Toughness

**Cyclone06** · 01-17-2009, 03:34 PM

Both mental and physical toughness is the the team's biggest weakness imo. Sadly only the coach can be blamed for that. When was the last time an ISU bball team "out toughed" a team and got a win when maybe it did not have equal talent?

This is what the past teams were always so good at. Maybe not the best players but certainly the toughest. It takes some stones to go into the Phog and win. In the late '90's early 00's it was done 3 times in a row IIRC.

Today's team lacks any toughness when it comes to playing teams of equal or greater talent. Based on the outcome today, I would even venture to say our team was scared to take the court at Mizzou. Am I way off base here? Yes I am very frustrated with this team, but the lack of toughness and desire to accept a challenge has not been around since LE was sent on his way.

**Drive4cy** · 01-17-2009, 03:36 PM

We aren't athletic, we aren't that talented outside of the core of Brackins, Lucca, and DG. Mental and physical toughness is just another part of the equation IMO.

**Tornado man** · 01-17-2009, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclone06

Yes I am very frustrated with this team, but the lack of toughness and desire to accept a challenge has not been around since LE left.

You must have missed LE's last two seasons here...LOTS of blowout losses and challenges not accepted...

**ajk4st8** · 01-17-2009, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Drive4cy

We aren't athletic, we aren't that talented outside of the core of Brackins, Lucca, and DG. Mental and physical toughness is just another part of the equation IMO.

+1

**isuno1fan** · 01-17-2009, 03:37 PM

I think you are overanalyzing.

We got road whoopings like this under Orr, Floyd, and Eustachy as well.

**hiwhatis** · 01-17-2009, 03:38 PM

ok, we lost to a team that happens to shoot lights out at home and has beaten several very good teams at home this year by wide margins. i'm also dissapointed by today's outcome but there's no need to give up on these guys. they'll regroup and give kansas all they can handle next weekend.

**Cyclone06** · 01-17-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by isuno1fan

I think you are overanalyzing.

We got road whoopings like this under Orr, Floyd, and Eustachy as well.

But with those three we wouldn't back down when a team like SDSU comes out and smacks us in the mouth. Look at all our wins this year. We were clearly the better team. As for our losses, I think we were the better team in most, just not tough enough to get it done.

And I am quitting on nobody, but from my eyes, I see a team that is scared of the big boys and that dissapoints me.

**pujolsman** · 01-17-2009, 03:41 PM

Remember, if Wes would have stayed we'd be a different team. Had Macintosh and Dunson stayed the year before, and Taylor not get in trouble we would have been a different team last year. From this years squad we are only losing Peterson and Thompson. Assuming no one else transfers or goes pro we'll be a NCAA team next year.

**isuno1fan** · 01-17-2009, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclone06

But with those three we wouldn't back down when a team like SDSU comes out and smacks us in the mouth. Look at all our wins this year. We were clearly the better team. As for our losses, I think we were the better team in most, just not tough enough to get it done.

I know you don't want to hear it but youth is the problem. Next year this will not and should not be an excuse, but the fact remains we have 4 starters that are Sophs or Freshmen and the other guy is a walkon senior that give it his all, but realistically shouldn't be playing in the B12.

**Cyclone06** · 01-17-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by pujolsman

Remember, if Wes would have stayed we'd be a different team. Had Macintosh and Dunson stayed the year before, and Taylor not get in trouble we would have been a different team last year. From this years squad we are only losing Peterson and Thompson. Assuming no one else transfers or goes pro we'll be a NCAA team next year.

Your absoluetly right. However we would not be any tougher!

**Final42b** · 01-17-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by isuno1fan

I know you don't want to hear it but youth is the problem. Next year this will not and should not be an excuse, but the fact remains we have 4 starters that are Sophs or Freshmen and the other guy is a walkon senior that give it his all, but realistically shouldn't be playing in the B12.

Yep we just need to give these guys time, i think eventually it will come together.

**isuno1fan** · 01-17-2009, 03:45 PM

They are slowly getting tougher. This team is the toughest of the 3 that McD has had.

Everything takes time. Something many on this site are not willing to give.

**CyinCo** · 01-17-2009, 03:46 PM

I know which end of the pendulum swing we are on today.

**jbhtexas** · 01-17-2009, 03:46 PM

From the game thread...

Originally Posted by vmbplayer

Number 2:
Our guys do not finish strong at the basket. We got blocked way to many times taking 3-4 foot shots. We had way to many 8-13 foot jumpshots that were taken without seeming to have a thought about taking it to the hoop. Then in last weeks presser you have McD pretty much saying he doesn't even want Lucca looking to drive the basket.

I've been watching ISU MBB since the mid-1980's, and I really don't remember any other teams being soooooo soft within 5 feet of the hoop as Gmac's teams are. Too many blocks, not enought free throws when ISU players get around the hoop.

I really don't think Brackin's post game has improved much at all since the end of last season. Maybe he will be encouraged to attend a Big Man camp this summer.

As Tornado Man pointed out in the other thread, GMac's desire to not have Lucca work around the hoop is mind boggling...