Daily Debate: Greg Graham is failing in Motivation 101
Mike Prater
Idaho Statesman Sports Editor
2/11/09

The ability to motivate is a quality that is imperative to the success of any coach, regardless of level or sport.

Greg Graham, who coaches men's basketball at Boise State, in case you haven't noticed, doesn't seem to have that ability.

It is possible that you haven't noticed because Graham is failing to motivate this community, which has little interest in a 16-7 team that is coming off an NCAA Tournament season. The average attendance for games in Taco Bell Arena is a paltry 3,032 (only Idaho, San Jose State and Louisiana Tech are worse in the WAC).

And now I have to wonder if Graham is even motivating his players...

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