I think I've listened to all of CKC's interviews, whether on video or radio, and I've come to the conclusion that she would prefer this team lose a game as soon as possible, to convince them to focus on learning and fixing what the coaches know remains in order to compete at a high level.
As fans, another loss to MTSU would be tough to swallow. But it might be a necessity for these players to get themselves ready to take on conference play. Better for that to happen now so that they'd have time to internalize their improvements and test them against FSU and Iowa.
The later we get into December, the more mental distractions the players will be carrying, with end-of-semester demands and figuring out holiday plans. Now is the better time to make that kind of progress in practice.
I've wondered if, for the players, already being in the best basketball shape of their lives has created a false confidence that the rest of their game has also been elevated to that level?
As CKC has described the players' reactions to errors and fouls that the coaches point out, I also wonder if there isn't also some of their generation's immersion in self-esteem theory (not their fault--they were born into it) generating an immunity to criticism? I hear that observation from educators all the time these days.
You don't have to go to the extremes of "safe places" and "trigger avoidance" to have been effected by those expectations. It's just in the air, same as rebellion against authority was in the air during my youth.
