Apologies if this doesn't warrant a new thread; feel free to merge mods. I know many people skip the Big 10+ broadcasts, so I thought I'd share my observations from the first game of the Niko era.
First, while NDSU isn't a world-beater by any stretch, they may be the best team we play at Williams Arena in the preseason, so I feel like there's more to glean from this game than from our previous exhibition games against Division II and Division III opponents.
Defensive Switches
It really felt like the defense was in synch on when to switch (or not). The first few minutes were a bit chaotic and messy, but after that, I felt like the switches were flawless. Switching seemed incredibly challenging to execute on past teams, and it always felt like our defenders were on skates for most of the game. Last night, NDSU had many long stretches without a field goal, and the defense was relentless.
Bad Shots
I think I counted like five bad shots total for the game. Asuma was a little quick once. I thought JCJ shot a few ill-advised 3s early. Reynolds probably should have pulled it out once or twice, but everything else seemed well-executed and in the framework of the offense.
Out of Bounds Plays
This was a refreshing change of pace, especially when Durkin subbed into the game and Niko drew up a beautiful play that resulted in a wide-open 3-point look (which he nailed).
System
It's been a long time since I recall us wearing a team down. We were usually the ones who got worn down, and no early Gopher lead was ever safe. It was always a crapshoot come the final buzzer. It was fun to keep the foot on the gas, both offensively and defensively, and grow the lead until the 0:00.
Minutes
Only Asuma hit 30 minutes, and it was exactly 30 minutes. Could our best players get breathers (sans an injury or two) and be fresh (ish) during crunch time?
Reserves
The 'deeper' reserves didn't have the prototypical 'deer in the headlights' look when they got their shot. Groves made some really nice cuts and had a spectacular defensive sequence. Shinholster had a backcut immediately upon entering for an and-1 layup.
X-Facor
I tried not to be too player-specific in this analysis, but I need to be here. I think BJ Omot is the X-Factor on this team. He only played 13 minutes, but I really question how Durkin will defend come Big Ten play. Durkin did a good job using his length after getting somewhat abused early (IMHO), but I think some Big Ten matchups will be tough.
I expect Omot's role to grow, and I think we will need to see more of him in conference play. He got switched on that super shifty NDSU guard a few times and looked really comfortable staying in front.
I don't know what any of this will equate to in wins and losses, but it was just so damn nice to see an actual system that guys seemed comfortable in, and emphasized their strengths.
What I miss?
First, while NDSU isn't a world-beater by any stretch, they may be the best team we play at Williams Arena in the preseason, so I feel like there's more to glean from this game than from our previous exhibition games against Division II and Division III opponents.
Defensive Switches
It really felt like the defense was in synch on when to switch (or not). The first few minutes were a bit chaotic and messy, but after that, I felt like the switches were flawless. Switching seemed incredibly challenging to execute on past teams, and it always felt like our defenders were on skates for most of the game. Last night, NDSU had many long stretches without a field goal, and the defense was relentless.
Bad Shots
I think I counted like five bad shots total for the game. Asuma was a little quick once. I thought JCJ shot a few ill-advised 3s early. Reynolds probably should have pulled it out once or twice, but everything else seemed well-executed and in the framework of the offense.
Out of Bounds Plays
This was a refreshing change of pace, especially when Durkin subbed into the game and Niko drew up a beautiful play that resulted in a wide-open 3-point look (which he nailed).
System
It's been a long time since I recall us wearing a team down. We were usually the ones who got worn down, and no early Gopher lead was ever safe. It was always a crapshoot come the final buzzer. It was fun to keep the foot on the gas, both offensively and defensively, and grow the lead until the 0:00.
Minutes
Only Asuma hit 30 minutes, and it was exactly 30 minutes. Could our best players get breathers (sans an injury or two) and be fresh (ish) during crunch time?
Reserves
The 'deeper' reserves didn't have the prototypical 'deer in the headlights' look when they got their shot. Groves made some really nice cuts and had a spectacular defensive sequence. Shinholster had a backcut immediately upon entering for an and-1 layup.
X-Facor
I tried not to be too player-specific in this analysis, but I need to be here. I think BJ Omot is the X-Factor on this team. He only played 13 minutes, but I really question how Durkin will defend come Big Ten play. Durkin did a good job using his length after getting somewhat abused early (IMHO), but I think some Big Ten matchups will be tough.
I expect Omot's role to grow, and I think we will need to see more of him in conference play. He got switched on that super shifty NDSU guard a few times and looked really comfortable staying in front.
I don't know what any of this will equate to in wins and losses, but it was just so damn nice to see an actual system that guys seemed comfortable in, and emphasized their strengths.
What I miss?
