One Week to Go!

With our first game coming up next Monday, I'm pleased with where we stand currently. We have a lot of little things to clean up on both ends of the floor, but who doesn't after just a week of practice? There seems to be a maturity level with this team right now that gives me a lot of confidence in them as a group. You really get the feeling that these guys want the criticism in order to improve. That is huge for a team over the course of a 4 month season-to understand the purpose of criticisms and welcome them.

That being said, we do need to develop a toughness that we lack right now. I think we have a group that works hard to a point, then gives in to being tired instead of pushing through it mentally and finding out what they are really capable of accomplishing. That will be a big focus for us this week, to build that mental and physical toughness to a much higher level.

Another concern for us is our rebounding on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. We need to anticipate shots and crash the offensive boards much better than we do now. On the defensive boards, we are just a little soft right now and need to develop toughness there as well.

I do love the unselfishness of this team to this point. We have, for the most part, made the extra pass and trusted the open man to knock down the open shot. That is a very good sign early in the season and should give everyone a ton of confidence. Everyone knows the adversity we face early. Throw in J.C. McNinch's injury and we face a little bit of an uphill battle early on. However, I love the fact that these guys still expect a lot of themselves. Some people will have the opportunity to step up, and that will make us stronger down the road!

We can't wait til Monday night! Help us fill up the gym! Pass the word along to friends and familiy. We need you there!!!