Comments

Well, we cracked the top 25 in the AP (23) and ESPN/USA Today (25) polls.  It feels somewhat anti-climactic to me, and I hope that the team would describe it that way as well.  They certainly deserve the affirmation that they are on the right track, but I think that this group can accomplish a lot more this year. 

The good news is that I think they understand what complacency can do to a team, especially the guys who were around for last season’s second half debacle. 

And the Georgia Tech game was a great springboard into the top 25.  I could nitpick about how we kept them in the game in the first half with poor perimeter defense and stupid fouls, but I am encouraged by the way we clamped down on defense down the stretch and finally complemented that defensive intensity with controlled aggressiveness on offense to put them away. 

Congratulations on cracking the top 25!  Just in time for the real season to start!

DC on 02/15/2010 (5:31 pm)

Good point on the RPI, Dave O. Good mantra, Lee—tough D and rebounding.

A few observations from Sat. night: is anything more frustrating than when the road team seemingly is getting all the ticky-tack fouls to go their way and all 3 attempts to go down?!? Love Ari’s fearlessness—it makes me think he’s ready to bust some zones in postseason play! Also, one Timmy D-like move in the lane by T. Woods makes me think our future starting center could be ready to blossom. As for Ish, it’s definitely how you finish, but in the 1st half was he neutralized by Tech or just too conservative (similar to first matchup in the ATL)?

Keep it going, Deacs!

Lee, B. on 02/15/2010 (1:03 pm)

I always worry a bit when talk of “ranking” starts.  How long was Wake No. 1 when Chris Paul played so well?  Better to challenge our guys than pat them on the back.  Stick to tough defense and rebounding. You have what it takes to win.  Keep working hard.

Lee Anglin on 02/14/2010 (2:18 pm)

Polls are good for national publicity and recognition, but for an accurate, clinical, and unbiased analysis I trust the rpi rankings, where we’ve been in the top 20 for weeks.

Dave O on 02/14/2010 (2:10 pm)

Country,
Hope they do not get in the top 25…much better in the Cinderella role…Told you early in the season that this team has unlimited potential. What they lack in talent, they make up in attitude, desire and cohesiveness. Look for this team to make a “deep run” in the NCAA’s…Love to see them meet Duke in the ACC tournament on a neutral court!!!

BTW, With approx. 1:12 on the clock last PM still do not see how Ish made that layup and Harris’s soon to follow under the basket conversion…The Basketball Gods are obviously smiling down on the team now…

Tom on 02/14/2010 (12:01 pm)

I hate to see us ranked! I think we’re better being a team that lurks in the shadows, underestimated by everyone and the underdog in each game. But these guys deserve it! What they have accomplished this year is simply awesome! I just hope there’s enough left in the tank to carry us through another 6-7 weeks!

Ken Green on 02/14/2010 (11:09 am)