Oh whoa as me.....

[DarthSooner]

Stick behind the team

 

[Soonerbay]

Careful Darth! You'll be accused of "hating" SC and possibly placed on ignore. I'm sure you care about as much as I do.

I've been bringing a number of your points to the forum for years and watching the continual slow decline. We've never made hay while the sun was shining, but instead rested on our laurels when ESPN was living in Norman...during basketball season. We didn't continue to SIGN the top players in the country, we didn't hire some coaches, administrative assistants, anybody...that can coach/develop post players. SC knows what to do with guards relative to developing skills. When I mentioned several years ago that SC needs to stop putting focus on her attire for interviews (versus other options like campus life, what the players are doing in practice to become more skilled, the passion and work that is required to win, why we recruit WINNING players with WINNING attitudes, how they have fun off the court, etc) and use the time/exposure to benefit recruiting...suddenly I "hate" SC. Not at all. It was as if we hit the recruiting lotto for a few years and then the exposure time we gained was spent on unimportant stuff that was not a good investment for the future.

The coaching staff needs diversity...culturally, skills, abilities, administratively...just like the players all need to bring different things to the table. They don't have it. Game time coaching has been the same for years. When we're kicking butt, SC is working the sideline, up and engaged. When we're having our butts handed to us...she pouts and all of the assistants sit there with her like they are afraid to do anything.

I don't think SC needs to retire, resign or get fired. She is a key component and the things she does well, she does very well. But she can't do it all (and maybe she needs to stop thinking she can...JMHO) which is the purpose for assistants. But they need to be capable of bringing other strengths to the table.

It's not too late, but drastic measures need to take place. Draw some attention to the program. Make some assistant coaching changes. If there are players that are not doing what they are supposed to do on and off the court...don't offer the scholarship for the following year. Invite them to walk-on until they decide to step it up OR help them find a program that better fits their skill set and waive the right to have them sit-out a year. Make some BOLD moves that says, "It's time we all step it up!" Otherwise, the attempts to recruit top players and top assistants will be difficult.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Darth, Darth, Darth, I think you've been breathing too much space dust, buddy. Here are the reasons we should continue to pound the ball inside. Griffin is shooting 56% from the field this year and Williams is shooting 54%. Those are the highest field goal percentages on the team. It also allows us to get to the line and get the opponent's bigs in foul trouble. When that happens, it opens up even more inside. Am I happy with the play of Griffin and Williams? Heck no! But, that is still our best first option unless a guard is shooting within 6 feet of the basket.

Williams has some talent. She is also the most frustrating player to watch on the court. I know this sounds egotistical but, I firmly believe I could stop her from committing silly fouls within 3 days. Yes, there would be some punishment handed out for not listening and doing what I say. But, she would either be a much better basketball player after 3 days or she would be ready to join the long distance runners on the track team. I cannot believe our coaching staff puts up with her reaching over players and slapping at the ball all the time.

I also believe within 3 days you would see Griffin going for and actually jumping for rebounds. Again, that is pooooooor coaching.

It's like the coaches just say, "oh well, that's the way they play and we just have to live with it." NO YOU DON"T, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!

If we play smart and get beat by a better team, I can appreciate the effort and good play and look forward to the next game. But, when we repeat the same goofy, silly, dumb mistakes time after time and nothing improves and it gets us beat, it absolutely drives me nuts. I know that some on here don't care if we ever win a NC but, that's not me. If I ever hear Sherri say that's really not the goal, that is the last time I ever watch her team play again. If we are just playing for fun, count me out.

 

[Soonerbay]

Darth, Darth, Darth, I think you've been breathing too much space dust, buddy. Here are the reasons we should continue to pound the ball inside. Griffin is shooting 56% from the field this year and Williams is shooting 54%. Those are the highest field goal percentages on the team. It also allows us to get to the line and get the opponent's bigs in foul trouble. When that happens, it opens up even more inside. Am I happy with the play of Griffin and Williams? Heck no! But, that is still our best first option unless a guard is shooting within 6 feet of the basket.

Williams has some talent. She is also the most frustrating player to watch on the court. I know this sounds egotistical but, I firmly believe I could stop her from committing silly fouls within 3 days. Yes, there would be some punishment handed out for not listening and doing what I say. But, she would either be a much better basketball player after 3 days or she would be ready to join the long distance runners on the track team. I cannot believe our coaching staff puts up with her reaching over players and slapping at the ball all the time.

I also believe within 3 days you would see Griffin going for and actually jumping for rebounds. Again, that is pooooooor coaching.

It's like the coaches just say, "oh well, that's the way they play and we just have to live with it." NO YOU DON"T, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!

If we play smart and get beat by a better team, I can appreciate the effort and good play and look forward to the next game. But, when we repeat the same goofy, silly, dumb mistakes time after time and nothing improves and it gets us beat, it absolutely drives me nuts. I know that some on here don't care if we ever win a NC but, that's not me. If I ever hear Sherri say that's really not the goal, that is the last time I ever watch her team play again. If we are just playing for fun, count me out.

Norm, what you say is right on EXCEPT I disagree with a general statement about our post players. They have done well when the opponent/match-up has not been that strong. When we play the above average physical post players (at least half of the teams)...our post players tend to disappear. At the same time, we can't completely fault the players because I believe most are playing where one would expect them based on their history. It's exactly what was recruited. Don't get mad at Griffin because she is no Paris squared or Leah Rush. We got what we asked for. Don't get mad when they make silly fouls. Look at the high school foul track record. OU fouls have been atrocious. Avoiding fouls can be coached, but it requires the right attitude. A winning attitude (because you want to be on the floor to help your team), a high basketball IQ (knowing how to interpret officials calls from game to game, half to half) and a competitive spirit (you WON'T let anyone take you outta the game). Think about it...CP fouled out of how many games? One...maybe two? I can't recall her fouling out in high school and I've followed her teams. I specifically remember her playing with four fouls in some critical occasions and did not foul out. We need those kinda' players...winning attitude. I'll take CP's records, her body type and will to win along with will to put her team on her back, over a player that kinda' wants a NC and they're ok if they get one or if they don't. It also requires accountability on the coaches and players part...take responsibility! I'm a staunch CP fan because she ALWAYS did everything she could to win it all. She never quit in AAU until they finally won a NC. Then they went on to the bigger tournaments/circuit. Ultimately, the coaches are going to have to recruit the right combination of players with skill. Bottom line.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Norm, what you say is right on EXCEPT I disagree with a general statement about our post players. They have done well when the opponent/match-up has not been that strong. When we play the above average physical post players (at least half of the teams)...our post players tend to disappear. At the same time, we can't completely fault the players because I believe most are playing where one would expect them based on their history. It's exactly what was recruited. Don't get mad at Griffin because she is no Paris squared or Leah Rush. We got what we asked for. Don't get mad when they make silly fouls. Look at the high school foul track record. OU fouls have been atrocious. Avoiding fouls can be coached, but it requires the right attitude. A winning attitude (because you want to be on the floor to help your team), a high basketball IQ (knowing how to interpret officials calls from game to game, half to half) and a competitive spirit (you WON'T let anyone take you outta the game). Think about it...CP fouled out of how many games? One...maybe two? I can't recall her fouling out in high school and I've followed her teams. I specifically remember her playing with four fouls in some critical occasions and did not foul out. We need those kinda' players...winning attitude. I'll take CP's records, her body type and will to win along with will to put her team on her back, over a player that kinda' wants a NC and they're ok if they get one or if they don't. It also requires accountability on the coaches and players part...take responsibility! I'm a staunch CP fan because she ALWAYS did everything she could to win it all. She never quit in AAU until they finally won a NC. Then they went on to the bigger tournaments/circuit. Ultimately, the coaches are going to have to recruit the right combination of players with skill. Bottom line.

I completely agree that the long term solution is to recruit better players with higher IQs. But, we still have a few games left this year that we need to win which means we have to play with the current players on the roster. What I have problems with are just allowing these players to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again and nothing seems to be improving.

You say for players to improve it takes the right attitude. In my opinion, we don't have players with bad attitudes (at least if we do I am not aware of it) but we have players who are not being coached. I can promise you Mike Stoops corrects problems during practice, during games, or anywhere else he sees problems. The players better listen and comply or there will be heck to pay. I think our coaches need to adopt some of that same philosophy and quickly.

It isn't too late to make changes which can impact the remaining games this season. But, it is way too late to do nothing.

 

[badger]

Stick behind the team

I'm a bad fan and I know it. I've been dedicated and loyal since my freshman year at OU (conveniently enough our first Final Four) and this year, I'm too sad to stay tuned in. Things that used to make me rage at the box score --- turnovers, missed free throws, or just missed shots in general, are just simply the norm.

Forgive me, fellow Sooners. This team just simply isn't getting it done this year

 

[sybarite]

My initial reaction to this thread was that Oklahoma had experienced its 95th earthquake of 2.5 or greater this weekend. There just isn't much that you can say.

Sometimes, you just have to look at the reality that is and take a step back to try to understand it. Some think they have found the answers, but they are the same answers that they had before there was a problem. I still don't know the what's going on.

We lost one player of note this year. We did lose a defensive guard specialist. But, we really lost one player.

We have Carter, Edwards, Kellogg, Williams, Wyatt, and Gibbs to replace her. That even provides better quality off the bench than we had last year. This just isn't making any sense.

 

[JGSpider]

My initial reaction to this thread was that Oklahoma had experienced its 95th earthquake of 2.5 or greater this weekend. There just isn't much that you can say.

Sometimes, you just have to look at the reality that is and take a step back to try to understand it. Some think they have found the answers, but they are the same answers that they had before there was a problem. I still don't know the what's going on.

We lost one player of note this year. We did lose a defensive guard specialist. But, we really lost one player.

We have Carter, Edwards, Kellogg, Williams, Wyatt, and Gibbs to replace her. That even provides better quality off the bench than we had last year. This just isn't making any sense.

Maybe that is the answer. Could be all the the new ones are not working hard and buying in to the program. The would get exhausting and taxing on the upperclassmen as well as the coaches. Could see how that would way on someone after this long in to the season when the coaches and team leaders can't get them to consistently respond and it is blowing their season.

 

[Soonerbay]

I completely agree that the long term solution is to recruit better players with higher IQs. But, we still have a few games left this year that we need to win which means we have to play with the current players on the roster. What I have problems with are just allowing these players to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again and nothing seems to be improving.

You say for players to improve it takes the right attitude. In my opinion, we don't have players with bad attitudes (at least if we do I am not aware of it) but we have players who are not being coached. I can promise you Mike Stoops corrects problems during practice, during games, or anywhere else he sees problems. The players better listen and comply or there will be heck to pay. I think our coaches need to adopt some of that same philosophy and quickly.

It isn't too late to make changes which can impact the remaining games this season. But, it is way too late to do nothing.

When I mention their "attitudes", I'm not meaning that they are bad relative to behavior. I think overall, they are probably a pretty good set of young ladies. When I say "attitude", I'm referring to that "IT" that a player has...desire to never-give-up, passion to win and a high IQ. I just don't see it in most situations during the games this season. Griffin's a good player, but I don't think I've seen her SNATCH a rebound and smack it hard before the outlet...let alone with a grimace on her face. There is a huge mental part of the game. Heck, I remember Ashley Paris grabbing rebounds and dragging the opponent over her back because she refused to let go. We currently go for rebounds (some of the time) and almost apologize for getting in the way. Blocking out? What's that? At the DI level, you must possess an attitude that is evident when you walk on the court. It's obvious during warm-up drills and by all means when you grab a rebound or block a shot.

 

[SoonerinNC]

I suspect that most of you who think you could go in and clean up the problems in a few days have not had a lot of coaching experience.

For example Griffin is not quick to the ball. She blocks out on rebounds pretty good but if the ball doesn't come to where she is she is not quick enough to beat other players to the ball. If there is a game when the ball doesn't come to her she is not going to get many rebounds. No amount of browbeating or running is going to make her any quicker. It is what it is.

A college coach is expected to win, especially in this conference. You put your best players on the court to do that. You have to live with the weaknesses, but try to correct them.

If you assume that Sherri is not trying to correct the problems with this team you are probably wrong.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Part of Griffin's problems is a lack of quickness but that is certainly not the only reason she fails to get her fair share of rebounds. A big reason is, she stands back hoping another Sooner will get the rebound.

Do you agree something could be done to curtail fouling by Kaylon?

 

[SoonerinNC]

I agree that Nicole should move more and I think she has done better this year but still just blocks and holds sometimes.

KayKay, Kornet, Carter and sometimes Hook make bad fouls. Some of it is playing a little out of control. And sometimes there is a fine line between playing hard and playing out of control. But too often they try the impossible on defense and get nailed for fouls.

I'm afraid that KayKay has developed a rep for fouling and is beginning to get some bad calls. She got hosed on at least one against OSU.

Sherri has been using Portia more and that may be aimed at getting KayKay's attention on fouling. I would rather see her invest in the future more and use Kellogg, but I'm not at practices and don't know that much about Sherri's systems and how well Kellogg executes them.

I know many feel that Sherri should use Griffin and KayKay together more but she has explained that they both need a lot of rest and since both are subject to fouls there is a risk in getting both of them in foul trouble early in the game.

Sherri has been using her bench more and some of that may be disciplining some for the continual bad judgment. We do have too much of that.

 

[tycat947]

I agree that Nicole should move more and I think she has done better this year but still just blocks and holds sometimes.

KayKay, Kornet, Carter and sometimes Hook make bad fouls. Some of it is playing a little out of control. And sometimes there is a fine line between playing hard and playing out of control. But too often they try the impossible on defense and get nailed for fouls.

I'm afraid that KayKay has developed a rep for fouling and is beginning to get some bad calls. She got hosed on at least one against OSU.

Sherri has been using Portia more and that may be aimed at getting KayKay's attention on fouling. I would rather see her invest in the future more and use Kellogg, but I'm not at practices and don't know that much about Sherri's systems and how well Kellogg executes them.

I know many feel that Sherri should use Griffin and KayKay together more but she has explained that they both need a lot of rest and since both are subject to fouls there is a risk in getting both of them in foul trouble early in the game.

Sherri has been using her bench more and some of that may be disciplining some for the continual bad judgment. We do have too much of that.

:clap Thanks SoonerinNC for your voice of reason!