This was a tough way to end what was a spectacular season. But one thing I have come to understand about Tony Bennett- like any great coach, he learns he adapts and he improves. Today Virginia was "out virginiad" but a better tougher version of ourselves. Last time that happened- last year at MSG. Two losses to our long lost twin program.
So what does TB take from this loss and the end of the season? I think he will finally start to open up the offense, and use the depth that he has recruited to become the asset that it should be.
Lets look back. TB comes to C'ville where he inherits a program that has some talent but NO direction, some meager success but mired in mediocrity. First year he sets the tone- dismisses Landesberg and signs a big class with few stars, because TB needs bodies and he can only be so selective.
By his 3rd year he has molded an NCAA worthy team, but transfers and injuries derail what may have been a solid ACCT contender and sweet 16 candidate. That 2012 season teaches TB the necessity of recruiting to a full compliment of players. He almost succeeds, but for a PG, and we end up in the NIT in 2013. But LESSON LEARNED- never be caught short handed again.
By 2014, TB has the full roster, the leaders, the depth, and the PG, but he experiments with an "open" offense and it falls flat. Harris stops by after the UT debacle and the structured O leads the Hoos to the ACCT championship and the sweet 16. Again recruiting to a full roster, we start this season off where the team left off last year.
BUT, this year TB has some kids that may be better adapted to a more open offense. TB plays his vets and keeps to a short bench. When Justin goes down TB does not have the right answer: Nolte is a no show, Shayok has hit a wall and Hall is sitting on the bench. We were a tired team today. We were beaten by the December/ January version of ourselves. WHY?? Because TB did not use the bench to its full extent.
I think TB saw today that having depth is a great thing to have IF YOU USE IT. Being capable of multiple offenses based on personnel can be a strength. I expect TB will tell these kids that they will play, and that he and staff will work to allow for different combos to play depending on the opponent. This will keep the team fresh into March.
Next season TB can play two "complete" teams
the "vets: LP MB JA AG MT or if he wants size and athleticism DH DT MS IW and JS WE could be like Kentucky- capable of playing multiple looks, but unified by the packline D.
TB has learned a lot the past 6 seasons. I think we will see the lessons of 2015 result in an even better 2016. and the better outcome will be due to playing to greater depth and keeping fresh legs and intensity from December to April.
So what does TB take from this loss and the end of the season? I think he will finally start to open up the offense, and use the depth that he has recruited to become the asset that it should be.
Lets look back. TB comes to C'ville where he inherits a program that has some talent but NO direction, some meager success but mired in mediocrity. First year he sets the tone- dismisses Landesberg and signs a big class with few stars, because TB needs bodies and he can only be so selective.
By his 3rd year he has molded an NCAA worthy team, but transfers and injuries derail what may have been a solid ACCT contender and sweet 16 candidate. That 2012 season teaches TB the necessity of recruiting to a full compliment of players. He almost succeeds, but for a PG, and we end up in the NIT in 2013. But LESSON LEARNED- never be caught short handed again.
By 2014, TB has the full roster, the leaders, the depth, and the PG, but he experiments with an "open" offense and it falls flat. Harris stops by after the UT debacle and the structured O leads the Hoos to the ACCT championship and the sweet 16. Again recruiting to a full roster, we start this season off where the team left off last year.
BUT, this year TB has some kids that may be better adapted to a more open offense. TB plays his vets and keeps to a short bench. When Justin goes down TB does not have the right answer: Nolte is a no show, Shayok has hit a wall and Hall is sitting on the bench. We were a tired team today. We were beaten by the December/ January version of ourselves. WHY?? Because TB did not use the bench to its full extent.
I think TB saw today that having depth is a great thing to have IF YOU USE IT. Being capable of multiple offenses based on personnel can be a strength. I expect TB will tell these kids that they will play, and that he and staff will work to allow for different combos to play depending on the opponent. This will keep the team fresh into March.
Next season TB can play two "complete" teams
the "vets: LP MB JA AG MT or if he wants size and athleticism DH DT MS IW and JS WE could be like Kentucky- capable of playing multiple looks, but unified by the packline D.
TB has learned a lot the past 6 seasons. I think we will see the lessons of 2015 result in an even better 2016. and the better outcome will be due to playing to greater depth and keeping fresh legs and intensity from December to April.
