Great effort, but still a disappointment

[skyvue]

I'm as proud as I can be of this team's effort today. We didn't get a single break (okay, perhaps a slight exaggeration), but we fought till the end and made UK earn it. I'm really excited to see how this team can continue to grow.

But I was very disappointed in Nick Thompson today. I know he's not the quickest or most mobile player, but he seemed as if he had stickum on the soles of his shoes. He didn't seem to bring the effort today. There were balls he could have gone much harder for, even dived for, and he stood there and watched.

He just seemed overwhelmed and in over his head, and he's gotta get past that right now, not later. Here's hoping it was a one-game problem.

And I'm very disappointed in Coach Capel's laid-back approach to the game. The guys played hard, and I tip my hat to him (and to them) for that, but he's got to show some energy on the sidelines and work those officials a little. I don't want him to be someone he's not, and I certainly don't want the second coming of Bobby Knight, but you've got to stand up for your players and get a few calls to go your way.

Calipari, much as I don't like him, worked the officials the whole game, and boy, did it pay off.

As I said, I view today's effort as a big plus, overall, but it could have been even better -- a single-digit loss or even an upset win.

 

[Sooner23]

But I was very disappointed in Nick Thompson today. I know he's not the quickest or most mobile player, but he seemed as if he had stickum on the soles of his shoes. He didn't seem to bring the effort today. There were balls he could have gone much harder for, even dived for, and he stood there and watched.

He just seemed overwhelmed and in over his head, and he's gotta get past that right now, not later. Here's hoping it was a one-game problem.

Agree on Thompson. More Washington, less Thompson please. Washington is a battler out there for rebounds and he's not a matador on defense.

Other than that, I'm very pleased. Blair even showed a great improvement on defense. If Washington can step up and fill that hole inside, we might have have a shot at the NIT. Also loved Cade's take it to the bucket game and Fitz not being afraid to do his thing inside.

 

[DenverSooner]

At this point, I think OU can win two games in Maui. I did not think a few hours ago.

 

[OULad]

We played pretty well. I am pleased with the effort.

 

[IndySooner]

At this point, I think OU can win two games in Maui. I did not think a few hours ago.

This. And that's why I don't think today was a disappointment whatsoever.

I wish we would have won, but going in, there's no way I thought we'd stay within 20 points.

 

[skyvue]

At this point, I think OU can win two games in Maui. I did not think a few hours ago.

I don't disagree, DS, and I'm pretty psyched about it.

But Coach has got to not take that shirt to heart the rest of the way and approach the games with less of a "hang loose" attitude.

Put down the pineapple daiquiri, Coach, and give 'em a little hell!

 

[MsProudSooner]

I'll never be disappointed in a team that gives great effort, which this one did today.

 

[MercedeSooner]

This team showed a lot today, they weren't going to back down from anyone nor give up when they get down. If you can't get behind this team then you aren't an OU fan.

 

[Tundrasooner]

Capel did fine. The guys were ready to play and they got after it.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

Capel did fine. The guys were ready to play and they got after it.

Agreed. Sometimes a coach who isn't normally an official worker tries to become one for a big game, and it works against them.; He maintained his normal keel today, and I'm fine with that...

 

[mac_ou]

Agreed. Sometimes a coach who isn't normally an official worker tries to become one for a big game, and it works against them.; He maintained his normal keel today, and I'm fine with that...

Couldn't agree more. He was talking to them quiet a bit....didn't go "over the top" like Calipari IMO.

 

[CMSOONER]

I was also very disappointed with Thompson tonight. He is to weak for a player his size and not aggressive, and his defense was terrible tonight.

Was also disappointed with Cade and pledger forcing those 3's when we had momentum. Those two shots really hurt us, when we had the time to work for a quality shot.

If we don't go into halftime down 14 it is a different ball game. Hopefully the team learned some things tonight and continue to improve.

Good showing tonight, the loss hurts, but now this team knows that they can play with the big dogs.

 

[skyvue]

If we don't go into halftime down 14 it is a different ball game. Hopefully the team learned some things tonight and continue to improve.

Good showing tonight, the loss hurts, but now this team knows that they can play with the big dogs.

Yeah, it's encouraging that we won the second half (and not because, as sometimes happens, UK was so far ahead that they started slacking off).

I hope and trust this game will show our guys how close they are now to being a really solid unit and how much better they'll grow to be with continued hard work and dedication.

It's amazing how much easier this team is to cheer for than last year's squad.

This time last year, we were losing by 13 to VCU and then by 12 to San Diego State. This year, we were within six of #9 UK inside of two minutes and with the ball.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

Yeah, it's encouraging that we won the second half (and not because, as sometimes happens, UK was so far ahead that they started slacking off).

I hope and trust this game will show our guys how close they are now to being a really solid unit and how much better they'll grow to be with continued hard work and dedication.

It's amazing how much easier this team is to cheer for than last year's squad.

This time last year, we were losing by 13 to VCU and then by 12 to San Diego State. This year, we were within six of #9 UK inside of two minutes and with the ball.

Agree 1000%. Some people will be all about the record, but I think that Capel saw a problem and has determined to infuse this program with a different type of player going forward. Dude can recruit at a high level...and I think that we are trying to rebuild the foundation Blake laid. I hate losing, but I'd rather lose with heart than with none whatsoever.

 

[NickZepp]

I think Thompson can serve his purpose but against teams that are better physically he's completely out classed as far as physical talent goes. He's just too small really. He's got okay height but he's like 180 or 190 pounds. And Terrance Jones looked like he was about 250. But against most teams we'll play I think he'll be good enough.

There are stretches where we didn't play as well as we can. But we fought hard and played 100% outside of maybe running out of gas at the very end.

 

[stoops4pres]

Hate to act like its a moral victory, but I was glad to see the effort of this team. Its refreshing when you contrast that from the apathetic effort of the team (for the most part) last year.

I think we could have closed out the shooters better in the first half, but some of those shots Kentucky was hitting were indefensible; UK was simply on tonight.

 

[skyvue]

I think Thompson can serve his purpose but against teams that are better physically he's completely out classed as far as physical talent goes.

I agree, Nick, but my issue with him in tonight's game wasn't his lack of athleticism or size, but that he was sometimes just standing and watching, rather going after loose balls and rebounds. He just didn't seem himself.

 

[Sooner_In_MI]

On one hand, it is disappointing, because we definitely had a chance in the end, and between the missed FTs, Cam Clark's screwup on the fast break, etc...we definitely left some points out there. HOWEVER, I feel better about this team than I did going into this game. This team will most likely compete with everyone this year, and I love the effort they put into the comeback. So it is bittersweet, but all in all I think I'll be happy with this performance.

 

[skyvue]

I feel better about this team than I did going into this game.

You and me both, my friend.

 

[MNsooner]

Jones was a really tough cover for Thompson. There aren't a lot of guys like Jones out there that are tall to put a wing or guard on with the skills and speed he has.