My Take (It's Clear to me)

Having been "around this team" after multiple games this season, and up close with them shaking hands and taking pictures with them, I'd have to disagree with OP's hot take. They were all smiles and jokes after a good win. They looked to me like they have strong bonds and friendships... Riley included. Losing makes any team upset. There is a difference between frustration of losing a game or not playing well versus not enjoying playing together. While it is possible, I just don't see the evidence to support the claim.

I play year round in basketball leagues. Each season (winter, spring, summer, fall) corresponds with a basketball season. I almost always play with a brand new team. That means 4x a year I get new teammates, so I have quite a bit of experience with basketball teams. Do I get mad at my teammates or frustrated during the games? Absolutely. Sometimes, I have not done a good job of hiding it. Most of the time it's nothing serious. The only times I get seriously upset is when someone starts barking commands or criticism and doesn't have the knowledge or skills to back it up.

Last night, I wasn't happy, because my team wanted to play 2-3 zone and we should have switched to man to man. Also, I was kind of forced into playing the 3, but I am really a point guard. At most, I will play shooting guard. I'm ok as a SF, but it just limits what I can do on the court and I won't be able to contribute my real skills to the team. I was frustrated, but not mad at my team and still had a good time.

 

Our passing has been lazy all year. I get Tennessee is a great defensive team. They always are.

 

Been belaboring that point from day 1. Good defense creates good opportunities on offense. You don't start the break on a made basket. We have to toughen up or we will never make it to the big dance.

 

I'm not disagreeing with you but tenn is always allowed to play bully ball and this game was no different. Even Jimmy Sikes or whatever his name is said "UT will put a forearm into your chest and an elbow in your chin blah, blah, blah great defense etc." Well a forearm to the chest is a foul and so is punching the opposing player in the face with your elbow. Who can play offense when they are allowed to do that Jimmy?! I screamed at the %&&&ing TV....