I still feel good about this team and it's potential. As usual we have our typical overreaction after a loss, but there are definitely some things we need to work on to get better and areas where guys have stepped up.
Getting the ball off the defensive boards continues to be a work in progress. I'm to the point where I'd like to see a week of practice devoted to blocking out. Closing out games was an issue last year and still needs major work. I hate to single out anyone, but White has been a bit of a turnover machine this year. I know he can do better. He may be one of those guilty of trying to do too much.
On the plus side there has been some improvement in defending the dribble drive IMO and the inside defensive play makes it a less attractive option when the big guys are in the game. Both bigs have made an improvement in their offensive games. Woody has made major progress at the free throw line. Mike seems to be feeling better and his play is picking up. His assist to turnover number is great. JU has a better game then I thought he did and I think will be more aggressive as the season wears on. McCabe has been huge. The posts calling him a wasted scholarship have long disappeared. Sapp continues to be solid and is playing a larger role then I thought he might. I keep looking for Basabe to have a game where he explodes. He's been solid but has the ability to be more. You have to love Jok's upside, but he's definitely a wine before his time.
This is an exciting team, filled with kids who like each other, and they are playing a fun style of ball. We don't have elite talent, but when we play as a unit we're capable if beating anyone. Most of our weakness I really think we can overcome, but a 4th place finish in the league is about where we'll find ourselves. If we get some things fixed quickly we could be better, but we're making progress and interest is back where it should be.