You should probably ask that same question of those that take issue with folks being skeptical of Riley. I don't think anyone hates Riley. How could anyone be a 'hater' of Mike Riley? He's the most affable guy a person could come across. But I can see why people would be skeptical of his coaching.
Anyway, we'll find out a lot about his future in the next few weeks. I, for one, am hopeful he can continue the momentum.
Hating Riley could definitely be a preconceived notion. Those that disliked the hire from the start can certainly be a hater in this season. They are trying to define how long until one can label a coach a failure. I suggest that Riley has this season to prove he has promise going forward. I'm not giving him a free pass, but it seems that many don't want to give him a chance. Period. Barring a season collapse, he's getting another year.