WallyBalls
Atom Wrangler
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2010
- Messages
- 7,453
- Likes
- 5,315
Early in the year, they were awful some games and good in others. No consistency, no discernible game plan, not very good defense. Hard to watch and really frustrating. The last 8 or so games, they have been really good on both ends of the floor. Not really sure why the sudden change, but I read that some of the players said they were playing hard for Cuonzo to keep his job. For the record, I didn't sign the petition. Had they maintained the pace they were on, I don't believe Cuonzo would have survived. As it is, they got it going just in time. Doesn't really matter why.
I'm aware what the early season looked like. As frustrating as it was, I don't think its 100% at Martin's feet. In October, on paper you have a healthy Maymon and a mature Stokes ruling the pain, Barton running point better than Golden, Richardson locking down on defense, Hubbs blowing up and being a sniper, and McRae scoring like mad. They look every bit like a deep run tournament team.
EDIT: Completely forgot about the anticipation about Hubbs.
Once the season actually gets here, it becomes painfully obvious that Stokes still has plenty to work on, Barton has to grow into a role he hasn't played, McRae has to accept and learn how to run the offense through the paint, and Mayon has 3 times more rust that anybody had expected. Its been a hell of a process to get this team to play like they're capable, and to get out of their own way mentally. I realize they cut it way too close, but they were thousands of miles out of the Tournament when the season started.
That's why I don't think its as simple as them sensing Martin's job was on the line and all of the sudden playing hard.
Last edited:
