Chemistry, important shots, and expectations

[SHOXJOCK]

IMHO, by far your best post ever Cold. Good job.

Ditto

[tgcshock]

WARMB|00ded. Well done.

[ShockBand]

And then add to the team's bond the fact that HCGM makes sure to include and acknowledge the wider family - spirit squad, pep band, and the fans. The message is clear, no matter what...

We. Are. In. This. Together.

[forevershockerfan]

I think nothing shows the "Chemistry" part of Cold's post better then CJ Lufile's reaction to the win. Crying, Sobbing, tears of joy....hugging Coach Marshall, his team mates. That's the stuff you'll never forget.

That group hug by Chadrack was so tight it appeared to be smashing Coach Jans nose that was caught in the crossfire.

Close team unity is of essence and never to taken for granted. It seemed like we were on top of the world several Seasons ago and highly ranked. Then we went to Vegas and soon our chemisty and team unity thereafter seemed gone with the wind. 3G has an exceptional touch in upgrading our recruits talent wise as our Program continues to grow. Even so, we still get very special young men that are team-oriented on the court and very community-oriented and down to earth off the court. Baker played big on the court versus the Zags and was humble as he represented our Team and our fans, including Scott City, on the interview after the game.

[1979Shocker]

That group hug by Chadrack was so tight it appeared to be smashing Coach Jans nose that was caught in the crossfire.

Close team unity is of essence and never to taken for granted. It seemed like we were on top of the world several Seasons ago and highly ranked. Then we went to Vegas and soon our chemisty and team unity thereafter seemed gone with the wind. 3G has an exceptional touch in upgrading our recruits talent wise as our Program continues to grow. Even so, we still get very special young men that are team-oriented on the court and very community-oriented and down to earth off the court. Baker played big on the court versus the Zags and was humble as he represented our Team and our fans, including Scott City, on the interview after the game.

When Jamie Maggio was interviewing Ron after the game, she said, "You need to look more excited." Ron said, "Yeah, I'm a humble kid."

[WuDrWu]

I bet I remember the emotions more than the play, and I suspect I'm not alone.

I get asked a lot what my favorite game or memory of Shocker basketball is......almost always, the emotional response, either my own or from some member of the program, dictates what that moment is....

Ron Baker's interview makes any short list I can scratch together....."Yeah, I'm just a humble kid" & "Scott City I love you!" immediately become Shocker folklore.

So does Maggie and Kellen hugging their Dad....Maggie wiping tears away, Kellen unable to stop smiling, Gregg near tears kissing his kids then hugging the love of his life.

My friends, these are moments you cannot make up nor can you duplicate. They define "enjoy the ride".




Btw, well done 'Cold.

[Aargh]

Here's what I think is part of the basis for all of this. It's more or less a quote from the pre-game locker room shot before the game against Gonzaga.

Marshall: "Tekele, you get Pangos. It's going to be a real interesting night for him". The tone of voice and inflection in those words indicated that Marshall had 100% confidence in Cotton being able to make the night absolutely miserable for Pangos.

We're all aware of Marshall's lack of hesitation in providing in-game "coaching moments" when they're needed. We haven't had many opportunities to see how much confidence Marshall shows in every one of his players. I think it's one of Marshall's intangibles that he recruits and coaches in ways that lead to and reinforce solid character and carmaderie. 2 guys from Canada, one from Nigeria, a couple from the deep south, some from Texas, a player from rural Kansas. Can you imagine a more diverse group of guys who all love each other and will do anything for each other - even if it's giving them good practice minutes.