brobible
The age-old adage that minimal academic effort can still secure a diploma might soon have a new twist at Missouri State University, if head basketball coach Cuonzo Martin gets his way. Martin has suggested a novel approach to tackle the team's poor home attendance: rewarding students with free grades for showing up to games.
During a recent conversation, Martin shared his idea with a reporter, proposing that students who attend 85% of home games during a season could receive academic credit as an incentive. The suggestion, which may have been made partly in jest, underscores Martin's desperation to create a home-court advantage by filling the stands at Great Southern Bank Arena.
Last season, the Bears' men's basketball team averaged just 1,988 fans per home game, while the women's team drew 2,186. These numbers reflect a persistent lack of support that has plagued the program throughout Martin's tenure. In 2024, Martin made a public plea to the fanbase, emphasizing the impact of crowd presence: 'You can't be the team you need to be if (fans aren't) in the building. That's probably a 20-point game in a different atmosphere.'
That comment came after a narrow 61-49 victory over Division II opponent Lincoln, which was witnessed by a mere 1,300 spectators. Since then, Martin has continued to search for ways to boost attendance, and his latest proposal of free credits is a clear indication of his urgency.
Key Analysis
While the free grades idea is unlikely to gain official approval, it highlights a deeper issue: the Bears' on-court struggles have driven fans away. Missouri State has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 1999, when they advanced to the Sweet 16 after defeating Wisconsin and Tennessee. Over the last 15 seasons, the team has finished at or below .500 eight times.
Martin, who previously coached Missouri State from 2008 to 2011, returned in 2024 after stints at Tennessee, California, and Missouri. In his first two years back, the team has posted a 25-41 record, and fans have responded by staying away. Winning, not gimmicks, is the most reliable remedy for attendance woes, and Martin knows that reversing the team's fortunes on the court is the ultimate solution.
Originally reported by brobible.