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Message: [QUOTE="HoustonCuse, post: 569069, member: 87"] Let me explain: House of Cards: the recent stretch of insane scandal that could have distracted the team to the point of non-functioning. Somebody had to keep the structure sound from an emotional and mental point of view. While Boeheim was freaking out in press conferences and bullying potential abuse victims, Hopkins was behind the scenes keeping the team focused (for example). Hopkins as the Glue Guy: I just don't think there is any doubt about this. Scoop would have been a lost cause with Hopkins (as he has said himself) and without Scoop, Dion would have gone elsewhere. There are many other instances of Hopkins being the "good guy" who keeps guys motivated when they are getting the humiliating 1 minute start and then hook, or MCW last year getting very little time. JB has no time or interest in dealing with these emotional concerns - he has said so himself. It's Hopkins. Swoon: Given how close these players are to Hopkins - the guy who recruited most of them and is the rock upon which they lean for support a lot during the tough times of their careers, would it be surprising that in all the turmoil of the past few years, the one thing that would really shake them is the thought of losing Hop, or of Hop losing faith and thus wanting to leave (however it looks to them). Like I said, I know this is speculation and there are clearly basketball skills reasons for the swoon as well, but it was a thought. The performance has certainly been out of the ordinary lately and the timeframe has coincided with Hopkins' potential move. I don't think I'm out in left field, as you suggest, with respect to Mike's impact on the health and functioning of the player/personnel in this program. [/QUOTE]

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