Donovan on "choking" ...

[akaGatorhoops]

I just published a column, but during his press conference, Donovan spoke at length about his team's mental state. He defeined choking as "being afraid" and said he did not see that with this team. He did, however, say that he is concerned that his team has lost its "fire", "passion" and "intensity".
This will not be a fun week of practrice for these guys.

[MadduxFanII]

Yeah, certainly no one's ever accused Boynton of being "afraid" of the big moment. Frankly, Kenny could use just a touch of fear at this point.

[urbangirl]

Fear is one hell of a motivator .

[SmootyGator]

Originally Posted by MadduxFanII

Yeah, certainly no one's ever accused Boynton of being "afraid" of the big moment. Frankly, Kenny could use just a touch of fear at this point.

Kenny is just saving up for the big one! He's gonna make one before it's done... I just know it!

[63gator]

Billy's the best but he never takes blame for anything that goes on. Always puts it on the players. Is this a motivational technique?

[regurgigator]

Thanks for posting.

I wouldn't go as far as Billy. I'd say they're not at peak fire, passion and intensity. But, Billy needs to put it in this slightly exaggerated way, because he has to make sure the team gets a sense of urgency going into tournament season.

Go Billy!!!! Do your magic

[hgators]

It's always about teaching with him and he will teach them that their hard work should breed confidence which will help overcome their trepidation. .

[Gator515151]

I don't worry too much, it just seems to me that Billy D's teams always have a habit of finishing the regular season a bit slow then kick it into gear. Even the 04s did this, I don't know if it is by design, just seems that way.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Originally Posted by Gator515151

I don't worry too much, it just seems to me that Billy D's teams always have a habit of finishing the regular season a bit slow then kick it into gear. Even the 04s did this, I don't know if it is by design, just seems that way.

I don't know if it is by design either but it sure seems like Billy puts a lot less emphasis on regular-season games and serding then fans on this message board do

[number1]

Originally Posted by 63gator

Billy's the best but he never takes blame for anything that goes on. Always puts it on the players. Is this a motivational technique?

So he is the blame for the team missing wide-open lay-ups and close shots near the rim?

[akaGatorhoops]

Originally Posted by 63gator

Billy's the best but he never takes blame for anything that goes on. Always puts it on the players. Is this a motivational technique?

I am not sure if the column is up, but you will read that billy takes direct responsibilIty.

[gulfgator]

Yes, Billy will probably work them, but not be overly critical right now.

No Gator fan or Billy, was happy down the stretch with the UK game, but it created a coachable moment and it may sharpen the focus going from here. Billy's done fairly well with Gator teams in the NCAAs, that have limped into the tourney, we'll see.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by urbangirl

Fear is one hell of a motivator .

So is the bench.

[Allanon]

Originally Posted by The_Graygator

So is the bench.

The bench is a coach's best friend. To quote an old coaching axiom.

[dawny]

Billy has not had his players with that killer instinct since the 2 NCs Seasons or his players are scared to take the game into their hands like those Teams, seems like something is missing, the talent is there?

[akaGatorhoops]

Originally Posted by dawny

Billy has not had his players with that killer instinct since the 2 NCs Seasons or his players are scared to take the game into their hands like those Teams, seems like something is missing, the talent is there?

Ironically enough... Donovan referenced that team and said he had to deal with similar issues with Noah and horford, who late in the season maybe lost focus when the conference seemed to be theirs.

[gator0316]

ive never seen a bunch of bigs like fl has to shot short shots 2 steps away from hole when they should be attacking the hole and dunking it.we are not aggressive enough close to the hole.

[GatorJason]

This team lacks poise and confidence under stressful conditions. Some rise to the occasion. Some fall short. Some don't even try to lead in those conditions. Gators have too much of the latter.

The 2006-07 Championship team was tight as a drum at the end of the season. They lost their last three regular season road games. The fans were down on them for not meeting their expectations. The coaching staff was on their butt for not executing plays as demanded. The players got together and said "F" it. Let's play for ourselves and for our families because everyone else is calling us out and all the opponents were gunning for them. Then they won three straight to win the SEC Championship and six more to win NCAA Championship.

I think this team might want to do the same. Play for each other. Team against the world. It worked for 2007 team because they were a tight knit group (especially the 04's). I'm not sure if everyone on this team has that kind of bond but it worked for the 07 team.

[GatorLaw]

Originally Posted by 63gator

Billy's the best but he never takes blame for anything that goes on. Always puts it on the players. Is this a motivational technique?

I don't know about "always" but I thought he was right in his press conference after the Ky game when he basically said he could draw up the plays and the plays could be run well but in the end he couldn't put it in the basket for the players.

[pcolagator]

this isn't a case of finishing the season slow...it's a case of being unable to finish close games throughout the season.