This has to be on of the worst stretches in Boiler Basketabll ever, getting hammered by opponents in this manner is so alien to Boiler Fans that it is unbearable. I tried to step back, let the emotions calm and really try to analyze the situation.
1. Matt Painter. Like Brian has said. Great coaches don't just suddenly get stupid. Matt is a very very good coach IMO. I hope that this experience will make him a Great coach. He has gone thru some really tough personal times. Who knows what if any an that has had. At least at Purdue I don't think Matt has had to deal with this kind of situation before. By that I mean players not giving effort, etc. he is still a young coach and learning how to deal with different players, assistant coaches, etc. For me, I wish he would have gotten himself tossed in the Nova game. That was the worst example of Refs ignoring flagrant fouls that could have really injured his players. Getting ejected in that game would have sent the message that he had his players backs. I think he is really tough on his players. All great coaches are. Great coaches also bond with their players.
2. Freshmen. Yes, it is Feb and these kids should now have an understanding of Big Ten play, etc. BUT- they are still freshmen and are adjusting to playing at this level twice a week, etc. I think they have hit the proverbial wall. TJ alluded to that a while back.
3. No leadership. DJByrd is the only Senior and he has failed miserably as a Leader. I think TJ tries but for whatever reason can't get it done . We really have no clue what is going on in the locker room but to me something is wrong that Matt will have to handle at the end of the season. I never see the 5 guys on the floor come together on the floor and communicate, support each other, etc.
4. Hammons. After getting in foul trouble and having to sit out against IU AJ has become a non factor against MSU and the Illini. He had no fouls against MSU and 1 against the Ilini. I think he is struggling to figure out how to play physically in this league. Matt has emphasized how important it is for him to stay on the floor and IMO he has overreacted and become passive trying to stay out of foul trouble. At this point we would be better off with AJ getting more fouls and learning the game rather than being in there and being a non factor.
5. It makes me sick when I read so many posts here saying that Matt should leave, we have no talent, etc. This year is done. For me, I will impatiently wait for next year and expect to see a winning team again. If that doesn't happen THEN I will really be questioning Painter's abilities.
1. Matt Painter. Like Brian has said. Great coaches don't just suddenly get stupid. Matt is a very very good coach IMO. I hope that this experience will make him a Great coach. He has gone thru some really tough personal times. Who knows what if any an that has had. At least at Purdue I don't think Matt has had to deal with this kind of situation before. By that I mean players not giving effort, etc. he is still a young coach and learning how to deal with different players, assistant coaches, etc. For me, I wish he would have gotten himself tossed in the Nova game. That was the worst example of Refs ignoring flagrant fouls that could have really injured his players. Getting ejected in that game would have sent the message that he had his players backs. I think he is really tough on his players. All great coaches are. Great coaches also bond with their players.
2. Freshmen. Yes, it is Feb and these kids should now have an understanding of Big Ten play, etc. BUT- they are still freshmen and are adjusting to playing at this level twice a week, etc. I think they have hit the proverbial wall. TJ alluded to that a while back.
3. No leadership. DJByrd is the only Senior and he has failed miserably as a Leader. I think TJ tries but for whatever reason can't get it done . We really have no clue what is going on in the locker room but to me something is wrong that Matt will have to handle at the end of the season. I never see the 5 guys on the floor come together on the floor and communicate, support each other, etc.
4. Hammons. After getting in foul trouble and having to sit out against IU AJ has become a non factor against MSU and the Illini. He had no fouls against MSU and 1 against the Ilini. I think he is struggling to figure out how to play physically in this league. Matt has emphasized how important it is for him to stay on the floor and IMO he has overreacted and become passive trying to stay out of foul trouble. At this point we would be better off with AJ getting more fouls and learning the game rather than being in there and being a non factor.
5. It makes me sick when I read so many posts here saying that Matt should leave, we have no talent, etc. This year is done. For me, I will impatiently wait for next year and expect to see a winning team again. If that doesn't happen THEN I will really be questioning Painter's abilities.
