By: Andy Toole, Assoc. Head Coach - Robert Morris
Here at Robert Morris University we love the month of January. Over the past three seasons we are a combined 26-2 in the month, so as the calendar turns to February we are sad to see January go, but one would ask the question why have we been so successful during January under head coach Mike Rice? Here are a few reasons.
The first reason for our January success is our non-conference schedule. We play a challenging non-conference schedule, and many of our games are on the road playing against teams from higher rated leagues. This has put us in numerous situations where we have been tested. Our formula has not only tested our players, but tested our coaching staff, as well. When January has rolled around over the past three seasons it seems we have finally begun to understand how hard it is to win Division I basketball game, but at the same time how gratifying it is to do so.
The second reason we have been so successful in January is we have developed a bench over the first two months of the year. We play up to 10 players double-digit minutes so by the time January rolls a large number of players have played quality minutes. They have experience and they realize the role they're supposed to play. It's also gratifying to see our bench players accept their role and embrace it. I think the biggest example of the development of our bench is that during the course of our season we have had eight different players lead our team in scoring. I am not sure there are very many teams that can state that claim. Our depth makes us difficult to defend and keeps our guys fresh.
The third and final reason I believe for our January success is that it is when we get into the meat of our conference schedule. We play in a conference where only the NEC tournament champion will hear their named called on selection Sunday, so you have two options, win or watch. It's that simple. Our players understand this and raise their intensity level as our conference season begins, so we really have no choice but to do everything possible to ensure success.
Hopefully we can continue the success we've had this January through this month of February and continue to get better as the season progresses. If we do, hopefully we'll have a chance at the end of the year to again claim another NEC regular-season championship.
GO COLONIALS!
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