Could Graham's Success Doom Wilson?

I've thought about this bit of info for a while; but, I'm finally writing it down. (That's what losing to Belmont does for you, I guess.)

Is Willis Wilson in trouble at Rice University as the head coach of the Rice Owls men's basketball team?

Coach Wilson is graduate of Rice. He played there, too. This season marks his 15th as the Owls' head coach; however, the Owls have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 1970.

I've covered the Owls for the past six seasons; and, I've gotten to know Coach Wilson well. However, my respect and admiration for Coach Wilson doesn't stop me from wondering if the success of the Owls' football team this season under rookie head coach Todd Graham place more pressure on the basketball team to succeed this season.

Coach Graham led the football team to a post-season bowl game for the first time in 45 years. His "can do" attitude impacted the entire university which has, undoubtedly, caused the alums to wonder about the basketball team.

Despite having All-American candidate Morris Almond on the team this season, the Owls are currently 5-5 after tonight's 87-85 loss to Belmont. Belmont (8-4) plays basketball in the Atlantic Sun Conference. (Did you know that about Belmont before I typed it?)

Obviously, Willis Wilson has a ridiculously difficult job recruiting top level talent to play in the vastly antiquated Autry Court; however, 15 seasons and no trips to the NCAA Tournament do not aid Coach Wilson's case to return for a 16th season.

In addition to Coach Graham's producing so many positive results in his first season with the football team, Chris Del Conte is in his first season as the Owls' athletic director. Typically, people in position to hire (and fire) employees prefer to have their own people in place. Del Conte did not hire Willis Wilson.

Get the picture.