I still have hope they make the tournament, but White may be hoping for next season.
I think the early season offensive output gave the players some mojo and maybe a big head from the praise they got from the media. But if you watch White from when they started practice he always said they don't play very good D. I think White may have seen this coming. I am not saying it is all the players, because White should figure out how to get the guys to play, however even the best coaches ever have challenging seasons and it should be the coaches who get the players to buy in and form a team.
I agree with everything you said here.
Anyone, including yours truly, can see what is wrong and I can't say that I can fix it either.
The difference is I am not being paid seven figures to solve the puzzle.
As you mentioned, White has bemoaned their lack of defensive ability all year but what does he have to say about the fact that we now suck on offense as well? You would think with the very modest amount of effort being expended on the defensive end of the floor, we would see a clear headed offensive team that understands what a good shot looks like and works to find one.
Instead, these guys make up for a complete lack of effort on defense by playing offense like they cannot wait to run back down to the defensive end again.
We are rapidly approaching the point where White should throw in the towel and bench all the seniors and juniors that plan to apply for the draft (Hudson) and prepare for next year. Our starting line up should be Okauru, Allen, and Ballard at guard with Stone and Bassett in the front court. Let Cheeze, Igor, and Hudson watch for a while and let Hayes keep them company for a while as well.
What is the worst thing that could happen, we lose out?
Based on what I have watched, we are going to lose out anyway so we might as well get some quality playing time for the 2019 squad.