I regularly spend time on this board reading the thoughts and opinions of Niner Nation’s most passionate fans, as a guest. And while I often think that many of you:
- over-react to just about everything (thus my stage name)
- are overly critical of players, coaches and the AD (JHat’s recent PH rants, NWA re Judy, etc){btw, like u both}
- and generally over-value your personal cognitive abilities,
I couldn’t agree more with the collective assessment of OUR basketball program.
I really like many of the pieces on this team.
*As much as PH can frustrate us, I want him on my team every day, twice on Sundays. Our opponents respect every part of his game except his 3 pt shooting. If he played for an opponent I would absolutely hate the kid. No greater compliment.
*I’m proud of TWill. Remember, he’s the guy who missed 4 or 5 FT’s at the end of a home game that could have salted away a victory against either GT or ClemPson. He’s worked on his game where he hasn’t been missing late FT’s for 2 years. Then when he missed one late against LaTech, you could tell it was killing him and I felt sorry for him instead of anger. I trust that kid to make late game FT’s. While I used to cringe every time he took one, he’s made his last 4 3 pointers. He’s at the end of his career and playing his best bball. Sure, I wish he were better, but the kid has come so far.
*Big Mike has come even further, I’m enjoying watching his growth. He still struggles against smaller athletes, still rushes his release on the way up instead of at the peak, is inconsistent and drives me crazy with his wrist flip FT motion. I wish he was more aggressive defensively and wouldn’t let guys back him down in the lane. But he is sooooo much better than where he came from. For those of you who insist that our coaching staff doesn’t develop players, please explain Mike’s growth.
*Willie, no excuse, WORK to make your F’in FT’s. Wish he elevated higher, wish he finished better, and wish he didn’t let his emotions take over. But love his passion and effort and want Willie on my team every time, just not on the court in the last 5 minutes of a tight game.
*BO is one of the most impressive kids you’ll ever meet. Wish the coaches had figured out that he was leaning to his left and shoulders were turned when he went thru his shooting slump, we could all see it. He brings a quickness we don’t otherwise have. I look forward to 2 more years.
*Sully, thanks for persevering. Hope he gets his confidence back.
*Big upside for the freshmen.
The coaches are good men, have re-engaged our former players, have built good rapport with the local HS programs and have many of the qualities we want in the leaders of our young men. And I’m proud of the quality of the kids the coaches have brought in. They’re going to class, we aren’t reading about what they’re doing off the court, I’m not embarrassed for the kids in post-game interviews, and can be proud of the young men they’re becoming. And I’m really proud of the way the kids on the team have stuck together through this season in spite of horribly underachieving. That is a tribute to both the players and the coaches.
We may not all agree, but I firmly believe there is enough talent on the team to be in the NCAA tournament. Sadly, we haven’t performed, so this is a moot point.
We can all picked out plays or statistics to tell our narrative after each loss. I’m guilty, I’ve done it at least 15 times this season. But it comes down to our inability to make winning plays in crunch time. Some of us place all of the blame the players, others on the coaches, and some of the blame trickles up to Judy. But nobody can deny the culture that has been created, a CULTURE OF LOSING.
Culture comes from the top and rests squarely on the shoulders of coach Major. I’ve seen worse Niner teams, we’ve had a lot less talented Niner players, we’ve had kids with poor character, and we’ve had worse Niner coaches. But today’s culture of losing rivals the Wissel years. I can hardly wait for a change.
I will be at the last two home games, thank TW and PH for what their contributions on Senior day, and I still hold out hope for a miracle finish for MY Charlotte 49ers. But, I’m looking forward to the new culture that will come with our new coaching staff. If you contribute any amount at all to the Athletic Foundation PLEASE be sure to share your thoughtful comments with Judy as soon as the season ends.
To my fellow Niner Nation, thank you for continuing to care. Go Niners!
