bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
Reading Dan Hoards thoughts on the loss to WVU I came across an interesting observation. Dan Hoard was present during Mick's instruction to the team and and heard Mick tell them what to expect in terms of effort and hustle from the Mountaineers. Evidently that fell on deaf ears.
Anthony McClain, Larry Davis, Rashad Bishop, Darnell Wilks and Ibrahim Thomas have been here in past seasons. They've seen apathy and uninspired play derail a run at making the NCAA tournament. With the stretch run in front of them, they find themselves staggering and on the brink. A loss like Saturdays and repeated missed opportunities can haunt a team. With the prospect of playing Pitt on the road you have to wonder where the team is mentally. In each major test they've come out uninspired and lethargic. With 5 seniors and 2 juniors on a team that's been here before that shouldn't be happening.
It's time for the players to come together and demand more of each other. This is gut check time. Time to ask yourself if you belong in this or not. Time to understand that every night you're playing other teams right where you are. On the edge and needing a win. There's no off night. No more give me's. It's war.
This bunch has seemed reluctant to go to war when it matters. Failing to match their opponents toughness in each loss. Dominated physically inside and physically unable to make enough plays outside. Outfought and outthought. 'Nova, 'Cuse, ND, and WVU were mentallity tougher and sharper.
If this season falls apart it will be in part because the upperclassmen on this team haven't held each other accountable. Maybe it's because nobody gives a consistent effort themselves to be able to do that. Championship teams demand excellence from each other. Bob Huggins said he asked his kids for 7-8 kids that wanted to work hard and do the right things everyday. UC hasn't had 7 on a given night do that this season and 4 times it's cost them a ball game.
This city will follow a fighter. It will get behind a team less talented that plays it's collective heart out. If the players want to win back the fan base and be champions it's time for the players to step up. It's time to demand a premium effort from every player every night. It's time for the seniors to lead and be vocal. it's time to tell one another that "We will not lose another game this season because another team was mentally and physically tougher than us!".
Anthony McClain, Larry Davis, Rashad Bishop, Darnell Wilks and Ibrahim Thomas have been here in past seasons. They've seen apathy and uninspired play derail a run at making the NCAA tournament. With the stretch run in front of them, they find themselves staggering and on the brink. A loss like Saturdays and repeated missed opportunities can haunt a team. With the prospect of playing Pitt on the road you have to wonder where the team is mentally. In each major test they've come out uninspired and lethargic. With 5 seniors and 2 juniors on a team that's been here before that shouldn't be happening.
It's time for the players to come together and demand more of each other. This is gut check time. Time to ask yourself if you belong in this or not. Time to understand that every night you're playing other teams right where you are. On the edge and needing a win. There's no off night. No more give me's. It's war.
This bunch has seemed reluctant to go to war when it matters. Failing to match their opponents toughness in each loss. Dominated physically inside and physically unable to make enough plays outside. Outfought and outthought. 'Nova, 'Cuse, ND, and WVU were mentallity tougher and sharper.
If this season falls apart it will be in part because the upperclassmen on this team haven't held each other accountable. Maybe it's because nobody gives a consistent effort themselves to be able to do that. Championship teams demand excellence from each other. Bob Huggins said he asked his kids for 7-8 kids that wanted to work hard and do the right things everyday. UC hasn't had 7 on a given night do that this season and 4 times it's cost them a ball game.
This city will follow a fighter. It will get behind a team less talented that plays it's collective heart out. If the players want to win back the fan base and be champions it's time for the players to step up. It's time to demand a premium effort from every player every night. It's time for the seniors to lead and be vocal. it's time to tell one another that "We will not lose another game this season because another team was mentally and physically tougher than us!".