Gus Chase will not return to Grizzlies
There had been some rumor and speculation floating around that forward Gus Chase would not be returning to the University of Montana for next year's hoops season due to how this year went. After having a brief exchange with Gus, I can confirm that he will not be coming back to the Griz.
He didn't say why but one can only assume it was due to disappointment after not getting very much of an opportunity to contribute this season.
Many have doubted his size, but I have always been a huge Gus Chase fan. When he does get into the game, rarely does another player put forth more effort on the court. Yes, he is small for the front-court positions but often times he manages to out-rebound players who are a few inches taller. Then he'll put up shots that look hideous because of all the trees around him but many will somehow fall through.
Along with Gus, I really think he should've been given more of an opportunity. Ah, as I look through which image to toss up I just get more frustrated that he won't be here next year. I can't recall which game but remember when he came in and scored like 10 points in five minutes? This blows.
UPDATE: There's more information on Gus' departure in this morning's Kaimin.
“I feel as though I wasn’t given a fair chance to play,” said Chase, who said he considered leaving at the beginning of the season. “I ain’t getting better by sitting on the bench.”
When a player transfers after a disappointing season ... it's usually due to being un/under-appreciated. It's also often a tell-tale sign of poor team morale.
Colin, you've mentioned before times that you thought the team looked lacksadaisical and uncommitted. You and I both know that's NEVER because players don't care. ALL of those guys have competetive natures, they work their asses off, and they've played this game their entire lives. They wouldn't continue to do that if they didn't care. They are human though, and if they think their efforts are futile because the boss is an idiot, they'll be totally frustrated and feel that nothing matters because you've got a fool steering the ship. When a team displays what looks like a lack of effort, nearly always it's a team vote of NO CONFIDENCE in the coaching staff.
It's not rocket science.
Tinkle may or may not have been a decent player at one time, but that was a different era and he sure as hell is no coach. His willingness to attempt a uni-dimensional attack game after game casts some aspersions on his prowess as an X's & O's tactician, and his inability to inspire and motivate his players is a gold-plated showcase for his ability to manage, organize, or motivate his people.
Tinks is going to continue to piss away all the talent that's come into UM in the last few years, and then we can go back to the good ol' days when mediocrity didn't upset folks.
Ahhhhhh crap!! After the BC game last year, I could hardly wait for the next season to start ... Now, the thought of it makes me flinch a little .....