0-1 as a Prognosticator

Only one day later, I'm already out of the prediction business. It's totally astounding to me, given the intensity level of the coach, that this team could expend such little effort, so very often. No matter what the talent level of Gary's teams, effort and energy in games has rarely been an issue. This season it's the issue for two out of every three games! So much talent is being wasted because this team doesn't match the focus, toughness, and energy of its opponents, especially defensively. Yes, they sound like sports cliches, but it's true:

• Clemson FG: 58.2%, Terps 40.8%
  
• Clemson 3-pt FG%: 66.7%!, Terps 34.8%
  

Amazingly enough, Maryland out-rebounded the Tigers, had more assists, and fewer turnovers. But when your defense is so pathetic that you allow those shooting percentages, there are fewer rebounds to get. And no Clemson player gets an assist when one of their guards dribbles down the floor and hits a 3 (with minimal defensive pressure applied by MD, of course).

I would love to see changes for the Carolina game. Give Mike Jones more playing time, at least he makes an effort, even if he's still not a good defensive player. And he can shoot the ball consistently, which can't be said of anyone else on this team. I'd also love to see Gary bench his starters for the beginning of their next game against Carolina, a game I don't think this "team" has any shot of winning anyway. Maybe that will send a message, but with these guys, who really knows?

For better or worse, most of the top players on this team - in terms of minutes played - are juniors, which means the same team will be back again next year. Gary has recruited some very talented players, including this group. If they ever figure out that talent alone doesn't win games, (and I'm not holding my breath in anticipation of this happening) they could be a dangerous team. To someone other than themselves, that is.