[Farm93]

I echo those caring more about Da Silva's health than the sport or where the team ends up this season. In a similar vein, I feel roughly the same about this team. I find it strange to write that I don't really care if they make the NCAA tourney this year. Don't get me wrong, I would love them to regroup and make it, but assuming they don't, they've shown me enough heart, grit, cohesion and promise to make me very excited for the future, especially as this team matures and gets deeper.

I disagree strongly with those who feel this is just another Stanford hoops team, like any other recent squad, that ends up tanking and missing the NCAAs. Maybe it's not so much a disagreement, as much as it is a difference in feeling. I feel excited by this team and its near-future prospects. I also enjoy watching them, win or lose (the only exception being $¢, which kept me up at night for a few days), which has not been the case for this fan for years.

Seems like Da Silva will be fine, in time.  The moments after he hit the ground were tough to see, but with ample time to heal it looks like he will be OK.   That noted, I would not want to see Stanford tell everyone he is OK only to have him rushed back before he is ready.   Stanford thankfully doesn't have a history of bringing players back too early, so with that history and the initial feedback I am confident that will be handled correctly.

That said, the players on this team are a lot better than the guys on prior teams.   The catch is that every year under Coach Haase the team has finished with a similar vibe by the time we reach mid-March.   The promising early season ultimately winds its way to a whimper of a finish.    This season has had more early season promise, so it will be interesting to see if the season ends with less of a whimper. 

Most Power 5 programs wouldn't keep a coach for half a decade if that coach was unable to get into the NCAA tournament and had a consistent history of stumbling through late February and March.

That noted...players are great.   Seems like a great group of guys.   I just hope they don't ultimately need to transfer, going from Stanford starters to bench role players on other squads, just to get a chance at playing in the NCAA tournament.

[Farm93]

I echo those caring more about Da Silva's health than the sport or where the team ends up this season. In a similar vein, I feel roughly the same about this team. I find it strange to write that I don't really care if they make the NCAA tourney this year. Don't get me wrong, I would love them to regroup and make it, but assuming they don't, they've shown me enough heart, grit, cohesion and promise to make me very excited for the future, especially as this team matures and gets deeper.

I disagree strongly with those who feel this is just another Stanford hoops team, like any other recent squad, that ends up tanking and missing the NCAAs. Maybe it's not so much a disagreement, as much as it is a difference in feeling. I feel excited by this team and its near-future prospects. I also enjoy watching them, win or lose (the only exception being $¢, which kept me up at night for a few days), which has not been the case for this fan for years.

Seems like Da Silva will be fine, in time.  The moments after he hit the ground were tough to see, but with ample time to heal it looks like he will be OK.   That noted, I would not want to see Stanford tell everyone he is OK only to have him rushed back before he is ready.   Stanford thankfully doesn't have a history of bringing players back too early, so with that history and the initial feedback I am confident that will be handled correctly.

That said, the players on this team are a lot better than the guys on prior teams.   The catch is that every year under Coach Haase the team has finished with a similar vibe by the time we reach mid-March.   The promising early season ultimately winds its way to a whimper of a finish.    This season has had more early season promise, so it will be interesting to see if the season ends with less of a whimper. 

Most Power 5 programs wouldn't keep a coach for half a decade if that coach was unable to get into the NCAA tournament and had a consistent history of stumbling through late February and March.

That noted...players are great.   Seems like a great group of guys.   I just hope they don't ultimately need to transfer, going from Stanford starters to bench role players on other squads, just to get a chance at playing in the NCAA tournament.