I would agree with what Ayo, said. However, these guys haven't understood from the first game what's at stake and how to get their. They read and see these press clippings about how good they're gonna be this year and come unprepared mentally and physically for the fight. If your not ready to play each game from start to finish unless your talent far exceeds your opponents you have a good chance at losing.I LOVED Ayo's quote in his press conference. It's hitting the nail on the head and it's cool that he recognizes it.
We shouldn't have to wait for coach to get on us and yell at us. We should have more respect for the game.
That's about as honest and true as it gets. He knows they got out hustled, he knows they got the fight taken to them. If the coach has to yell and scream to get them motivated before the game, during the game and at halftime....that's a problem. There has to be a leader on the floor. They guy who speaks up and lights a fire. Who is that guy? It's supposed to be Ayo. He's talking the game, I can't confirm whether he's walking it.
With all due respect to Kofi, someone needed to take him by the jersey and lite him up. It was the first game this year where I thought the moment was bigger than he was. Only two rebounds, caught watching the play, not playing through contact, not going up strong and finishing plays. Hoping that's a lesson learned because he's got 18 games of that competition coming.
This is where i do hold the staff responsible. You have to know your players, including their mindset toward the game and opponents. If the staff has to ride herd over the players on a daily basis to keep them focused then it has to be done. I'm not talking about screaming at them all practice. And if you wait for some 18-22 year olds to get it, then you might wait yourself right out of a job. As a coach i'm going to give them what they need. Some don't need you to be on all the time, but some do.