Coach Barry Hinson will remain as the Missouri State University Bears basketball coach for a ninth year. Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel made the announcement this afternoon (Friday, March 16) at a news conference in Hammons Student Center.
In making the announcement, Nietzel cited the reasons for the decision, and he used the occasion to identify what he believed should be the future goals for the Bears basketball program. During his remarks, Nietzel highlighted the following:
Hinson’s overall record of 152-101 in eight years, the upward trend record of 82-47 over the past four years; back-to-back 22-win seasons; good finishes the past two years in the Missouri Valley Conference, this year considered the sixth best conference in the country; and four post-season appearances in eight years
---An RPI that was in the top 40 the past two years
---The average attendance at home games in 2006-07, which was the highest since 1999-2000
---The record revenue from ticket sales, topping $1 million for the first time in history
---The increased involvement, enthusiasm and organized support by University students
---The team’s history of rules compliance, community reputation, academic performance, and graduation rates
In defining the University’s goals for the Bears basketball program, Nietzel first reminded those gathered of the five goals for the Missouri State intercollegiate athletics program: 1) ability to compete, 2) academic record of its student-athletes, 3) record of integration into campus and University culture, 4) ability to live within its budget and be as financially independent as possible, and 5) compliance and integrity with all NCAA, conference and University rules and policies.
"There is no doubt that Coach Hinson gets high marks in four of these five goals," said Nietzel. "When it comes to the first goal, the ability to compete, I think we have had consistently good teams. What we aspire to have, however, are regularly excellent teams.
"Did we have a good season this year? Yes. Are we satisfied? No. I don’t think any of us coaches, players, staff, administrators, fans, alumni, media are satisfied. All of us have high expectations for this program."
With that background, Nietzel said the goal for the Bears basketball program is to continue its academic success, maintain its commitment to run a program that is a stickler with respect to the rules, sustain and build a vigorous campus and community involvement in the program, and "keep our eye on strengthening the bottom line."
"With respect to the criterion of on-court success, we have more progress that we want and need to make," he said. "We need to graduate from being consistently good to becoming regularly excellent. Issues of superior recruitment, player development, and specific team needs must be a focus."
Bill Rowe, Director of Athletics, said he has visited with Hinson about specific areas that need improvement so that the Bears can reach their goals.
"We have visited with Coach Hinson and asked him to think about some specific adjustments we could make to get better," Rowe said. "Coach Hinson has been very receptive to our suggestions, mostly because no one is more interested in improving the program than Coach Hinson."
Hinson, who was at the news conference, said he is looking forward to the challenge.
"I am very proud to coach the Missouri State Bears," said Hinson, "and I am excited about next year. I think we have a good nucleus returning, and we have a talented group of new players joining us.
"While we had a good year, we have a responsibility to the University and community to do better. It’s our job to find ways to do that so we can meet the goals that Dr. Nietzel and Coach Rowe have outlined. I agree with those goals and I promise you the coaches, players and I will re-double our efforts to achieve them."
