So we had a lot discussion about coaching early on. Are we over that yet? Would seem we are.
I cite the 'play' ya the 'play' that the team ran to ice the game. Well crafted for the talent on the floor, right players in the right spots, deftly executed by the team who clearly believed in the play, each other and the coaches.
The bench; impassioned and engaged. Players on their feet pulling for each other; coaches working in the moment to motivate and teach; at the same time, reading the other team and the on the court dynamics to make just-in-time split second adjustments. Those adjustments aren't whimsical. They are based on days and days of observing this team and preparing it to isolate the variables that can't be controled (that inevitably arise with refs and 20 year olds) and to push the outcome to our favor.
Based on x's and o's and putting Jim's and Joe's in their spots; based on the improvement's week to week.... my friends and fellow fans; we can delete the coach bashing threads; cause - we got us a damn good coach. nough said.
(This post was last modified: 02-07-2021 08:59 AM by ImaTiger.)
(02-07-2021 08:53 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote: Penny is learning on the job. Anyone that wants him fired at this point has no clue about basketball. - or Reality
Although I am an avid Penny supporter, some of the criticism was warranted. We knew when we hired him there would be a learning curve and he’s still learning. But calling for his head is ridiculous! Some of our fans are as bad as UTK and Kentucky fans.
(This post was last modified: 02-07-2021 10:44 AM by uskjtc02.)
02-07-2021 10:43 AM
bill dazzle
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I have been critical of Hardaway in various posts but have never advocated his firing. That would be absurd. Penny needs time to continue to improve his coaching skills (he seems to be making some progress). Both his recruiting and passion for the university/city of Memphis are already at the highest level. We must hope the coaching acumen improves over time.
(This post was last modified: 02-07-2021 10:51 AM by bill dazzle.)
Penny deserved some criticism. But he seemed to have righted the ship and has his guys playing together. I think the majority of the guys have improved except for DJ.
I think best case scenario for this year is to continue the rally, finish strong, squeak into the tournament and then hold everyone together.
Barring transfers, this team should be heading in the right direction and scary next year. Theoretically, everyone could return?
(02-07-2021 10:43 AM)uskjtc02 Wrote: Although I am an avid Penny supporter, some of the criticism was warranted. We knew when we hired him there would be a learning curve and he’s still learning. But calling for his head is ridiculous! Some of our fans are as bad as UTK and Kentucky fans.
(02-07-2021 08:53 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote: Penny is learning on the job. Anyone that wants him fired at this point has no clue about basketball.
40 years in BB --How long does it take for people to stop saying that ---do they say that about the Puke coach
Are you obtuse? or, do you intentionally post ignorant sounding things to get a reaction?
Penny is a first time COLLEGE COACH - of course there is going to be a learning curve , especially since he was never a college assistant.
He has been in the game his ENTIRE life---around 100's of great coaches---been in EVERY BB situation 1000's of times ---boy he must be slow
So in any single situation ---you think Penny says to himself on the sideline ---" gee I can't remember what my old coaches would do right now---gee I forgot---40 years and I still don't know what I am doing---I need more years of a learning curve---should I call a TO--should I press--should I go zone----gee I need more time--40 years is not enough"
PENNY HARDAWAY knows as much about the game of BB and coaching the game of BB as anyone . BB is not hard
(02-07-2021 08:53 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote: Penny is learning on the job. Anyone that wants him fired at this point has no clue about basketball.
40 years in BB --How long does it take for people to stop saying that ---do they say that about the Puke coach
Mike Kryzewski has 40 yrs experience as a college basketball coach. By your logic, he should be able to bust a trey or win a dunk contest.
WHY should he be able to do that ? Has nothing to do with knowledge of the game.
PENNY knows as much about the game of BB as the PUKE coach --or ANY coach---BB is not hard
Why do you keep insisting basketball is not hard? Because you watched this? That was parody, not real life.
If you were hiring a sales manager, would you assume your best salesperson to be the obvious choice? The guy that’s been putting up the best numbers for a decade? I bet I know your answer.
(02-07-2021 08:53 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote: Penny is learning on the job. Anyone that wants him fired at this point has no clue about basketball.
40 years in BB --How long does it take for people to stop saying that ---do they say that about the Puke coach
Mike Kryzewski has 40 yrs experience as a college basketball coach. By your logic, he should be able to bust a trey or win a dunk contest.
WHY should he be able to do that ? Has nothing to do with knowledge of the game.
PENNY knows as much about the game of BB as the PUKE coach --or ANY coach---BB is not hard
Why do you keep insisting basketball is not hard? Because you watched this? That was parody, not real life.
If you were hiring a sales manager, would you assume your best salesperson to be the obvious choice? The guy that’s been putting up the best numbers for a decade? I bet I know your answer.
He is right...
Basketball concepts are really not that hard...
Leadership, instruction, team building, coaching, program building, etc...Are not easy.
He knows this but he is trolling.
(This post was last modified: 02-07-2021 01:16 PM by macgar32.)
I've watched several replays lately ... That says a lot. I was floored with his substitutions yesterday. Still not sure about Boogie starting over Alo ... But I'll give him that one. Our defense is damn good ... Offense is much better. I'm good ...
(02-07-2021 11:29 AM)hartlessnhere Wrote: COVID is the reason for the season and all teams should get a pass.
WHY ?
One thing has stood out is that teams that have depended on the one and done type players have been hurt more than the experienced teams...in general terms. There are no absolutes. Very young teams did not have the opportunity for summer and fall development. Very young teams have been exposed more by erratic schedules, long layoffs, no true crowd experiences, lack of stability in overall university support, isolation from normal life, higher occurrences of transfers, add to the list more if you like.
So just us over the past two years (so other teams can come up with what they have gone through) a mostly freshman squad last year did not get to fully develop on pace for a normal year, A really protracted NCAA cloud, loss of our marquee player, a juggled lineup, no normal tournament play, no full strength and conditioning program, multiple injuries, limited summer and fall development camps, slow NCAA response for qualifying key transfers and maybe lingering injuries and recovery (physical and mental) for a couple of players. Few squads have seen all of that coupled with reinventing the asst staff and an inexperienced head coach.
I’ll remain patient, hopeful, optimistic and positive.