Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Hoops - Jackets Lose to UVA

Just a quick comment on the loss last night to UVA. The Jackets ensure a losing record at AMC for only the 3rd season ever:

80-81: 4-12
73-74: 4-10
72-73: 6-7

Disappointing for sure, but my level of emotional frustration with the team has pretty much passed (other than during gametime). That's what happens when expectations are pretty much crushed. Anyhow, I still love this team and the players on it. Good guys who play hard.

At the end of the day, for me, it's mostly a combination of no clear "go-to guy" at crunchtime, inexperienced PG play and focus (which translates to defense and rebounding).

Next year is going to be VERY interesting. How on earth do you predict which way this team will be heading? We lose A-Mo, Jeremis and Causey. We only gain Iman Shumpert (although we could add someone before late signing day). There will certainly be different chemistry, but most of next year's success will seemingly rely on player development, not an influx of new talent. Guys are going to have to step up and play better. Certainly Gani and Mo Miller look like they have bright futures for the young guys.

Once the season is over, we'll look ahead to next year, but trying to predict the Jackets is going to be fairly difficult if you ask me.