Coaching growing pains

[mtgrizrule]

WOW, not even sure how to start this thread? 1st of all let me say I think the world of Tinks and his staff, so this hard for me to elaborate on here.

Last year was a rough a transition year after losing true leaders and a 1st year head coach. It was a roller coaster year, with possibly too high of expectations to begin with.

Enter year 2, so far this year we are once again very talented. Yet once again very inconsistent, and at times players seem to be undisciplined when it comes to carrying out the coaching strategy. One listen to Tinks or any staff member during interviews, I have to admit the hit the nail on the head most everytime. It is apparent to me the staff knows what the strengths and weaknesses are, and even know how to put together strategy to get the W's. Halftime adjustments and last year are consistently good adjustments. My concern comes in "Why can't the players carry out the game plan for 40 minutes?"

Either way it does not look good to have these tendencies we have developed so far. Does it come down to inexperienced coaching that will come with time? OR Does it come down making a statement to the players not willing to follow the game plan?
How does a staff instill heart and leadership into men that at times are playing like boys? This GRIZ team should never be outrebounded and outhustled by the likes of PORTLAND. Hell CSF not only outshot us, but out rebounded us too. WHY, is beyond me? This year we tend to take care of the ball much better than last year, which is a good sign. However, shot selection, ft shooting, and inconsistent defense are killing us this year. All three are fixable with time, effort, and understanding. Question is will it be done by the players? Another question is this staff afraid of change? Last year it took until the last month of the season it took much to long to give Mayes deserved minutes, despite it being obvious we were much better with him on the court.

This leads to this year, thus far I can honestly say we are much better with the likes of Qvale and Graves on the court. Why are the minutes not being made for them to better our team? Also why does this staff not experiment with Vanderjagt for 10 minutes a game? Is that not OOC games are for?

I know the coaches know what and how to fix things, ? is will they do what it takes to make a point to the players?

 

[AtHomeInTheDahlbergDen]

Here's my quick reply on this: I think we need that on the court leader. someone to relay and emphasize the coach's game plan. Cam was doing this last year, getting guys fired up, yelling, etc... i don't know what's going on this year... maybe it's the injury.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Here's my quick reply on this: I think we need that on the court leader. someone to relay and emphasize the coach's game plan. Cam was doing this last year, getting guys fired up, yelling, etc... i don't know what's going on this year... maybe it's the injury.

I agree with you on Cam. However, we do need his presence, and I do think his injury is worse than we know. Nonetheless he is a Sophomore. Thus far this year, his decision making is not what it was last year. Good thing for Cam is his health will get better, and his talent is that of which will only allow him to get his confidence back. Unless his injury is alot worse, he is the least of my concerns.

Little things such as getting the ball to post players often is concerning me ALOT! Strait and Qvale are hitting near or over 60% clip, Which is very good at any level. Hell Hasquet is close to 50% despite struggling from 3 early (another player I am not going to worry about). He will be fine too. He is too good to have a year long slump. Qvale's playing time (to limited) indicates right now he is a 12 point, 7 board, and 2.5 blocks per game player as a FRESHMAN. I would not hesitate to play him close to 30 minutes a per game, and Vanderjagt at 10 minutes per game.

As for the non bigs, hard to put a finger on blaming anyone. A few have suggested Martin, but his assist to turnover ratio and leading us in steals indicate otherwise. I think most casual GRIZ fans are hard him because of such a sensation FRESHMAN year. He is a very solid BIG SKY guard.

Rundles, at this point he is not the Cam we seen as a Freshman, but give him time.

Staudacher, I admire his willingness and hard play, and even fine with him at the misplaced 3 position. Damn it, he is the one perimeter player I want to see designed plays for open 3's. The best part of his game is not being utilized. The 1st few games he was looking to shoot when open, now he is not ready to do that. I just do not see him as a 30 minute per game player. I would experiment with him or Martin off the bench with both around 20 mins per game. The extra time freed up I would like to see young guys like Vanderjagt and Graves develop. I have not seen alot of Graves. He is obviously our best athlete, penetrator, shutdown defender, and capable scorer. Hell, scoring aside we do not need his scoring to better this team!

The big ?'s marks this year. Sharp, very productive rebounder and hardnosed, due to health issues very inconsistent. When healthy I would like to see him in there for rebounding alone.

CET, very capable true point guard, but not familar with teammates yet. His offense has to become more of threat (ALA Brian Ellis). Also when he is in the game please please please press with him and/or Graves.

Vanderjagt, he too is a big man that can move. I hope his time is limited due to injury. I have never heared anything bad about him, and seen enough to see he has alot of potential. Could he be a player that is a not so good practice player? If so, use the OOC schedule to have him make or break himself during gametime. As for his slight build, live with it, many other teams (pro and college) utilize this kind of player well. Once again, no coach can teach 7' with mobility!!

Regardless of playing time and talent. The biggest help to this team will be consistent heart, shot selection, and getting to 73% plus from the FT line. Shot selection, rewind tape to LKs time here. Now that was shot selection. :thumb:

 

[Grizbacker1]

I think we are now seeing what Tinks was referring to with the loss of Sean watson. When you are forced to play someone out of position, their is a transition period.

One area I think needs to be addressed immediately, is the FACT this team does not play 40 minutes on both ends. The Griz BB team has a lot of individual talent, but basketball is the ultimate TEAM game. Until they decide to share the ball, play both ends of the floor, help out, commit to each other, they are going to be up and down. When shots are falling they play Defense, but they have to have the discipline and desire to get after it and use Defense to jump start their Offense some nights. There is plenty of experience on this team, so there is no excuse for not coming ready to play each and every night. Hasquet, Strait, Martin, and Rundles all are veterans so there is no excuse for this complaceny. It pisses me off that Tinks has to chew ass at halftime to get these guys going.

That being said, I think it will happen. I just thought playing hard woul dnot even be an issue this season. Time for some players to step up and show everyone they want it. Like Tom Brady said, Well Done is better than Well Said. Time for the Griz to stop talking, and start doing. :twocents: