Chemistry

[hoopster]

Well I have read many entries over the years many referring to History(wins/losses. etc.), some Math (Statistics), many on English (grammar and subject matter). That being said, there is not much discussion on Chemistry.

Chemistry defined - the way two individuals relate to each other; "their chemistry was wrong from the beginning -- they hated each other"; "a mysterious alchemy brought them together"

When it comes to team sports, chemistry negates talent everytime. The hardest job of any leader is to get all those involved on the same page. This team as talented as everyone says they are, does not have good team chemistry. When putting many new players into the mix especially those who have come from a previous program, it is a challenge to get them to buy into what is best for the group.

Over the past couple of years there has been a large nucleus to depend on. It is easier to blend in a few new faces as compared to many.

Someone previously went through the roster of new faces, they must have been a good Science student in school. Until everyone believes in each other and not into themselves, it will be a struggle. Making the extra pass, giving your body for that loose ball or rebound, making that "ah" play that helps build the chemistry.

As KD mentioned on the post MTSU game interview, there are other issues being thrown into the mix. Distractions do have an effect on the team chemistry. Trust on and off the court are big issues.

Leadership comes from the PG, i.e., McNees, Roberts, et al. Right now Zips lack that leadership. Yeah, senior leadership is lacking as well but two voices trying to convince many new faces to understand the "Akron way" makes it tough. When you have players who are full of themselves not listening to the advice of staff or current players it is tough to build that chemistry.

Zeke has come a long way in three years and could be a big solution to leadership. Nik and Brent are trying to find their game. Now that they are being relied upon to be more of an offfensive threat than in years past they have confidence issues as well.

KD is right when he said that it will all come together. There will be a point where they will either get on the bus and play their role or they will be sitting at the bus stop waiting for the next bus. Transfers transfer for a reason, with a new start comes a new beginning. Akron has provided that new beginning for those transfers, how they use that opportunity will depend on their success and the team.

Something that no one has mentioned was the words of Walsh after the Detroit victory. Brian mentioned learning alot from sitting from behind the bench. How he and the other redshirts became closer. Nowhere in his comments did he mention Zeke, Nik, or Brent. That said alot to me about the team chemistry.

Think about team chemistry, Butler University comes to the forefront. Everyone plays their role, knows what to do. How many talented teams can you come up with that did not win championships?

UNC struggled last year with Drew as their PG, when Roy switched to Marshall they clicked. Morgan Wootten, Hall of Fame Coach from DeMatha HS once said, "every beautiful garden needs someone to pull the weeds", right now there are to many wanting to enjoy the beauty without "pulling the weeds".

There are three chapters to a basketball season: 1) pre-season to blend and determine those who can contribute, 2) conference schedule, 3) post-season to see if it has all come together.

Chapter One is just about completed. Chapter Two is in the planning stages.

The practices are the labs, the games are the lab tests. The right chemical solution has not been perfected but still in the process. Let's hope that the Chemistry lessons become more sweet smelling and not stink bombs.

[Doug Snyder]

@ hoopster

Probably one of the best post I have ever read, Thanks for takig the time and joing the forum. You bus analogy was right on.

One thing I wil add... Diggs transfered because his school dropped basketball. His motives are obvious.

[Dave in Green]

@hoopster, I second what Doug said. We need more new posters like you with fresh viewpoints.

Chemistry has been mentioned in the past about the basketball team. You can find the references by using the forum search feature to search for chemistry. But I don't recall anyone really focusing on it in detail to the extent you have.

The example of great chemistry that stands out to me about this year's team is the passing from Tree to Harney where Tree moves toward the basket, draws the defenders and hits the open Harney soaring to the bucket. If all the Zips players were playing like that all the time, they would have beaten more teams the way they beat Mississippi State and Detroit.

[GoZips]

@Hoopster,['b] well said.

They will coalesce sooner or later.