N.C. State fans are divided on Sidney Lowe's future according to an independent survey released on Wednesday.
A recent survey by Public Policy Polling showed 29 percent of the people who participated who identified themselves as State fans thought Lowe should return for a sixth season, compared to 27 percent who thought he should be replaced. Given the survey's margin of error, plus-or-minus 3.8 percent, that amounts to a push.
Lowe's fifth team is 15-14 and 5-10 in the ACC after Tuesday's loss at Virginia. Lowe's first four State teams did not make the NCAA tournament and this one can only get there by winning the ACC tournament next week in Greensboro. Lowe has an overall record of 86-76 with a 25-54 mark in the ACC.
Public Policy Polling, a national firm based in Raleigh, surveyed 650 registered voters in the state via telephone from Feb. 16 to 21, which was before State's home loss to North Carolina last week and Tuesday's disappointment at UVa.
Not surprisingly, both Duke (33 percent) and UNC (30 percent) fans thought Lowe should be retained for another season.
Overall, Lowe was viewed favorably by all fans (30 percent) compared to 17 percent unfavorably (with 53 percent "not sure"). Lowe got a 31-percent approval rating from State fans, compared to 23 unfavorably.
Of the 650 people surveyed, 73 percent identified themselves as college basketball fans of one of the four in-state teams. UNC (34 percent) topped the list, followed by "not sure" (27 percent), Duke (17 percent), State (16 percent) and Wake Forest (6 percent).
Comments
lowe must go
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 19:04 — shharrisFive years is more than enough to turn a team around. Sidney has accomplished that. Trouble is, he has State pointed in the wrong direction. He took a program that had at least made the NCAA tournament to one that I do not want to watch. I am embarrassed by their lack of preparation, discipline, effort, and execution. As far as I am concerned, Sid should show some class, resign, AND persuade his players to stay the course. If does that, he can leave behind a more talented group of players than he inherited, retain his dignity, and probably pocket a large exit package. Lowe must Go steve'73
Lowe Should Stay
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 17:56 — gestapoSo, here we are...again. Calling for Sidney's Head. When he's replaced, it's only a matter of time before you will be calling for his exit, also.
I was in hopes that NCSU would show a little patience. You must understand that Sid (or whomever you entrust the coaching position) needs time...yes time to recruit the players needed to be successful. Unfortunately, it rarely happens in five (5) years. I know the Pack Fans don't want to face the truth.
It's not an easy task to recruit against UNC and Duke. Therein lies your success. The fruits of recruiting almost always dictates your inevitable success or failure. Now Sid had a good recruiting year, and he may add to his young talent this coming season.
Look, I understand the pain NCSU Fans are having to endure. And, I understand many will say Sid has already had enough time. I just disagree.
This man is a class act and I greatly respect him and his efforts. Yes, I'm a UNC grad. And yes, I sympathize with you. Regardless of what's decided concerning Coach Lowe, I wish you nothing but the best. I hope your success comes sooner rather than later. When UNC is not playing, I'm one guy that pulls for the Pack.
The Lowe down
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 14:57 — newadv61Enuff with the excuses. Can't beat Duke or UNC, even when both teams are mediocore. Now you lose to a pathetic UVA squad. Lowe Must Go!
keep sid???
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 02:10 — saltydawg1i'd be willing to bet that a majority of the folks that want to keep sid, still believe that O.J. was not guilty!!!
Well
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 14:50 — gvillegatrIf what you say is correct, the state fans who want Sid out are in the very heavy majority. Like 90%. Maybe more.
BTW, your post was stupid.
Poll? Most folks don't have all the facts or INFO
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 23:25 — ViperRetI usually get called on my polls, but not this one....so my VOTE, as an AVID State Fan is ONE MORE YEAR.
Many posters have stated their opinions and I respect that, but here are some facts.
Lowe has ONE more year on his contract.
His Fab Freshmen Recruiting class is just starting to mature. They STILL make mistakes (watch the VA game....they were WELL coaached on how to defend VA and they did not). Javi was the only one that followed the game plan. He had a stellar game.
This Fab Freshman class came to NCSU to play for Lowe. He has a good recruiting class coming in. All these player do NOT have a contract. They will probably WALK or Transfer.
Our present AD "might" have a candidate lined up, but odds are, we will get a less know and MAYBE a good coach. The coaching fraternity does NOT like the way that AD Yow manuevered to fire Coach Williams at MD (5th overall winningest NCAA Coach, 3rd in the ACC). Mrs. Yow has supposedly told each coach if they are not "TOP 25", then they must GO. Funny thing, the only time MD was in the top 25 (they WERE 25th) was when Coach Williams won the NCAA. Rest of the time, they were in the high 30's...to low 40's. SO, DO AS I SAY....Not like I can't do.
Coach Lowe had some issues when he came here. FIRST, Herb Sendek had NO talent. We had so-so players, but nothing spectacular.
Coach Lowe recruited JJ Hickson, but he started and the upper classmen got miffed. Couple that with a girl friend who did not know WHICH player's bed to go to and you have a chemistry mismatch.
Coach Lowe also had a personal matter. We should give him the benefit of the doubt since HE came BACK here.
SO, when you look at all the facts, in my opinion, you go with Coach Lowe for another year.
I too, lived through the Jimmy V witchhunt. They killed our program and, I believe, that they also eventually killed Jimmy V. His cancer was stressed induced.
I think that Coach Lowe can bring back some of the magic.
Keep Him
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 12:07 — YAR8packI'm in the contingent to keep Sid at least one more year. Though I do draw many a heavy criticism from some of my fellow NCSU alumni, I will and do agree with the statements you've made on behalf of supporting Sid.
keeping sid
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 15:43 — JPDOhioViperRet has been consistent is his support for Sid and provided well-reasoned arguments. I must admit though that I am surprised by your support for Sid, yar8. Not sure why. Just am.
Few
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 17:14 — YAR8packI know there are a few posts out there from me giving my support to Sid's departure as HC. But I've really been examining almost all of the things ViperRet has mentioned, and it's led me to change my mind.
Maybe a lil bit of your eternal optimism has spread to me, JPD. :-D
well argued
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 00:52 — JPDOhioBased on the limited sample in this blog, it seems like the poll results are fairly representative.About half and half. One point on your facts-I read somewhere that Sid has two more years on his contract, not one. Not sure which is correct.
One more year
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 23:20 — erwoodGive him one more year, with the stipulation he gets some other assistant coaches in the mix. He can recruit and he has heart. This team is special and I think that with maturity they will shine. He came in with no one, and was able to recruit the talent we have now.
I agree ...
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 02:51 — ladamsIn the words of Coach V, "It's too soon to quit" in his book of the same name. I recently re-read that book. The problem of late, I believe, is chemistry. When our current team and coach finishes up this season with the three very talented and impressive freshmen having a chance to mature and realize how they best "fit" in a team that becomes "one" in understanding of their roles in the team, then the inconsistencies will begin to wain and the team gel. It is definitely (in my view) too soon to quit on this team and this coach. To do so would be a disaster for these kids and for the program. As much as anything, they all need our confidence, patience, encouragement, and yes ... HEART!
Very happy to have read this
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 22:45 — daffy123Very happy to have read this information. Again thank you and good luck.
I've been a State fan since
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 21:55 — awdracerI've been a State fan since I was 6 yrs old growing up in Greensboro. I went to State and graduated in 1991. But since our program was emasculated by the UNC BOG over the Jim Valvano "scandal", I find it difficult to care. Honestly, I don't even watch the basketball games any more. It's just too awful.
survey
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 20:50 — gevaliaSo, a large majority of Duke and UNC fans want Lowe to remain at State?!
That says it all; two easy wins for each every year, why wouldn't they cheer for Lowe to stay!!!
As a 50 year State fan (I started as a freshman in 1960 when Everet Case was coach)
LOWE MUST GO!!!@
Internet polls ....
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 19:58 — AgentPierceIf Internet polls were ever given the slightest relevance as a for real sampling on any subject ..... Lady Gaga would replace the Statue of Liberty and public hanging would be a daily occurence in every city in America.
That said .... coaching basketball in an intense rivalry atmosphere is a very perilous way to make one's living.
Independent study
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 17:27 — vance203I don't see how anyone would waste their time polling in this manner, when an online survey would yield a much larger population. Never mind the fact that only slightly more than half actually had an opinion, one way or the other.
I don't know the bigger waste of time...publishing this article, or taking the time to respond (with undergarments in a wad).
Two things
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 19:11 — gvillegatrHow do you differentiate b/tn the fans of a school and how do you keep people from voting as many times as they darn well wish ?
Time to move on
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:53 — baileyjWho are the State fans who want to keep losing every year? Please thank Lowe for his effort and send him packing. Five years of double-digit losses in ACC play is enough. I can't take a sixth.
truly hate to say this
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:46 — JPDOhioBut the parallels with Obama are disturbing (at least to me).
Sid's personal popularity remains higher than the level of satisfaction with his performance.
Pretty simple
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:55 — baileyjGood guy, bad coach. I don't hate him, but I want him fired because I'm tired of the losing.
agreed
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 17:22 — JPDOhioIt seems like most fans acknowledge that Sid is a great guy. That's a big part of why this is so disappointing. It's hard not to pull for him.
Wow
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:41 — SurferSo that is 73% of State fans polled who "don't think he should be replaced." Amazing.
no
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:48 — JPDOhio44% don't know or don't care.
None of those 44% blog here.
Still State fans
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 17:12 — SurferRight, but they are still fans who "don't think he should be replaced".
yOU KNOW THE AGE OLD QUESTION
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 18:05 — JPDOhioAre you ignorant or apathetic?
Answer: I don't know and I don't care.
Based on the level of performance at times this year, I am wondering how many of those 44% are current State basketball players.
His departure is imminent;-
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:39 — Shoreman67as rumor has it that negotiations between the parties (Lowe and NCSU) are already underway. Last night's loss to an inferior team being the final nail in the coffin.
I hope you are right
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:59 — JPDOhioThe best scenario in my mind keeps Sid on until a replacement is found. During that time, he tries to convince his current players to stay and his recruits to honor their commitments. Normally, that would be out of the question. However, in Sid's case, he obviously loves NC State and Norm Sloan did the same thing with him at the end of Sid's freshman year.
Get real.
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 17:49 — Only1JoeP8I love NC State.
Signed,
Chuck Amato
cHUCK VS SID
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 18:04 — JPDOhioNo comparison.
Chuck had an ego the size normally found only in Washington D.C. Then, when he was fired, he skipped town without a word. Real class act.
While I hate to make this comparison, I see Sid followin Lee Fowler's lead.
The Down Lowe
Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:30 — newadv61Lowe Must Go! Lowe Must Go! Lowe Must Go!