This 'the players don't care, so why even try to win the games' excuse is the absolute worst excuse I've ever heard. It's so embarrassing to see this 'total apathy' excuse floated out there.
I simply don''t believe competitive athletes between the ages of 18-23, or a coach being paid millions of dollars, would step onto a basketball court and think to themselves, "this game doesn't matter, I don't care if we win or lose". If I was a player or coach, I would be very upset that fans were out there saying I had no heart or passion for my sport.
The ban has affected the team mentality as it would any team. This is an legitimate “excuse” and is very clear to see on the court. Our team is playing bad. I can not say that it’s entirely on the ban or HCMB. Honestly, it could be both. To say the ban wouldn’t affect the players is something I respectfully disagree with.
However, I do agree about being an athlete and having the competitiveness to win games despite the ban. The competitiveness of winning because you are the better team. I’m just not entirely sure if most of our players still have that competitiveness now. As if we have lost all of our confidence.
You have the post season ban, fans do not show up to games, and we are playing bad basketball. I’m sure if you are 18-23 year old kid, that will weigh heavy on your confidence, ultimately affecting the team mentality.
I just want us to get out of this funk and just go compete and play good basketball. I believe HCMB and the players will get there.