So much of this win is on Tad.
He saw early on the softness. He layed into the Buffs after CUSB. His post-game comments were honest and precise. It's not about rising to an occasion, but falling back on your preparedness, he said. He blasted the team for ignoring the scouting report. He was able to relate that lesson to the Program run by the Navy Seals before the season.
In the second half, it was a different team. Great half time adjustments! The best, most experienced players got minutes. Harvard shots were being contested. Hands came up. The tempo sped up. Dinwiddie, XJ, and Ski were playing with urgency. Josh was cleaning up both boards. The player rotation put the right offensive and defensive players on the court giving CU the opportunity to grab victory from the jaws of defeat. The freshman were benched and given the opportunity to watch and learn.
The standard set by the more experienced players was an example of Tad ball. The energy of Ski, XJ and Spencer lifted the energy level of the keg. The CEC wasn't a tough place to play in the first 40 minutes, but it was loud and formidable in the second period. This was a manifestation of Tad Boyle's personality.
If the freshmen catch on, and the veterans come out of the locker room on the opening tip off with this kind of energy, then there might be an unforgettable night against KU.