'We can make a really good run.'

[blueheretic]

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-w...ally-good-run/

“This team, once we’re locked in, we can make a really good run,” Dioubate said Monday. “A lot of people don’t know what’s up with this team. Sometimes we play like we’re a great team, and the next game we play like we don’t even know each other.

“But I have confidence in this team. Once we play together, we get in that mode. When we went on the stretches that we did, we was really locked in. I think we have a lot of that in us still. When we play together, play connected, I don’t think there’s many teams that can (compete with) us when we’re in that mode.”

The topic is Mo D stating that he thinks Kentucky can hit another gear. The topic isn't about KSR or Matt Jones. No one cares if you do or don't like Matt/KSR.

[blueheretic]

“That’s just the mentality,” Dioubate added. “Don’t give up no matter what. I try to tell the guys too, don’t give up. We play for each other. Don’t give up on me and I won’t give up on you.“

The question is why do they continuously place themselves in the position where "giving up" might be an option or even in the equation. Why not come out with intensity instead of coming out flat.

Why can't Pope lead or coach a team to hit the ground running?

It isn't just the players. Most of the guys on this team weren't on last years team and they played the come from behind game quite often as well.

What is it about Pope that puts his teams to sleep in the first half.

This isn't negativity. This is a valid concern and question about Pope's Kentucky teams.

I haven't really gone back and looked too much into his other teams but you have to think that the pattern flows straight back to those programs as well.

[WeWant9]

College bball is a weird sport. You can have a very mediocre season, get hot at the right time and go on a March run. Is this team capable of that?

as for the slow starts, I’m still confused on them. I’d love to know the pregame routines, because as someone on the outside, it seems they are all sitting around looking at their phones before tip. If Pope can’t figure that out, this will be a short stint.

[Pobilly]

The question is why do they continuously place themselves in the position where "giving up" might be an option or even in the equation. Why not come out with intensity instead of coming out flat.

Why can't Pope lead or coach a team to hit the ground running?

It isn't just the players. Most of the guys on this team weren't on last years team and they played the come from behind game quite often as well.

What is it about Pope that puts his teams to sleep in the first half.

This isn't negativity. This is a valid concern and question about Pope's Kentucky teams.

I haven't really gone back and looked too much into his other teams but you have to think that the pattern flows straight back to those programs as well.

I think it is a Pope thing. Sort of like the NBA, play less defense to start the game and give up little free throws or get fewer fouls. Then play harder in the 2nd half. Do not agree with it, do not like it as it is a 40 minute sport and needs to be played 100% for 40 minutes.

[***St.Patterson-54***]

Runs in our shorts maybe

[blueheretic]

like skid marks down the middle

[Spica Orbit]

'We can make a really good run.'
---
To what, Spring break?

[Trueblujr]

The question is why do they continuously place themselves in the position where "giving up" might be an option or even in the equation. Why not come out with intensity instead of coming out flat.

Why can't Pope lead or coach a team to hit the ground running?

It isn't just the players. Most of the guys on this team weren't on last years team and they played the come from behind game quite often as well.

What is it about Pope that puts his teams to sleep in the first half.

This isn't negativity. This is a valid concern and question about Pope's Kentucky teams.

I haven't really gone back and looked too much into his other teams but you have to think that the pattern flows straight back to those programs as well.

Not sure what the first half problems are. Scouting? not recognizing matchup issues until you actually see them in action, poor gameplan from the start? Not sure, but we have to give him some credit in a lot of of those games, he is adept at making halftime adjustments that get us back in games. I don't know if that's actual X's and O's coaching or just some paint peeling in the Locker room. This team doesn't seem to play with a sense of urgency until their backs are against the wall. While they don't have much "quit" in them, (with the exceptions of a few games) They certainly don't have a sense of urgency from the opening tip.

[blueheretic]

I'm not certain what I'm giving him credit for.

He just lost to Georgia in Rupp Arena.

He's basically a polite, sober Billy Gillispie.

[Jload]

Coach Pope made some poor picks in the portal this year. Not necessarily bad players but bad fits for what he wants to do. When you couple that with 2 of key injuries and you have the season we are having now. This team isn't making any March run IMO. We only really have 3 SEC caliber starters and virtually no bench scoring . If any of 3 guys have an off night, Chandler, Oweh or Aberdeen we lose. Against UGA it was Aberdeen. He appeared to injur his arm or shoulder early and looked off the rest of night. Even with all 3 playing well we don't beat a team like Fla or Bama because we just can't score enough points. The only way we beat those teams is to play lock down defense, which we don't do. This year looks like a wash to me.

[thebluestripes]

Key word is "can"

[blueheretic]

Coach Pope made some poor picks in the portal this year. Not necessarily bad players but bad fits for what he wants to do. When you couple that with 2 of key injuries and you have the season we are having now. This team isn't making any March run IMO. We only really have 3 SEC caliber starters and virtually no bench scoring . If any of 3 guys have an off night, Chandler, Oweh or Aberdeen we lose. Against UGA it was Aberdeen. He appeared to injur his arm or shoulder early and looked off the rest of night. Even with all 3 playing well we don't beat a team like Fla or Bama because we just can't score enough points. The only way we beat those teams is to play lock down defense, which we don't do. This year looks like a wash to me.

Are we certain that it is Pope's picks and not a simple matter of it being him and that he is simply not capable of this.