Saga ends and the team starts to play well. Coincidence?

[GopherJake]

Via Moonlight on another thread:

"Royce is officially a non-factor for the first time this year and the team starts to play like they mean it - finally. Coincidence? "

I think this deserves its own thread and had been thinking of starting one, so I will. It sort of seems like human nature - and lots of people on this board, me included, hoped for the day that the mess cleared and we got to see our two "suits" in basketball jerseys. In desperate need of a big body inside to knock people around, we kept up the anticipation for months. This includes players, in my opinion.

Then it was over. Neither was going to join the team. These are the players we are going with - period. Suddenly, with the uncertainty cleared up, the team starts to play together. I think this is no coincidence. That's not to say it is automatic - in fact, it takes hard work and a rededication and an assumption of responsibility. But once you realize it's on you and not some "savior," taking responsibility can lead to teamwork, can lead to better play, can lead to wins.

Thoughts?

 

[Winnipegopher]

Probably,

I think you need to add Al to the mix as well. When Al played, the whole half-court offence was Westbrook. Now with Devoe there is scoring from the point which also frees the middle a bit. Less dependence on Westbrook has been a good thing.

However with Al, we don't have the same nightmarish endings.

Next year will be interesting as to how they share PG minutes. I have become convinced Devoe will be special next year, he just needs to stop the unforced errors.

 

[stocker08]

Probably,

I think you need to add Al to the mix as well. When Al played, the whole half-court offence was Westbrook. Now with Devoe there is scoring from the point which also frees the middle a bit. Less dependence on Westbrook has been a good thing.

However with Al, we don't have the same nightmarish endings.

Next year will be interesting as to how they share PG minutes. I have become convinced Devoe will be special next year, he just needs to stop the unforced errors.

Devoe should see time at SG/PG with Nolan starting PG.

I think a more reasonable explanation for the teams newly found success would be the players only meeting before the Wisconsin game followed by the team shaving their heads in support of Bria and Paul Carter. After that, the team looked more in sync and for once, looked like they were having fun on the court. Those along with Devoe becoming more comfortable in his starting role.

 

[The Ghost of Bierman]

pointless thread. the team finally started playing when they realized they were about to guarantee themselves a spot in the NIT if they didn't.

 

[Rosemountian]

The Royce White Saga ended? No one informed this board obviously, because a Royce White thread is near the top of the board.

 

[GopherJake]

pointless thread. the team finally started playing when they realized they were about to guarantee themselves a spot in the NIT if they didn't.

You disagree with a perfectly valid hypothesis, so that makes discussing it pointless? That's a little harsh, don't you think, GoB.

The Royce White Saga ended? No one informed this board obviously, because a Royce White thread is near the top of the board.

I hear ya!

 

[dboy]

Via Moonlight on another thread:

"Royce is officially a non-factor for the first time this year and the team starts to play like they mean it - finally. Coincidence? "

I think this deserves its own thread and had been thinking of starting one, so I will. It sort of seems like human nature - and lots of people on this board, me included, hoped for the day that the mess cleared and we got to see our two "suits" in basketball jerseys. In desperate need of a big body inside to knock people around, we kept up the anticipation for months. This includes players, in my opinion.

Then it was over. Neither was going to join the team. These are the players we are going with - period. Suddenly, with the uncertainty cleared up, the team starts to play together. I think this is no coincidence. That's not to say it is automatic - in fact, it takes hard work and a rededication and an assumption of responsibility. But once you realize it's on you and not some "savior," taking responsibility can lead to teamwork, can lead to better play, can lead to wins.

Thoughts?

hijack a thought.
what a thought!
jake, you continue to amaze.

 

[GopherJake]

hijack a thought.
what a thought!
jake, you continue to amaze.

She was credited in the first line of the entire thread.

 

[GoFerit]

I hope it has affected Tubby. And, in a positive way. Although he still seeks Royce out, the issue or the prospect of losing Royce for good may not be as much a distraction or of significance to him as it once was. Who knows? But, I hope that acceptance is taking place, which helps to salvage this season.