The 2017-18 Houston Baptist Huskies: A Season to Forget

The 2017-18 season for the Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team was a rollercoaster ride that seemed to have more downs than ups. Under the leadership of head coach Ron Cottrell, the Huskies were expected to make a significant impact in the Southland Conference. However, what unfolded was a season that left fans scratching their heads and opponents smirking. Playing their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium in Houston, Texas, the Huskies struggled to find their footing, ultimately finishing with a disappointing record that had everyone asking, "What went wrong?"

First off, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Huskies' defense, or lack thereof. The team seemed to have forgotten that basketball is a two-way street. While they occasionally showed flashes of offensive brilliance, their defense was as porous as a sieve. Opponents had a field day scoring against them, and it was as if the Huskies were handing out free passes to the basket. This lack of defensive intensity was a major factor in their inability to close out games and secure victories.

Then there's the issue of consistency. The Huskies were about as consistent as a coin flip. One game they'd come out firing on all cylinders, and the next, they'd look like they'd never seen a basketball before. This Jekyll and Hyde routine made it impossible for them to build any momentum throughout the season. It was a classic case of one step forward, two steps back, and it left fans frustrated and bewildered.

Injuries also played a role in the Huskies' struggles. Key players found themselves sidelined at crucial moments, leaving the team shorthanded and scrambling to fill the gaps. While injuries are part of the game, the Huskies seemed particularly snakebitten this season. It was as if the basketball gods had a vendetta against them, and they paid the price on the court.

The Huskies' shooting woes were another glaring issue. There were nights when they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, and their shooting percentages reflected that. When your team struggles to put the ball in the basket, winning games becomes an uphill battle. The Huskies found themselves in that unenviable position far too often, and it cost them dearly.

Let's not forget about the turnovers. The Huskies were generous to a fault, gifting the ball to their opponents with alarming regularity. Turnovers are the bane of any basketball team's existence, and the Huskies seemed determined to lead the league in this unfortunate category. Each turnover was a missed opportunity, and they piled up like a mountain of missed chances.

The coaching staff, led by Ron Cottrell, also deserves some scrutiny. While Cottrell has been a stalwart for the program, this season raised questions about his ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments. The Huskies' struggles were not solely on the players; the coaching staff must shoulder some of the blame for failing to right the ship.

Despite the challenges, there were a few bright spots. Some players showed promise and potential, giving fans a glimmer of hope for the future. These individual performances were like diamonds in the rough, and they provided a silver lining in an otherwise cloudy season.

The 2017-18 season was a tough pill to swallow for the Houston Baptist Huskies and their supporters. It was a season marked by missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and inconsistency. While the Huskies may have stumbled this time around, there's always hope for redemption in the future. For now, though, the Huskies will have to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and come back stronger next season.