This is not only a GOOD team, but a FUN and a RESPECT worthy team

[Old_alum]

The below was copied from the "DG for SG trade" thread.

Dan,
You are closer to the flame than the rest of us, so your assessment of the team chemistry has credibility. If true, that is music to my ears. We all enjoy watching the skills of these athletes, but if a team has character than one can have real pride in his alma mater. So far, I am loving it.
....
Go Pirates!

Taps squarely hits a nail I have been repeatedly thinking about as I watch the 2015-16 Pirates.

Most of what we discuss on this board is the big stuff: wins, NCAA, shooting, rebs, etc.

But while watching SHU every game of late, I repeatedly say to myself comments such as:
"What hustle to get that tip..."

"What tenacity to get that loose ball..."

"How great to see a smile on the players' faces --- they're having fun..."

"Boy, they did not quit when they could have --- and in the past often did..."

"Boy, look at that help-defense..."

"Wow! Look at the handle on (insert name of 'Big" -- especially Ish)..."

"It's so nice to see the players recognize the fans!!!!"

AND

There are few scowls on faces when replaced in the line-up or the ref makes a questionable call ("few" but not "no" re: Foul calls).

This is not only a team that does well in the standings, it is a team that plays in a way that makes it "fun" to watch them! They comport themselves in ways that makes me "proud" they are on our team!

Here's to the people --- not just the players --- these kids are!!!!

 

[TheBluePirate]

Old Alum, you've captured something really neat. I find myself exclaiming out loud, "what a good pass" "what good rotation" "what a good seal off" "what a great deflection" and so on. This is just terrific.

 

[BostonBlackie]

Great post Old Alum. I experience the exact same thing. This is so much fun. Now, if I can ever get over the abject fear I have of every team we're about to play ...

 

[Old_alum]

Great post Old Alum. I experience the exact same thing. This is so much fun. Now, if I can ever get over the abject fear I have of every team we're about to play ...

You've hit another of my favorite soap-box topics, BB! Sadly the non-conscious brain that drives 98%+ of not only human behavior but also human choices can be changed only in three ways:
1. All input before the age of 5!
2. Trauma! --- so we already have a lot of prerecorded emotions to overcome!
3. Repetition --- and, as I said, the reps we've experienced have mostly been bad ones.

I feel your pain!

 

[Seton75]

We play good, smart basketball. We are tough nosed all game long. And we are exciting both on offense and defense. Love the posts above. We have to start supporting these kids in the way they deserve.

 

[SHUsez]

You've hit another of my favorite soap-box topics, BB! Sadly the non-conscious brain that drives 98%+ of not only human behavior but also human choices can be changed only in three ways:
1. All input before the age of 5!
2. Trauma! --- so we already have a lot of prerecorded emotions to overcome!
3. Repetition --- and, as I said, the reps we've experienced have mostly been bad ones.

I feel your pain!

I started my freshman year at SHU in the fall of 06 so I saw the 2006 tournament appearance but didn't have that connection. Talk about Trauma and repetition... Year after year I find myself saying here we go again, typical SHU. And now for the first time in my being a die-hard fan it's a different feeling. There is a ton of caution, I think that will take a while to settle. But watching these games is something else. Watching Khadeen stick his tongue out and shake his smiling after one of his threes last night while IW was fist pumping for him is totally foriegn but totally makes them lovable and a team too believe in.

So here's to optimism, belief and love for the program. Let's cheer this team to the tourney!