I don't see that they do. The bench is absolutely disinterested. They rarely even clap for the players on the floor.
Sure it sucks to ride the pine, but if you know that you are going to be on the bench you have to decide to contribute some way. Be a leader on the bench. Be enthusiastic. Be a teammate.
This might be the most talented team in the country including the bench, but the bench players clearly haven't embraced their roles.
I worry about transfers in the offseason, I worry about this team losing in the 2nd round if the starters have an off night and I worry that Thad really has completely lost the bench. Probably an over-analysis, but just something that I have observed this season.
Well, it's been said this team isn't as close as last year's team. I haven't noticed quite what you're saying, but I can see where the talent that's on that bench might be frustrated, considering they could probably be playing a lot more for most other prgrams.
Class of 2010.
I've noticed the same thing, Maestro. Do not want folks jumping on me but this is how I see it, as in my "opinion" as we all have them. Thomas seems in his own world, albeit a scorers world. Smith, Jr. has a way about him that says loaner. Craft, Sully, and Buford get along great with others on the outside looking into their circle even though they try to be good teammates. Scott and Thompson are overwhelmed and hanging on for the ride but good teamers, Sibert, Weatherspoon, and Ross are pissed with no PT, Williams and McDonald are ok with the situation and Ravenel has never committed a foul in a game ever in his own mind.
I kind of thought that there was someting going on with Thomas all season. Multiple times this year he had to be dragged into team huddles at the foul line...and never seemed too pleased about it.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
Last night I saw alot of hand smacking...and in general them talking alot (specially in the 2nd half)...hopefully it continues today....michigan concerns me....specially Burke.
Agreed Maestro...but you can imagine these guys are some of the top recruits in the country and they went from being the best player on their team to riding the pine...must be frustrating. To Matta's defense, it seems like he is going to his bench more than last year. IMO, we'll go to our bench even more next year compared to this year. IMO, Thomas is definitely a better NBA prospect than Buford and I think he'll go first round based on his offensive potential/athletic ability. His D can be horrendous at times and some teams have been going directly at him but he's improved throughout the year.
You guys are over thinking it. Last year we had one of the closest college basketball teams in the past decade. They were special in that sense. You can't look for that. Last year gave you expectations regarding team unity that you shouldn't have had. You will be dissapointed 99 out of 100 times if you expect team unity like we had last year ever year. I still think this team is pretty close in relative terms, they just don't have the amazing personalities of Lighty, Diebler, and Lauderdale. That doesn't mean this team can't win a championship. As evidenced by last year's criminally early NCAA tournament exit for us, great team unity doesn't buy you a championship. There are tons of factors that go into winning the whole shabang and I believe this team has them.
On another note, what the heck? You posted this thread litterally right when we are playing arguably our best basketball of the season. Just wondering why now for this post? This seems like something I should have read after the home loss to Wisconsin.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
We will lose in any round other than the first if our starters have an off night. So will any team in this tournament. This shouldn't be a part of worrying about our team unity. That's just what March Madness is. You're starters have to bring it every game if you want to win it all.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
@Jake - how does one rank the "closeness" of teams over the past decade? There's no rankings out on that...
I think we just notice the little things more - probably because of twitter and Spoon and Q spouting off about playing time. Fact is, not every group of 12-14 guys are all going to be best buds. I notice it a little bit when guys, mainly Buford, Thomas, and Sully get selfish and don't pass out to the open man. D.T. had 5-6 WIDE OPEN looks yesterday in the 2nd half but our offense went into NBA-iso mode and no one passed it to him.
You're right, there are no rankings for that, but did you watch last years team? Boy, they were special. They were all best friends and it showed.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day