Interesting stuff. It will probably only further entrench people on either side of the Gus debate.

 

On the one hand it is admirable and I really want it to work. To have success built around such a positive culture would make us all so proud of this organisation. And, while some will undoubtedly disagree, I think Gus has done a good job through this period of 'total rebuild' that came with guaranteed losing (personally I can't remember any other team blowing up the roster and starting from scratch to the extent we did). That's not an enviable situation for any coach, but Gus has helped to created a positive vibe and a culture where young players can commit to development. We are starting to see the benefits of that coming through now.

 

On the other hand, I am sceptical if it is still the best mentality for the future. I wonder whether Gus was the right man for the rebuild, but possibly not the right man for 'phase 2', which we are entering now? A core of players have emerged to take this team forward. I think the focus will need to shift from 'commitment to personal development' to 'commitment to winning'. Comments like "It's not about wins and losses all the time" from Marcedes are sure to really [BAD WORD REMOVED] some people off round here, even if you can understand his point. We need a coach that will now put a priority on results. Can Gus evolve into that coach? I hope so, but like I said, I am sceptical.

 

More than anything I hope we go on a run over the second half of the season which ties all these positive things - the positive culture, the process of focussing on draft and develop, etc - together with actual wins. I am rooting for Gus.

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