State of the Program...

[newmexicuse]

No way any Cuse fan not named Igor could be less than thrilled with where we are right now.

I'll skip the particulars of how the team is playing, how the individuals are playing, and how well we are recruiting - all of those items have been discussed in depth on this forum.

The main point that I want to make is - COHESION.

In all of my (too) many years of following the team I just do not re-call this level of harmony between players with each other and the coaches. Attitudes are perfect. Everybody is buying in to the team concept, their individual roles, self-improvement, and what the coaches are telling them.

There will probably be a rough patch before this season is finished. That will be the true test of as to what the real State of the Orange may be.

However, I believe that (barring injury) this group will get through that rough patch and make a serious post-season run. We are that good IMHO.

 

[rrlbees]

No way any Cuse fan not named Igor could be less than thrilled with where we are right now.

I'll skip the particulars of how the team is playing, how the individuals are playing, and how well we are recruiting - all of those items have been discussed in depth on this forum.

The main point that I want to make is - COHESION.

In all of my (too) many years of following the team I just do not re-call this level of harmony between players with each other and the coaches. Attitudes are perfect. Everybody is buying in to the team concept, their individual roles, self-improvement, and what the coaches are telling them.

There will probably be a rough patch before this season is finished. That will be the true test of as to what the real State of the Orange may be.

However, I believe that (barring injury) this group will get through that rough patch and make a serious post-season run. We are that good IMHO.

It was like that in 2009/10 also.

 

[stuckinbig11]

and a good barometer for your observation is the smile and attitude of one Mookie Jones

 

[cusetown1]

Major difference between this years team and 09-10 team, this year's team is bringing one of the best players in the country off the bench. Also, the shot blocking and steals have been incredible. Oh, and 10 deep.

 

[newmexicuse]

It was like that in 2009/10 also.

Yes, it seemed good in 2009 & 10, but the rotation was shorter so guys weren't sacrificing their minutes as is the case with this team. A Dion Waiters would be playing 32+ MPG anywhere else, yet now he takes his turn in the rotation without any complaint whatsoever. Similiar could be said almost anybody else in the rotation, so that is the one major difference I see in the "harmony" aspect compared to the 2009-10 team.

 

[MyMeloMyMan]

We've seen this story many times before. SU starts out very well... clubbing baby seals at home, beating the less fortunate Big East teams and then bam... end of season slump... and early ouster to a worse seed in March.

It seems hard to believe this team could finish any worse than 2nd in the Big East and not make the Elite 8... but, you just never know. I'll believe how cohesive a unit we are when the going gets rough in March.

 

[moqui]

It was like that in 2009/10 also.

yep

and the jury is still out on this team, IMO. Dion still gets a little attitudinal at times. For me, given his history, he needs to fully complete his probation before I give him an "all clear."

 

[newmexicuse]

We've seen this story many times before. SU starts out very well... clubbing baby seals at home, beating the less fortunate Big East teams and then bam... end of season slump... and early ouster to a worse seed in March.

It seems hard to believe this team could finish any worse than 2nd in the Big East and not make the Elite 8... but, you just never know. I'll believe how cohesive a unit we are when the going gets rough in March.

In past years the bad omen was often to see the team struggling in tight games that we should have won easily just prior to actual losses & letdowns. This team is playing strong & consistant every game, something we have rarely seen from past Cuse teams.

Yeah, a key injury or two could change everything. But right now, we are on cruise control w chemistry. I expect that there will be a rough patch, but there is no reason to think that this group won't distinguish itself in the end.

 

[cusetown1]

This year is so far and away different then previous years.

 

[Cuseregular]

No way any Cuse fan not named Igor could be less than thrilled with where we are right now.

I'll skip the particulars of how the team is playing, how the individuals are playing, and how well we are recruiting - all of those items have been discussed in depth on this forum.

The main point that I want to make is - COHESION.

In all of my (too) many years of following the team I just do not re-call this level of harmony between players with each other and the coaches. Attitudes are perfect. Everybody is buying in to the team concept, their individual roles, self-improvement, and what the coaches are telling them.

There will probably be a rough patch before this season is finished. That will be the true test of as to what the real State of the Orange may be.

However, I believe that (barring injury) this group will get through that rough patch and make a serious post-season run. We are that good IMHO.

yep and strange though as it may seem all the outside noise (which is the only way I like to refer to it at this point) has actually helped in this regard as it has created I think a "circle the wagons" mindset amongst the team to rely heavily on and lean on each other. That for players and coaches alike. I'm sure the players realize that other than take the reigns of the team as much as possible by being leaders both on and off the court, that this helps JB and may be the only way they can support their coach at this point. Regardless of this is accurate or not what you point out is so true amazing and fun to watch. I literally am excited about going up to the games this year. I hope they can keep it up and when the inevitable loss comes that it doesn't overall derail the train from the tracks. I don't think that's gonna happen. Batten down the hatches boys the remainder of the year is going to be fun!

 

[baggerbob]

I think a telling point Is Baye telling Jim in the providence game i can play and Fab saying no no you can't play,complete selflessness on both their parts. Baye willing to play hurt to try to win the game and Fab realizing they need a healthy Baye for the rest of the season. Idon't see how after that anyone on this team could have an attitude, and don't believe anyone will.

 

[cusetown1]

I think a telling point Is Baye telling Jim in the providence game i can play and Fab saying no no you can't play,complete selflessness on both their parts. Baye willing to play hurt to try to win the game and Fab realizing they need a healthy Baye for the rest of the season. Idon't see how after that anyone on this team could have an attitude, and don't believe anyone will.

I don't know if I saw it right, it seemed like Fab was trying to sneak his way back into the game in the final 2 minutes. JB had him sit back down and they both got a laugh. It was pretty funny, don't know if that is what happened or not.