Ever since we started playing exhibition games against lower division teams, every time we didn't win in a blowout, the team had a poor to mediocre season. In recent years, since we now play Division I teams in the exhibition games, the season opener against 30-point underdog Eastern Washington was the benchmark game. We struggled to win which indicated that this team would have some problems. They weren't the major flaw this season, the big hole in the middle with little scoring, rebounding or defense from the center position. Booker played well in that game. It was the lack of killer instinct, doing just enough to win. This team is mentally weak.
There's little a coach can do if players are missing open shots they usually make. It's also on them if they give less than max effort, especially since they are now all paid well. Their personalities may not be receptive to Cronin's demanding approach but do we want a cheerleader/"coach" who babies the team? We had one, Steve Lavin.
Of course a coach is responsible for everything that happens on the court, but there is plenty of blame to go around.