Fun arena...feels a bit like a glorified high school gym.
Few observations:
- I've generally been a Mick supporter and given him the benefit of the doubt but his demeanor seems to cross over into his coaching staff and creates what seems like a pretty tense environment. I saw a number of coaches basically laying into a few players at multiple points during the game. That being said, also saw some positive interactions between coaching staff and players. I like to give Cronin the benefit of the doubt, but didn't love the vibes to be honest.
- Players with good body language: Mara, far and away, was number one. Seems to have a very positive demeanor, encouraging fellow players, rarely looks upset/frustrated/overly stressed. Also would add Lazar and to a lesser extent Kobe Johnson.
- Bad body language: Mack and Bilodeau for sure. Both seemed constantly frustrated, upset, angry. At the end of the first half, Mack stormed off the court and got into a heated exchange with one of the coaches. Not sure what that was about, but seemed to be motioning at someone behind him. Refs? A teammate? Mick?
- Trent Perry is truly lost - I see his minutes only added up to 6, but it felt like an eternity - he just seemed lost out there, seemed like he was constantly getting beat on defense. Even on the bench, at one point he started looking for his hoodie and was walking up and down the bench with a blank expression. Feel bad for him, but 6 minutes of playing time is 6 minutes too many. Wonder if playing him was just a calculated risk by Mick to get the kid some court time in a game they were "expecting" to win.
A Michigan fan buddy of mine told me I would hate Martinelli by the end of the game and I pretty much did.
The collapse at the end was horrifying but ultimately the better team won, thank god.