Game 20: George Washington University, Jan 25th, Noon, NBCSN

[gmutom]

I think the A-10 coaches have enough experience to properly evaluate the talent on our roster. I agree with them - we have the talent to be a middle of the pack team.

Jim, I agree with a lot of what you said. We should have a few more wins than we do. The Rhode Island and Fordham conference games we probably should have won even though they were on the road and we were underdogs.

Just to be clear, though, we were picked 8th in a 13-team league, so I think the A10 coaches knew exactly what we were from both a player, team and coaching perspective. Admittedly, we are doing worse than predicted, but we were never expected to be middle-of the-pack by reasonable talent evaluators.

http://www.atlantic10.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209278456

 

[gmubrian]

I find it funny that the "hopers" accuse those that see Hewitt as the ultimate problem are causing problems for our program since recruits might read the boards. Don't you think they might have issue with a fan base that is always criticizing our players for being untalented or stupid (when there is plenty of evidence that the coach has significant issues)?

 

[JimP]

Jim, I agree with a lot of what you said. We should have a few more wins than we do. The Rhode Island and Fordham conference games we probably should have won even though they were on the road and we were underdogs.

Just to be clear, though, we were picked 8th in a 13-team league, so I think the A10 coaches knew exactly what we were from both a player, team and coaching perspective. Admittedly, we are doing worse than predicted, but we were never expected to be middle-of the-pack by reasonable talent evaluators.

http://www.atlantic10.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209278456

OK, so maybe 7th place is technically middle of the pack. Regardless, we are the most disappointing team in the A-10 this year. Is any other team playing this much worse than they were picked. Lasalle?

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

I disagree. I expected us to go at least 8-8 or 9-7 in conference play.

Our roster is clearly limited and plays as stupid as a senior-laden team possibly can, but we've handled these A10 teams before, including the one point over Richmond last year. This conference is good but hardly overwhelming this year.

That's why the talent argument only goes so far.

But even if the A10 is too much for what we have what has really angered me was the squeak home wins against American, St. Francis and Penn.Everyone points out we could have easily won a few more games; hell, we almost LOST those against vastly inferior talent.

 

[patriot2000]

I think people tend to see conferences in three tiers. Us being picked 8th would qualify as "middle of the pack" in my mind because we're in the middle tier. Not that it matters...

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk

 

[gmutom]

As the same you are placing more blame with the players, and less with Hewitts shortcomings.

Nope. Not even remotely accurate. I think there's plenty of blame to go around, including TOC, Hewitt, his assistants and the players — and I do agree that it all starts and ends with Hewitt. He's the head coach, so it's his responsibility to fix it; and if he can't — which admittedly seems like a long shot now — he should be relived of his duties.

My only MO is to have a winning basketball program, and I think we need a combination of better coaching and playing. Hewitt has done enough dumb shit to have cost us several close games, but I also put some of our losses on errant plays by our players. There's certainly enough blame to go around.

Brian, I would hope our players and recruits aren't that thin-skinned that they can't take some criticism. Attacking a players character to me is off limits; calling them out when they make a costly mistake in a game to me is fair game. There are a number of things Hewitt could have done better in the UMass game, but you can't tell me that Wright and Allen missed an opportunity to seal that win for us.

 

[Patriotfan49]

Nope. Not even remotely accurate. I think there's plenty of blame to go around, including TOC, Hewitt, his assistants and the players — and I do agree that it all starts and ends with Hewitt. He's the head coach, so it's his responsibility to fix it; and if he can't — which admittedly seems like a long shot now — he should be relived of his duties.

My only MO is to have a winning basketball program, and I think we need a combination of better coaching and playing. Hewitt has done enough dumb shit to have cost us several close games, but I also put some of our losses on errant plays by our players. There's certainly enough blame to go around.

Brian, I would hope our players and recruits aren't that thin-skinned that they can't take some criticism. Attacking a players character to me is off limits; calling them out when they make a costly mistake in a game to me is fair game. There are a number of things Hewitt could have done better in the UMass game, but you can't tell me that Wright and Allen missed an opportunity to seal that win for us.

LOL omg Tom, stay with me!

I know your entire stance on the situation, weve talked about it plenty. I meant in regards to the Hewitt or players sentiment that conversations always seem to get stripped to....you always bring up the same thing "People act like we are loaded with studs etc etc"....so you land on the opposite side as some others here. Not saying you havent mentioned the shortcomings of Hewitt, TOC or anybody else... You guys have to stop taking individual comments and thinking they are all encompassing views.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Brian and Tom I have a lot of respect for you both, think you both are the top 1% of the posters on the board and I will never forget those summer nights on the deck with the case of Miluakees Best that always were a highlight of my youth. I think you are both right with regards to our issues.

We have talented players that can compete in the A-10 we have seen flashes of this. However, there is a lack of mental toughness and discipline, and focus that causes this capability to melt in the second half when opposing teams adjust their game to our strengths and they then attack our weaknesses.

All players have capability gaps and teams have gaps that reflect the recruiting philosophies of the coaching staff. I blame the players for not having the internal desire to remain focus and not make mistakes. However, that is about 40% of the blame. The remainder goes to the coach for not inspiring the players to play to the end, for not knowing where the talent gap is an adapting our play to cover them, and not having a plan to respond to opponent adjustments. I just don't think he has the fiery and exothermic personality to inspire and grab these players to perform at their full potential or even beyond. It is the only explanation as to why the players don't listen or respond to Hewitt. Sherrod is case in point - why has one of our better players with a solid history on this team seemed to have checked out? Did he all of a sudden become not good. I recall when we were in the CAA we beat teams in the A-10 including GW, Richmond, Duquesne, and vcu. Now a year later we can't?

 

[GMUgemini]

Jim, I agree with a lot of what you said. We should have a few more wins than we do. The Rhode Island and Fordham conference games we probably should have won even though they were on the road and we were underdogs.

Just to be clear, though, we were picked 8th in a 13-team league, so I think the A10 coaches knew exactly what we were from both a player, team and coaching perspective. Admittedly, we are doing worse than predicted, but we were never expected to be middle-of the-pack by reasonable talent evaluators.

http://www.atlantic10.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209278456

They also picked GW to finish behind us. And I seriously, seriously doubt they will come close to doing that. We will also probably finish 5 places below where they picked us in the preseason. So I'd say they aren't exactly perfect there from a talent evaluation perspective.

 

[GSII]

GMU84fanman,
Thanks for posting in such detail. It's nice to read your thoughts. Respectively, I disagree with your arguement b/c if you apply it to last two years in the CAA, then you end up with the same result you are implying now. Which is we aren't ready talent wise for the A10. Can you honestly deduce that we were not talent ready for the CAA the last two years? We see the same crappy play/coaching for 2.5 years now.

Also, if you're really Coach Hewitt hiding behind that screename, please resign. Thanks.

 

[gmutom]

I blame the players for not having the internal desire to remain focus and not make mistakes. However, that is about 40% of the blame. The remainder goes to the coach for not inspiring the players to play to the end, for not knowing where the talent gap is an adapting our play to cover them, and not having a plan to respond to opponent adjustments.

This I agree with 100-percent! Maybe I have been focusing too much on the physical deficiencies, but PiKapp hit the nail on the head — and he is spot on about the mental lapses by the players and the coaches. Too many times we have seen our players wilt over one or two plays — such as the Okoloji technical or the Allen flagrant foul — and Hewitt and his staff have failed to reel them in.

We have enough physical talent to be competitive most nights in the A10; now we just need to become emotionally tougher on the court!

Whew, I'm exhausted from all of this talk, but I applaud PiKapp for his epiphany. I am now off to watch PGA Golf, the Pro Bowl and the Grammys, so don't gang up on me too much while I'm gone.

 

[JimP]

They also picked GW to finish behind us. And I seriously, seriously doubt they will come close to doing that. We will also probably finish 5 places below where they picked us in the preseason. So I'd say they aren't exactly perfect there from a talent evaluation perspective.

Does anyone on here think that Hewitt would ever actually exceed expectations the way Lonergan has? No way.

 

[Patriotfan49]

Whew, I'm exhausted from all of this talk, but I applaud PiKapp for his epiphany. I am now off to watch PGA Golf, the Pro Bowl and the Grammys, so don't gang up on me too much while I'm gone.

Dont bother watching the Farmers......My man Gary Woodland yanked it right on 17 and shot his tie for the lead in the foot. What a shame lol......because Scott Stallings just doesnt do it for me.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

This I agree with 100-percent! Maybe I have been focusing too much on the physical deficiencies, but PiKapp hit the nail on the head — and he is spot on about the mental lapses by the players and the coaches. Too many times we have seen our players wilt over one or two plays — such as the Okoloji technical or the Allen flagrant foul — and Hewitt and his staff have failed to reel them in.

We have enough physical talent to be competitive most nights in the A10; now we just need to become emotionally tougher on the court!

Whew, I'm exhausted from all of this talk, but I applaud PiKapp for his epiphany. I am now off to watch PGA Golf, the Pro Bowl and the Grammys, so don't gang up on me too much while I'm gone.

Tom thanks for the heads up on your plans - Let Mrs. GMUTom I am heading over with the wine and silk straps! Catch you on the back nine shots.

 

[Patriotfan49]

THE WORST part of the GW game.....my fear was realized. I was worried that the announcer guy maybe was sick or on vacation, and that it wasnt possible we were able to upgrade with the awesome announcer from the UMASS game...but the usual one trick pony was back. Dang.

 

[patriot2000]

THE WORST part of the GW game.....my fear was realized. I was worried that the announcer guy maybe was sick or on vacation, and that it wasnt possible we were able to upgrade with the awesome announcer from the UMASS game...but the usual one trick pony was back. Dang.

Ugh... I was thinking the exact same thing at the game yesterday. I really don't like his style and have put up with it for so many years.

 

[gmubrian]

Brian, I would hope our players and recruits aren't that thin-skinned that they can't take some criticism. Attacking a players character to me is off limits; calling them out when they make a costly mistake in a game to me is fair game.

I am with you on this. I was just pointing out the hypocrisy of those that tell us to stop criticizing Hewitt and yet it is ok to criticize the players.

There are a number of things Hewitt could have done better in the UMass game, but you can't tell me that Wright and Allen missed an opportunity to seal that win.

Please stop. Do you purposely misread other peoples posts or do you have talent issues with your reading? I clearly stated that our guys have gaps in their skills. Both Wright and Allen have shown they have issues handling the ball, especially in late game scenarios. Given that, it seems to me to be crazy (by Einstein's definition) to sub out our point guard in those situations, literally less than 5 seconds before both of the turnovers.

 

[GMU84fanman]

All--I have enjoyed being part of this interesting discussion. GSII--I can assure you that I am not Paul Hewitt and my wife can surely attest to that. We clearly are not going to come to a consensus. I will admit that we have shown "flashes" of talent from time to time this season but talented teams (both coaches and players) sustain that effort over 40 minutes. My take is that 8th place in the A-10 was about right and given the current talent and coaching staff, expecting much more was not realistic.

Stating that this is only on Hewitt in my mind disregard's the fact that we were a middling team in the CAA last year (10-8) with an early exit from the tournament. Yes--our drop off in the CAA coincided with the loss of the OCM but it also coincided with the eventual loss of Hancock, Morrison and Pearson from which we have not fully recovered.

But I remain hopeful about the athletic talent we have coming into the program. I am impressed with both of this year's freshmen and their contributions thus far. I am hopeful (although not optimistic) that we will still have a late season run in us that could provide some much needed confidence in the program. I also hope that Hewitt can get more out of the talent we have and if kept for next season will take a serious look at what has gone wrong including his entire coaching staff and players.

I believe we all bleed green and gold (even Hewitt and the players). Like most of us, I sit on the outside looking in and try to see the challenge from my vantage point. I see enough culpability to go around. Does this make me a Hewitt apologist? I hope not. Like you, I am a fan who is concerned and wants to see our fortunes turned. If folks believe that it is only Hewitt to blame, you are no less a fan. Contact the AD and let them know. Until then, I will continue to cheer for the team, curse the players and the coaches (from time to time), try not to get my hopes to exceed realistic expectations and hope that the future is bright irrespective of the next move(s). I am sure most of you will do the same.

 

[Patriotfan49]

Please stop. Do you purposely misread other peoples posts or do you have talent issues with your reading? I clearly stated that our guys have gaps in their skills. Both Wright and Allen have shown they have issues handling the ball, especially in late game scenarios. Given that, it seems to me to be crazy (by Einstein's definition) to sub out our point guard in those situations, literally less than 5 seconds before both of the turnovers.

It seems in Toms haste to reply he often misinterprets what people are saying, or just assumes it's all encompassing....other than that, I'm with you in that it's a tad frustrating that certain folks seem to have a hard time understanding the entire context of a post...and just think it's more Hewitt hate. Like I said there isn't anybody here that hasn't said players are accountabl at least five times.

 

[mason2k1]

THE WORST part of the GW game.....my fear was realized. I was worried that the announcer guy maybe was sick or on vacation, and that it wasnt possible we were able to upgrade with the awesome announcer from the UMASS game...but the usual one trick pony was back. Dang.

My 9 yr old told my out of nowhere that he sounded like a zombie.