[pefloresjr]

I do have to wonder a bit how much of the "new" offense is really that we were able to do what we wanted against a weaker and less athletic team, and that we may try to do these things against stronger teams but they are stymied by a defense that is able to counter our offensive moves, so we revert to a less effective, more plodding east/west offense.

My guess is that Paye would like to be able to run the offense against all teams, but that we're just not good enough at it to be able to do it effectively.

BC

This is also my thought.  We had some great games last year early on when the ball was moving around well and we played a faster tempo.  We were unable to do that against better talent.  However, we did have some good games against some better teams until later in the season when the discontent set in and the season was lost.  I think Paye could have made some more adjustments (to set more and better screens for shooters, for example) but I don't think there is some magic offensive or defensive adjustment that will make the team better.  

Clearly, many fans who are really unhappy with the quality of play recently want a change and are naturally not patient about Paye's strategic decisions.  I don't claim to have enough knowledge about the x's and o's to be sure.  One thing that is clear to me is that something went very wrong with the team dynamic last year.  I hope that Paye can correct that part and that the players who stayed feel good about the environment now.  I don't assume that it was all Paye (though it is her responsibility to figure it out) in last year's problems.  Somfai was pretty mature in interviews and seemed to get along really well with her teammates.  However, on the court I also saw her losing her cool in several games and being pretty immature at times.  I don't know if it was all on the coaches, all on the player(s) or probably some combination of both.  It reminds me of Haley's senior year when she became disgruntled under Tara and seemingly had a role in Betts leaving the team.  

So for me, I want to see the team engaging well with the coaches and having some fun on the court.  Last night had both of those elements.  The players were moving with energy on both offense and defense.  It looked like a lot of fun.  I was happy to see Coach Paye stop Ezike as she came off the court with her 18 points.  Paye took hold of both of Ezike's hands and said something to her while they were both smiling.  Ezike and Eschmeyer (with her 18 points) then sat next to each other beaming with happiness.  

Will it be enough to get this program turned around?  I don't know but I hope it does.  I cannot allow myself to root for things to get worse in the hope that we get a better coach.  I want things to get better for the players we have today.  I did renew my season tickets and am doing my best to cheer them on.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

[pefloresjr]

I do have to wonder a bit how much of the "new" offense is really that we were able to do what we wanted against a weaker and less athletic team, and that we may try to do these things against stronger teams but they are stymied by a defense that is able to counter our offensive moves, so we revert to a less effective, more plodding east/west offense.

My guess is that Paye would like to be able to run the offense against all teams, but that we're just not good enough at it to be able to do it effectively.

BC

This is also my thought.  We had some great games last year early on when the ball was moving around well and we played a faster tempo.  We were unable to do that against better talent.  However, we did have some good games against some better teams until later in the season when the discontent set in and the season was lost.  I think Paye could have made some more adjustments (to set more and better screens for shooters, for example) but I don't think there is some magic offensive or defensive adjustment that will make the team better.  

Clearly, many fans who are really unhappy with the quality of play recently want a change and are naturally not patient about Paye's strategic decisions.  I don't claim to have enough knowledge about the x's and o's to be sure.  One thing that is clear to me is that something went very wrong with the team dynamic last year.  I hope that Paye can correct that part and that the players who stayed feel good about the environment now.  I don't assume that it was all Paye (though it is her responsibility to figure it out) in last year's problems.  Somfai was pretty mature in interviews and seemed to get along really well with her teammates.  However, on the court I also saw her losing her cool in several games and being pretty immature at times.  I don't know if it was all on the coaches, all on the player(s) or probably some combination of both.  It reminds me of Haley's senior year when she became disgruntled under Tara and seemingly had a role in Betts leaving the team.  

So for me, I want to see the team engaging well with the coaches and having some fun on the court.  Last night had both of those elements.  The players were moving with energy on both offense and defense.  It looked like a lot of fun.  I was happy to see Coach Paye stop Ezike as she came off the court with her 18 points.  Paye took hold of both of Ezike's hands and said something to her while they were both smiling.  Ezike and Eschmeyer (with her 18 points) then sat next to each other beaming with happiness.  

Will it be enough to get this program turned around?  I don't know but I hope it does.  I cannot allow myself to root for things to get worse in the hope that we get a better coach.  I want things to get better for the players we have today.  I did renew my season tickets and am doing my best to cheer them on.  

Cheers,
Pete F.