This team is going to make the NCAA's and pull of the unthinkable and make the Sweet 16. Yes, something the 3 amigos could never get done unfortunately. I just think this team is "special" not in the sense of it's talent and potential to make the Elite 8/Final 4 or anything like that, but their special in the sense of how they play so well as a team and get the most out of their talent. Plus, the make-up of the players on the team is really impressive - no selfish personalities. I think the early season heartbreakers and the aforementiond characteristics are going to pay big dividends come March when it's one and done time. Add to the fact the roller coaster of a ride this season has been(plus the heartbreakers the past few years) and I just think this year is going to end on a high note for once when it was prolly least expected.
You know I was thinking the same thing.
I can't explain it, but I have more faith in this years team making a run then the previous few years. I don't know if it is just because I was let down so many times the last four years or maybe because this team hasn't been blown out.
It makes no sense but I completely agree with you.
I think part of the optimism is that this might be the best shooting team they have put on the floor in many years.
That's true too. I don't think they are ever out of a game with their ability to hit the 3.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 06, 2010, 09:43:13 PM
That's true too. I don't think they are ever out of a game with their ability to hit the 3.
Unfortunately, I'm afraid that's the problem. Sometimes the 3s just don't fall, and without them, this team is going to have a hard time. When they're hitting them, they can play with anyone. If not, they can look ordinary.
Yet it has not happened often. It definitely happened against DePaul. :(
Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 06, 2010, 09:43:13 PM
That's true too. I don't think they are ever out of a game with their ability to hit the 3.
Bingo. Hitting the 3 keeps you in games.
The one great thing on the threes we've been taking is that the majority of them are "good" looks thanks to the great ball movement and rotations. Guys are going to have games where they are off, but for the most part, the team hasn't been forcing it. They move the ball in and out, switch it around, and get guys open looks.
Even if they don't make the NCAA, it's still been a fun year and I'm really looking forward to next season already.
Still nuts though to think "what if" we had won the DePaul and FSU games, and not blown the WVU or 'nova game.
But if you look at the season as a whole instead of game by game, this team is definitely getting better. They are starting to find ways to win instead of lose. Teams are still being allowed to close the gap too much at the end, but this team has figured out how to hang on and win.
IMO the next step is finding a way to keep the game out of reach in the last two minutes. Once they do that, with the way they have played against very good teams the sky is the limit. I'm on board with being cautiously optomisting about an NCAA make and run.