Midway through the basketball season, I felt our program could be in for a multi-year absence from the NCAA tournament. I was wrong.
My biggest gripe with this team had nothing to do with talent and everything to do with effort. I wasn't sure if they didn't understand the effort they needed to play with or they just didn't care. Over the past 7 or so games, the effort this team has put forth has been in line with what I've come to expect over the years. I've come to realize the lightbulb has gone on in the effort department.
If UW had gotten the type of effort we saw since mid February throughout the Big 10 season, I think UW would have been > .500 in the Big Ten and perhaps enjoyed an outside shot at making the tournament.
So why better effort? I think we had some young players who needed to gain experience and confidence. Once they understood what their effort could produce (win against Purdue), the effort got more consistent.
Next year, I fully believe this will be an NCAA team. There will be some holes and depth issues. However, I think the way this team finished this season will catapult them into a strong offseason. Next year should be a fun ride.
My biggest gripe with this team had nothing to do with talent and everything to do with effort. I wasn't sure if they didn't understand the effort they needed to play with or they just didn't care. Over the past 7 or so games, the effort this team has put forth has been in line with what I've come to expect over the years. I've come to realize the lightbulb has gone on in the effort department.
If UW had gotten the type of effort we saw since mid February throughout the Big 10 season, I think UW would have been > .500 in the Big Ten and perhaps enjoyed an outside shot at making the tournament.
So why better effort? I think we had some young players who needed to gain experience and confidence. Once they understood what their effort could produce (win against Purdue), the effort got more consistent.
Next year, I fully believe this will be an NCAA team. There will be some holes and depth issues. However, I think the way this team finished this season will catapult them into a strong offseason. Next year should be a fun ride.
