Thursday, February 17, 2005

Consistent Inconsistency

I am of course referring to the University of Maryland men's basketball team, which lost badly to N.C. State for the second time this season. Yes, they once again produced a bad loss after a big win. Any time Gary criticizes his team so openly, it's a sign that he's really frustrated, and he should be. This very talented team doesn't seem to be able to summon defensive focus for every game. To allow so many wide-open 3-point shots to N.C. State, to allow them to execute so many of the same high-screen pick-and-roll plays, it seemed as though the players were just reacting instead of anticipating. It's no mystery that N.C. State wants to shoot the 3, and wants to screen high for cuts to the basket. I'm not quite sure what that says about a team that doesn't figure that out, when they play the Wolfpack at least twice a year, and Herb Sendek has been running the same offense for years.

OK, I'll hazard a guess (since this is my page and that's what it's here for, unsolicited opinion) - this is not a smart team unless there's a ranking next to it's opponent's name. It also apparently helps if "Duke" is featured prominently on the uniform. Why is that? Beats me. If you can figure it out, please let me know. First give Gary a call though, before his head pops off of his neck.

No comments: