...and not even BB related. This is a very young team and four key players just got their first real break before the UL game to go back to be with family and friends. They were fresh and focused for that game and we win against #4 on the road.
Then they have a 9 day schedule gap. The game focus and excitement were gone. Camp Cal began on a QUIET campus. Long days with only themselves to see nearly 24/7. The head coach wasn't even there much of the time so they felt a lull. Meanwhile, the media was all about how great we are and how bad the SEC is this year. Kids were tired of each other (not a dislike, just familiarity overload) and not feeling the motivation the early season provided for them.
We are better than both Ole Miss and A&M. We were surprised by how well Ole Miss plays but survived on shooting. They may have thought "That's the solution!" and the A&M road game showed that we can't just rely on outshooting anyone as A&M brought more fight and tough play to the court. Hence, we struggled....but still won!
Finally, the rest of the students are back. The days are back to normal. The scare of a loss is real and the veterans (Willie) are preaching team defense. I expect a different look tonight than we saw last week and I think the energy will steadily pick up as they start to see the end of the rainbow. It's just a bit far away right now.
Then they have a 9 day schedule gap. The game focus and excitement were gone. Camp Cal began on a QUIET campus. Long days with only themselves to see nearly 24/7. The head coach wasn't even there much of the time so they felt a lull. Meanwhile, the media was all about how great we are and how bad the SEC is this year. Kids were tired of each other (not a dislike, just familiarity overload) and not feeling the motivation the early season provided for them.
We are better than both Ole Miss and A&M. We were surprised by how well Ole Miss plays but survived on shooting. They may have thought "That's the solution!" and the A&M road game showed that we can't just rely on outshooting anyone as A&M brought more fight and tough play to the court. Hence, we struggled....but still won!
Finally, the rest of the students are back. The days are back to normal. The scare of a loss is real and the veterans (Willie) are preaching team defense. I expect a different look tonight than we saw last week and I think the energy will steadily pick up as they start to see the end of the rainbow. It's just a bit far away right now.
