"Buy in" factor...

[steve]

We often hear terms like "he's getting it" or "the light came on" when assessing players. Watching UD saturday in the 2nd half made me think that there's a possibility that the team is starting to "get it" and feeling more comfortable with each other. I've yet to witness a game this year where the guys seemed to know what others were doing and where they would be. Watching some nice dro down passes come right back to the guy flashing down the lane and watching the extra pass was a thing of beauty.

Yes, logic says that this was a small sample size but, none-the-less, it was something we had not really seen all year. Wed against the Bonnies also showed more consistency but saturday showed a complete 20 minutes. We all question how somwbody can all of a sudden feel more comforatable and there are many that don't understand the midset that must happen and the ability to react as you're thinking versus the thinking then reacting. Well, deciphering the two means you're a half-step quicker to the spot or you position your body a split second quicker than the defender. The confidence that gets established with the "light going on" also means a better chemistry and belief in your players and that they'll be able to find you, and want to, much quicker. We very well could have a tank job against RI and leave us scratching our heads again but I have a feeling that the guys walking off that court saturday night found out a bit more about both themselves and each other.

	St Bonaventure SAINT BONAVENTURE Founded in 1858, St. Bonaventure University is a liberal arts college located on 500 acres in southwestern New York state. SBU offers 43 undergraduate majors, the most popular of which are elementary education, journalism, psychology, accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Total undergraduate enrollment is 2,000. Virtually all freshmen and most undergraduates live on campus. A founding member of the A10 Conference. Famous athletes include Bob Lanier. Historical nickname was the Brown Indians, but later changed to the Bonnies. Their mascot is a wolf.

[Gazoo]

At the 1:00 of the highlights on another thread, it looks like CJ hit back to back 3's at the start of the second half to take the lead. 2 guys on the bench stood up to cheer and I think 1 was a walkon (though I didn't look that closely).

Seriously? Really rooting for your teammates there, aren't you bench?

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I would think the players would be excited about that.

[Sea Bass]

team won a road game, a good thing. At this point I am not going to read anything more into it than that because the team has not been able to develop any consistency over the season.

Maybe they are starting to all get on the same page but I am skeptical at this point. Prove me wrong Flyers.

[Flyer69ers]

I think Steve was attempting to start an optimistic thread.

Thanks, Steve!

[Fudd]

Just what makes that little old ant
think he can move a rubber tree plant?
Everyone knows an ant can't
move a rubber tree plant

but he's got.....

[sheg]

I don't think it's unreasonable that it would take time for the team to gel this year. They graduated (not counting walk-on stats which are always garbage time):

103.3 minutes per game
64% of their scoring
100% of their point guard minutes

among other things. It's possible that the current players are better overall, but the chemistry that was upset by the loss of the above factors takes time to recover.

[bobber]

Let me say I lurk on two other free boards. These programs have about as many wins so far this year as the Flyers, but one has no chance at the big dance (aside from winning the conference tournament) because of the strength of their schedule, while the other is right now a bubble team. Last year the bubble team went to the NIT and the other went nowhere.

Neither board, even after bad losses, is as negative and mean spirited as UD Pride after a Flyer win. ("Sure we won, but we should'a won by more.")

Moreover, one of the teams has a rival that pretty regularly beats it like a drum.....in football as well as basketball. But I can't recall any time in the last few years when someone has posted, "Gee. Why can't we be like our rival? We should be like our rival." If they did, I have a feeling they'd be shouted down quickly by a raft of other posters, incensed by the thought.

Yes, there is criticism, but most of it can be described as constructive. And nobody on either board is happy after any loss, especially one to a weak team. But the constant, unrelenting, never ending undertone of "I hate the coach, I hate the players, I hate the team," along with, "what's wrong with us?" and, "why can't we be like our rival," just isn't there on either of those boards.

You posters should try it. Go to one or two other free fan boards and drop in every few days. There are hundreds of free boards available if you just Google properly. We on this board need a little perspective, IMHO.

[Fudd]

Originally Posted by bobber "why can't we be like our rival,"

That makes me want to projectile vomit every time I hear it. It's a sign that a UD fan has lost all respect for himself and become one with the lower animals. I am going to start blaming all of our woes on those who utter that unholy phrase. They are weak minded and deserving of the bad karma that they bring on all of us. They are the real problem in this program, and they must be purged! They bring bad medicine to us all!

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by bobber Let me say I lurk on two other free boards. These programs have about as many wins so far this year as the Flyers, but one has no chance at the big dance (aside from winning the conference tournament) because of the strength of their schedule, while the other is right now a bubble team. Last year the bubble team went to the NIT and the other went nowhere. Neither board, even after bad losses, is as negative and mean spirited as UD Pride after a Flyer win. ("Sure we won, but we should'a won by more.") Moreover, one of the teams has a rival that pretty regularly beats it like a drum.....in football as well as basketball. But I can't recall any time in the last few years when someone has posted, "Gee. Why can't we be like our rival? We should be like our rival." If they did, I have a feeling they'd be shouted down quickly by a raft of other posters, incensed by the thought. Yes, there is criticism, but most of it can be described as constructive. And nobody on either board is happy after any loss, especially one to a weak team. But the constant, unrelenting, never ending undertone of "I hate the coach, I hate the players, I hate the team," along with, "what's wrong with us?" and, "why can't we be like our rival," just isn't there on either of those boards. You posters should try it. Go to one or two other free fan boards and drop in every few days. There are hundreds of free boards available if you just Google properly. We on this board need a little perspective, IMHO.

This is not to say you're wrong.

First, does this other team have the same level of expectations for their program as we do? I mean, if it's a team like WSU, that team might be just happy to be here. But if it's a team like UCLA they won't take losing for long.

Second, what is the trajectory? This is all path dependent. If you are Butler and you are still living on the euphoria of last year, you might be ready to forgive a lot of things. There are still a lot of good feelings in the room. If the team is a traditional powerhouse with a big budget who is getting worse every year under a fairly long tenured coach, or treading water well below their historical norms, I think those fans are more likely to show more frustration.

[bobber]

Gazoo, this "other team" has high expectations. They go to the NCAA or the NIT most years. Their attendance exceeds that of UD every year.

[IAFlyer]

Originally Posted by bobber Gazoo, this "other team" has high expectations. They go to the NCAA or the NIT most years. Their attendance exceeds that of UD every year.

Share the link. I'd appreciate reading their board...

[UDBrian]

I personally think that we make our complaints too personal here. But, it is nothing compared to the degrading treatment that Mike Sylvester's son received from Ohio State fans. They were brutal and the subject came up almost every day on why he was there, why he was playing, why he sucked etc, etc.

[The Gem]

I think we will get a better sense of whether the light bulb is switched on after the Rhody game. La Salle is not a good measuring stick as they are a very undisciplined team and let us run in transition all night. I still think this team is capable of finishing in the top 4 in the league. We are 2 games off the pace and play three of the current top four at home still so the best for this team may be yet to come.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

[Fudd]

I has been my experience that Rhody is also an undisciplined run-and-gun type of team too. I have not seen them this year, but it has been Baron's MO for as long as I remember.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[bobber]

Originally Posted by IAFlyer Share the link. I'd appreciate reading their board...

http://northcarolina.rivals.com/foru...d=1235&style=2

[The Gem]

Originally Posted by Fudd I has been my experience that Rhody is also an undisciplined run-and-gun type of team too. I have not seen them this year, but it has been Baron's MO for as long as I remember.

I watched part of the Rhody/Temple game Saturday. They do like to run, but I wouldn't call them undisciplined. It will be a much tougher test. That's all I have seen of them so we shall see.

	Temple TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple College became Temple University in 1907. Located in Philadelphia, Temple is a comprehensive public research university with 34,000 students, 8 campuses, and 300 academic degree programs. Notable alumni include Bill Cosby and Daryl Hall. Temple's nickname is the Owls and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[IAFlyer]

Originally Posted by bobber http://northcarolina.rivals.com/foru...d=1235&style=2

Thanks! Since they are now 7-1 in conference and well on their way to a bid, I think I would have liked to see last year's board comments. They do have some pretty strict rules that would get a number of people tossed if we employed them.

[bobber]

If Delroy James gets started, look out. He takes some ill-advised shots.......problem is, when he starts hitting those shots he can take over a game.

[bobber]

Originally Posted by IAFlyer Thanks! Since they are now 7-1 in conference and well on their way to a bid, I think I would have liked to see last year's board comments. They do have some pretty strict rules that would get a number of people tossed if we employed them.

You'll notice that wasn't always the case. There is a thread down the page a bit that talks about them getting off the bubble.

[Flyer 86]

Originally Posted by bobber If Delroy James gets started, look out. He takes some ill-advised shots.......problem is, when he starts hitting those shots he can take over a game.

He was 80pct of their scoring and making mostly quality in the lane spin and to the basket moves. Parts I saw he was in control and dominant.

He looked all about what a senior should be. Agressive, in control, effective and packed a punch on offense

[Sea Bass]

Originally Posted by bobber If Delroy James gets started, look out. He takes some ill-advised shots.......problem is, when he starts hitting those shots he can take over a game.

he buried the Flyers with 7 treys last year. CW kept losing him.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by bobber http://northcarolina.rivals.com/foru...d=1235&style=2

Don't you think their trajectory is a little different than ours after sending a few guys to the NBA from the same team, making the NIT finals in a down year, and then rebounding to be 7-1 in the ACC??

Sure, they have high expectations, but if we were 7-1 in the A-10 I reeeheeeheeeely don't think anyone here would be terribly unhappy.

[UD Sam]

Originally Posted by IAFlyer Thanks! Since they are now 7-1 in conference and well on their way to a bid, I think I would have liked to see last year's board comments. They do have some pretty strict rules that would get a number of people tossed if we employed them.

Sorry to change the topic momentarily, but wanted to respond to IAFlyer's post about the North Carolina message board.

I read the NC board last year both before and after the UD-NC NIT game. Before NC played Dayton, they were positive and very supportive of their Tarheels and expected a W. After the game, they were shocked and disappointed that they lost to mid-major Dayton. There were a few mild criticisms of the play of a couple of their players (according to their forum rules, they can comment on a play, but not criticize the player), and there were comments that Dayton is a pretty darn good team.

If anyone is interested, there is a link to their "Forum Rules" above the message board threads in the link below.

http://northcarolina.rivals.com/cont...941&CID=156304

[Swampy Meadows]

Originally Posted by Flyer 86 He looked all about what a senior should be. Agressive, in control, effective and packed a punch on offense

I saw James and URI play earlier this year--I think it was vs. X. He looked selfish, out-of-control and buried his team by continuing to take ill-advised three pointers and missing them.

Let's hope that version of Delroy shows up on Wednesday.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[John R]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows I saw James and URI play earlier this year--I think it was vs. X. He looked selfish, out-of-control and buried his team by continuing to take ill-advised three pointers and missing them. Let's hope that version of Delroy shows up on Wednesday.

Daytons luck he will hit everything he throws up there.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[steve]

Well, even a broken clock...well. you get it. Wow, what a great first half both in getting a 7 point lead and showing a boat load of toughness and character. THEN..........It looked like a bunch of hapless little kids that lost their mommy in the big shopping mall the minute the "so-called" leader of this team got foul number 3....Stupid stupid stupid foul to get on a non-basketball move on a pass that could have been made by any other player at ant other time. The microcosm of this team can be summed up and happened in just a measely couple of minutes. Low, abysmal IQ by CQ followed by the children of the corn (Well, i wish they were as mean as them) that just had no direction, brains, leadership, and folded up like a cheap suit.
IDK where the toughness and leadership qualities come from in a player all the time. Some are innate while others are developed with "good, solid" coaching and a responsibility that a coach requires and requests from a player. See, coaching is only a part of X's and O'S. Player development both physically and "mentally" are a large part. Yes, you canchalk up some of this to youth, some to existing players that are not leaders, and a large part to the HC and the assistants.
When I started this thread after the Lasalle game I knew that the RI game would either substantiate the post or weaken it. I, for one, would have never ever ever guessed that we would fold like that in the 2nd half and show the determination and toughness of a butterfly. ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED at that and there's no reason. The physical weakness of JB was never so evident as it was last night. The rluctance of both Searcy and MK in that 2nd half to establish themselves and finish what would have been a couple huge buckets to swing both the score and the monentum was huge. The total lack of comprehension was on display by Parker but moreso when they needed him to act like a 4th year player.
Get the W saturday and the absolute sting oflast night is still there but cetainly not as painful. But do we really expect this team to be able to regroup against a physical always-tough minded Temple team who makes few mistakes when we could not even show both a toughness and an ability to coach after both a loust 15 minute halftime and CW getting a 3rd foul??

	Temple TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple College became Temple University in 1907. Located in Philadelphia, Temple is a comprehensive public research university with 34,000 students, 8 campuses, and 300 academic degree programs. Notable alumni include Bill Cosby and Daryl Hall. Temple's nickname is the Owls and are fellow A10 Conference members.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.