...been waiting for the Pirates to get going this season; Cinci has a losing record, as does Bryant, which swept them to start the season. ...thought the LeClair Classic performance was the turnaround moment for the Pirates, but nope. The Carson Whisenhunt matter is obviously a blow, but that doesn't account for all of the mediocrity. In the recent analysis of the season to date in this column, you can clearly see Godwin's frustration, but the question remains whether they're underperforming, or were they overrated. The bottom line is that the differences between most teams in high level sports is a very thin line, pretty easily crossed due to a variable or two. There's still time to get it going; hopefully it'll start with this first conference series.

What is wrong with ECU baseball? We finally get a winning season in Football, our basketball team avoids a losing season barely, and now the baseball team is playing like this seasons basketball team. Baseball has been what fans could always count on, with it having way more winning seasons than either football or basketball combined. Were the expectations too high for this team, or are they not playing up to their talent level so far? Also, why do you have to go NCAA baseball scores to find out the results of ECU baseball scores most games?

Being a University of Tennessee and ECU grad, I can't say how excited I am to see the impact that Coach Schwartz will have on our basketball team. Welcome aboard coach. Goo...Pirates!!

The problem with our big donors and our athletic administration has always been that they do not consider the environment we are in an the challenges we face as a result of that environment. The majority of schools that we play in the AAC are from major population centers which gives just about every basketball team in the AAC and advantage over us in recruiting as we are from an less populated, essentially rural, area. Add that to the fact that we have 4 in state AAC school to compete with and it the result is that we have a basketball program that is extremely challenged to bring in strong talented players. Has any coach been all that successful here?

Coach's statement on the Whisenhunt matter is well worth the listen. CW obviously is a difference maker; his loss for the season is an irrefutable blow to the program, yet Coach strikes a perfect tone of magnanimity and mercy. Pirates Nation is very fortunate to have him.

I'm disappointed in this decision. In a crazy period for all sports with Covid, transfer portal etc. it is tough for any program to be successful. I think he should have been given more time. Back to the drawing board again and again will never allow us to move forward. I felt like he was dedicated to the program but what do I know, I only give a lot of money for others to make mistakes with.....

I doubt coach K would be successful here. Dooley has been successful everywhere but East Carolina. In the "one and done" era no talented kid is going to come here. Maybe we belong in the CAA for basketball or maybe some intramural league.

Not a good move! What Joe did after losing so many to the portal is amazing. It is hard for any coach at a mid major to develop talent that will stay as long as the transfer portal and NIL is around. Just look what happened to Gardner. Joe still managed to get the most out of what he had. It has become so much harder now to recruit quality players with the lure of NIL agreements at larger and more successful schools as well. What should a kid do who is offered from ECU and NCSU? Which school do you think could offer the best NIL deal? Joe was hard working, dedicated, and a players coach. Gilbert will find no better!!

Yeah, MG's Twitter page still shows him wearing purple; it suits him well, AND he has a shoutout to the Best Buddies program besides. The future is bright for Pirate Nation.

I kind of expected Mason Garcia to enter the portal when HA announced his return. ...far as I know, he's still at ECU, which would be a plus for the program. He was highly recruited, and I expect him to live up to that when he gets his chance.

Great report, Thanks

A tale of multiple teams, who will show up next. Best season in a while though and my vote is to keep Joe until he gets it where he want it. He is a very good coach and seems to have things going in the right direction. No other head Coach will do better than he can.

My husband Charles A Rhodes always looks to your website for ECU news. Thank you for the good work. His question today is: where can I find the baseball game on tv or computer?Is ESPN+ going to carry it? Can't seem to find any info on it today.

Aaron Ramseur is not on the current roster and I believe has ended his eligibility. Otherwise, another excellent analysis.

The best one of these you have ever done. Excellent accuracy. Very comprehensive. Have not seen anything like this anywhere else. Igoe does his by position over time buy you hit all the bases in one article which I have bookmarked for future reference.