It sounds cliche in the sporting world, but the formula of “taking it one game at a time,” is generally tabbed as the key to the success of any team.

So why is men?s basketball coach Jerome Jenkins already talking about next year?

Well, I guess the answer to that is obvious. This season has turned into a disaster for Sac State on the hardwood, and thoughts of next year may be all that Jenkins has to hold on to right now.

Nobody expected this year?s team to turn around and win the conference, but I think the expectations were a bit higher following last year?s nine wins. The season started with a glimmer of promise for the Hornets, as Jenkins took over the reigns as the “player?s coach,” and they jumped out to a 2-0 start for the year.

The seams began to come apart however, as the losses turned optimism into frustration. Now, with six games left, Jenkins can only make comments such as; “hopefully things won?t be like this next year,” and go into the next game without a hope.

It would just be nice to hear a hint of “we?re going to go into practice with the attitude of winning our next game. We?re going to try to put together a positive run for the end of this year, and hit the off-season in smooth stride.”

What type of motivation is provided, especially for the senior players (i.e. Rickie Glenn, who took some heat last week for his play,) to play hard? Why should they care? Everybody else is looking towards next year, not next game.

But perhaps the fabric of the 2000-01 season cannot be mended. There have been off-the-court problems as well.

Jenkins, unfortunately, has had to deal with excusing two players, both of whom were nice talents, from the team. One because of grades, and the other for “not meeting the standards set for a player on the team.” Not a nice distraction for an already struggling team to deal with.

So what about next year? Will next year be any better? The two best, and consistent players on the team, seniors Glenn and Pablo Gonzales, will be leaving, so who will step up? It could be one of Jenkins? new recruits who should both come in to make immediate impacts. But are there any budding stars on the team right now?

If there is anything left to watch for in the upcoming games, it will be for that star to step up. Sophomore Derek Lambeth, has hinted at becoming that guy, but we?ll just have to wait and see.

Don?t get me wrong. Jenkins is the guy for the job. I think the future will provide the proof that the man can recruit, that the players respect him, and that he knows how to coach basketball. I?m just asking that we let it unfold, and take each game one at a time, and learn the lessons as they come. Even if it has to be done the hard way: With losses.

Comments? E-Mail [email protected]