My take aways...
1. Houston is really good and experienced.
2. Thanks to Trent and Damonte for sticking this out and helping change the culture.
3. Glad we're moving on from their era though. Fresh start with no inherited players next year.
4. Damonte shouldn't have played hardly any minutes in either game, especially today against such a good defense. We played 4 on 5 offensively most of the game.
5. I'm scratching my head as to why Hawkins barely played in the second half (brings energy, length, offensive rebounding, pace), and why Curbelo didn't play at all. I know he makes mistakes, but if you watch his film breakdown, when he's in the game (not just offensively) we're a better team. Again, plays with pace, sees things others don't, knows where to be on the court at all times (rebounds, steals, assists, scoring.). Very disappointed they didn't play much as they are not only our future, but potential leaders next year.
6. We need a leader! Ayo was a leader. I know he was the best player, but he was a leader and would get the team to slap the floor on D, huddle the fellas up and chew !!!, take over when we needed it. I hope Goode or Hawkins take over as a leader for next year's team. I'm happy if it's Melendez or Curbelo as well, we just need a vocal leader to motivate, calm everyone down, etc.
7. I very much dislike the new NCAA with NIL and the transfer portal. They take away from what sports is all about. Team work and the ultimate focus to win. NIL and the portal are simply distractions and make it more about "me" vs. "team". I get it, making money is nice, but it's also fact that they distract and take focus away from "team". It is what it is. That being said, I can't change it. I just hope nobody transfers, although, highly unlikely. A starting 5 of Curbelo, Goode, Melendez, Hawkins, and Kofi/Dainja has all the pieces. Handles, shooting, size, length, athleticism, defense. If Kofi is back a bench of Rodgers, Epps, Harris, Podz, Payne, Dainja (possibly Grandy) is soooo deep. And if Sky comes, WOW! I hope as part of the new culture, we're including "loyalty" meaning stick with this family, don't transfer. A team of talents that plays together for 3-4 years does wonders at the end of the year (see Baylor last year).
8. Probably my only knock on Underwood is being too stubborn - and by this I mean in-game adjustments. The one adjustment I liked was playing the freshmen - probably the only one. To the point, we had 7 TOs on in-bound plays on our end of the court. That's crazy!!! A lot of the time you're trying to score on the play, but we couldn't even keep possession. Change those plays in game! We gave up buckets late in the game on the same point guard high pick over and over. Reminded me of the Mich. St. game on the road where they almost came back to beat us b/c we didn't adjust to the same play. I get he's a senior and I love him and he really tries, but Damonte is just not good enough (also undersized) for this kind of game. Why did he play most of the game, when better, more athletic, more offensive players were sitting the bench? I love that Underwood is our coach, but the in-game coaching needs to improve. I don't know if he isn't listening to his assistants or if they aren't offering this information. I would guess they are offering.
9. Another solid season. Yes disappointing we're done in the second round, but Houston is more like a 2 seed. We were hurt, sick, and suspended almost all year. Will always love and appreciate them, but time to move on from the old era (Trent and Damonte). Hopefully we keep most of our squad, bring in what looks to be an exciting new group, find a leader, and start making in-game adjustments. If so, we'll be as tough an out as anyone in the tournament. Happy with the direction we're headed. All players and coaches deserve a lot of credit. Just need to keep self-examining, playing hard, and playing for one another. Go Illini!