If there is one defining thing about this generation, our generation, it’s a need for instant gratification.

This is why we microwave Hot Pockets instead of broiling a pot roast. It’s why we pound beers and take shots instead of letting inebriation come slowly and naturally.

We want immediate satisfaction (and girlie action).

But to quote one of the most insightful, poetic and brain-damaged minds of our time, Axl Rose, “All we need is a little patience.”

With those rocking words in mind, let’s make a pact not to rush any judgments about either Eastern basketball team because even after a pair of exhibition games Thursday night at Lantz Arena, we really don’t know much.

Starting with the Panther women, at first look one question immediately shoots from your brain to your lips – Who are these people?

The team consists of just five players from last year’s roster. Telemarketing firms have higher retention rates.

However, adding new faces to a team that finished 2004 with a 10-17 record (including 3-13 in the Ohio Valley Conference) probably isn’t a bad thing. But, the thing about new blood is it needs time to get comfortable.

It would be foolish to expect the Panthers to run opponents out of Lantz like they did in their 76-40 exhibition win against Missouri-St. Louis Thursday.

By the time OVC play tips off in early December, the women’s team will already have had games against USC, Hawaii, Illinois-Chicago and Cincinnati.

Common sense would say the Panthers would be lucky to win one of those four games, and four losses doesn’t mean the team is terrible. It means the two junior-college transfers and six freshmen will have played in tougher environments and against more talent than they will see in the OVC.

With the men’s team, the exhibition game against Illinois-Springfield doesn’t leave you wondering who the players are; it leaves you wondering about how quickly the Panthers can embrace the offensive and defensive schemes new head coach Mike Miller has implemented.

Sure there are new faces in uniform – three freshmen and one ju-co transfer. But it’s the guys who were the suits who will face the most scrutiny.

Like Sallee’s team, the Panther men start the season with three road games in 10 days – a trip beginning at Xavier and ending at Western Illinois with a quick stop in St. Louis in between.

Initial struggles or successes will seem bigger because of all the changes the basketball teams have undergone.

But instead of glorifying or damning either of these teams too soon, take a deep breath. Put the ramen away and make yourself a pot roast.

Foods, like opinions, are much better after spending time on them.

Dan Woike is a senior journalism major. If you need to tell him how wrong (or brilliant or handsome) he is, and you need to do it quickly, get your instant gratification by emailing him at [email protected].