NCDS: Dan McHale, Asst. Coach - Iona
By: Dan McHale, Asst. Coach - Iona
February is a great time of year. A time for the younger
guys to grow up and a time for the veterans (especially the
seniors) to realize their collegiate careers are getting closer and
closer to the end. One thing that Coach Willard and our staff
has realized is that we need to be sharp and focused during these
last few weeks... but we - both players and coaches - also need to
be fresh and energized going into the homestretch.
We lost a tough rivalry game to Manhattan last Friday night (Feb.
12) and were completely devastated because we got out played from
the tip. We were a totally different team than we had become
this year and definitely not the same tame that had been 18-7 and
winners of nine of 10 games going into the game.
How do we respond with Loyola coming into our gym on Sunday (Feb.
14)? How do you express your frustration with your team and
explain to them what made us a good team (meaning we out prepare,
out hustle and out scrap our opponents, not just show up to play)
in such a short prep time?
After a long, three-hour film session on Saturday and a few
"choice" words, we were able to turn the page and begin to prepare
for Loyola with a great practice. Fortunately we responded
the next day with a great win and kept our momentum strong heading
into the home stretch.
So often it's just as important to keep players mentally sharp as
it is physically. Also, too often coaches harp on losses and
the snowball effect occurs. Trust me, we have lived it.
But this time of year is all about tweaking your offense, getting
better on defense, and keeping your guys fresh down the
stretch.
Fortunately, we've had a tremendous year and have a great attitude
heading into tournament time... Now we have to put it all together
and not let a late season loss affect our focus in early March.
Good luck to everybody and enjoy the best part of our profession,
conference tourney time! We are fortunate to be playing a
great William & Mary team this Friday night in the
Bracketbusters game at 9 pm on ESPNU!
Good Luck and Go Gaels!
Coach McHale
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