Coach Smart Era
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SMART!
Mistachill
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Not bad considering some of our own "fans" said he "wasn't getting it done" and calling for Mike Rhodes to coach the team.
VCU Finance 2008
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Mistachill said:
No, not bad at all for a rookie head coach. We have had the best W/L record in the league for most of the season.
Mistachill said:
Those people are the same ones that complained every year about AG during the first part of every season only to be on the bandwagon when he won the tourney... many of them even complained at the mid way point last year about him and his decisions, substitutions, etc....sound familiar...
He is a first year coach, first year staff together, working in new players, new scheme, and dealing with player issues....they have done great...
Speaking of coaches...WOW... 
Re: Blaine
how many league and tourney titles have we won vs VCU?
Their coaches have gone onto lucrative high caliber programs
Re: Blaine
However we never seem to be able to get over the hump when it comes to VCU
They beat us with Capel
They beat us with Grant
And now they are beating us with Smart
I dont think that was a must win for them either - they definitely have the type of team that can win the tournament - do we?
Re: Blaine
We were outcoached.
Blaine
He just doesnt get it done against VCU
Re: Blaine
how many league and tourney titles have we won vs VCU?
Their coaches have gone onto lucrative high caliber programs
Re: Blaine
However we never seem to be able to get over the hump when it comes to VCU
They beat us with Capel
They beat us with Grant
And now they are beating us with Smart
I dont think that was a must win for them either - they definitely have the type of team that can win the tournament - do we?
Re: Blaine
We were outcoached.
Blaine
He just doesnt get it done against VCU
I am impressed with this coaching staffs getting the team up for big games: Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Old Dominon, Richmond, etc. [Northestern remains unsolved...part of that is talent/match-ups, but part is simply our coaches needing to adjust to NU style, which is unique. I less impressed with how we sometimes play to our opponents ability, and give up big leads. But that seems to be improving.
I like coaching staffs ability to instill new uptempo style on team...giving them enough freedom to not play looking over their shoulder at the bench if/when they make a mistake. This takes patience, and one of the reasons I believe some of our earlier games seemed sloopy and lacking discipline, espeically on the O end.
I see tremendous improvement in our half court game the past several weeks. I'm guessing, but I'm thinking our new staff my initially have underestimated the physical toughness of CAA, and general ability to not be rattled with our press. That is forcing us to drop and play D, and reducing points off turnovers.
I think Smart is doing a very good job, even with existing talent upon his arrival. He's shown he can juggle PT for many players. Please continue pursuit of even greater talent by not letting up on recruiting. This is a good first-year exhibition Smart's putting on. Imagine as he gains tenure...now, let's keep him!
I like coaching staffs ability to instill new uptempo style on team...giving them enough freedom to not play looking over their shoulder at the bench if/when they make a mistake. This takes patience, and one of the reasons I believe some of our earlier games seemed sloopy and lacking discipline, espeically on the O end.
I see tremendous improvement in our half court game the past several weeks. I'm guessing, but I'm thinking our new staff my initially have underestimated the physical toughness of CAA, and general ability to not be rattled with our press. That is forcing us to drop and play D, and reducing points off turnovers.
I think Smart is doing a very good job, even with existing talent upon his arrival. He's shown he can juggle PT for many players. Please continue pursuit of even greater talent by not letting up on recruiting. This is a good first-year exhibition Smart's putting on. Imagine as he gains tenure...now, let's keep him!
For me the jury is still out on Shaka. Yes he has won the big games, and yes he is getting better. However, he is not there yet. See NorthEastern. I think the guy can be a good head coach. However, my true issue is that by the time he builds his skill set. He will leave us high and dry.
This team is more talented top to bottom than any other in the CAA Saturdays game proved as much. At half Larry, Joey, and Rozzell had a total of three (3) points. Yet we were only behind by three and in pretty good shape.
My issue with Shaka is that he still has lapses in the games. During the first few minutes of the ODU game he couldnt figure it out and only stellar play by Kiril (a player who he doesnt appreciate) kept it close. Also, if anyone can figure out his substitution patterns please let me know.
Remember guys I really love the Rams.
However, Capel righted the ship, with recruiting and attitude. He got help from his Dad. However, he left us in better shape than when he got here.
Grant won a big game over a weakened Duke team which was good for morale. However, I wasnt impressed. Grant had two potential first rounders and we couldnt beat a weak UCLA team so much for great coaching. However, Grant did have the one good recruiting class with Joey, Larry, Rozzell, and Nixon. Plus Burgess and Santil the next year was a coup.
Shaka, may not be a good fit as we require someone who can take us to a higher level. Meaning we now need to make the big dance and win the first round game and not have it be a cause for celebration. We still do not play lock down team defense. We get by on athleticism alone. (for those of you who do not know what I mean see Bennett's UVA team. They have similar talent as us but have been trapping and shutting down much better teams lately)
VCU does not have football. Basketball is our marquee sport and we need to keep improving. I expect us to and we all should expect that we become a top 30 program ruling the CAA like Gonzaga, Temple, and Butler rule their conferences.
We should expect that VCU become a coaching destination not a stop along the way.
Shaka will largely be judged based on our next several games as well as his ability to win the conference and get into the dance next year. Next year should be our year to win a game in the dance.
This team is more talented top to bottom than any other in the CAA Saturdays game proved as much. At half Larry, Joey, and Rozzell had a total of three (3) points. Yet we were only behind by three and in pretty good shape.
My issue with Shaka is that he still has lapses in the games. During the first few minutes of the ODU game he couldnt figure it out and only stellar play by Kiril (a player who he doesnt appreciate) kept it close. Also, if anyone can figure out his substitution patterns please let me know.
Remember guys I really love the Rams.
However, Capel righted the ship, with recruiting and attitude. He got help from his Dad. However, he left us in better shape than when he got here.
Grant won a big game over a weakened Duke team which was good for morale. However, I wasnt impressed. Grant had two potential first rounders and we couldnt beat a weak UCLA team so much for great coaching. However, Grant did have the one good recruiting class with Joey, Larry, Rozzell, and Nixon. Plus Burgess and Santil the next year was a coup.
Shaka, may not be a good fit as we require someone who can take us to a higher level. Meaning we now need to make the big dance and win the first round game and not have it be a cause for celebration. We still do not play lock down team defense. We get by on athleticism alone. (for those of you who do not know what I mean see Bennett's UVA team. They have similar talent as us but have been trapping and shutting down much better teams lately)
VCU does not have football. Basketball is our marquee sport and we need to keep improving. I expect us to and we all should expect that we become a top 30 program ruling the CAA like Gonzaga, Temple, and Butler rule their conferences.
We should expect that VCU become a coaching destination not a stop along the way.
Shaka will largely be judged based on our next several games as well as his ability to win the conference and get into the dance next year. Next year should be our year to win a game in the dance.
