Watched the entire game today. Backed it up a few times to make sure I was seeing things right. I always viewed Manning kind of how I view a freshman player. Yeah he has flaws in his game early, but he brings some raw potential, and over time he should work out the kinks. Our fundamentals this year are just as bad as they were 5 years ago. Its sad because I like our young players. Mucius didn't show much today, but Wright, Hoard, Brown are all going to be valuable college players. Childress is a fine journeyman point guard (but has too much responsibility on him due to Crawford departure). But we are really bad. We could have won that game numerous times, but fundamentally we break down on defense when good coaches dont.
Torrey Johnson is not a high major basketball player. He murders us out there in more than one way. I can't believe he is starting. Wright Jr. is better now, and will be massively better in 2 months. We have no post depth, and Hoard should never come out of the game. We need a new coaching staff bad at this point. The announcer said it right when he commented on this team with Crawford, Moore, and Woods - but still not sure we would be better than possible bubble with Manning at the helm. And obviously I have been as patient as anyone on these boards with Manning's progression, but he simply hasn't progressed. Good teams become good teams in practice...every press conference is a commentary on what the players did during the game, but Manning is missing the point. You win and lose during practice, and Manning and the staff aren't getting the job done.
Going to be a brutal year.