What if the guys on the team and coaches had the same attitude as, "it's the same thing year after year. What's the difference?" Not to say that I buy everything that is being said in workouts and practices either.
I'd rather have a "boot camp" like atmosphere this early in the season instead of in mid-December to try to get ready for the MVC after a disappointing non-conf.
Yes, I am a bit skeptical that this team will finish in the Top 3...moreso than last season. But my hope is still strong as the season approaches. I hope the guys have a new outlook about the season and forget about the past few years.
I understand the frustration of positive comments and negative results. But I still like to hear the positives rolling from Coach Les about the guys, and am confident that this season we know what it will take to be a contender. I also think that Sammy, Drew, Dodie will push the other guys because this is IT for them.
THOUGH, If I were to downplay anything that is said by coaches, it would be the team's mental toughness. I need to see that on the court as a by-product of the "good" practices. The 2006-'07 Saluki team had tremendous mental toughness, which I think we need to mirror. Our 2005-'06 team displayed great confidence and a certain toughness, which took us a long way.