Zach Tow’s pregame speech

[WeWant9]

https://x.com/MrsTylerKSR/status/1998613567998980446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1998613567998980446%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

I thought this was pretty cool, even better that he came in and hit a 3.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I love this...

[Matt Dillon]

While it was nice, the fact a walk-on had to give a motivation speech speaks volumes to me about one of the problems this team has (lack of leadership).

[WeWant9]

While it was nice, the fact a walk-on had to give a motivation speech speaks volumes to me about one of the problems this team has (lack of leadership).

My buddy said the same thing. While I agree, sometimes you just need ANYONE to step up and light a fire under people. It can come from the people you least expect at times.

[SportsFan]

My buddy said the same thing. While I agree, sometimes you just need ANYONE to step up and light a fire under people. It can come from the people you least expect at times.

In theory, I agree with you. And as an adult, I agree with you. Problem is, I've been a kid before. Or a teenager/young adult/man. Bottom line is, young people look up to "the best". I played sports in high school, and I can promise you that a motivational speech from the best player on the team automatically carries more weight than one by a role player (or in Zach's case, a walk on). I think that's part of Pope's failed recruitment approach.... trying to assemble a team of "one size fits all in the system" versus having a couple of bona fide studs. And before anyone says Oweh is a stud, he's more of a Robin than a Batman (i.e. - like Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan's Batman)

[WeWant9]

In theory, I agree with you. And as an adult, I agree with you. Problem is, I've been a kid before. Or a teenager/young adult/man. Bottom line is, young people look up to "the best". I played sports in high school, and I can promise you that a motivational speech from the best player on the team automatically carries more weight than one by a role player (or in Zach's case, a walk on). I think that's part of Pope's failed recruitment approach.... trying to assemble a team of "one size fits all in the system" versus having a couple of bona fide studs. And before anyone says Oweh is a stud, he's more of a Robin than a Batman (i.e. - like Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan's Batman)

I am not so sure I agree with the bolded part. Granted, I played hockey at various levels in my life and that is a different culture/mentality compared to bball. While the captain might be your best player, the vocal locker room leaders were not always the best of the best. They weren't walk ons either, so I get that.

I was more saying hopefully this wakes someone up and they understand they need to be in that vocal leadership role.

[SportsFan]

I am not so sure I agree with the bolded part. Granted, I played hockey at various levels in my life and that is a different culture/mentality compared to bball. While the captain might be your best player, the vocal locker room leaders were not always the best of the best. They weren't walk ons either, so I get that.

I was more saying hopefully this wakes someone up and they understand they need to be in that vocal leadership role.

In a sense, I agree. And by that, I mean the best coaches in sports aren't usually the best players. Regardless of sport, the best coaches are guys like Steve Kerr....not Michael Jordan. Catchers, usually backup catchers or defensive minded/specialist catchers... usually make the best coaches in baseball. Football coaches are often backup quarterbacks or linebackers...not star quarterbacks or running backs.

So in that sense, there's credibility to what you're saying. BUT...I do remember what it was like a few decades back, and an average, run of the mill player wasn't going to command the type of respect and get his teammates attention like a true star player. I'm sure times have changed, though, because men also didn't used to identify as women and play women's sports either....but I digress (LOL)

Bottom line...a vocal leader who commands respect and is good at public speaking is ideal for this situation...it's just nice if the player happens to be one of the leaders by example.

[WeWant9]

In a sense, I agree. And by that, I mean the best coaches in sports aren't usually the best players. Regardless of sport, the best coaches are guys like Steve Kerr....not Michael Jordan. Catchers, usually backup catchers or defensive minded/specialist catchers... usually make the best coaches in baseball. Football coaches are often backup quarterbacks or linebackers...not star quarterbacks or running backs.

So in that sense, there's credibility to what you're saying. BUT...I do remember what it was like a few decades back, and an average, run of the mill player wasn't going to command the type of respect and get his teammates attention like a true star player. I'm sure times have changed, though, because men also didn't used to identify as women and play women's sports either....but I digress (LOL)

Bottom line...a vocal leader who commands respect and is good at public speaking is ideal for this situation...it's just nice if the player happens to be one of the leaders by example.

Good points. I know you have been saying you feel Pope built a team of equals. This post made me think if there is a lack of respect within the locker room. Not evening talking about disliking/hating each other, just lack of a team vision from no true team leader.