Same sad song still playing at Sac State
Sacramento State men's basketball coach Brian Katz might not admit it, but getting to the Big Sky Conference tournament – which the Hornets failed to do for a seventh consecutive season – would have been good enough.
While Big Sky programs such as Montana, Weber State and North Dakota enter each season with conference championship and NCAA Tournament aspirations, the Hornets are just trying to get to the next level. And while big strides have been made in five seasons under Katz, it hasn't been enough.
This season, the Hornets had the program's second-best record (14-15) since the university started playing Division I ball in 1991 and tied the school record for most Big Sky wins (8-12) since joining the conference in 1996-97.
But to get the players who can take the Hornets to a Big Sky tournament title and an accompanying NCAA Tournament berth, Sac State needs a new on-campus gym – an arena, a pavilion, a pyramid, a barn – something bigger and better than the Nest.
Last week, Katz told The Bee's Joe Davidson that his team will not use the 1,200-seat arena as an excuse, that it has two 10-foot rims and a ball, the same as in any gym.
But no matter how hard Katz works, no matter how hard the Hornets play or how much they overachieve, they won't get to the next level – at least not consistently – until Sac State upgrades.
It's the same sad tune that has been playing at Sac State for years, and until a new facility is built, the song will remain the same.
What to watch
NBA, Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 5:30 p.m., NBA: The Spurs should be angry after losing by 30 points Friday night at home – their worst loss in the Tim Duncan era.
Today's poll
Which would you like to see built first at Sacramento State?
• New basketball arena
• New football stadium
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Weekend poll results
What are the odds the Kings will stay in town?
• Less than 25%: 49%
• 26-50%: 21%
• 51-75%: 17%
• 76%-plus: 13%
Total votes: 339
Call The Bee's Victor Contreras, (916) 326-5527. Follow him on Twitter @SacBeeVictor.
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