Leadership on the Court
by Infield Elephant on Jan 21, 2010 5:01 PM CST
Email
PrintLittle dry here lately and I got the hankering for some polling. Imma talk about leadership, but will refrain from a Denzel sweaty locker room moment as best I can.
It was nothing new since the start of the season, but painfully obvious (to me) that we lack leadership on this year's basketball squad as I watched some less-than-admirable showings in Manhattan on Monday. This may be blown out of proportion, but there seems to be a disconnect somewhere whether it be directly from Rick Barnes, a clash of personalities, or maybe it has something to do with the perpetual substitutions amongst the depth of the bench that never quite allows a player to define his role. Not sure, but no one seems to have raised a hand and jumped into the role of carrying the team on his back - not yet, anyhow.
All of us probably would have said Damion James would be the guy about a week ago, but I had to reel that thought back in this week. I realize everyone has their days, but the guy who seems to usually have a great attitude and poise was disappointing to watch against Kansas State. I saw pouting, a lack of hustle and handful of just dumb plays.
Sexy has had some huge highlights this season with not only big numbers, but some mushy feel-good stuff that proved he had his head on straight. However, I'm not totally convinced he's the guy to rally the troops. Not to mention logistical things like foul trouble, but that's not necessarily the point here.
As bleak as some thought Justin Mason would be coming into the season, I was very impressed with the way he handled himself against the Wildcats. Dude was bustin' ass all night. Can he buckle down and fill the role, assuming we see some production?
To me, Balbay seems to be the most consistent role model to the rest of the guys. He never - ever - takes his foot off the gas. Plus, he seems to embrace the little things like a nice little butt slap or breaking up a scuffle. But is he out there enough to be the guy?
Maybe we'll see a freshman step up and make it happen, but not this year with these guys. Avery could be soon. Hamilton needs to grow up a little first. J'Covan might need some anger mgmt.
Love me some polls, so here's a poll. Get it:
All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.
6 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Okay
So yeah, perhaps Damo is the obvious answer here, but I would still say the role is still open. I would like to see him continue to step up the way he had the first half.
Sub-question: as mentioned in previous posts, is Barnes’ subbing working? Should he keep the same pattern of throwing in 10 or 11 guys in the first few mins?
by Infield Elephant on Jan 21, 2010 6:05 PM CST reply actions
Pattern substitution
If there were a pattern to his substitutions, then they might be less disruptive. Players are better prepared when they know when they are going in and what is expected of them. But it looks more like Barnes is pulling players when they make mistakes and benching them for punishment. IMHO game time is not a good time for teaching, especially during league play.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Other than the obvious (Barnes)
I went with J’Covan Brown as a potential leader once he can improve his decision making and turnovers. James/Dexy can be leaders as our seniors, but I believe the PG is the leader on the court. Balbay/Brown can control the pace, play calls, and can get everyone involved with their penetration.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 21, 2010 9:42 PM CST reply actions
Im agreeing with Brown eventually being the man
Kids like James and Balbay will lead with their actions, of course being no fault to Balbay that his english isnt the best.
When i’m on a “deep” team, I feel its best if coach uses that to full court press and keep fresh legs on the floor. Whats bad about this approach is offensively, its a challenge to get in a rhythym if you’re looking at the scoring table everytime theres a dead ball.
Throw Ya Horns, Mayne
I'm the other Brown vote
Notice than many of his mistakes are from overreaching — passes that might have been sensational but went wild, 3-pointers that would have been momentum changers but missed, penetrations that resulted in circus shots that didn’t drop. All that’s going to improve and then wow.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Quick little follow up after UConn
Same problem remains: where is the chemistry? As I mentioned elsewhere, let’s back away from the ledge – the sky is not falling. We just need to define some roles. It pains me to say this, but unless we see a turn-around this week at home, James is not the guy to pull the guys out of slump. If it weren’t for the three fouls in a single possession, I’d say Balbay could be it. He may still be.
Big opportunity this week to take a step back, watch some film, and most importantly, rest. This has been a rough week.
To the Barnes haters, I suggest restraint for a little while. I look forward to some serious regrouping with our offensive strategy. We’ll still use the bench (especially bigs), but I expect to see a much more clearly defined 1st half starting rotation by… let’s say the Kansas game. That’ll work with me.
by Infield Elephant on Jan 23, 2010 8:05 PM CST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
