Mental toughness

The Saints who were heavy favourites to win the finals, was upset and knocked out in the semis.  Nick Mills described the loss openly in the papers in the next day as an embarrassment.  And questioned the teams culture.   I showed the article to Chot Reyes, and said I had concern if the Saints were prepared to play us on the 16^th.  (if they would be mentally prepared).

After the loss to the Sharks in the semis I approached Mr Mills on the possibility of getting Rick Rikert (NBA centre drateee who Chot was really keen to match –up and test Marcus) to play for the NBL select team tomorrow .  The timing couldn’t be worse to have the discussion however as it was after a devastating loss.  At the end of the day my perception of Rick Rickert really went down, as not only did he refuse to play for the Saints on the 16h , or for the Rangers on the 17^th ( he would be in Auckland for the day) but he didnt want to play on the 14^th as well (even if he was already in town and expected to play in the Grand finals) ,  sometimes things like this don’t show up in the court , but it really tells you a lot about players characters,  “Who shows up to play “

When we played the Saints on the 16^th , I really had apprehensions that the Saints not only would have players missing (Rick Rickert) but would not come to play mentally.  But on that day while undermanned they (The Saints) literally outworked the Gilas team.