There's no place like home

Ugh. Eek. Ack. Balls. Wow. We just got demolished. It feels like the 03/04 season all over again. My faith in Romar keeps me warm at night, and visions of an impeding run help me to keep the faith. But this team feels flawed in a way I did not anticipate this year. We miss Joel Smith BAAAAD. We miss Dentmon's mojo from earlier this year. We miss the athleticism and confidence of BJones, Jamaal Williams and BRoy.

Most of all what we seem to be lacking is the ability to strike first and strength of will to play well through lulls when we are not shooting well. When our shot stopped falling in LA, we began to press and made more mental errors. This, more than anything, reminds me of 03/04. The tools and fight needed to be a unique and exciting team are there, but we just don't know how to put it together from start to finish. 3 years ago, it took an inspired performance by NateRob to give his team the confidence and grit to be a great team.

Hawes will surely be a great player, but he will develop at his own pace, and needs to make mistakes as he learns. Brockman has also played strong much of the year. More that anything, we lack consistency and confidence in at least one ball handler. Right now, Dentmon is the best suited to do this. And you know what? He know's it.

The next game is against another powerhouse. It's a team that is built very similarly to USC and UCLA. Arizona's strength is in its size and athleticism at guard/wing positions. Right now, I don't think UW knows how to solve this sort of puzzle. Hopefully, the home croud will help us to be strong. Hopefully, Dentmon can look inside and find what he needs to demolish bigger foes. UW needs courage and brains from him. So far we have only shown heart and luckily, for the next two games are safe at home.