Chief’s Briefs - VCU Edition

[Chief00]

I think it was important that this team got shown how much work they have left before they're calling themselves a Sweet 16 caliber team. The two wins showed that we will fight to be in every game but the loss showed that we have the ability to take ourselves out of high-level games through mistakes. Hurley will have hopefully seen how badly pressure affects our ability to get into our offense and be working on that with all of our ballhandlers. St. John's and several other Big East teams will be desperately hoping we don't improve our ability to deal with the press

Agree, lots of stuff to clean-up. But, it’s good that we know now what needs to be cleaned-up to beat good teams,

 

[Chief00]

I believe Gaffney has a ton of ability as a player, but right now he's thinking too much. You can see him hesitating when he has the ball. Two strong dribbles, then slow down. And, in doing so, he takes pressure off the defense. He's far better when he's acting decisively, attacking, and putting pressure on the defense. He has to learn how to run the offense while, at the same time, looking for attack opportunities every time he has the ball. That's the main difference between him and RJ.

You captured Gaffney well. We really need guys to be mentally locked in and ready to go with purpose.

 

[bendm]

the modest goal you suggest -- calling ourselves a Sweet 16 caliber team -- seems to be the realistic limit -- that and contending for the BE regular season title.

we haven't won a tourney game in years yet making the sweet 16 and contending for the BE title is modest?? put down the kool-aid.

 

[PAHusky]

Hawk has been given a very short leash. I don't recall Hurley doing this to Bouk his freshman year, seemed like he would have him play through it. But not the case with Hawkins. I find it a bit perplexing and frustrating.

I am similarly frustrated with his short leash, but maybe part of Dan Hurley’s rationale behind the quick hook for Hawkins and not Bouk is that the current squad is much stronger top to bottom, which affords them the luxury of a longer timeline in season for Hawkins to develop.