Ideas to fix the TAIPANS

[Sherlock]

Ok this might seem a little strange for a team that's got it's head above water at 5-4, but the more I see of this lot, the less I like them.

Watching them tonight, I think the only prize they'll be collecting this season is the one for the sookiest, sulkiest, most miserable looking group of guys in the NBL. The body language of this group is pathetic.

This "hangdog" look seems to have become a trademark of Taipans teams right throughout their existence. From their early days when they were the whipping boys of the league, right through to now where they enjoy moderate success. Again tonight, watching these guys during timeouts, even when they were on top, they looked tired and bored and sooky and totally disinterested in what Alan Black was telling them.

It seems whoever pulls on a Taipans singlet, suddenly morphs into a sullen looking, "shrinking violet" of a player. :?:

So watching the Taipans add another chapter to their already lengthy "bible of away game choke" was really no surprise because those guys didn't LOOK like winners tonight, even when they were winning !

Ok, there's a number of guys in this current squad who I just flat out don't like / rate and can't understand why they're still around. But as a whole, the persona of the side is just stale and a massive tell tale sign that they're going nowhere near that NBL title.

I think "CLEANOUT" is a word this club would be wise to consider at seasons end. This group is "over it" .. What the Taipans need is players with passion, enthusiasm and character.

[Sherlock]

* I think Stephen Black is the exception to what's written above. Have always liked his energy and I reckon he does bring a lot.

[Shuttlesworth]

Agreed...the body language, attitude and general moral looks bad, as though it it is a real drag for them to playing basketball for a job. There does not seem to be a great deal of respect for Allan Black from the players, hardly any eye contact from Darnell Mee. That is a sure fire sign that respect is lacking in my oppinion.

The Gong simply looked like they wanted it more.

[WilloWildWaves]

Have to agree with you there, they did look verry ordinary at times tonight and also seemed a bit slower without stephen

[Sherlock]

Agreed...the body language, attitude and general moral looks bad, as though it it is a real drag for them to playing basketball for a job. There does not seem to be a great deal of respect for Allan Black from the players, hardly any eye contact from Darnell Mee. That is a sure fire sign that respect is lacking in my oppinion.

The Gong simply looked like they wanted it more.

and your point re Alan Black is an interesting one, because he's very much a players' coach ... I mean you listen to him during time outs, watch him at training sessions ect, he's a guy who puts the onus and responsibilty on his players and allows them play what they see ... He doesn't rant and rave and kick stones ect , and I know for a fact that when he was first signed by the club the players at the time (many of whom are still around) were absolutely rapt to have him.

Darnell would be the first one in my sights when it comes to looking at changes ... he's been a tremendous player, probably one of the better point guards over a long period that this league has seen. But he's always run a very fine line with the way he comes across .. As a point guard he's been a great contributor but he's certainly not a barometer for team energy and expression ect.

[paul]

See my comments in the Hawks Taipans thread but I think they need a more creative import than DT, he is a very good player but Cairns need someone who can create some buckets when the other team has shut down their pick and roll and high post isolations.

And I would have Matt Smith in the lineup, they already have enough guys between 6'6 and 6'8 who dont really create for others (Catt, DT, Vale, Grabau, Boody, even Mee, who doesnt get into the seams like he used to), I think they could do with a backup for Crosswhite so they can over match teams with size and strength, as they have in previous years.

An athletic 2/3 man who can get them going in transtion and create some easy shots for thos guys could be the tonic to take the pressure off their half court offence and their defence.

[geespots]

for some of these players to be able to create for others would mean that the coach would need to play them for longer periods. I believe the biggest problem is that the team are playing as indivuals & not as a team. so some of the blame must go to the coach.

[Shuttlesworth]

When my boss is talking to me I make sure I look him in the eye and show him the respect he deserves/commands. I didn't see that last night from a few of the players last night which leads me to wonder if they have any for him and what he is saying...just an observation, I may be off the the mark. It just felt uneasy in their hudles, like they were all over it for the most part.

The suggestion of Matt Smith is a good one, he is a big unit, pretty solid all round really.

They are very individual, no real team flow watching them the last night. They all seem to put their head down and go for it, Cattalini, Abney never passes, same could be said for most of them...even the young guys Cook, Vale and Williams hoist em up there.

Williams is gooood...and exciting to watch, thought he deserved more of a go! Was waiting all 3rd quater for him after that first half! He was making things happen. Pretty confident looking too. As for the Patty Mills comparisons, please stop them right there as Mills is a future NBA player and Williams is not.

[paul]

Youre right Shittlesworth, it's very unlikely Williams will reac hthe level of Mills, but when I see him out on the court he does remind me of Mills.

[Shuttlesworth]

The ponit I am trying to make Paul is that a young kid like Kerry Williams does not need the added pressure of having to live up to Australia's next big thing...as that would be unfair. Try not to be so ignorant Paul, just because they are both of Aboriginal decent and happen to play basketball doesn't mean they are of the same talent level mate.

[paul]

I actually didnt know Williams was of Aboriginal descent. I agreed with you that it is an unfair comparison. I am just saying that when I watched Williams on Wednesday night, the way he played reminded me of Pat Mills. Simple as that.

[Cram]

Think you're totally jumping to conclusions there shuttlesworth...

Williams' quick/aggressive style of play was very much in the same mould of Patty...its got nothing to do with his background. Think you need to look at what someone writes not what you think they might be thinking