Comments

Ken,
From what I can tell, Wake is still recruiting Olander. But I didn’t get that from Dino or any of the coaches.

Dan on 02/23/2010 (1:40 pm)

I also agree with you Dan.  However, do you notice how conspicuously absent Chas is from everyone’s comments in regard to leadership?  I think how Chas handles the rest of these games will play a huge part in what success we may have.  Until our Freshmen’s shots began to fall again, our inside presence becomes very important.  Will Chas work hard for the team or will he be trash talking, causing bad fouls or technicals that hurt the team?  I’m very thankfull to see the improvement in Woods over the last few games.  I would love to see the same with Chas, because we need him to step up.

Jim on 02/23/2010 (10:51 am)

Hey Dan - I really think that Wake played their hearts out in Blacksburg and could have come away with a victory had it not been for several suspect calls by the officials (as you also acknowledged in an early blog entry). But, you know what, the team just had a bad game on Saturday.  Doesn’t every team have those now and again?  (The last I checked there weren’t any undefeated teams in the country.)  I know that this was last-place N.C. State, but the Wolfpack also took it to Duke when they came to town a few weeks back.  N.C. State was on top of their game, especially down the stretch, and Wake just simply had a bad game.  I don’t think that is indicative of what this team can do, and I think that this loss will not only help the team to learn what they need to shore up but will also get them motivated to finish strong.  This is a very mentally tough team, and that toughness has brought them victories in overtime and in tight games all year.  I don’t think that they plan on just letting go of the season now.

Matt on 02/23/2010 (9:53 am)

The balance between coach-driven and player-driver leadership will be the key to determining whether this team finishes the year strong.  Of course LD, Ish and Aminu need to step up down the home stretch of the season.  And I am supremely confident that I will proud of the effort they put forth over the next three or four (or five?!) weeks. 

But it is up to Coach Gaudio to set the parameters of what it means to “step up”.  I suppose that a lot of that will simply involve reminding the players that they are capable of doing great things and reinforcing the fundamentals that he has been preaching since the team got together for preseason practice: defense, rebounding, possession, etc. 

A couple of weeks ago, everyone lauded this team for how well they played together compared to the collection of individual talents last year.  So after a tough couple of games, I know that I am tempted to single out certain players as guys who need to step up.  But each individual on this team already knows that he needs to step up.  Of course they know.  But how they channel that extra effort will be the key. 

I, for one, am excited and optimistic that this team can do something special this year.  And if they get back to playing their game, I think they will.

DC on 02/23/2010 (12:21 am)

It definitely is time for this team and its leaders to step up! Ish and LD have been there all year but now is the time for them to really take control! And if Farouq only has a few more games left with us, then he needs to step up and push the team! I know it’s not his style, but if I were Farouq and I’m leaving, I’d do everything I could to finish my college career on a good and happy note!

As always, Dan, your post is right on target.

I know they can’t talk about him but do you know if Dino is still recruiting Ty Olander? Thanks!

Ken Green on 02/22/2010 (10:33 pm)

Absolutely, you are dead on Dan.  Great blog.  I especially agree with the part about player driven versus coach driven.  The players have to want it…and I think this years Deacons do.

jcg on 02/22/2010 (9:19 pm)