Wow. Bit harsh and myopic. Let's review the reasons why we're erratic and inconsistent early: Three very talented freshmen plus a talented transfer (thanks Barnes), and a strong core of upperclassmen learning a new system and a new coaching style that is 180 degrees different than the prior coaching style and strategy. Team learning how to trust each other and play as unit (yes, that's a dig on Barnes -- we had too many years where there was lots of "me" in team). Second game of the season against a talented aggy team (yes it pains me to admit that) that we stayed competitive in until the end. Team has been on a plane more than on the ground for the last couple of weeks. I think that I heard they will have traveled 17000+ miles when this Bahama trip is done. (How would you (a presumed adult) be able to do a very difficult physical job under comparable circumstances? These are 18-21 year old kids in strange new lands (except for Cleare in the Bahamas ). I can tell you that I've traveled long distances and physically and mentally it takes a toll.)
Tonight Davis and Mack looked a bit (but not totally) less like wild kids. We didn't wilt when down by double digits several times and came back to make it game. I really liked how Smart did not overreact to a bad shot selection or misplay (yes, another dig on Barnes) and let the kids play.
I'm really interested to see how we do against Washington. I expect a better game than China. Washington is very young as well so they will likely be improved also. I think that we win, but won't overreact if we lose. As I said earlier, this team is evolving. I think that we're going to a very tough team to beat by the time that we're playing conference games, and I believe that that statement will be true earlier than that.
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Last edited: Nov 25, 2015