Hoops Post-Mortem (Part 2 of 2): What’s coming and What to hope for.

We're gonna get murdered in SEC play.

That is all.

 

Physicality and intensity is a problem I see all the way from top to bottom on this team. We added bigs like Hamilton and O'Bryant because we were a perimeter jumper team last year with no inside presence. Now we're a perimeter jumper team with slightly bigger guys getting pushed around in the paint. When Turner, Stringer and Hickey are on, it's great to watch. When they go cold, we have no answer.

And there is no excuse for the rebounding tonight. None.

 

Wow. Wow.

Can't say that I saw this coming. Just assumed I'd come back to see a LSU win.

It's troubling to say the least. But, a 10 point halftime lead disintegrates, and we get outrebounded again, by a team that shouldn't do that. Despite the lack of rebounds, it looks like we took just as many shots. But, USA goes to the free throw line more and creeps back into the game, while we miss second half shots?

All I can say is that there seems (like last year) despite the players changing there is that sort of internal "toughness" or "aggression" or "killer instinct" that this team lacks. It's the difference between being really competitive and just there. Can't quite figure it out. Guys like Hickey seemed to add to the toughness factor... They just cannot afford to take games off against anyone.... Ugh. Let's hope they turn it up a notch for the rest of the season and learn from this.

 

This will be the 3rd time this season we've said this! At the beginning of the season I thought for sure we'd be 10-0 going into the Marquette game, 3-3 never crossed my mind. Seeing the rebound margin is really troubling. We haven't played one team that should have out rebounded us! I'm not Trent bashing at all but if they don't step it up, I can't see him making it back for another season. Wow South Alabama! Really?

 

This is what I left the PMAC saying. We had this team on the ropes, and we went soft. At some point this team needs to learn how to finish, or it is going to be another long season.

 

I don't catch any of the game, but I just don't get it. It seems like the pieces are in place. Some of the inconsistencies can be chalked up to youth, but we have to much size to get outrebounded against these teams. I just really don't want SabanFan to be right.