Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Tempering expectations. Let's get back to earth a little bit people.

Our head coach is a master of tempering expectations.  He has literally done it since his introductory press conference, warning of the "process" and the rewards of patience.  Every subsequent season has come with some level of hesitation from Tony.   Yet at this years ACC media day, even Bennett noted "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about this year".

He isn't the only one.  The fan base is hungry for a winner, starving even, and coming off two of the more successful seasons in recent history, expectations are soaring for this years team.  Include the national media that has hopped on board, a predicted finish of fourth in the new and deep ACC, a bonafide star in Joe Harris, well... folks are down right giddy.  And rightfully so.

BUT.

I think things are getting a little out of control.  Jay Bilas is calling us a final four contender.   Tweeters and message board posters are acting like they expect an undefeated non-conference schedule.  I've seen people hint that the VCU game will be the real barometer of the season.  Message board posters increase their expectations daily, what was once an NCAA bid is now a Final Four apperance or ACC Championship.

Folks.  Pump the brakes a little bit.

Yes, our team is deep.  Yes, our team is talented.  But it still has to come together on the court.  There are new pieces to plug in, including primary ball handlers.   Our system, while it does a tremendous job of keeping us in games against the highest levels of competition, occassionaly allows lesser opponents to hang around.  We've improved, but we haven't been the best at closing games.  Injuries and other forms of adversity are sure to arise.  Of course, as the talent and depth improves these types of deficiencies are supposed to be easier to overcome or more easily absorbed.  But I will believe it when I see it.  We will still have to battle, scratch, and claw our way to victories, especially inside the ACC, and there will be bumps along the road.

No one is more excited about this season more than I am.  No one sees the potential that exists for a special year more than this guy.  But I implore you to respect the big picture of what Tony Bennett is building here, how far we have come in a few seasons and how bright the light is moving forward. Understand that a season is a marathon and not a sprint.  There will be periods of poor play, we will probably even lose a few games we shouldn't.  It will sting, leave your stomach in knots, but you move on.  This team has the ability and experience to bounce back from losses and will grow stronger as the year progresses.

I thought a preseason ranking of 24 and 25 made all the sense in the world.  Can we be better?  Absolutely.  But don't set yourself up for a season in which an NCAA bid is a disapointment. 
Keep your hats on people.  It's basketball. A lot can happen.  Support this team win or lose, watch it grow, and lets see if we can do some damage come March. The program's direction is clear.  Don't be that guy that hops off the train at the first sign of adversity or posts some really dumb stuff on social media.  These guys, coaches and players included, have earned more from you.

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