It's time for the players to create change

I haven't posted on my blog in a awhile. I'd like to see it's because I started a new job and I've been to busy, but that would just be an excuse. The real reason is because I'm finding it hard not to sound like a broken record.

The Lions loss to Pepperdine last weekend was the low point to an already disappointing season. LMU hasn't won in Malibu since the 1998-99 season, just making it even more difficult to feel like the Lions have made any progress over the past few years. This year was supposed to be different. This year this team was supposed to go places. It turns out the only place they've gone this season is further down the WCC standings.

But at this point, any speculation about poor team chemistry, what-ifs about the previous game, and even suggestions on what aspects of the game the team needs to improve upon just make all us fans sound like a broken record. We've said it all.

The Los Angeles Clippers began this season with a dismal 1-13 record. Since Dec. 17, however, they have gone on an impressive 12-6 streak (which began at 12-4 before losing their leading scorer to injury). According to the team, the turnaround happened non-coincidentally shortly after a players-only team meeting on a bus. At the time, many considered the Clippers to be the worst team in the NBA. In the meeting the players discussed "having pride and stepping up." That night they earned their first road win of the season, and have since gone on an impressive tear.

The season is not over for LMU. There is a tremendous amount of talent on this year's squad, and most notably that is led by Drew Viney and Vernon Teel, WCC First Team selections from less than one year ago. It honestly doesn't matter who does it, but someone on this team needs to step up like the Clippers did. These players needs to be sick of playing below their abilities, and start addressing their lack of team chemistry. These players need to want to win, and they need to want to win as a team, something I didn't specifically see in the closing seconds of the loss to Pepperdine.

I still believe this team can win any game they step onto the court for, I have just lost expectations each game day that that is going to happen. Let's hope the Lions pleasantly surprise me in a tough WCC-contest tonight against San Francisco. Go Lions!