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I think there is blame on both sides. But if I was to point the needle on one side or the other it would be more toward the coach. Sometimes you run a program where players become "uncomfortable" and they wind up leaving (sorry I can't elaborate more). But it takes a certain type of player to stick it out at Maryland for 4 years. Obviously Mikesell and Austin were not those type of players. Looking back, the last time Maryland has had a class that everyone stayed all four years was the 2012 class (Malina Howard, Tierney Pfirman and Chloe Pavlech). Not including one player classes (2011 - Brene Moseley and 2006 - Emery Wallace), only the 2004 (Langhorne, Harper, Newman, Perry) and 2005 (Coleman and Toliver) stayed all four years. It takes a special player to play for Brenda but the players who stayed (and some who transferred (Ace Harrison and Sarah Myers) really love her. At least Maryland is not Georgetown (both men and women with mass transfers of at least 5 players) and Auburn.Can you expand on the "things they do not want hear part". I'm trying to assess blame here.If the things that Brenda is telling them are the right things like you are not working hard enough or player X (i.e., Not You) gives us the best option to win then I blame the kids.
I watched Maryland live 2 games this season and was baffled by the lack of consistency from all the players.
There was never a good group that played well together for an extended period of time. There were times when Miller, Owusu, Masonius looked like the best 3 players on the floor and the POY candidate Charles looked lost and invisible. Watson was especially baffling-here Freshman swag was completely gone.
As far as the players and team last season, considering they only played 9 players because of injury/illness/transfer, I thought they did pretty well. Especially after the first Iowa game. They were really dominant. Kaila Charles did not play like a preseason All American. Blair Watson offense deserted her but she was one of the top 5 defensive players in the entire country. Stephanie Jones played well in February and March and had a great Big 10 tournament. Austin was better offensive this season but not as good defensively but that was mainly due to Maryland's defensive scheme. Mikesell had a terrible Thanksgiving tournament but had some great offensive games down the stretch. The veterans were really good in February and March. Ashley Owusu was the best player in the Big 10 tournament. Really dominant. If she can play like that for three more years, Maryland will be really good in the future.
If the things that Brenda is telling them are the right things like you are not working hard enough or player X (i.e., Not You) gives us the best option to win then I blame the kids.
Yeah, I shoulda known that. I can totally hear it in my head anyway.