Bama Game Thread: The Bad, the Good, the Ugly - Bama vs. UGA...

[CrimSonami]

Lot of basketball yet to play - you'll be fine.......

I hope you're right but "fine" is a relative term. Based on the blistering start we had in December "fine" would be conference title expectations and a top seed in the big dance. At this point neither of those goals are showing promise and it's not looking good for consistent improvement. This team just looks lost and uninspired since Iona.

 

[TexasBama]

Oh yes and I think he was THE leader. I just think Petty and Reese were too. We were a very veteran team last year.

I’ll point out one thing here. Herb is not a NBA starter as a rookie because of his leadership skills. But you’re correct that we were a more veteran team last year. There are a lot of reasons why this team isn’t showing up like last year I don’t think the reason can be condensed to 240 characters or less though.

 

[CB4]

Wimps teams were like that as you said but those type teams are far and few or already gone, on their show this morning Barry said that he thought and I believe Wimp agreed that they had some internal issues going on and Coach Oates kept them in the locker room hour after the game should tell you something

I spent six years as an assistant coach for recreational and travel basketball team. Okay, I really didn't coach much. I just made sure the basketballs had air in them.

The guy I coached with was the son of basketball/football coach in inner city Birmingham for years. His father was renowned as teacher and developer of talent. The "apple didn't fall far from the tree" in terms what he passed on to his son. I learned more about the game of basketball, talent assessment, motivation and teaching from this guy than I ever thought I could.

He would always say "yeah I want talent, but I'll take a team of guys with somewhat lesser talent that has the "want to" and wear you out". And he did. Consistently and constantly.

 

[TexasBama]

I know it's blue font, but we do have to acknowledge that Coleman is a venue with the opposite of home cooking. At least put the student section courtside - it might energize the players more and just maybe help a few more calls go our way. Granted it's not a central issue for what's ailing this team at the moment, but no stone unturned and all that.

Other than Memphis, the games we’ve lost have been fairly close. It really is a game of inches and a few breaks.

 

[TexasBama]

I spent six years as an assistant coach for recreational and travel basketball team. Okay, I really didn't coach much. I just made sure the basketballs had air in them.

The guy I coached with was the son of basketball/football coach in inner city Birmingham for years. His father was renowned as teacher and developer of talent. The "apple didn't fall far from the tree" in terms what he passed on to his son. I learned more about the game of basketball, talent assessment, motivation and teaching from this guy than I ever thought I could.

He would always say "yeah I want talent, but I'll take a team of guys with somewhat lesser talent that has the "want to" and wear you out". And he did. Consistently and constantly.

This is generally true, and can get you to the sweet 16 regularly. The teams that win it all, Villanova in 85 the exception, have this plus talent. We had the talent in 76 and probably 92 and 87? (McKey’s last year)

 

[TexasBama]

Oats can clearly recruit but I am not convinced he is that great of a coach. This team is such a huge letdown.

Why do you think it’s a letdown? We had a NBA starter last year and a NBA first round pick that we don’t have this year.

 

[BamaMTA06]

I don’t want to be the guy who jumps in (I read everyday, but I don’t post) when things are bad, but here am I. Full disclosure I’ve never been a fan of Oats system. This year is a glaring example of why. There is nothing to pivot to when our shots aren’t falling. We are incapable of throwing it into the post when we need a bucket. We’ll never have strong post players as long as Oats offensive plan for them it to get it off the glass and catch a few lobs. IMO, in game coaching and adjustments leave a lot to be desired. The effort from the players is nonexistent. They need to be better defensively, but the coaching need to get better too. It is entirely too easy to defend us.

 

[BamaHoops]

The only good is that for those who attend the Baylor game parking will be much easier to find.

Too much bad to discuss, but I will point out this team is really deficient in the intangibles. Attitude, effort, leadership - all MIA.

 

[Bazza]

I hope you're right but "fine" is a relative term. Based on the blistering start we had in December "fine" would be conference title expectations and a top seed in the big dance. At this point neither of those goals are showing promise and it's not looking good for consistent improvement. This team just looks lost and uninspired since Iona.

I understand. I was just trying to keep it positive. I hate losing as much as anyone and also wonder what happens when your team starts out so good and then just looks so bad later on. I know there are reasons for it but those reasons don't necessarily assuage the frustration.

The way I look at it this is a tough conference - period.

Just because a team has talent doesn't mean it can win every freaking game.

Especially the road games, as we saw last night.

I really think a lot of it has to do with the mentality of the players. And that's where a head coach can expect to get some of the blame.

You know I always liked how Coach Saban's last words to his football team before they took the field was (paraphrasing) "Do your job and the rest will take care of itself."

Seems like the head coach really has some impact on what's inside a player's head when they take to the battlefield.

That said, in no way am I implying Coach Oats isn't doing his job. Just putting some thoughts out there from my perspective.

Talk forums serve a purpose where members can come and let off steam - celebrate wins and positives - and also just exchange info. That's why I understand the dissatisfaction and frustration here. Trust me as a Gator I've seen it over on our forums - much worse than here...lol....

So as I said - much more basketball to play. Keep your chin up. You had a great year last season and have won some impressive games this year. Hard to win them all in this league. Got the SEC tourney and then the dance.....I think you'll do well!

 

[CajunCrimson]

I understand. I was just trying to keep it positive. I hate losing as much as anyone and also wonder what happens when your team starts out so good and then just looks so bad later on. I know there are reasons for it but those reasons don't necessarily assuage the frustration.

The way I look at it this is a tough conference - period.

Just because a team has talent doesn't mean it can win every freaking game.

Especially the road games, as we saw last night.

I really think a lot of it has to do with the mentality of the players. And that's where a head coach can expect to get some of the blame.

You know I always liked how Coach Saban's last words to his football team before they took the field was (paraphrasing) "Do your job and the rest will take care of itself."

Seems like the head coach really has some impact on what's inside a player's head when they take to the battlefield.

That said, in no way am I implying Coach Oats isn't doing his job. Just putting some thoughts out there from my perspective.

Talk forums serve a purpose where members can come and let off steam - celebrate wins and positives - and also just exchange info. That's why I understand the dissatisfaction and frustration here. Trust me as a Gator I've seen it over on our forums - much worse than here...lol....

So as I said - much more basketball to play. Keep your chin up. You had a great year last season and have won some impressive games this year. Hard to win them all in this league. Got the SEC tourney and then the dance.....I think you'll do well!

Long season. This team could beat Baylor Saturday then lose to Ole Miss in a couple of weeks. Who knows?

most losses are by 1-2 possession games. Only Memphis has blown them out.

 

[bamadwain]

I think we all need to understand coach's have bad season's same as players so coach oats could be having a bad year with what he has, also we donot have that high basketball IQ like we did with Herb Jones

 

[Isaiah 63:1]

This year vs. last year. Defense and 3 point shooting%

View attachment 22471

Agree. That's a 5.9 point per game negative swing. Other than Memphis, every loss is by six or fewer; four of them by four or fewer.

I re-read this article from last year. From a game theory standpoint, I still can't find a significant flaw in the Oats philosophy, because you can't refute the math. So it comes down to some combination of coaching the philosophy and necessary skills; execution; and then perhaps in-game adjustments.

The UGa loss is an ugly one, and we should be concerned about this team, but not, I think, about the philosophy or the coach driving it. I still believe he will succeed IF he can coach Power 5 talent. Those already calling it against CNO or suggesting he can't succeed or won't be around long may someday be proven right, but it won't be because his philosophy was flawed...

 

[TDBama78]

Okay I'm going to hop into "Mr. Peabody's Way Back Machine" for a moment. Yeah I realize the game has changed over the years but IMO the things every team must have is toughness, mentally and physically, and leadership.

I think back to all those teams under Wimp that were not the "most talented" but achieved success because they were just plain damn gritty. Gary Waites playing on "one and half legs" most his career. Terry Coner and Michael Ansley saying "we won't go down without a fight". You have to have an "alpha". And that guy doesn't have to be your best player, your best shooter, or your "five star' guy. He is the guy that fights you tooth and nail, opening tip to final whistle. They understood what the coaches wanted and what the team needed and they took the fight people.

We simply do not have that.

I think our alpha leader is a walkon

 

[seebell]

Why do you think it’s a letdown? We had a NBA starter last year and a NBA first round pick that we don’t have this year.

We lost 3 seniors from last years team and a 1st round NBA pick in Josh Primo. Reese, Jones and Petty are all playing professionally. No way this years team was going to be as good. The lack of defensive intensity and the dumb as hell turnovers are glaring problems.

 

[whatsamatta U]

One thing I have noticed on the 3’s is the rotation of the ball in flight. There were several last night, either a horizontal spin or no spin hardly at all on the ball. It’s almost like they ‘palm’ it sometimes instead of letting it roll off their fingers.

 

[NationalTitles18]

I think our alpha leader is a walkon

He should start the next game. Anyone who doesn't give 100% on the floor sits. That's how I would handle it, for better or worse.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

We are all frustrated. But the issues are clear. Inside game is nil. Rojas is the only one playing with consistent fire, but has the least natural talent.

Q had a 6-8 game stretch last year like this. We just had Herb and Petty to cover it up. He eventually came out of it.

Nate needs to keep his offense, but for the love of God, change up the tendencies.

everyone is clogging the lane and covering the corners. Once the PG gets into no mans land inside their only open option is behind them. That’s a very hard pass to make.

drive more from the wings so there are more options. Quit putting Gary and Rojas in the corner. They aren’t sending their 5 out to guard them and the other team knows they likely will miss.

Maybe (horrors!) a pullup midrange jumper?

 

[TexasBama]

......and the dumb as hell turnovers are glaring problems.

I looked up our turnovers per game. Slightly less this year than last year.

 

[TexasBama]

Maybe (horrors!) a pullup midrange jumper?

At 30% or less from 3, the math would seem to favor this.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I do not believe he will last that long .

I'd suggest, before popping off once again, that you check how long Grant and Johnson got - without making the Sweet Sixteen. I'd suggest you take a little time and rethink next time...