Since September, the forecast for MBB has gone from envisioning a hot start to the 2017-18 season to cold and cloudy.
The new recruits arrived, the veterans were coming off an improved season, and the new schedule seemed to be inviting.
Hate to say it, but so far this has been an "El Nino" season. Erratic, irregular, and, in some cases, downright chilly.
How chilly? We have shot better than 50% from the field in only two of our 19 D1 games. In our eight WCC games, we have shot 50% from the field just once. We have more games with a FG% in the 30's than in the 40's. By contrast our opponents this season have averaged more than 50% field goal shooting against us.
Not a good combo.
Erratic in that what coaches thought they could rely on has been unreliable. Irregular in that the improvement expected from both the "regulars" to the recruits has yet to show up on the court.
Considering the above stats, a record of 4-4 in league is pretty remarkable. I can assure you everyone is giving their all. The roster reality may be that "all" is not yet enough.
However, there is some potential good news ahead!
Eight of our ten remaining games are against the middle WCC teams. Six on the road and four at Leavey. I'm not saying they're easy, but they are winnable if our El Nino play turns into a warm front and the fog clears out from our offense and defense.
A chance to reverse this cold and cloudy season into one with more W's comes with: more warmth in our shooting, wearing out our opponents with our defense, and showing the will to finish strong vs weak.
It's a forecast that would make everyone happier. So, I'm going with the Farmer's Almanac for February 2018: Sunny and Seasonable...Sounds delightful.
A win versus San Diego tonight would be a welcome start to the forecast.
If we can establish the above W's on the court, it will not only lead to more wins, but ending the season with some momentum and all of us wanting more...
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