Coach Self really nailed it in his vision for this year's team's success.
“It’s not awful to lose to a team that won a national championship and played to a national championship level,” he said. “But we had a team that was playing well enough and was good enough to do it ourselves, and that doesn’t sit very well.”
There is solid "chip" material in this statement. This team has unfinished business in March, and Bill points it out. We have a big advantage in returning most of the squad that lost to Nova last year. I hope he keeps this topic alive all season. Keep the focus on the next game but also using this chip to motivate players to work harder in practice and stay focused.
“I reflect back and think about, did we maximize what we had,” Self said. “You have to look at it as a whole first, and then you have to dissect it as you get really down to it: OK, what can we do different to put us in a better position so that when we’re in that position again we’re more prepared.”
Looking for answers. Taking the evidence from our loss in March to better prepare our guys for this year. We can learn plenty from that loss and it can do more than help us in March, it can help us to victory in all games this season.
“I think this team will be a team that’s in the game,” Self said. “But how much we like each other, how much we enjoy playing with each other, how the pieces fit, that still remains to be seen. It remains to be seen with every team out there. But I do like our talent. And I like our blend of youth and experience and we’ve got young players that could be impact guys and certainly we have some great returning guys.”
Very fruitful statements. Bill outlines the key components necessary for building a championship-quality team. This is the first step in identifying what it will take and then assigning ownership and accountability to the players to get it done.
“Usually good guards win,” Self said. “And we’ve got as good of guards as anybody, in my opinion. How we manage it and how we grow as a unit still remains to be seen, but it’s gonna be a fun team to coach.”
Bill points out the need for exceptional guard play. He is spotlighting our guard play as the key to a successful season. He is giving special focus on our guards executing, leading and bringing the team together.
I couldn't script a better interview. This is the most-focused, correct path forward I have ever seen from Bill.
Let's do this! RCJH!
