FpmUrge
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Joined: 15 Oct 2007
Posts: 1436
Post subject: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 23:11 pm
Despite all the hype (of the freshmen and the improved play and maturity of the upperclassmen), I'm not sold on the b-ball team. If a freshman has to inspire the team and spark a comeback against a Div II team during an exhibition game....then (sigh), still have a ways to go. Tisdale, Davis and McCamey need to grow up and play each minute like it's their last. Enough of the lackadaisical play. Grow some and be leaders on the team.
Not sure what it is, but this team is still missing something. And the coaching staff is missing something too. Not sure what it is though. I think it will be a struggling, inconsistent season.
stlfanatic22
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 00:08 am
You state it like playing motivated against a low level D-II team in a game that doesn't count is a piece of cake. It's quite the opposite. Much easier to be motivated for games that count against better teams.
Nothing to worry about. The team came out sluggish tonight, but they weren't bad. Tisdale and Davis didn't have a huge line, but that had a lot to do with the type of "pack it in" defense Quincy played.
I wouldn't read much into this game other than knowing the Illini had a chance to get some game type experience against a defense some of them haven't yet seen.
This team's going to be in great shape.
ChicagoMark
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 00:37 am
There will be some inconsistencies because 3 freshmen will get significant minutes. With the motion offense and a longer season than the kids are used to, there will be some ups and downs. Its really to be expected.
But I'm not too worried about the Quincy game, they played Notre Dame tight as well, so Quincy is no slouch.
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FpmUrge
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 08:21 am
I hope you are both right, that the play and intensity cranks up once the competition heats up.
I guess I've been fooled at the beginning of seasons too many times before.
birdonbat9
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 08:52 am
The fact that this team couldn't buy a bucket for most of the first half but then still managed to put up nearly 90 points makes me feel good about our chances. Quincy came out and played decent in the first half and took advantage of us. Eventually though, the talent level takes over. I think we have a pretty good team here, but we'll never know until we go up against real competition. The game against Clemson will tell us a lot about this Illini team.
robirds
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 09:03 am
Patience.
It's going to take a little time.
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FpmUrge
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 09:30 am
robirds wrote
Patience.
It's going to take a little time.
I agree. But one thing that bugs me (and I finally put my finger on it from my prior post) is that Weber has to let his players loose. Sure Legion may have had a bad week of practice. But c'mon, let the guy loose. Quit putting pressure on him by calling him out publicly and putting his (bleep) on the bench. Some times, he needs to b*tch them out behind closed doors and look the other way and let Legion play. I think at times Weber gets a little too tight and it reflects in the offense.
robirds
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 09:41 am
I have always thought Bruce shares way too much info on his feelings towards his players.
It's a form of motivation with him but it could be tempered back.
Also, if your butt is dragging in practice, then your butt needs to be on the bench. I do agree with the closed door policy though.
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stlfanatic22
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 10:49 am
What exactly did Bruce say that was so bad?
He said Alex came out and shot a couple of three's, thought he was feeling it, and then took way too many shots, often not good ones, after that.
Hardly anything devastating to Legion, and certainly the truth.
Or was something said this week that I missed?
robirds
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Post subject: Re: Tempered Optimism
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 11:05 am
Honestly, I didn't hear anything he said on the Legion subject.
I was just basing my thoughts on previous instances when speaking to the media.
.....and don't get me wrong BAM is a fantastic coach.
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