I thought I would take a minute and share something that might help those of you, who like myself, still care about Razorback basketball. I realize several of you have given up hope or are apathetic about this team, especially after the latest Ole Miss and Georgia debacles. Many don’t know what to think; playing out of their mind one game, and then getting beat by lesser-thans the next.
Regardless, I have employed a technique over the last few games that has helped me in dealing with watching this “yo-yo,” up-and-down team we have. A method that, when used properly, can make many of the underlying problems facing this basketball program just “ooze away.” This remedy is particularly useful for Sunshine Pumpers, as it lets us regain some of our belief that everything is still okay…that everything is right again in the world of Hog Hoops. What is the technique you ask? It is called “Serenity Now.”
Every situation in modern times can be referenced back to Seinfeld in some form or fashion. The greatest TV show of all time introduced the “Serenity Now” technique in episode #159 back in 1997. During the show, several of the cast experience things that in everyday life would make them mad, or upset to the point that most people would show an outward display of anger or emotion. Frank Costanza teaches us how to internalize this anger and frustration by uttering the phrase “Serenity Now” every time they have the urge to get mad.
Employing this “Serenity Now” attitude has helped me in watching this team since the Texas Tech defeat in Little Rock, and was especially helpful last week against Georgia. Forget about things like:
- Weak attendance, especially in the non-conference
- Lack of student support and interest
- Inconsistent, erratic play
- Recruiting of marginal players
- Lack of player development
Instead, concentrate only on the following:
- Focus on the current opponent only – don’t worry about the games that may be looming, or whether we will make the NCAA tournament. That’s not important right now.
- Supporting our players — participating in the game and cheering your team.
- And finally, be happy when we secure any win…regardless of the score or the skill level of the opponent you just beat.
This technique will get you through times like these…until things get better (or worse).
It should be noted though that the Seinfeld episode ends when the character Lloyd Braun tells George that the “Serenity Now” technique doesn’t work. It caused Lloyd to have a nervous breakdown, and as he puts it…“Serenity Now, Insanity Later.”
So the next time Gary Ervin turns it over, or Vincent Hunter hoists up a three pointer, just let the phrase roll off the tongue…”Serenity Now,” and enjoy the rest of the year. Go Hogs!
You could try prozac. Hill's performance in the last two games have opened up a window of opportunity for the rest of the season. I have always wondered why Hill was not developed more in his offensive game. His previous negatives have included "wooden" hands, lack of physical play in the lane, even on defense, no shooting skills other than a dunk ( he has missed many an easy put back), and having the ball easily stripped either on rebounds or with offensive moves. For his size he is not a dominent rebounder, He is not particularly effective posting up because of inability to protect the ball on a double team.and weak shooting from the post position that can be defended by a 6' 8" power forward (His defensive postitives are outstanding, well known, and speak for themselves)
I had always assumed that Hill was one of those athletes who were somewhat one dimensional and for Hill that didn't include shooting skills.
But Heath has dixcoved something that gives the Hogs an offensive advantage. Hill can run the floor. In other words, get to the basket before the defender gets there to block him out. This, of course, demands that the other players get the ball to him. And not necessarily for an alley oop dunk, but put it where he can go for the dunk or the short basket. This strategy also depends on Hill not being overly concerned about defensive rebounding and more to getting out on the break. How other teams respond to this, or if the Hogs can continue to get him the ball and not worry about their own stats, remains to be seen.
If I were Heath i would be working Hill like crazy in practice on a quick move into the lane and shooting a 6 foot soft baby hook. When Arkansas is up on the scorebroard, then call that play to give Hill the practice. Success in that area would make Hill a inside threat. To defend It would require a double team or the attention of the other team's best inside defender, either of which opens up weak side rebouding opportunities. Although i would practice Steve with turn around shots frorm the post, I wouldn't emphasize that shot at this time, but every once in a while…. If Hill can get 6-8 points in the paint outside of his dunks, then defenses will have to react, which creates offensive opportunities at other spots on the floor. Hill is now doing better with the inside-outside passing game. But a good move to the basket would require the outside defender to leave his man to cover Hill's front side, opening up an outside shot. If the double team comes from the inside then rebounding spots will be open.. Hill also needs to learn, split second wise, that when he's blocked to the basket to look for the cutter heading into the lane.
Heath has been looking for a consistent go-to- guy and Hill may be it. But it requires Hill to get more offensive minded from the post as well as his teammates looking for him to help create offensive advantages. It wlll also be interesting to see how other teams react to Hill other than to slow the game down. If this continues to work, "serenity" might not be necessary.
I would like to see Hill continue to do what he has these last 2 games make his presents felt in the middle on defense and just let the game come to him on offense don't try to start forceing anything because I am ok with the dunks. I don't think that we are giving up hope on the basketball team I just think that you don't have as many comments because there is less drama but you will see more and more comments as the season progresses and we are really seen as contender .
You better be careful. If you do not attack the program then you are not a realist and willing to put your head in the sand.
I still think the biggest criticism of Stan is the inability to get the team to play with the same intensity every night. But that likely is the major difference between a top notch coach and all the rest. Psycology is the a big part of it. And the fact that there are so many new players together means it takes time for it to jell. Unfortunately the time this year is hurting our chances down the road.
Fact is they can recover from where they are now and get to the tournament. But they can not have another two game skid where they get beat when they shouldn't.
I love Hill. The kid gets better all the time. I am not sure you can really ask for much more than that.
Hill needs to watch videos of Bill Walton at UCLA. Walton was a master at using the backboard on his shots.
I do like the way he is coming on. I think all of these comments are really good.
Hill is sooooo overrated. "May be the guy"? "Coming on"? How long do we wait for this eventuality? Hog fans, continue to give Hill glory when other players deserve it. Maybe he will, ONE DAY, become the great white hope of Razorback basketball nation.
Yea your right you are a hater. How is a guy who is not even on the national radar yet overated. We hog fan do love him because we see the potential and i'll bet those Sec player who have had to eat that ball when they go down low respect him as a player and don't think he is overated.
Good grief, do your homework and you'll find out that most big men begin to develop and mature their JR and SR seasons. The exceptions to that, head to the pros.
If Hill keeps progressing, he'll be right on schedule.
Right on schedule . . . for a big man that isn't good enough to head to the pros.
Hater – a big man can play in the pros for a long time by setting solid screens on offense and playing good defense. Look at Joe Kliene. Look at Scott Hastings. By no means is Hill as good as those guys, but then neither was Andrew Lang. 7 footer's that can run the floor and own the paint on defense are pretty rare. Zo is 37 and still playing for the heat because he can do that.
Big men do tend to develop later. Great big men in college are very rare. Big men like Hill tend to have pretty good pro careers. Not all star careers, but solid working man careers.
I agree Hill is only 'so good' right now. But, he's improving now at a pretty good pace and is a very valuable member of this team. I'm not going to knock him.
Steven Hill will be in the NBA, bank on it. Name your wager.