I dont know how Richard runs his practices but I am not sure that he should 'go to the whip' this late in the season... Our Gophers are pretty beat up mentally as well as physically.. Taking 2 losses back to back of over 20 points and one being at home.. I think Richard is going to have to be strategic in how he runs things..
I try to put myself in Pitino's shoes, even with all the criticism... I think I would scale back practice, actually. Really work on fundamentals and keep things lighter.. To me, there is absolutely no sense in bringing up the Michigan State or Indiana games, at this point... I would meet with my assistants to formulate a good practice regimen to next Monday's game and keep practice tempo fast but lighter...The team has their archrivals in 2 games during a 3 day period... Those would be my focus but I would try to get things taught and not constantly scream at players. Yes, maybe they need it but now it is time to focus on next week's games.
I wouldn't focus on individual skill drills as much as running a motion offense outside the handoffs.. Get guys to move, that are off the ball. To me, if they can get some easy baskets, that will give them energy on both ends of the floor. We played Michigan and Nebraska much closer so we are capable of accomplishing the task. The coaches cant let the guys give up... But right now, I believe the coaches have a lot more head work to do with the guys than anything. Focus on patience in running through the sets throughout both halves. Not forcing shots.
I know the response will be "If they haven't learned it by now in the season, it isn't going to happen." But the coaches do have a responsibility to evaluate themselves and what they could do better to instill confidence in the remaining 3 games... Wisconsin is ahead and its winnable.. I would keep the 'carrot on the stick' for the guys and ask them to give a strong gut check for one more week.. These are 18-22 year old kids that need a huge confidence boost. I saw a defeated team in every sense of the word though they played hard. . I would not even think about the Purdue game until next Thursday... Even though post season is out of the question, coaching these last 3 games are still very strategic in building this team for next year and beyond.
I try to put myself in Pitino's shoes, even with all the criticism... I think I would scale back practice, actually. Really work on fundamentals and keep things lighter.. To me, there is absolutely no sense in bringing up the Michigan State or Indiana games, at this point... I would meet with my assistants to formulate a good practice regimen to next Monday's game and keep practice tempo fast but lighter...The team has their archrivals in 2 games during a 3 day period... Those would be my focus but I would try to get things taught and not constantly scream at players. Yes, maybe they need it but now it is time to focus on next week's games.
I wouldn't focus on individual skill drills as much as running a motion offense outside the handoffs.. Get guys to move, that are off the ball. To me, if they can get some easy baskets, that will give them energy on both ends of the floor. We played Michigan and Nebraska much closer so we are capable of accomplishing the task. The coaches cant let the guys give up... But right now, I believe the coaches have a lot more head work to do with the guys than anything. Focus on patience in running through the sets throughout both halves. Not forcing shots.
I know the response will be "If they haven't learned it by now in the season, it isn't going to happen." But the coaches do have a responsibility to evaluate themselves and what they could do better to instill confidence in the remaining 3 games... Wisconsin is ahead and its winnable.. I would keep the 'carrot on the stick' for the guys and ask them to give a strong gut check for one more week.. These are 18-22 year old kids that need a huge confidence boost. I saw a defeated team in every sense of the word though they played hard. . I would not even think about the Purdue game until next Thursday... Even though post season is out of the question, coaching these last 3 games are still very strategic in building this team for next year and beyond.
