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Randy Carlyle could only speak for the moment when asked about his future as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, addressing the media on Tuesday for the first time after his teams season ended short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “Im here today,” he said when asked whether he would be back with the club for the 2014-15 season. “In this business you take on the responsibility of wins and losses, he continued. “You put your best foot forward and try to be honest and forthright with people and thats what were trying to do as a hockey club.” Carlyles future has been the subject of great speculation in the wake of a disappointing season for the Leafs. A March free-fall saw the team plummet from third in the Eastern Conference to a 38-36-8 finish, good for the eighth-worst record in the League. The teams first order of business once the off-season began was to appoint former NHL Director of Player of Safety and Hockey Hall-of-Famer Brendan Shanahan as the teams new president. While Carlyle could not comment on any impending changes under Shanahan – he is yet to formally meet with his new boss – he summed up the free-fall as a symptom of how the team played throughout the year. “The last 30 days of the season was the tell-tale story for our group,” Carlyle said. “The things that we were doing in the beginning and winning came to fruition in the final 30 days.” He pointed specifically to the teams inability to capitalize on a strong road trip to California in early March as a detrimental turning point in the season. After winning two of three road games against the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings in early March, the Leafs returned to the east coast, losing three games in four nights and kicking off what would become an eight-game stretch without earning a single point in the standings. “It seemed we played well enough to earn some respect,” Carlyle said of the California trip. “Then we seemed to have lost our mojo.” From then on, the teams confidence seemed to drop every time they conceded an early goal or did not perform up to expectations. “The first goal would go in and the shoulders would slump, that was the tell-tale sign,” he said. “Our response was very minimal.” The 57-year-old Carlyle has spent parts of three seasons with the team, taking over from previous Leafs head coach Ron Wilson with 18 games remaining in the 2011-12 season. Carlyle would lead the team to a 6-9-3 finish in his first year. His most successful year at the helm would be the following season when he led the Leafs to a 26-17-5 mark in strike shortened 2012-13 and, more importantly, the franchises first playoff berth since 2003-04. They would ultimately suffer a shocking defeat in Game 7 of their opening round series, surrendering a 4-1, third period lead in the final 11 minutes of regulation and falling in overtime to the Boston Bruins. Speaking to the teams 2012-13 success, Carlyle stated that he and the teams management were confident going into the season, but that they may have misjudged the teams strength. “We had been a competitive group the year previous and we felt this group was ready to take the next step,” Carlyle said Tuesday. “It didnt materialize.” Speaking to the teams defensive posture, Carlyle didnt see a consistent effort. “You have to play and you have to compete on the defensive side of the puck with will and commitment,” Carlyle said. “We didnt do that consistently.” “Were not asking players to do something they havent done before,” he added when asked about players molding to his coaching strategy. Carlyle currently has one year remaining on the three-year deal he signed after taking over for Wilson in 2012. He stopped short of offering up explanations for how to turn the Leafs fortunes around, capitulating with: "For now, we dont have the ultimate answer to give you and were embarassed by what just went down." Montee Ball Jersey . The Raptors have been outscored 88-66 in the opening quarter over a three-game span to begin the month of February. Their most recent loss, 109-101 in Sacramento on Wednesday, was eerily similar to Saturdays defeat at the hands of the Trail Blazers. Jordan Richards Jersey . -- LeBron James warned the Orlando Magic to stop double-teaming him and ignoring James Jones. http://www.officialnewenglandpatriotsfootball.com/authentic-james-develin-jersey-womens . The Red Wings hadnt played the night before. The Boston Bruins had. A month from now, or two months from now, it doesnt matter. But right now it does matter, when you start and you play back to back, its wear and tear on you for sure, Babcock said. LaAdrian Waddle Jersey . In the last race before the Sochi Olympics, Bjoergen followed up her win in the 10-kilometre classical race on Saturday by beating World Cup sprint leader Denise Herrmann of Germany by 0.43 seconds for her fifth victory of the season. New England Patriots Jerseys .FIFA says it is relaxing the rule which forced match officials to leave its international list at the end of the year they turned 45.The 20th anniversary of a dream starts on Wednesday. In 1995, Canada was awarded two franchises in the National Basketball Association. Unlike the ancient Velociraptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies, the Toronto Raptors have survived growing pains, rough times, player defections and fan apathy. Today, the Dinos are thriving, pushing the threshold of franchise success even higher and basketball, not only in the T-Dot, but all across the Great White North, and has new life at virtually every level. The hosts of TSN 1050 Radios #1On1 with Will & Duane, Will Strickland and Duane Watson give up the goods on hoops above the 49th Parallel: beginnings, endings and everything in between. As the sun sets on the career of the greatest Canadian basketball player of all time, the buzz and excitement for what starts this season for former #1 draft picks and other Canuck young guns who now mark the face of the game is palpable. Canada basketball is here to stay! Today is the tomorrow you should have feared yesterday! Rio 2016 Olympics Will Include The Canadian Mens National Basketball Team. Strickland: After a summer tour of testing their international resolve against some top teams in Europe, Basketball Canada will now have to get strong commitments from the top young stars who were not with the team. Youth, ability and full program buy-in from Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Ennis, Nik Stauskas and Anthony Bennett will have to be blended in a hurry with vets Tristan Thompson and leading scorer, the newly minted NBA champion PG Cory Joseph, amongst others, to have a real shot at representing the Red, White and Maple Leaf in Brazil. Watson: After missing out on the 2014 World Cup, Canada Basketball will ensure it has a full complement of homegrown talent at its disposal to qualify and compete in Brazil. All the young talent will have had a chance to mature; the key will be getting that international experience. A lineup of Wiggins, Ennis, Bennett, Stauskas, Olynyk, Thompson, Joseph, Powell, Pangos, Nicholson and Lyles among others, definitely moves the needle. Kelly Olynyk Will Be A Surprise Standout Canadian In The NBA This Season. Strickland: Olynyks skill set makes him an attractive asset for Boston Celtics GM Trader Danny Ainge to package in any Rajon Rondo deal that is more than imminent. I doubt hell be a surprise to anyone, but fans and foes alike will nod in quiet appreciation during Kellys season of asserting himself on the court, earning minutes, stats and respect around the league. Watson: On a Celtics team that is stockpiling assets and assessing its young talent, there is little pressure on sophomore head coach Brad Stevens to raise another banner at TD Garden. Ten players on the 15-man roster have five years or less of NBA experience and Olynyks high basketball IQ, tools, length and shooting, will earn him minutes on the court. Anthony Bennett Will Be The NBAs Most Improved Player. Strickland: Well, there is nowhere to go but up for the former #1 pick after a horrific rookie year. One can only hope that Bennett will be in shape, injury-free and vastly more mentally prepared to deal with the rigors and expectations of his station as a top choice selection. Most Improved? No, but being dealt to Minnesota with childhood pal Andrew Wiggins, coupled with an increased opportunity to play major minutes will help Bennett make steps toward living up to some of the billing. Watson: Bennett has a lot to prove in his sophomore season, particularly that his abhorrent rookie season was an aberration. Hes in shape, has a change of scenery, will get minutes and isnt in a situation where they have to win now. With a chip on his shoulder and looking to silence the critics that anointed him the worst #1 pick in NBA history, he will showcase the athleticism, mid-range game that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of college. Nik Stauskas Will Be Selected To The NBA All-Rookie First Team. Strickland: Yep. Slick Nik has more disco in his game than many people. Stauskas is sneaky athletic, handles well enough to navigate lane traffic and finish above the rim. Hes not just a dead-eye shooter. What seals the deal on an All-Rookie selection for Stauskas is an earnest attempt to improve defensively. Playing in Sacramento will offer him ample opportunity. Players will come strong at Stauskas, not because hes white, as he amplified in a slight rookie brain cramp during pre-season play, but because teams see free lunch stats-wise when you have K-I-N-G-S sprawled across your chest in the NBA. Watson: Stauskas sharp shooting is something the Kings offence sorely needs, which will open up the floor for Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins inside. The Mississauga native will earn his minutes and will supplant former lottery pick Ben McLemore in the starting line-up. As long as he continues to work on his defence, his ability to create with the basketball will keep him out on the floor. Thon Makers Enrolling At The Athletes Institute Will Change The Course Of Canadian Prep Basketball. Strickland: Absolutely. The Canadian prep pipeline normally heads south toward someones Christian Academy or the Findlay Preps of the world. But with the Sudanese-Australian Maker choosing to eschew more established prep programs in the U.dddddddddddd., his decision to ply his trade and hone his skills in Canada will only help to validate the decisions of other blue-chippers to stay home, enhancing their names and games here. Watson: The fact that an elite blue-chip prospect came up from the US to play at Athletes Institute is a statement in itself. There are numerous Canadian elite blue-chip prospects that end up going south of the border to pursue prep opportunities - the flow is now being reversed. AI offers Canadian kids the opportunity to do it at home, slowing the talent drain. The Brazilians Will Show Glimpses Of Promise This Year. Strickland: Bruno and Bebe are long-term growth assets who will more than likely toil in the D-League this season, only rolling with the big club to spell an injured Raptor teammate and/or for the Toronto front office braintrust, led by President and GM Masai Ujiri, to better assess their learnings on the main stage. Watson: Rookies Bruno Cabocolo and Lucas Nogueira will spend much, if not all of their season in the D-League adjusting to the NBA game. While both players are raw and the Raptors arent dependent on their contribution right now, it will give them time to learn the language and learn the game and excel against lesser competition. Two years away from being two years away, will quickly turn into hyperbole. Terrence Ross Will Have A Breakout Campaign. Strickland: The high flyer has an opportunity to establish exactly who he will be in The Association for the foreseeable future. After a poor playoff series vs. the Brooklyn Nets last spring, expectations are up for Ross to own the 3 spot in the Raptors starting lineup. Watching him in the preseason, Flight 31 looks to take off and show he does not lack the minerals and vitamins, irons or niacins to raise his game to the next level. Watson: Despite the fact Ross had a big season last year, thrust into the starting line-up after Rudy Gay was traded and tying a franchise record of 51 points in a game, more is still expected from the third year swingman. It all comes down to confidence, which was broken after a lackluster playoff performance last year. All early signs show that he has regained it in addition to adding 10 pounds of weight, looking to take his game up a notch. Kyle Lowry Will Be An All-Star. Strickland: Kyle Lowry should have been a well-deserving All-Star last season. Expect Lowry, new contract, stability and trust in an organization in tow, to improve from a career year. This season, there wont be disappointment for the Raptors bulldog. Hell be booking tickets to rock Gotham in February. Watson: Lowry was denied an All-Star berth by the coaches last year, despite performing as the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. Aside from the improvement in his on-court play and leadership, his maturity is what will likely tip the scales in his favour, shedding that uncoachable label. His teams record at the midway point should make his All-Star debut in New York a no-brainer. In Their 20th Season, The Raptors Will Finally Begin To Receive Respect They Deserve. Strickland: Opposing players, coaches, league execs and the keenest fans will continue to show admiration for whats become a squad who cant sneak up on anyone anymore. Its not a surprise, unless youre one the major U.S. sports media outlets cobbling together a highlight package during a Raps victory. Moving beyond the first round of the playoffs and competing for the conference title should clear up any lack of understanding. Watson: The saying goes winning changes everything. From players, officials, U.S. media, experts, the city and the league itself many have taken notice of this ball club. With two likely All-Stars in DeRozan and Lowry, a top-tier team in the conference, a savvy GM and an ability to close out games, this team has worked hard for everything. This year, that perceived slight or lack of calls will likely disappear. The Raptors Will Improve On A 48-Win Season. Strickland: Why not 50-52 wins? Aiming high? Maybe, after a 48-win campaign, but wholly possible. Maintaining core consistency by re-signing Lowry to help Greivis Josue Vasquez Rodriguez and Patrick Patterson stay in the fold is huge. Add the growth and experience gained over summer in Spain for All-Star DeMar DeRozan and the big man, Jonas Valanciunas, key additions of Lou Williams from Atlanta and James Johnson from Memphis to help bolster scoring and defence off the bench, a make-or-break season from third-year pro Terrence Ross and the stability that coach Dwane Caseys steady hand will help to swing this season toward another franchise record-breaking one. Watson: 50 wins. This team can only improve on their franchise-setting milestone and anything less is not a success. Building on last years experience, they are a better team, which has the stars, the depth and the chemistry to compete and excel in the NBA. Teams will be ready for them this season, but the Raptors still carry themselves with an underdog attitude. You can find Duane Watson(@duanewatson) and Will Strickland(@wallstrizzle1) plying their trade in the Art of Basketball Commentary on #1On1 with Will & Duane every Saturday afternoon at 3pm et on TSN 1050 Radio. Blackhawks Jerseys Store Cheap Wild Jerseys Cheap Red Wings Jerseys Cheap Maple Leafs Jerseys Penguins Jerseys Store Capitals Jerseys For Sale Blues Jerseys Store Cheap Kings Jerseys Adidas Lightning Jerseys Stars Jerseys For Sale Cheap Predators Jerseys Ducks Store Sharks Jerseys For Sale Cheap Sabres Jerseys Rangers Jerseys For Sale ' ' '