Al quote - the team is not playing hard

[h2o]

Spazoo comes up with some pretty good quotes, but this one from Skinoo is really bothersome. One thing about the footballers is they can never be accused of laying down. But the bballers can, even by their own coach. Coach Flip needs to get this mess that is basketball straightened out in a hurry.

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"What’s happening is we’ve got maybe four guys playing hard at one time, three guys playing hard, and then sometimes we get five,’’ said Skinner. “We need five guys playing hard in this league. If you don’t, you’re going to end up like we did tonight, and that’s the part that everyone has to understand.’’

[HJS]

It was a shot at Sanders. He has been a problem all season as far as I can tell. He is our best player talent-wise but is prone to be a bit of a primadonna and he ain't nowhere near that good to be expecting STAR treatment.

Ultimately, this is the worst year we've had under Skinner from a talent-performance perspective. I think that this has a lot to do with Skinner ignoring the point guard position. He constantly pretends that combo-guards and even combo-forwards can play the position (like he used to when he played). Bottomline, in college, a ball-handling specialist who is a defensive demon will win you more games than a plodding big man or even a Rakim Sanders or Trapani. But, that hasn't been BC's M.O. since Coen left.

As far as getting rid of Skinner, I hope you all realize that the entire GDF interview process will be confined to Duquette (who I hate), Coen, O'Shea, Cooley and maybe Lappas. From what I heard, O'Shea would be the favorite going in. But, the reality is that only Coen has ANY chance of that group of coming close to the success Skinner has had.

[BCEagle74]

Al lost this team last year when he allowed Rice to ball hog and chuck from anywhere.

These kids also hate the flex and have quit. They are sending Al a message and Al needs to respond.

That 5 offensive rebound serie was Villanova Inboundsesque and nightmarish and a true reflection on lack of grit, hustle and intensity.

THIS TEAM IS LAZY QUITTERS and I have never seen that at BC.

Al should bench the players not hustling and they either respond or quit, but Barcolounger Al doesn't have the brains or balls to do either.

Al is in the Barcolounger Cruise Control Mode.

GDF has to realize Al Skinner----- like I posted 3 years ago---, is done in recruiting and coaching.

I took some heat for my recruiting probation, Gonzaga Big men, and all else, but once again, here we are and the Humble genius, just like my post 2 1/2 years agon on Craig James... proved me a very HUMBLE GENIUS!

The Big men CLASS of 2009:

Its on one of my cable's 500 channels....LOST ..........AND IF FOUND, JUST LITTLE PEOPLE.

Knowing GDF, I give Al 2 more years to turn it around. This better recruiting class needs a solid Head Coach and staff.

I am being flexible here fans.


Enjoy!

[commavegarage]

It was a shot at Sanders. He has been a problem all season as far as I can tell. He is our best player talent-wise but is prone to be a bit of a primadonna and he ain't nowhere near that good to be expecting STAR treatment.

That is the understatement of the year.

[BCDF22]

Agree on Rakim. He is unbelievably maddening to watch. We all know what he is capable of, he can be dominant at times, but his attitude and effort simply aren't there this year. He doesn't hustle and quickly starts moping if things don't go well.

[Bunratty]

It looks like Sanders could stand to lose about 15 lbs.

[branchinator]

If Sanders had 10% of the heart of a Dudley/Smith/Bell, he'd be a really good player.

[Eagledom]

Agree on Rakim. He is unbelievably maddening to watch. We all know what he is capable of, he can be dominant at times, but his attitude and effort simply aren't there this year. He doesn't hustle and quickly starts moping if things don't go well.

He can?

[pick6pedro]

Spazoo comes up with some pretty good quotes, but this one from Skinoo is really bothersome. One thing about the footballers is they can never be accused of laying down. But the bballers can, even by their own coach. Coach Flip needs to get this mess that is basketball straightened out in a hurry.

--------------------------

"What’s happening is we’ve got maybe four guys playing hard at one time, three guys playing hard, and then sometimes we get five,’’ said Skinner. “We need five guys playing hard in this league. If you don’t, you’re going to end up like we did tonight, and that’s the part that everyone has to understand.’’

This quote shouldn't really surprise to anyone because it's true.

[BC923]

Rakim Sanders is a talented player and denying that is retarded. Look back to UNC last year, look at Duke last year, however he is only a good player when he gives it his all, which isn't all that often. He has the skill to be a great player but not the heart.

[Logitano]

Rakim Sanders is a talented player and denying that is retarded. Look back to UNC last year, look at Duke last year, however he is only a good player when he gives it his all, which isn't all that often. He has the skill to be a great player but not the heart.

Rakim Sanders is a good player who is wildly inconsistent. He has been that way for his entire career at BC and there is no reason to believe he will ever get it all together based on watching Al's players over the years. Sanders is proof of Coach Handsome just not being the "Great" coach that some people really want him to be.

[twballgame9]

He may have been talking about Sanders yesterday, but who was he talking about when the team didn't show for St. Joes and Harvard?

[BCEagles25]

He may have been talking about Sanders yesterday, but who was he talking about when the team didn't show for St. Joes and Harvard?

...and motherfucking MAINE?!?! This just proves that Skinner doesn't give a shit about OOC games. He JUST realizes now that there are players half-assing. Seriously, scoring 51 points at home vs. Maine against a simpe 2-3 doesn't alarm him, but losing on the road to a Top 25 team does? I'm losing faith and patience in Al Skinner as every week goes by. I was a stubborn supporter before this year, but I'm really leaning towards a step down now.

And by the way, yesterday's performance probably would have beaten Maine.

[ATLeagle]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

[b0mberMan]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Al usually let's his guys figure it out. This year, it sounds like we don't have the guys with the basketball IQ/patience to find their own way.

Real disappointing season, given my expectations (see the ACC champs thread)

[apbc12]

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders.

Yup. Sanders has always had issues with disappearing. I chalked it up to youth/inexperience, but it might just be his personality. Jackson worries me a lot more. I really believed he would be the team leader this year, and eventually the successor to Bell/Smith/Dudley, the next BC great. Instead, he looks lazy and bored. I hate to say it, but for about three weeks now I've been thinking I wouldn't be surprised to see Jackson transfer. He's playing like he has no interest in being there.

[BCEagles25]

Call me a pessimist -- But I have little hope for the future. These guys play with no intensity or pride. No pride at all. They're quite alright with losing to Maine and Harvard. These guys will not challenge for an ACC title next year. I was thinking before the season started "okay, this year try for the ACC, next try for the elite eight." Now I'm thinking "okay, finish with a record above .500, next year try for an appearance in the NCAA's."

These guys dissapoint me.

[bcaddict]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Bingo. This problem has been brooding for weeks and hit the head after Maine. Sanders doesn't give a shit. Part effort, mostly attitude.

[BCEagles25]

Maybe Al needs to start hitting Sanders.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4811927

[h2o]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Agree with everything you say expecially the second paragraph. Which begs the question - has Al lost the team? I'm not a fire Al guy, but what I find troubling is he's taking public shots clearly aimed at specific players like HJS said. I can never remember him doing that in the past. The couple of lazy ass bitches on the team that are causing the problems need to get their shit together or they should screw.

[eepstein0]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Agree with everything you say expecially the second paragraph. Which begs the question - has Al lost the team? I'm not a fire Al guy, but what I find troubling is he's taking public shots clearly aimed at specific players like HJS said. I can never remember him doing that in the past. The couple of lazy ass bitches on the team that are causing the problems need to get their shit together or they should screw.

I'm fine with Al taking a public shot at the team. This team is an embarassment. This season is no indication on Al Skinner's coaching, the problem is that the players have no motivation. He's probably just trying different things to see what gets through to them, I'm fine with it. I wouldn't hold your breath on someone stepping up as a leader, it's not going to happen. to you Al Skinner for trying something different, now just don't embarass us on national TV against Duke.

[Eagledom]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Agree with everything you say expecially the second paragraph. Which begs the question - has Al lost the team? I'm not a fire Al guy, but what I find troubling is he's taking public shots clearly aimed at specific players like HJS said. I can never remember him doing that in the past. The couple of lazy ass bitches on the team that are causing the problems need to get their shit together or they should screw.

This season is no indication on Al Skinner's coaching, the problem is that the players have no motivation. .

and the coach doesn't deserve and blame for that?

[eepstein0]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Agree with everything you say expecially the second paragraph. Which begs the question - has Al lost the team? I'm not a fire Al guy, but what I find troubling is he's taking public shots clearly aimed at specific players like HJS said. I can never remember him doing that in the past. The couple of lazy ass bitches on the team that are causing the problems need to get their shit together or they should screw.

This season is no indication on Al Skinner's coaching, the problem is that the players have no motivation. .

and the coach doesn't deserve and blame for that?

Honestly No. How exactly are you supposed to force a guy to be a leader on the floor? This team has a ton of problems, but first and foremost is the lack of a floor leader. Never thought I'd say this but I miss Tyrese Rice.

[Eagledom]

Rakim has more strength and athleticism than anyone who has ever played at BC. The problem is his attitude and his basketball IQ (which is not that good). His instincts on where to pass, when to take it to the hole and where to be defensively are not good. He loses men defensively and the ultimate sign that he is not a gym rat is that he can not dribble well with his left hand. If you put Jared Dudley's hoops IQ with Sanders' body, you'd have the best player in the country.

Al is beyond frustrated. I know people think he doesn't coach during games, but he pulled aside numerous players yesterday mid game and got clearly frustrated with Jackson and Sanders. I was an optimist until yesterday. We've got major problems and it is not about "showing up." These guys are not even doing what the coaches want. The bench was shouting all sorts of instructions that were being ignored. I don't know how to change things unless someone steps up or a few guys bail.

Agree with everything you say expecially the second paragraph. Which begs the question - has Al lost the team? I'm not a fire Al guy, but what I find troubling is he's taking public shots clearly aimed at specific players like HJS said. I can never remember him doing that in the past. The couple of lazy ass bitches on the team that are causing the problems need to get their shit together or they should screw.

This season is no indication on Al Skinner's coaching, the problem is that the players have no motivation. .

and the coach doesn't deserve and blame for that?

Honestly No. How exactly are you supposed to force a guy to be a leader on the floor? This team has a ton of problems, but first and foremost is the lack of a floor leader. Never thought I'd say this but I miss Tyrese Rice.

motivation/effort and leadership are different things. You don't need a leader on the floor to play with a lot of effort if your coach is a good motivator.

[screagle]

rakim has been pathetic but biko is terrible. our co-captain played the most minutes (35) and had one assist and one rebound. awesome.

[HJS]

Isn't it ironic that the class that is really disappointing and possibly hurting the program/coach for years to come is the recruiting class that was the single best in Al's/BC's history (Sanders, Paris, Raji, Southern).

It just goes to show that (outside of the top 10 players) these BB rankings are horsecrap. I think it also speaks volumes in that it was (I think) the first class recruited in the post-Coen/Cooley era. Coen and Cooley knew which guys could thrive under Al. Duquette, Murphy, Colson and Cassera clearly do not.

[Eagledom]

Isn't it ironic that the class that is really disappointing and possibly hurting the program/coach for years to come is the recruiting class that was the single best in Al's/BC's history (Sanders, Paris, Raji, Southern).

It just goes to show that (outside of the top 10 players) these BB rankings are horsecrap. I think it also speaks volumes in that it was (I think) the first class recruited in the post-Coen/Cooley era. Coen and Cooley knew which guys could thrive under Al. Duquette, Murphy, Colson and Cassera clearly do not.

Um, Al is the head coach and has the final say. Ultimately he is responsible for the recruits. And, by the way, the class before that was Kaba, Spears, and Roche. Class before that was Rice, Haynes, Oates, and Neisler. Before that Watt, Williams, and McLain. That's 1 recruit out of 10 that worked out. 2 out of 10 if you feel like being generous. 20% is not going to do it.

[HJS]

Isn't it ironic that the class that is really disappointing and possibly hurting the program/coach for years to come is the recruiting class that was the single best in Al's/BC's history (Sanders, Paris, Raji, Southern).

It just goes to show that (outside of the top 10 players) these BB rankings are horsecrap. I think it also speaks volumes in that it was (I think) the first class recruited in the post-Coen/Cooley era. Coen and Cooley knew which guys could thrive under Al. Duquette, Murphy, Colson and Cassera clearly do not.

Um, Al is the head coach and has the final say. Ultimately he is responsible for the recruits. And, by the way, the class before that was Kaba, Spears, and Roche. Class before that was Rice, Haynes, Oates, and Neisler. Before that Watt, Williams, and McLain. That's 1 recruit out of 10 that worked out. 2 out of 10 if you feel like being generous. 20% is not going to do it.

If Al's current and former staff are such shitty recruiters (as your claim seems to be), then why are you clamoring for Al's firing and for one of them to replace him???

[Dirtywater75]

[quote="Eagledom"][quote="HJS"]
Um, Al is the head coach and has the final say. Ultimately he is responsible for the recruits. And, by the way, the class before that was Kaba, Spears, and Roche. Class before that was Rice, Haynes, Oates, and Neisler. Before that Watt, Williams, and McLain. That's 1 recruit out of 10 that worked out. 2 out of 10 if you feel like being generous. 20% is not going to do it.[/quote

You are absolutely correct. I also think the fact that we have gotten away from recruiting guys from the most competitive urban HS conferences shows up in some of the basic skill problems we have been seeing in certain players with Sanders being the most glaring example. Both Dudley and Smith faced good HS competition and it showed. Guys who started at places like Rice or All Hallows in NY can dribble and hit lay ups in their sleep.

[Heights]

Agree, the way Al system works I don't think lends itself to highly talented players that are getting by on talent and have not yet developed a great work ethic, he his usual profile is a street-tough overachiever with little or no visible "skills" that fit into a scout's categories on a spreadsheet. But with a huge chip on their shoulder to prove something.

I really don't think he wants, needs, or could be successful with highly rated players that don't grind (which is most of them). Not that type of coach, he is just not going to babysit and coax effort out of immature egos like a Calipari. Like John Thompson at the end of his career got sick of how kids had changed and just went with kids with grit even though his teams dropped from prominence a bit.

Which makes it mind-boggling to me that that that class referred to is a "top" class for Al, doesn't fit the profile at all. Maybe one of his old assistants was the one with the good eye.

I think the danger of losing the team is real, it started last year. As 74 points out, no quick fix to that. I have never seen a BC team act out this much negative emotions on court.

If it was a pro team, with the exception of a couple of guys you'd clean house.