Spring Break
Suspensions Mar Recent Success
Dan Olender
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Sports
The remaining players will be playing without two contributors, but, they will be fine.
They've proven that with an extremely impressive win at Indiana and a gutsy, hard-fought win over Louisville. This team has finally turned the corner and the guys that aren't in trouble seem intent on keeping them on a winning track.
Would they be better with Dyson and Wiggins on the court? Yes, and we've seen that as the perimeter defense has struggled in the last two games, leaving many Hoosiers and Cardinals with wide-open looks for 3. The players are playing extended minutes and fatigue clearly set in during the Louisville game, which is something that will only get worse without Dyson and Wiggins.
I imagine that fans and the players share the same view on this situation. Both are probably saying, "You two are nice players, but if you want to act stupid and almost mess things up for this team right when things are finally going good, then fine, stay away from the team, we don't need you."
It's easy to feel that way because this team has been trying so desperately for a year and a half now to win big games, and that passion has been evident on the court. Now that the team is winning, no one wants to see them revert back to old form, which is why fans and players alike should only want guys who are focused on improving and winning.
The guys that are currently playing are great players to rally around and really root for. Many of them have come very far over the past season and have gained the respect of many because of it.
Think about Hasheem Thabeet. He thought about going pro, but he enjoyed being here and knew he could improve here, so he passed up the money and stayed. His play on the court compared to last season demonstrates his work ethic and desire to improve so this team can win.
He's now shooting 70 percent at the free-throw line - an unbelievable increase from last year's mark of 51 percent. He's also been able to contribute fairly well on the offensive end. Thabeet is the kind of player that is impossible to root against.
They've proven that with an extremely impressive win at Indiana and a gutsy, hard-fought win over Louisville. This team has finally turned the corner and the guys that aren't in trouble seem intent on keeping them on a winning track.
Would they be better with Dyson and Wiggins on the court? Yes, and we've seen that as the perimeter defense has struggled in the last two games, leaving many Hoosiers and Cardinals with wide-open looks for 3. The players are playing extended minutes and fatigue clearly set in during the Louisville game, which is something that will only get worse without Dyson and Wiggins.
I imagine that fans and the players share the same view on this situation. Both are probably saying, "You two are nice players, but if you want to act stupid and almost mess things up for this team right when things are finally going good, then fine, stay away from the team, we don't need you."
It's easy to feel that way because this team has been trying so desperately for a year and a half now to win big games, and that passion has been evident on the court. Now that the team is winning, no one wants to see them revert back to old form, which is why fans and players alike should only want guys who are focused on improving and winning.
The guys that are currently playing are great players to rally around and really root for. Many of them have come very far over the past season and have gained the respect of many because of it.
Think about Hasheem Thabeet. He thought about going pro, but he enjoyed being here and knew he could improve here, so he passed up the money and stayed. His play on the court compared to last season demonstrates his work ethic and desire to improve so this team can win.
He's now shooting 70 percent at the free-throw line - an unbelievable increase from last year's mark of 51 percent. He's also been able to contribute fairly well on the offensive end. Thabeet is the kind of player that is impossible to root against.
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