Missing Last Year's Intensity / Effort

[MauraDay]

I am missing last year's team, not from a talent perspective, but from an all out effort perspective. Last year's team knew that because of their lack of talent, they had to bust their asses 110% of the time and play defense like their lives depended on it. I don't see that forty minute intensity from this year's team, especially on the defensive end. I know that they are trying, but I wish that they could ALL give all out effort, especially now that we have somewhat deeper bench, although injuries have hurt that to some extent. I realize that it will take this year's team some time to gel as a unit, and that I need to be patient, but I wish we could be "us" a little sooner.

[Skatastrophy]

I completely disagree.  I haven't seen a lack of effort from anyone.  I didn't see anyone being lazy on any possession during our trip to KC.

[Nukem2]

I completely disagree.  I haven't seen a lack of effort from anyone.  I didn't see anyone being lazy on any possession during our trip to KC.

Agreed.  This is simply a young and/or inexperienced group of guys trying to learn how to be a team while learning their individual roles.  I've not seen any lack of effort.  Confusion perhaps; but, thats not lack of effort.

[MauraDay]

You are probably right and I am just being overly nostalgic.

[muwarrior69]

Agreed.  This is simply a young and/or inexperienced group of guys trying to learn how to be a team while learning their individual roles.  I've not seen any lack of effort.  Confusion perhaps; but, thats not lack of effort.

Agree, Butler is really a junior, DJO, Bycks and Fulce are Sophomores, all the rest are freshman as far as experience goes. Last year we lost a lot of early games by just a few points and were able to turn it around with less athletic but more mature players. The question now is how mentally tough are these inexperienced player and do they believe enough in their own abilities which they have to win.

[Markusquette]

I think our effort is what kept us in both of these games.  I think we must be expecting a little too much after these last two losses.  I mean we could have won them, but I'm still impressed with what I see.  Who honestly thought we would stick in there with Duke until the end?  Especially after that start.

[Daniel]

I disagree also with the original poster. I think our intensity has been high.  I think what we miss is the results.  The skill level of the intensity is less this year than last, but will get better.   This team has not quit in any game this year.

[Pakuni]

Missing last year's shooters/shooting.

[nomorebuycks]

Missing last year's shooters/shooting.

With the way Buzz has ignored the importance of being able to hit a jump shot when recruiting a player in favor of driving and slashing to the hoop, the defense/effort/intensity will have to be top-notch to beat a decent team.

Will Bo break down and play zone vs MU?

[bilsu]

With the way Buzz has ignored the importance of being able to hit a jump shot when recruiting a player in favor of driving and slashing to the hoop, the defense/effort/intensity will have to be top-notch to beat a decent team.Will Bo break down and play zone vs MU?

Both Williams and Jones were suppose to be good outside shooters. However, you have to do other things to play. Besides that Buzz has gone hard after three point shooters, that decided to go elsewhere.