these players lack respect for the system. If they had signed at KU or North Carolina I don’t think they would expect to get minutes and do their own thing, but unfortunately it seems more about individuals than a team at this point. I’m not sure if running till they puke today is the answer….I think losing some games will help though. Basically too many of them think they are hot shit and need to be put in their place…enter a good Washington State team saturday. I do love Frank’s response of buy in or get out. A broken team is not a team at all.

will be my barometer for seeing if Frank is getting through to these guys. I’ll reserve any judgement for after that game. I expected a little time to gel with all the newcomers, but it doesn’t seem like any progress is being made. Not to pick on anyone, but Denis doesn’t seem to be on the same page at all. I love Denis, but I’m not sure that he has the capabilities to be a true point guard. He’s more effective slashing to the bucket and as a shooting guard. I really think that Pullen would be more effective at the point. And my apologies for the rambling…just throwing out some quick observations.

This probably isn’t going to make any sense, but I’m going to try to explain my take on the leadership/unity issue.

I feel like Frank has given Denny and Jake too much control. I’m all for upperclassman taking responsibility for the younger guys, but they are not the coaches. In interviews, I have felt that some of their comments regarding the freshmen and new players were unnecessary. If I were playing for a team where I felt like I was being coached by the other players, I wouldn’t be happy.

Now, this falls back on Frank if this is actually happening. This entire season he has treated Denny and Jake like they’ve never made a mistake before. And he often says things like, “Everyone sucks, except the 2 guards.” Now, I’m not saying I know more than Frank, but I can see how that would create a little divide between the team. If “Everyone sucks” then just say everyone sucks. They are a team and if they are going to improve, they’re going to have to do it together and not just everyone not named Denny and Jake.

I have stated before my Curtis Kelly concerns, mostly based on his attitude. The freshmen are still figuring this whole thing out and I think they just need some time. But I agree with mjk that many of these players do not seem as humble or coachable as players in years past. And yes, I’m not too proud to admit that I longed for The White Tiger last night.

This is strictly my opinion so take it for what it’s worth. I sit in the 26th row and sometimes the north basket blocks my view of the south lane and a very tall man sits in front of me. So, there’s a lot I don’t know, believe it or not. I do expect a full recovery or a full colapse by 2010, so we will know very soon if this team is going to be able to live up the the hype.

Also, I love Denny, Jake, and Frank and meant no disrespect to any of them. This is just an outsider’s perspective.

In every situation in life you have to learn your place and that usually involves say a few “yes sir’s” or “yes mam’s” along the way. Until you can learn how to work hard and have some humility, there is no deserving anything. Pullen went through the cussing of Frank for two years, and now they know that they are on the same page, so he gets to play. He’s a leader and leaders do teach and coach in a good system. If the other players can’t accept it then they need an attitude adjustment.

I remember watching him as a freshman and my dropped because of his athleticism. There were many times last year and the Ft Hays game where he never stood out.

But apparently the answer to your question is:

Yes.