Kmac: Frustrating Time For Friars

[thewarriorfriar]

Eh, I could see the frustration on the kids' faces last night but I don't think this is a "wheels come off" kind of situation. I think the team is struggling to find a rhythm and feeling the expectations that have been put on them start fo put some serious pressure on them.

And I'd say this team is still fairly likable from a fan perspective. They're a good group of kids who are having a tough time right now. Hard not to feel for them.

[johnnypc]

I FEEL BAD FOR MAL because he has attempted to take on a leadership role. He has tried to carry this team and has n0t shied away from a role he is really not ready for. He has taken some ill advised shots but at least he is trying to make things happen. I will gladly live with the growing pains.

[johnnypc]

WE all need Santa.

[johnnypc]

WE all need Santa. Remember this is supposed to be fun and a diversion from everyday life and its' stress.

[animal34]

MAL needs to be better with the ball and avoid taking ill advised shots. While he has great potential he is out of control at this point.

[dex]

The frustration in this thread is overwhelming and I plead very very guilty too. We are even shooting frosh for mistakes even though they have been thrown to the wolves with all the injuries. Cooley was yanking guys immediately for a single mistake and the only one he showed any sympathy for was the one-legged Alpha. BTW you would think that an assistant coach would have suggested NOT dressing Alpha so as not to tempt Big Ed to use him...hey maybe they did and he wouldn't listen?

I suspect Big Ed feels the season has or might be stolen from us because of the indolence of his senior class and the bad break with Holt's illness. But for crice sakes I just don't see how his public demeanor last night is in any way constructive, especially with the Frosh. Afterall it's Big Ed who always says the best thing about a freshman is that they become sophomores. Calm the frig down because guess what Coach, Buckets Henton ain't walking thru that door to provide leadership and to own his mistakes when they happen. There is NOBODY on this roster that our players look up to for leadership. And Yank, Cartwright? Not even remotely...yeah not even remotely. Take it to the bank.

[pcdad]

whoah, Dex, even KC doesn't show leadership?...

"the ship be sinking" - Micheal Ray Richardson

[craigl79]

Dec 21, 2017 14:30:02 GMT -5 johnnypc said:

WE all need Santa.

Sorry, Santa is too slow off the dribble and does not have a good jump shot. (He does hang out with some athletic reindeer however that can really sky!)

[friar82]

Sobering to think about, Dex.

If not a "leader" then I'd like to think of Kyron as a catalyst - when healthy. I don't see the fire and passion of a "leader" in either Rodney or Jalen. They've always seemed content to punch the clock, as pieces that have complemented the likes of Henton, Dunn and Bentil over the last several years.

And here I fooled myself to believe that the return of last year's NCAA roster and the first "senior laden" unit in years would amount to something! I'm as much a Friar fan as anyone on these boards, but sadly, I too have liberated my psyche from any lofty expectation for the season. I want Kyron, Alpha and Malik to get healthy as quickly as possible, in order to give it our "best" shot, but I doubt that we're headed toward another Blue Carpet-experience this coming March.

That said, I also agree with others who are hoping that - IF necessary and warranted, the focus of this potentially "lost season" turns toward the development of our freshman and sophomore class, as they represent the foundation that will need to step forward with the likes of Reeves, Duke, Nichols and Monroe, in order to take the next step forward.

Ed Cooley has done a masterful job reversing the fortunes of our program, and this may need to be regarded as a "bogey" season, that's all about reloading for the future, as opposed to "encores" for a group of seniors who didn't have leadership tendencies in their make-up.

Footnote: I truly hope that better health and desperation will position me to eat my words.

[bigsnoop]

Dec 21, 2017 18:05:32 GMT -5 craigl79 said:

Dec 21, 2017 14:30:02 GMT -5 johnnypc said:

WE all need Santa.

Sorry, Santa is too slow off the dribble and does not have a good jump shot. (He does hang out with some athletic reindeer however that can really sky!)

When was the last time you saw a reindeer play defense (or Santa for that matter).

[thefriarman]

Tomorrow night's game will be a defining moment for those players healthy enough to play...

Hopefully they will take this game with a sense of urgency and not consider who the opponent is...

Are they ready to get back to playing team ball and doing what the staff is trying to get through to them?

Will need to see if Edwards is unable to go after is fall last night. If not down to just Mal. Based on last night I cannot see Kyron or Alpha playing and White is probably out at least until SJU game.

And will the coach calm down a bit get back to teaching moments instead of the hot head seen last night...

[drairf]

A poster or two on one of the boards has called out KC for the past two years for his finger pointing at teammates. Never thought much of it but after reading the words of Dex perhaps they were on the money.

[thewalk]

Friarman....another next game will show us? Jfc...its been a month. Henson leader....cotton leader....jalen, Rodney-not so much.

[5thirty]

Dec 21, 2017 21:13:27 GMT -5 drairf said:

A poster or two on one of the boards has called out KC for the past two years for his finger pointing at teammates. Never thought much of it but after reading the words of Dex perhaps they were on the money.

Funny I am no Bullock fan and can't stand his body language but KC's on court body language is far more noticeable than Rodney's. Its all over his face.

[drairf]

Agree, 5thirty. Just didn't view it as something that would sour teammates on him. But looks like perhaps that has happened?