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[QUOTE="RF2044, post: 236023, member: 40"]
Obviously, things didn't go quite according to blueprint down in Pittsburgh. First, our starting center, and likely MIP, got suspended two days before the NCAAs. Then we had a dogfight in the opening round, and a tough matchup in the second against a team that was oddly suited to exploit our biggest weakness.
 
On top of that, we had to work in a new starting center--a kid who hadn't garnered much playing time this year, despite spending a lot of the year as a nominal starter. Pre UNCA game, I was hoping that team would coast to a win, that Rak would have an opportunity to get some dunks / block some shots, and essentially build some confidence. Instead, we struggled in the opening round, and Rak looked uncomfortable and often out of position. Not what I'd hoped for.
 
And while he didn't set the world afire in the second game, I honestly believe that it was a solid performance--probably the best game performance he had all year. Something to build on for sure. And it is important to keep in mind that not only was he thrust into a tough position on short notice after the Fab suspension, but it was his first NCAA tournament game--so I'm sure that the jitters were part of his game 1 struggles.
 
But despite all that, we survived and advanced. Rak DID have a game where he had some success--something to build on. And now the coaching staff [and team] have 5 full days to get him even more ready to play / start / acclimate to his new role as the starting center.
 
Couldn't have worked out better.
 
[COLOR=#ff6600][SIZE=5][B]Let's Go Orange!!! [/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]
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