Sure it could. New coach, new scheme, totally different dynamics in the way the program is run. Let alone the the concept of "gelling as a team". One hiccup on or off the court, or even in practice can create a downward spiral within the mindset of the team. It takes a strong will to maintain discipline when everything around you is spiraling towards negativity. I dont know Hopson personally, but I would say he might not have been equipped with what it would take to rise above and be a leader. In that same breath, I'd be hard pressed to name any college player that is capable of doing so without being helped along by a peer or coach they have an established relationship with.