I know everyone is frustrated right now and the losses continue to pile up but one thing is true that this team is competing hard most nights. I see improvement their defense has gotten a lot better then it was at the beginning of the year. This will be a tough year but listening to Lickliter the guy really does care and I know that people don't like John Lickliter getting minutes but Payne has to get some rest the thing that totally hurt this team was when Tucker got in trouble again I think he would be able to provide a spark for us not saying he should come back now because that is the coaches decision.
Watching this game vs Illinois man was it a frustrating game we had a chance to win the game but just couldn't get enough plays to win the games. If Payne gets that steal instead of Illinois getting Griffey an open shot it could of been a 1 point game if he did get this what if Cully's layup fell in we would of been down by 1 point and had a chance. I like Payne yes he makes mistakes but this kid is tough as nails take last night for an example he airballs 2 long three pointers then hits probably the biggest shot in the game to pull us with in 5 he also had a nice drive to the basket to score and get fouled even though he missed the free throw. The possesion with 55 seconds he made a great drive he just needed to finish the shot and it didn't fall in. Gatens has expanded his game in my opinion even though he tends to take some bad shots I have seen him looking inside more to Cole and Fuller. Of course he can shoot the three ball but its his passing that I have seen really improve.
I like the team we have and yes everybody hates losing and wants to blame it on Lickliter to have him fired but I truly believe this team is getting better besides the Michigan game where they didn't have the effort this team has fought hard vs every team they have played. Ohio State is a game we could of won but we let slip away part of that to me was fatigue, bad luck with a 3 going in and out and the other part was Evan Turner and David Lighty took over the game. Then tonight down by 3 we have a chance to tie the game who are we going to go to we don't have a guy that we can go to Payne is great at getting in the paint and he will finish at the rim better as he matures but what this team is missing is the guy that we know is going to get the ball who take a guy off the dribble and pull up exactly what Jake Kelly used to be able to do.
I'm hoping that Devin Marble can be this guy the coaches from what I have heard think he can play in the same role as Jake Kelly did when he was here where we have that big point guard or wing player that can make a play for himself. The recruiting class we have coming in is a good class that will give this team a full lineup.
I saw Larson play on the internet and he looks like a strong back to the basket player that can also hit the outside shot.
Brust has showed a lot of athletic ability in the clips I've seen here is one vs Lenzelle Smith an Ohio State Recruit Check it out. Ben Brust Brust is number 1
Marble is the athlete of the group a little bit of a late bloomer but he is starting to come on strong in his senior year. Devin Marble Highlights Marble is number 30
McCabe from what I have heard he will be the point forward a very good passer and a good shooter that can get to the basket.
The point is help is on the way and Yes it sucks to lose but this team has not given up so the FANS SHOULDN'T BE GIVINING UP ON THE TEAM.
