I really hate to admit this, but when the game came on, I couldn't bear to watch it. The way we limped into the BTT, I figured we were cooked. It was all we could do to get NW to OT. When I finally turned on the tv, well, my fears were confirmed.
So on to next year.
I agree with the folks that have the excuses lined up:
Season 1 was a total write-off. Too much culture to replace Groce's methods with Underwoods. Too much roster turnover, etc.
Season 2 was a young team trying to establish a culture of Underwood's system. The schedule was brutal. The talent has too many gaps for such a young team. Even then, they had some nice moments. They had some bad ones too. Really disheartening the way they finished the season.
Season 3?
First off, I was blown away when we started clicking. Wow, what a sign of progress! So why couldn't we keep that working? Dunno, but that's the $million question.
I think we'll be ok if we can keep the roster intact. But I really worry about that. We can't keep losing key guys and build momentum. We find out about buy-in this offseason, for better or for worse. Underwood won't succeed if he recruits guys that need to develop, but don't stay. And he doesn't seem to give much tick to guys who need it. Not sure what his thought process is on long-term retention, but this is a fragile rebuild IMO. Could go either way. On the incoming class, I've always felt recruiting is best measured by how many guys you miss on, and we missed on a ton. That said, Kofi was a great get. Guys transfer though, and all of a sudden we have holes again.
Couple thoughts:
Giorgi is my MVP. Not only a stud, but incredible attitude. Great IQ out there. He made the freshman leap before he finished his freshman season.
Ayo had many flashes of an NBA guy, but I don't think he'll get feedback that he's ready. He'll be a key guy for next year. His open court play is even better then I thought. A little stronger and more playmaking, and he should make the 1st round draft boards.
Gonna miss AJ. Great young man, and articulate on camera.
Feliz has a ton of heart, and it's hard not to like a shorter player who gets so much out of his talent.
We should be more consistent next year, but a lot depends on guys sticking with it.