I'm not going to tell you to lower your expectations — it's too late. Deep down, you've already lowered them.

Losses were anomalies in years past, but now that once incongruent failing is becoming regular. One-time delusions of grandeur — fueled by a No. 8 ranking in the polls earlier this season — are deteriorating faster than Troy Smith's draft stock.

The thing is, this recent 0-2 road trip is not a sign of the apocalypse. It just feels like it.

Last year, the Huskies also dropped both away games in the Bay Area. Coincidentally, last season also featured a tough loss in overtime and another loss due to an ill-advised foul 70 feet away from the basket in the closing moments.

With perpetual losing, however, there will be a noticeable effect off the court as well.

When the Huskies were at their best, the students were off-the-charts excited. These days, fans' enthusiasm is plummeting — they're not used to letdowns. Campout attendance will surely be at an all-time low, if it even happens at all.

You'll probably witness a drop in general admission attendance, and an increase of opposing fans in the stands.

With that will come fewer promotions, fewer local celebrities nestled in the stands, and overall less excitement.

Husky basketball was once a novelty; it was an upstart program we took for granted. An escape from the heartbreak of football season and a substitute for a lackluster NBA team, watching Washington hoops was always something special.

Remember the days of highly-rated recruited classes, attention from Sports Illustrated, ESPN and Co., and assurance of NCAA tournament appearances?

Now, we have recruiting classes far from elite, little media attention due to Washington State stealing all the love with its unexpected success, and ever-fading optimism for playing late in March.

Trust me, your expectations have already been lowered.

You don't expect us to win in the Palouse against a fundamentally perfect Cougar team that has already beaten four teams the Huskies couldn't. Unlike previous seasons, you won't even make the trip.

The following week against the Oregon schools at home, you expect a split. Heck, the 16-1 Ducks have beaten UCLA and Arizona; even without Aaron Brooks, deep down you expect defeat.

You don't expect the Huskies to play in March. You've already pinned your hopes on a magical Pac-10 tournament run to make up for an all-too-possible 8-10 conference finish.

Now comes the tough part.

In contrast to your greater judgment, you still have to believe. As much as it hurts and as much as it contradicts everything your instincts are telling you, you have to keep the faith.

As said in Animal House, "It wasn't over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor and it isn't over now."

The players now know they have to earn it. The reputation of success is no longer going to carry the team — Washington is finally out of both polls.

Thirteen games — nay opportunities — remain in the season. Games against the best await, which is the best time to shine.

With expectations dwindling, the best time to invest in this team is now. Buy the stock low, at 1-5 in the Pac-10, it can't get much lower. The rewards will come soon, you'll see.

Reach columnist Joshua Mayers at joshuamayers@thedaily.washington.edu.