The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Donnie Marsh Blog
11/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 30, 2009
A good week for the Blazers. Two wins - Troy & FAMU - keep us on track as an improving, growing, developing team. Each game we learn something new about this team. Against Troy we handled an experienced in-state foe that came in believing they could get a win. They presented some concerns the way they had played prior to our game. Our guys did a pretty good job following the game plan and eventually pulled away. Last Saturday against a pesky team that hadn't won so far this year, we had to overcome some sluggishness early in the game and again in the early stages of the second half before we could comfortably celebrate a victory. From our perspective it's nice to be able to teach lessons following a win as opposed to the alternative. We made that point to our guys following the game Saturday night. We are still working to become a team that imposes its will and identity each time the ball is tipped off. Experienced teams know how to do that. We're learning how. Experienced teams are comfortable with their identity - whatever that might be - we are continuing to develop ours. Experienced teams have fewer stretches of inconsistent play - we are working to cut down on ours. Through it all our guys continue to work hard and continue to respond to coaching. They are determined to become the very best team they can. And I think they understand we have a long way to go. What we can be really pleased with is the commitment these guys are making to get better. They have full plates and they are working hard to manage everything on them. I hope our fans and supporters can appreciate that. We are developing a group of "fighters" - guys who will bring toughness, energy & effort to the floor every night. We haven't reached the 40 minute plateau yet, but we're gaining on it. This week's opponents will require that we get closer to that mark. It starts today in practice. I expect our guys to respond the way they have to everything we have asked of them thus far. Hopefully we can count on you all to provide another raucous environment Wednesday night. They respond to that as well! I know you'll do that Friday night as we honor Coach Bartow. How about a practice round on Wednesday to make sure you get it right? Looking forward to seeing & hearing you...
GO BLAZERS!
