Next day thoughts:
The Good
-- Coburn is stepping up, and showing some consistency game to game - that's HUGE.
-- Burgess, my guy lol, have supported him since recruitment and he's starting to rise up - still a long way to go, but I believe in this kid - had some great plays yesterday, setting up his guys, and finally knocked down some shots. He will be KEY to any success this season. Only guy on the team who truly knows how to run and set the O.
-- Green finally showed something lol - again a long way to go here, but true frosh got at least a start to his game - keep it going.
-- Kante had a real good game - I still want more there because I think he can still do more (if he's getting fed) - but def a solid showing.
-- Some full court press! I know, they're not good at it right now, but that's what happens when you first start practicing during the season lol. Defense as a whole was better, and a big reason for the W. That will continue to be key as this group is not an offensive juggernaut.
-- Masic, I'm still not a believer just yet, but kudos on a big boy shot! P.S. I'll be happy to be proven wrong - Silverios role is up for grabs, take it if you got the goods.
The Bad
-- Ray continues to be disappointing thus far. Playing like JWF and Buie are still there to shoulder the weight, showing up for a shot or two. He was supposed to be the guy, I know the staff was counting on that, and he is either not ready, not willing, or not skilled to do so. Color me shocked. Big detriment to the team. Doesn't sound like a leader at all, or that he even wants to be. And I'm still not impressed with him running point - I know others are, I just don't dig it. Burgess def needs help, and certainly Ray is serviceable in spurts, I just don't think it's a big boost. Hoping Zion can perhaps help there at some point perhaps.
-- Cramer, I'm of course pumped for this young man, and it's been 3 years so can't really get too tough on him, but the FT's have to got to improve and he clearly needs to learn how to play proper D. Both should come in time.
-- Silverio. Sheez. Back to old I suppose. Disappointed and surprised there too - although maybe I shouldn't be. Really pegged him for a foundation year and a starting role next. But if he can't get it together by Jan, this staff needs to play him accordingly. He and ST have the same poor decisions and play. Half a dozen of one /other...
Cowart
I need to know! Someone pls tell me lol
Will hurt not having him, a guy that figured to bring the seasoned maturity to the floor - hurts if he's gone. Although the benefit as mentioned could be now that CB knows it's ALL him, he rises up - some players need to know they are it, hope that's the case here.
Post-Game Note
-- Once again, I LOVE Farrelly, he gives actual insight and perspective - owns the bad, doesn't make excuses, calls out poor performance, AAHHH thank you coach!
-- With that, I do not agree that the team doesn't need Burgess to score much because they'll get scoring elsewhere. You're not though coach. This isn't last year and this team isn't showing that capability at all. Struggling mightily to score. A star sr guard sleeping half the game, a big not dominating yet, an X factor remains lost, inconsistency all over the floor, two top talents are freshmen, and half the team can't make FTs. I don't care what they're doing in practice, this is about what happens when the lights come on. CB absolutely needs to put up points, 10-15 a game
minimum - that mindset and expectation should be instilled. And maybe they are behind the scenes - I don't want him to be / feel 'pressured' and throw off his game, but can't baby either - should be no secret in D1 that he still needs to score.
Got the win, early season with a still developing team, but it was far from inspiring yet. Much to do. Need to show up better against Monmouth, that's going to be a tough game. And then some serious A10 tests before beginning the journey that matters. Get better each game, that's the mantra!