Enjoyment Watching Games

[Jonny2TheP]

I have to admit that with expectations as high as ever for this year, I was about as excited as I had ever been to watch NU basketball this year. With those expectations and that level of excitement, the first month and a half or so of the season really offered little other than frustration. It wasn't just that the team was losing games, but it was obvious something was missing. Team chemistry wasn't right, the effort of some players was being questioned, the half court offense was terrible against real competition, and the defense had nights where it barely even showed up. It made for an extremely disappointing first part of the season and I can honestly say that I wasn't even enjoying watching NU basketball (though I of course still did).

But these last couple of games have been very enjoyable to watch. Of course winning helps, but the defense has been WAY better, there seems to be more assertiveness and aggressiveness in the offense, and they just look like a different team. Even in the loss to OSU this was evident.

Any chances of making the tournament are pretty much out the window at this point minus a miracle run or Big Ten tourney championship, but it's good to be enjoying the games again. I'm just going to take the rest of the season for what it is, and hope we end strong and have a couple big wins along the way.

 

[ubercat]

^^This^^

Don't what catalyzed it, but the energy is back. A few weeks ago, I would have thought the NIT was a pipe dream. Now I'm dreamin' bigger again. And my first stop at remaining games at Allstate won't have to be at the beer concession.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

And my first stop at remaining games at Allstate won't have to be at the beer concession.

Well, I'll still drink during the games, but that's really more about my own issues and not something I'll put on the team.

 

[JournCat]

The matchup zone worked! Though I wonder if we'll revert to man-to-man against Michigan given how well they shoot the 3.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I have to admit that with expectations as high as ever for this year, I was about as excited as I had ever been to watch NU basketball this year. With those expectations and that level of excitement, the first month and a half or so of the season really offered little other than frustration. It wasn't just that the team was losing games, but it was obvious something was missing. Team chemistry wasn't right, the effort of some players was being questioned, the half court offense was terrible against real competition, and the defense had nights where it barely even showed up. It made for an extremely disappointing first part of the season and I can honestly say that I wasn't even enjoying watching NU basketball (though I of course still did).

But these last couple of games have been very enjoyable to watch. Of course winning helps, but the defense has been WAY better, there seems to be more assertiveness and aggressiveness in the offense, and they just look like a different team. Even in the loss to OSU this was evident.

Any chances of making the tournament are pretty much out the window at this point minus a miracle run or Big Ten tourney championship, but it's good to be enjoying the games again. I'm just going to take the rest of the season for what it is, and hope we end strong and have a couple big wins along the way.

We are one of the best teams in the BT! We may be going dancing. Stay tuned. Michigan will get beat tomorrow at Purdue

 

[ricko654321]

I have to admit that with expectations as high as ever for this year, I was about as excited as I had ever been to watch NU basketball this year. With those expectations and that level of excitement, the first month and a half or so of the season really offered little other than frustration. It wasn't just that the team was losing games, but it was obvious something was missing. Team chemistry wasn't right, the effort of some players was being questioned, the half court offense was terrible against real competition, and the defense had nights where it barely even showed up. It made for an extremely disappointing first part of the season and I can honestly say that I wasn't even enjoying watching NU basketball (though I of course still did).

But these last couple of games have been very enjoyable to watch. Of course winning helps, but the defense has been WAY better, there seems to be more assertiveness and aggressiveness in the offense, and they just look like a different team. Even in the loss to OSU this was evident.

Any chances of making the tournament are pretty much out the window at this point minus a miracle run or Big Ten tourney championship, but it's good to be enjoying the games again. I'm just going to take the rest of the season for what it is, and hope we end strong and have a couple big wins along the way.

Totally agree, very well said. For the first segment of conference season I wasn't even really looking forward to the games cause they were just painful and frustrating to watch. Like you, of course I watched anyways. A team with potential that just had no fire or cohesiveness. No energy and a total lack of precision to the execution. That energy / execution / etc aspect was there against Purdue and that's about it. Maybe the home Minn game but that one felt like a throwaway given they were reeling even worse than us - though perhaps it was an early green shoots indication that something could be there. I didnt actually see it as much against OSU as some others did, I saw the same frustrating blah play on defense rebounding etc... until we started pressing late in the game, then it finally picked up. The finish to that game, and our play since has been entirely different.

That's why I posted during the PSU game (before the final outcome was secured) that it just FELT different. We were playing with a different style and energy. Players were getting pumped when they made good plays (rather than just Pardon). The sharing of the ball on offense improved. And having an enthusiastic crowd that day for a weekend game (prob helped they had something decent to cheer for) was another big piece that catalyzed it.

It was like we remembered that playing college basketball can be (and is supposed to be) FUN again. Yesterday during the 1st half it looked ugly for a bit when we first pulled the starters, but then we stabilized the gap at about 10 and edged closer to 6 at half. At that point I just felt like we were going to win, and it felt that way to me throughout the 2H -- bc the team had the positive vibe and energy. When Vic hit that big 3 I let out an involuntary "YES" and slapped the couch - I realized then that I hadn't been that into a game since prob about the start of the year. That trust that the team would figure it out was not at all there for most of the season -- in fact it felt the opposite way, that we would find a way to lose games, which led to me watching in a state of general malaise and detachment.

We may never know what was going on in the locker room for the first half of the year (who cares at this point what's done is done), but I hope that the seniors and the whole team can harness the good vibes and just play hard / enjoy the rest of the season. Flush the expectations and worries about postseason play, we already checked that box last year when these players gave us that experience of a lifetime. Just have fun out on the court, be an enthusiastic and energetic team and let the outcome take care of itself. If we do that, I suspect the crowd energy in our few home games left will be there in turn to support the guys.

Go Cats
Rick

 

[SmellyCat]

I feel the same way - for several games, there was little enjoyable about the watching experience, but now I feel myself getting really invested again. I don't think it's necessarily that they're having fun, but the chemistry seems much improved over the last two games. You can definitely notice it. Was actually surprised BMac only had three assists last night, because it felt like he was on the same page with everyone. Sure, winning games certainly helps, but losing like NU did to Purdue (either last March or last month) didn't fill me with dread at all. Other games, like the Indiana game (was that really only 10 days ago?) made me think thoughts I don't want to admit.

I'm just happy it seems fun to watch again. Hope the team feels the same way about playing.

 

[ricko654321]

I feel the same way - for several games, there was little enjoyable about the watching experience, but now I feel myself getting really invested again. I don't think it's necessarily that they're having fun, but the chemistry seems much improved over the last two games. You can definitely notice it. Was actually surprised BMac only had three assists last night, because it felt like he was on the same page with everyone. Sure, winning games certainly helps, but losing like NU did to Purdue (either last March or last month) didn't feel me with dread at all. Other games, like the Indiana game (was that really only 10 games ago?) made me think thoughts I don't want to admit.

I'm just happy it seems fun to watch again. Hope the team feels the same way about playing.

100%

Only replied to add that that Purdue game last March was maybe the most fun I've had attending an NU loss outside of the Rose Bowl in like, ever. Gonzaga game would be up there too but that experience was tempered by a significant amount of pure fury at the reffing.

 

[FeralFelidae]

100%

Only replied to add that that Purdue game last March was maybe the most fun I've had attending an NU loss outside of the Rose Bowl in like, ever. Gonzaga game would be up there too but that experience was tempered by a significant amount of pure fury at the reffing.

I'd have to put Outback vs. Auburn at the top. That game had so many twists and turns up to and including the end. I just didn't like the ending, but what a ride.

 

[NUCat320]

I've since come around to the whole "wanting to win" thing, but I definitely spent some time (say, 2002-2007) with an "expect to lose, enjoy the win" approach with both NU football and basketball. It led to much more enjoyment of wins, and little to no disappointment after losses (except extreme cases, like the Sun Bowl or, like, Utah State).

The first two months of this hoops season were excruciating - I tried to convince myself otherwise, but it was clear that this team wasn't ready from the jump.

The last few weeks have been fun, finally.

 

[hdhntr1]

Totally agree, very well said. For the first segment of conference season I wasn't even really looking forward to the games cause they were just painful and frustrating to watch. Like you, of course I watched anyways. A team with potential that just had no fire or cohesiveness. No energy and a total lack of precision to the execution. That energy / execution / etc aspect was there against Purdue and that's about it. Maybe the home Minn game but that one felt like a throwaway given they were reeling even worse than us - though perhaps it was an early green shoots indication that something could be there. I didnt actually see it as much against OSU as some others did, I saw the same frustrating blah play on defense rebounding etc... until we started pressing late in the game, then it finally picked up. The finish to that game, and our play since has been entirely different.

That's why I posted during the PSU game (before the final outcome was secured) that it just FELT different. We were playing with a different style and energy. Players were getting pumped when they made good plays (rather than just Pardon). The sharing of the ball on offense improved. And having an enthusiastic crowd that day for a weekend game (prob helped they had something decent to cheer for) was another big piece that catalyzed it.

It was like we remembered that playing college basketball can be (and is supposed to be) FUN again. Yesterday during the 1st half it looked ugly for a bit when we first pulled the starters, but then we stabilized the gap at about 10 and edged closer to 6 at half. At that point I just felt like we were going to win, and it felt that way to me throughout the 2H -- bc the team had the positive vibe and energy. When Vic hit that big 3 I let out an involuntary "YES" and slapped the couch - I realized then that I hadn't been that into a game since prob about the start of the year. That trust that the team would figure it out was not at all there for most of the season -- in fact it felt the opposite way, that we would find a way to lose games, which led to me watching in a state of general malaise and detachment.

We may never know what was going on in the locker room for the first half of the year (who cares at this point what's done is done), but I hope that the seniors and the whole team can harness the good vibes and just play hard / enjoy the rest of the season. Flush the expectations and worries about postseason play, we already checked that box last year when these players gave us that experience of a lifetime. Just have fun out on the court, be an enthusiastic and energetic team and let the outcome take care of itself. If we do that, I suspect the crowd energy in our few home games left will be there in turn to support the guys.

Go Cats
Rick

If only they felt that sense of urgency earlier

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

^^This^^

Don't what catalyzed it, but the energy is back. A few weeks ago, I would have thought the NIT was a pipe dream. Now I'm dreamin' bigger again. And my first stop at remaining games at Allstate won't have to be at the beer concession.

What are you talking about? You stop for a Frosty even when you claim you won’t be partaking.

 

[ubercat]

Hey, I don't drink. But I do imbibe.​

 

[Sec.112]

Love this thread!! I just like reading good fans enjoying the game for what it - no agenda, no look-at-me BS.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[ricko654321]

I'd have to put Outback vs. Auburn at the top. That game had so many twists and turns up to and including the end. I just didn't like the ending, but what a ride.

That was a darned good one too. That Drake Dunsmore play is still etched in my memory. We came back from nowhere, and seeing the sea of purple just rise up and go absolutely nuts then and through the rest of the game was pretty awesome.

I'd still put that behind the Rose Bowl though. It's prob about on par with the NU Purdue game last year, I'd never seen an NU home crowd like that, plus the level of play of our team even in a loss was fantastic.

 

[DaCat]

I've since come around to the whole "wanting to win" thing, but I definitely spent some time (say, 2002-2007) with an "expect to lose, enjoy the win" approach with both NU football and basketball. It led to much more enjoyment of wins, and little to no disappointment after losses (except extreme cases, like the Sun Bowl or, like, Utah State).

The first two months of this hoops season were excruciating - I tried to convince myself otherwise, but it was clear that this team wasn't ready from the jump.

The last few weeks have been fun, finally.

Agree.

After watching "First Dance" it is hard to imagine how such a close-knit group with four returning starters from last year could have such chemistry issues. A lot of theories have been suggested, but it seems the hangover from last year is finally overcome and the team is getting down to business.

Hope we reel off a nice long win streak and win the BTT. Now that would be a great sequel to last year.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Agree.

After watching "First Dance" it is hard to imagine how such a close-knit group with four returning starters from last year could have such chemistry issues. A lot of theories have been suggested, but it seems the hangover from last year is finally overcome and the team is getting down to business.

Hope we reel off a nice long win streak and win the BTT. Now that would be a great sequel to last year.

I think we found our solution in Ash/Gaines

 

[Figrating]

This thread likely speaks for many. After showing us what fun being a college basketball fan can be and getting ranked in preseason, the team seemed to have lost it all. Lately it seems they've found it again.

I know they'll give it all they've got against UM and I wouldn't miss it.

GO CATS!

 

[TerraCat]

Agree.

After watching "First Dance" it is hard to imagine how such a close-knit group with four returning starters from last year could have such chemistry issues. A lot of theories have been suggested, but it seems the hangover from last year is finally overcome and the team is getting down to business.

Hope we reel off a nice long win streak and win the BTT. Now that would be a great sequel to last year.

I don't know. I could sense something was not right before the season began. Guys were talking like they were going to make the Final Four! Like last year had put them on the map. They made the tournament for the first time!

They made it to the tourney on guts and hustle. Our talent is better than ever but not good enough to think they were a lock to make it again.

I really anticipated a poor start. Sorry and sad to have been right on that, as I loved the ride last year...but what makes great teams, is that they fight and hustle and claw for every win...just look at the best teams in the country, most of them have lost to someone they were expected to beat this year...great coaches keep their teams humble and hard working...if they want to sustain success...hopefully Coach C. can build that attitude into our Cats season after season...I imagine, they will come out of the gate next year with a different attitude. Maybe we can get it back consistently for the rest of this season...we are talented enough...

 

[Catreporter]

They made it to the tourney on guts and hustle. Our talent is better than ever but not good enough to think they were a lock to make it again.

Absolutely right! We are still in the second division of the BIG when it comes to overall roster talent, but we've closed the gap.

 

[DaCat]

I don't know. I could sense something was not right before the season began. Guys were talking like they were going to make the Final Four! Like last year had put them on the map. They made the tournament for the first time!

They made it to the tourney on guts and hustle. Our talent is better than ever but not good enough to think they were a lock to make it again.

I really anticipated a poor start. Sorry and sad to have been right on that, as I loved the ride last year...but what makes great teams, is that they fight and hustle and claw for every win...just look at the best teams in the country, most of them have lost to someone they were expected to beat this year...great coaches keep their teams humble and hard working...if they want to sustain success...hopefully Coach C. can build that attitude into our Cats season after season...I imagine, they will come out of the gate next year with a different attitude. Maybe we can get it back consistently for the rest of this season...we are talented enough...

Coach Collins actually warned about this at the end of last season, in one of his final interviews. He said that (to paraphrase) one thing he has learned over the years is that each season is different, that each team is different with its own dynamics.

He couldn't have been more right.

Many of us, including me, were thinking along the lines of "how much different could it possibly be?" Well I guess we found out.

It's not time to write this season off, but time is running out.