In a second half where we are getting killed on the boards, Roche is out injured, and we can't figure out a way to stop UMass' offense, I need an explanation from Mooney for the following (I fully realize it ain't coming):
- How do we make our last substitution with 8:21 left in the game? Bigelow had 4 fouls but was playing a great overall game last night. Randolph made some nice contributions earlier in the game. Maybe we could've held it together the last 2 minutes of the game if our guys had gotten some rest?
- Why did Dji stay glued to the bench? You're telling me that in a half where we gave up over 50 points he couldn't have made a difference, especially on Diggins who was toasting us. I know his length could have made a difference but we didn't even get to see it tried.
- What is your timeout strategy exactly? We called one after a 7-0 run with 4:27 left when we had just gotten on a little roll. From that point on we got outscored 17-5 the remainder of the game, with some of our best defensive players riding the pine. Your next timeout after 4:27 was not until under 1:00 to go when we had lost control of the game. And of course the obligatory unused timeouts.
UMass was a team on the ropes - missing key players, coach feuding with fanbase, struggling in conference play. We let a bad team hang around and they gained confidence and embarrassed us down the stretch. We should see a postgame press conference with Mooney furious with himself at how this one went down, but we won't.
Of course Mooney isn't going to answer any questions. He doesn't have to, he has the unfettered support of his bosses. I realize that your questions are rhetorical and that you already know the answers. I offer my perspective in writing again for those who haven't seen it before:
1) Mooney has demonstrated for years that he is risk averse. Management courage, or
taking smart risks are not a strong part of his makeup. Due to this area of needed improvement, he pulls back and tightens up when the going gets tough. The ultra conservatism makes him shorten the rotation. He tends to ride his regulars no matter how poorly things are going (see recent VCU game). Take no chances, play not to lose is his standard modus operandi. Most of the time, when a team plays "not to lose" they lose. This is a large part of why Mooney coached teams so frequently have a lead late and end up with the "L".
Of course, players need to play well in crunch time, but repetitive close losses are largely on the coach.
2) It is apparent to the casual observer that Mooney does not have full confidence in Bailey. Why, I can't say, that is between him and the player. However, It plays out in the quick hook, and failing to use Bailey in key situations. Bailey's injuries, nor Mooney's shortening of the rotation (see # 1) haven't helped the situation. Bottom line, it is VERY difficult to change the perception of any coach. For the sake of the team, I hope that we see positive developments soon. Bailey isn't the first Mooney player in this position. Oh yeah, part B, by his own admission,
Mooney forgets to get certain players in the game.
3) Mooney has always kept timeouts in his back pocket. He saves them in case he might need them (see #1 above). Whether his tactic and perspective is right or wrong is debatable. Same is true for him calling a timeout after positive momentum, it is part of his Sop. Mooney also frequently takes certain players out of the game following a positive play. I've never understood this tactic, it seems counterproductive to me. Again the effectiveness of these practices can be debated, but, they are part of Mooney's coaching DNA.
Mooney most often takes action via his
long established habits, not in-game decision making based upon the flow of the game. There have been PLENTY of good players at UR during Mooney's tenure, but he is a firm 55 % winner who doesn't make the NCAA tournament often enough, nor beat his rival with any regularity. It will not change; 18-years of evidence makes a strong argument.