What's with all the negativity?
It's true... USC and Indiana have shown the rest of the nation how to expose the weaknesses of this year's Salukis. To spin that positively, the Salukis now understand what they have to change in order to run with the big dogs this season. Heck, they might have even done the Salukis a favor.
It's true... the rest of the non-conference schedule is filled with tournament bound teams and is the toughest in school history. For a team that is adjusting to new roles, what more could you ask for than to be tested every night? Sounds like a string of opportunities to correct a few things and get stronger as a unit, which will equal more wins down the road.
It's true... these teams have seen the tape. They'll be doubling down on Falker, packing the lane, and trying to get the Dawgs into a transition game. What's new about that concept? It sounds like the same game plan that every team already had drawn up before the season. If a couple of pivotal shots had dropped last Saturday, this picture would seem a whole lot brighter.
On to Charlotte... this Saturday at 6:05 CST the Salukis will take the court against a battle tested 49ers line-up, coming off of a big win over Davidson. Here are some keys to the game:
Make the offense come from somebody other than Leemire Goldwire. He's a 5'11" gunner that is averaging 20.4 ppg and taking over 1/4 of the team's shots. Obviously, he's the guy that the Dawgs will have to shut down.
Matt Shaw and Randal Falker have to total 30 points. This really is a standard for every game. Falker is doing his part thus far and Shaw will be seeing more time at the "4" where he is more accustomed to playing. Over the course of the last two seasons, the team is undefeated when Shaw scores 15 and pulls down 6 rebounds.
This team has to believe in itself. I've been seeing a lot of horrendous body-language lately. Time to shake it off. Even with the last two lackluster performances, the defense is still only allowing 57.0 ppg and these guys are still enrolled in classes at Floorburn U. Get to a few 50/50 balls, make a couple of hustle plays, and the swagger will come right back.
It's true... USC and Indiana have shown the rest of the nation how to expose the weaknesses of this year's Salukis. To spin that positively, the Salukis now understand what they have to change in order to run with the big dogs this season. Heck, they might have even done the Salukis a favor.
It's true... the rest of the non-conference schedule is filled with tournament bound teams and is the toughest in school history. For a team that is adjusting to new roles, what more could you ask for than to be tested every night? Sounds like a string of opportunities to correct a few things and get stronger as a unit, which will equal more wins down the road.
It's true... these teams have seen the tape. They'll be doubling down on Falker, packing the lane, and trying to get the Dawgs into a transition game. What's new about that concept? It sounds like the same game plan that every team already had drawn up before the season. If a couple of pivotal shots had dropped last Saturday, this picture would seem a whole lot brighter.
On to Charlotte... this Saturday at 6:05 CST the Salukis will take the court against a battle tested 49ers line-up, coming off of a big win over Davidson. Here are some keys to the game:
Make the offense come from somebody other than Leemire Goldwire. He's a 5'11" gunner that is averaging 20.4 ppg and taking over 1/4 of the team's shots. Obviously, he's the guy that the Dawgs will have to shut down.
Matt Shaw and Randal Falker have to total 30 points. This really is a standard for every game. Falker is doing his part thus far and Shaw will be seeing more time at the "4" where he is more accustomed to playing. Over the course of the last two seasons, the team is undefeated when Shaw scores 15 and pulls down 6 rebounds.
This team has to believe in itself. I've been seeing a lot of horrendous body-language lately. Time to shake it off. Even with the last two lackluster performances, the defense is still only allowing 57.0 ppg and these guys are still enrolled in classes at Floorburn U. Get to a few 50/50 balls, make a couple of hustle plays, and the swagger will come right back.
