(02-20-2013 09:36 AM)acer1 Wrote: GBL I really respect your opinions when it comes to basketball. I'm just wondering if however our coaches are looking from a little different perspective. We all thought that our team was coming together about four games ago, and this was a time when there was more of a rotation to the lineup. We then went on a two game losing streak where the two major difficulties were turnovers and free throws.
I've heard where one of the last practices was hugely devoted to free throws, it also gave the team a chance to rest by easing up on the intensity. What I saw Saturday was that we corrected the two problems that had ripped us in the two loses, that some would say was to inferior teams. Turnovers were down, to 11 and free throws we shot at a 75% clip. I don't know if the turnover issue was with those players who suffered from playing time, but what I do know from team sports is that there are times while a player is more talented that players strengths do not mesh with those around him/her. Sport is so much confidence and if you don't have the confidence in your teammate it will affect your performance.
In your post above you hint that NIU is not a very talented team. The NIU team on the floor Saturday was quite talented. They are extremely young, but talented. You don't shoot 70% from the arc and not be talented. They moved confidently, and handled the ball very well with few turnovers. They are many occassions outrebounded us on the offensive glass. I did not see the game in DeKalb, but I can guess that as a young team once we hit them out of the gate and garnered the lead they wilted. Saturday we hit them coming out of the gate and they responded. We lead 7 - 2, and then went cold from the field. They hunkered done and took the game to us. The first half stats will bear that out.
What I sense in too many fans is a loss of confidence in our coaches too many times, and that does bother me if you didn't realize that. You will notice that during the decline of the women's basketball program I was very silent...............that comes from being a "company man". Our administrators know more than we give them credit for and they have a different set of problems to work with. I would hope that we can keep the chat boards civil and entertaining as there are parents and recruits that follow these things.
Always proud to be a Bronco.
I hear you and agree on the latter. We agree to disagree on the former points.
Coaching at any level isnt easy. Lots of pieces to the puzzle. Much work and many hours. On a whole, as I did with Cubit, felt WMU was in a good spot. But I also understand the need for critical thinking/assessment and time for change.
In any event, I would like the kids to have a great experience. I know it isnt always possible. That is where my heart is at. My opinion is just that, no more, no less.
I think the current WMU squad has a unique opportunity. I will say next year could be better. But alot hinges on health and some players continuing to improve.
Since nothing is guaranteed other than death, I feel you need to be opportunistic. Akron or Ohio is not a sure bet. But in order to get there and even have a shot you need to recognize the opportunity.
The key for me is Shayne and Darius. They are difference makers. Not to diminish others, but they are the key. Yes, others around them must perform and well.
Shayne graduates next year. I acutely remember that Tom Cutter became rather pedistrian his last year after Paul Griffen graduated and when the rest of us stooges proved to be talentless. It was a difficult time.
Maybe next year it will come to fruition?
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Guilty as charged!
