SJSU hoops: the critical point was 2009-2010

This is not to castigate but rather to pinpoint: just where/when/why did the last coaching tenure at SJSU go wrong? And if such a time can be identified, what can be learned from such?

The quipsters will say all went to hades from the get-go but, really, a serious look is deserved.

So here's our best attempt:

The 2009-2010 season.

The 14-17/6-10 one.

The one is which SJSU out-shot and out-rebounded opponents (albeit the margins weren't large) but compiled 91 less assists and 79 more turnovers

Why did this failure-to-launch happen?

For at least three specific reasons:

1) A heralded recruiting class -- freshmen Anthony Dixon, Chris Jones, Aalim Moor and Joe Henson plus JC transfer Moses Omolade -- proved to be what the folks on "Shark Tank" call a nothing burger. Getting basically zero from this group that season (and ultimately for the remainder of their times at Washington Square) was an 0-5 whiff and something very, very few, if any, programs can sustain and still succeed.

2) With both needing and expecting 30+ minutes a game of playing time, meshing Chris Oakes and C.J. Webster simultaneously on the court never materialized. One specific memory: Utah State running a play utilizing perfect spacing that resulted in the Aggies back-to-back getting the same wing an open look from the corner for made three-pointers as neither SJSU big would leave the paint.

3) The clash between Adrian Oliver and Webster as team go-to guy/leader was never successfully resolved. This whose-team-it-was conundrum resulted in the absence of an all-for-one, one-for-all energy.

By the way, Webster's inability to get into shape also never took place over his entire time here and resulted in his less-than-maximum production. One can't lead without exerting 100% effort -- it's an impossibility.

Also, Justin Graham deserves credit for performing whatever task was asked of him. He would score when necessary but also unselfishly distributed the ball when that need came to the forefront. Graham was the ultimate team player.

Think about this: this team consisted of Oakes, Webster, Oliver, Justin Graham (but still hampered with a wrist ailment) plus Robert Owens and Mac Peterson having their best years as Spartans and yet a .500 record wasn't achieved.

The takeaways from this analysis:

* Accuracy in prospect talent analysis is critical to success.

* Players both accepting and performing specific assigned roles is a must.

* Clearcut and harmonious leadership is an absolute.