Mike Vaccaro NY post column
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Moon Mullen
Active member
I have had similar thoughts to Vaccaro more than once this season. I am not even
sure if these players even get along with each other.
sure if these players even get along with each other.
[quote="L J S A" post=331076][quote="Moon Mullen" post=331025]I have had similar thoughts to Vaccaro more than once this season. I am not even
sure if these players even get along with each other.[/quote]
I think Ponds and Heron hate each other.[/quote]
It's possible, but that would have been quite a change from this fall.
After he was ruled eligible, he told the media that he would not have come to St. John's if Ponds had stayed in the Draft.
The "break from each other mentally" line Mullin used, was probably overblown. These guys have spent nearly every day with each other, for the past 5 and a half months. When you spend that much time together, people are very likely to get on each others' nerves, more then once. The cutoff point for something like that to happen when I'm involved is about 5 minutes, but it's different for everyone.
It's usually trivial in the end, but I admit the possibility that it could be more serious.
sure if these players even get along with each other.[/quote]
I think Ponds and Heron hate each other.[/quote]
It's possible, but that would have been quite a change from this fall.
After he was ruled eligible, he told the media that he would not have come to St. John's if Ponds had stayed in the Draft.
The "break from each other mentally" line Mullin used, was probably overblown. These guys have spent nearly every day with each other, for the past 5 and a half months. When you spend that much time together, people are very likely to get on each others' nerves, more then once. The cutoff point for something like that to happen when I'm involved is about 5 minutes, but it's different for everyone.
It's usually trivial in the end, but I admit the possibility that it could be more serious.
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[quote="alexander salem" post=331242]Heron is probably tired of Shamorie's really stupid shot selection and on court shenanigans. I'm sure Shamorie is frustrated with Heron for the exact same thing. Things start to unravel quickly when you are losing a lot of games.[/quote]
Things unravel even quicker when guys are playing for pro contracts instead of “W’s”.
Things unravel even quicker when guys are playing for pro contracts instead of “W’s”.
I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.
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[quote="Monte" post=331349]I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.[/quote]
Actually think we had very good chemistry for good portion of the year. It’s what made the team fun to watch and root for.. But, have to agree that last 1/3 of season or so, play seemed to devolve into a lot of selfish play with guys taking shots that were low probability.
Actually think we had very good chemistry for good portion of the year. It’s what made the team fun to watch and root for.. But, have to agree that last 1/3 of season or so, play seemed to devolve into a lot of selfish play with guys taking shots that were low probability.
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[quote="Monte" post=331349]I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.[/quote]
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.
[quote="Room112" post=331382][quote="Monte" post=331349]I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.[/quote]
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.[/quote]
Not saying that it's Ponds, but in the game of basketball all it takes is one significant team member having his own agenda, and the entire team chemistry can be thrown off. Especially when the coach's hands are tied due to lack of options on the bench.
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.[/quote]
Not saying that it's Ponds, but in the game of basketball all it takes is one significant team member having his own agenda, and the entire team chemistry can be thrown off. Especially when the coach's hands are tied due to lack of options on the bench.
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If true that player agenda didn't work out as well as planned.
[quote="Monte" post=331388][quote="Room112" post=331382][quote="Monte" post=331349]I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.[/quote]
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.[/quote]
Not saying that it's Ponds, but in the game of basketball all it takes is one significant team member having his own agenda, and the entire team chemistry can be thrown off. Especially when the coach's hands are tied due to lack of options on the bench.[/quote]
Thanks Monte, always level headed perspectives, appreciate them. Ponds to me is one of our issues, he has the physical talent to play point guard, but missing the mental aspect. As a results is pulling himself apart to satisfy each to get to the next level and it doesn't help the team's performance. Doesn't appear to be a leader, just not in him. Just my observation, helluva of ball player, not sure he is in right role.
FWIW, I paid close attention during introductions during the game we played Marquette in Big East tourney. All of the starters busted out dance moves and seemed to be having a good time with each other.
In addition, I follow a bunch of the players on social media, they seem to genuinely support each other.
All of that being said, something definitely feels off to me. If I had to chalk it up to one thing, I'm looking at Ponds going into each game with his own plan to do what he needs to do to get to the next level, instead of playing the game that's best for the team.[/quote]
Not saying that it's Ponds, but in the game of basketball all it takes is one significant team member having his own agenda, and the entire team chemistry can be thrown off. Especially when the coach's hands are tied due to lack of options on the bench.[/quote]
Thanks Monte, always level headed perspectives, appreciate them. Ponds to me is one of our issues, he has the physical talent to play point guard, but missing the mental aspect. As a results is pulling himself apart to satisfy each to get to the next level and it doesn't help the team's performance. Doesn't appear to be a leader, just not in him. Just my observation, helluva of ball player, not sure he is in right role.
[quote="Section3" post=331352][quote="Monte" post=331349]I just don’t see the same kind of unity on this team that I see on so many other teams. I don’t see the “us against them” mentality. I don’t sense that this group has a particularly strong bond. Of course, I have no way knowing this for sure. But usually when there’s a closeness between the kids, it manifests itself on the court in both chemistry as a team, and the ability to come together when things get tough. I guess you can call it “resiliency”. Sometimes it develops over the course of a season. I haven’t seen that happen with this group.[/quote]
Actually think we had very good chemistry for good portion of the year. It’s what made the team fun to watch and root for.. But, have to agree that last 1/3 of season or so, play seemed to devolve into a lot of selfish play with guys taking shots that were low probability.[/quote]
Quoting myself after thinking about it a bit more...certainly the players self interest played a role but also have to add that kids (in general) will do what is tolerated as well. So, long threes, pull-ups on fast breaks, improbable alley oops, drives from impossible angles seemed to permeate the entire team and increase as the year wore on. Creating an atmosphere of confidence is great and something that CM does extremely well. But, at some point, there needs to be some guidelines applied and expectations set.
Actually think we had very good chemistry for good portion of the year. It’s what made the team fun to watch and root for.. But, have to agree that last 1/3 of season or so, play seemed to devolve into a lot of selfish play with guys taking shots that were low probability.[/quote]
Quoting myself after thinking about it a bit more...certainly the players self interest played a role but also have to add that kids (in general) will do what is tolerated as well. So, long threes, pull-ups on fast breaks, improbable alley oops, drives from impossible angles seemed to permeate the entire team and increase as the year wore on. Creating an atmosphere of confidence is great and something that CM does extremely well. But, at some point, there needs to be some guidelines applied and expectations set.
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I may be in the minority that both, Ponds and Heron played much of the season with chronic injuries and were never 100 percent .. and they missed 3 games with those injuries . That was never more evident than in the Marquette game on Thursday night , after playing DePaul less than 18 hours , our guys were spent after 30 minutes ,. Cutting the lead to 6 at that point took all our energy .
And , I wonder if Marquette fans are hounding Wojo and the team after losing 5 of 6 down the stretch ? Yes , Howard seems off against Seton Hall but , Ponds hasn’t really been Ponds since he went down against Butler . Heron has a chronic knee injury and may need further attention after the season .
And , I wonder if Marquette fans are hounding Wojo and the team after losing 5 of 6 down the stretch ? Yes , Howard seems off against Seton Hall but , Ponds hasn’t really been Ponds since he went down against Butler . Heron has a chronic knee injury and may need further attention after the season .