Something to be proud Of
By Jeff
i know, there is no such thing as moral victories in sports. Yes, I know, we measure success in sports by wins and losses. But the Bows effort last night against Florida State should make us all proud.
Yes, I know we lost by 8. Yes, I know we were never really in position to win, although the team got as close as 6 late in the game. But against a deep and talented Fla State team that is one of the best defensive teams in college basketball, our squad of 7 played their hearts out, never quitting and giving Fla State all it could handle.
After the game, in a conversation with me and others, Fla State coach Leonard Hamilton paid tribute to Coach Arnold and his band of shorthanded men. He praised the effort of UH, and said that in time, this program will be very successful. Based upon last night's effort, who could disagree.
But now, UH has to put it all together and get a win tonight against Utah or last night's effort will be just a memory. Utah is a solid club, but beatable. How much is left in UH's tank. Can they continue to play tough defense. Will the threes drop like they did last night. Can the team avoid foul trouble? Is there a chance that Hiram will play?
Last night's crowd was great. It was large and noisy. They saw a team with great heart that never gave up. Hopefully, they will all be back tonight to cheer on the home team.
My picks today are Miss State over San Diego;Baylor over Wash State, although an upset is possible; Fla State over Butler ( iam the Fla State host); and the Bows over Utah.
Hoops Talk
December 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
i listened to the game on the radio and constantly heard you and Bobby talk about how the crowd was into the game and how hard the Bows were fighting. Makes me think that a healthy Hiram and Amis would have made a big difference. I can't wait to see this team next game!
December 23rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Mr Portnoy, I appreciate the props you give this team now that you've seen them play the whole game. Great HEART and energy! They matched the number 1 defensive teams' intesity and prowess. Let's hope they can put all together tonight!
And as you watch this team from the beginning tonight, lets toot our own horn when they're doing good also. We don't have MCD all americans, but we have the HEART of the WARRIORS!! IMUA
December 23rd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Played with great heart-- and several players showed potential for the future. Arnold has brought basketball back to Hawaii and I see good things ahead.
December 24th, 2010 at 7:05 am
Thanks of the positive message...I was getting tired of reading your "honest" but accurate blogs. As the saying goes, "the truth hurts" and your earlier blogs "hurt" me a little. I'm a big boy so I got over it
I stayed up to watch (I'm in CST) the Utah game and we did good. We still have a ways to go...I have to change my analyses on Hiram. He played hurt and with a lot of heart. I couldn't help but criticize his game and everytime I did (I had a few friends over to watch) he'd do something good. I still think his play is a bit "out of control" and he can't dribble left. But he's the best we have since Bobby is still very young (4 turnovers early). I will admit that we definitely need Hiram this year if we're going to continue to challenge teams. I wonder how Salter feels now? This could've been his shot. I'll be critical and say his lost and we don't need quiters anyway! I sincerely hope this group stays together and Gib continues to recruit more players that fit his brand of basketball..."Hustle."
One more observation...I know we need/want to move on, but man...what a 180 from Nash's group. Sorry Nash fans, but this version of the Bows is simply more exciting to watch. They play with intensity, heart, and more importantly "NOT STANDING AROUND" on offense (AKA FLEX OFFENSE).
Keep the blog going! I can't wait to watch these guys live on the mainland.
Mele Kalikimaka,
LA Warrior Fan