I too am disappointed in our losses this year, similar patterns to last year happening this year too. I am a very frustrated fan this year as well as last year. I agree with much of what is being said regarding this team and Tinks. What I do not agree with is that Tinks is not and will not be a good coach.
Tinkle's weaknesses are nothing more than growing pains of never being a head coach before. He is smart and articulate, takes criticism well and learns. He is very personable and a well above average recruiter. He is also loyal to a fault, and little timid in experimenting with different strategies and personnel. In time, he needs to draw himself away from being every players' friend during their time here as players. After their playing days, be every player's best friend.
This year and last year a statement and actions had to be made to get everyone on the same page. Those actions were limited and had a limited effect. Right now, I would not hesitate to sit Rundles down. Last year, Dlouhy should have been sitting much earlier. One has to admit the GRIZ were much better last year with Mayes playing and Dlouhy sitting. Hell, maybe even Swift should have been given more of a chance.
Right now, things are not working collectively as a team. Why not experiment and stick with a big lineup more often? Why not see what kind of impact GRAVES can have on this team? Why not sit Rundles? Why not see what kind of impact a true center rotation of Qvale and Vanderjagt would make? Why not insist on getting the post players touches before any shot is taken unless WIDEOPEN? Why not run some simple picks for Staudacher and Martin? Speaking of jump shooters, anyone notice when Martin squares up and goes straight up and forward he is lights out shooting? He has the same problem Criswell did until LK corrected it his SR year. The leaning and fading jumpers do not cut it!!! Put an end to them. Nothing but open straight up and forward j's! As for Staudacher, he hardly ever shoots a perimeter shot leaning, yes his shot is a thing of beauty and getting quicker!!!
Defensively, too many players pick and choose when to play defense and when not to. Sorry, I do not care how long you have been a GRIZ, if you sluff on defense you see pine time until proven you will play defense hard for EVERY second! Do not try executing the offensive game plan, once again sit until you do as asked and expected.
I have faith in time Tinkle will be a great coach here. Unfortunately in GRIZNATION many do not accept any coach taking time to learn and get better. LK and Huse suffered through their growing pains as headcoaches at a much lesser level, not in the spotlight. LK learned in the CBA. Huse learned at a small college level. Both well removed from the spotlight and Scrutiny Tinks is learning in.
With all this said, come 08 when Taylor, McGillis, and Selvig are eligible, inconsistencies happening this year will be unacceptable. Also if a true leader and/or point guard do not emerge, something is definitely wrong!!!! As for this year, I know how difficult it can be to fall short at any one position. In this case SF, and PG. As for PG I believe we have the players. As to when or if either will be the PG we need is yet to be determined. If one does not emerge, run the damn 1/2 court offense through our posts, mainly Hasquet.
I will not give up on this team or Tinks. I will continue to be patient and continue to believe the best will come, hopefully sooner than later though!!! :thumb: