Gameday Thread: #5 Baylor (3-0) vs #16 Virginia (2-0)

As expected lots of Chicken Littles emerging on this thread but Virginia is a final 4 caliber team so this loss can be a catalyst. Coaches can work on things all day in practice but until the players feel the sting of losing, it might not sink in. Team defense is a function of cohesiveness and connectedness we are obviously a work in progress which is natural and expected with all the new faces. The lessons from this game will allow our staff to drive home the points they have been making in practice and get the players to buy in with more urgency.

Personnel-wise I think Josh O is farther away from contributing than I originally thought after the three warmup games. He looked like a deer in headlights and might only be able to play situationally against this caliber of competition, at least early on. I think we might need to see Lohner playing a lof of small ball 5 when Flo is out of the game. Love doesn't look 100% back from rehab so will remain a distant 9th guy in the rotation unless something changes. Bridges looked lethargic I wouldn't be surprised to hear he's under the weather.

I think the 2nd half proves Keyonte will be the engine that drives our team. He is special! His intangibles are off the charts! Basketball IQ, demeanor, competitiveness, unselfishness, and despite being our most talented offensive player he is also our best glue guy doing all the little things like drawing charges. I hope Baylor fans appreciate the time we have him. Give him the ball, get out the way and let him penetrate and score, draw a foul or hit shooters for open looks. First half we were playing from the outside-in, Keyonte's ability to penetrate allows us to play from the inside-out....always a recipe for higher shooting %s from the perimeter.