Basketball, A year of hard knocks

[War Eagle Baby 0]

Congratulations to Coach Barbee and AU's hard working players. If we rewind back a couple of years on our National Championship Football team, we will see struggles in depth, inconsistency in scoring, not being able to keep a lead etc.....As we watch our basketball program go through the same challenges, we need to focus on the transformation that is before us. Yesterday, the first SEC win, how? By out rebounding the top rated rebounding team in the SEC. By working the ball inside and not shooting the three ball. We do not have the shooters that can consistently light it up beyond the arc. It is like playing football without a quaterback that can throw the ball downfield. The talent level left for Coach Barbee is not consistent with SEC elite programs. He is leading a team of warriors that will not give up. They are taking their knocks and improving as they go. I am sure with his recruiting, we will be able to correct the lack of three point shooters and make tremendous strides toward selling out an arena because of the anticipation of what is to come! We love the fact this teams plays hard every minute that they are on the floor. Yes, it is a year of hard knocks but when we reflect back on this time in a couple of years, how bitter sweet it will be to see how much we overcame! War Eagle Baby!

[BZ770 2]

I like his emphasis on the zone defense. It has crippled several teams this year to not go inside and rely on perimeter shots. This has been a success ie letting us keep games low scoring and competitive.

[LegalEagle 22]

We definitely have a chance to get out of the basketball cellar. It is impressive to see how good coaching has allowed us to compete with teams with much greater talent. Sometimes we lose the game but win a half. It still shows what good coaching, effort and hard work by our players can do.

If we can get over the hump within the next two years, the sky is the limit. One of the things Coach Barbee is trying to teach is mental - expecting to win rather than lose. Clearly we are developing the players we have. I would not be shocked to see an All SEC player arise from this bunch by their senior year.