STrib: Minnesota focusing on rebounding with Big Ten slate just around the corner

[BleedGopher]

per the STrib:

With just one game between the Gophers and the hearty Big Ten schedule, Minnesota's biggest weakness is still rebounding, and Pitino has zoned in on that aspect in full force, even if it means reinstating menial box-out drills.

"You do that stuff in the preseason," Pitino said. "I like to do them in the preseason. But my big thing [in the regular season] is let's focus on the next opponent, let's focus on ourselves ... When you're on the court during the season, that time is valuable, you don't want to waste any time because the most important thing in my opinion is being prepared but also being well-rested.

"But we did [box out drills] yesterday, we'll continue to do a little bit today because that message is not sinking in well enough."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/286881581.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[Gopher Warrior]

All the way around, it isn't enough. Minnesota is ranked second-to-last in the Big Ten with a .662 defensive rebounding percentage.

.662 ain't right.

 

[underground629]

Neither is this:"Joey King (9.9 points, 3.8 assists)."

It would be nice to see her write a single article without incorrect information or a typo.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

Dang, I was reading it wrong Underground. I had rebounds and assists all mixed up. Good catch.

From what I can gather they are 7th so far compared to other Big Ten teams at 72.8 on the defensive rebounding percentage, that seem correct?

 

[tinyarch]

"We chase down rebounds pretty well but it all comes down to the block outs," said forward Joey King, who is averaging 3.8 rebounds a game as the starting power forward. "That's where we let rebounding get away from us a little bit. So its important we make a hit first before we go chase it down."
That's where the new drills come in. Pitino likes to compare rebounding to a car crash: when the shot goes up, players should crash into each other to fight for good positioning to grab it.
"I mean, there are fender benders going on right now," the coach said. "There are no car crashes."
He added: "I'm not happy with any of them ... I think we are getting better, but that's an issue and I don't like where it stands right now, top to bottom."
The coach has insisted his team has the ability to improve, despite the personnel appearing to be not very conducive to becoming a much better rebounding team. Step one is to get physical, he said. Until then, players can expect box out drills to become a regular part of practice.
"Come Purdue, you better be ready for that," Pitino said. "That's something we're not doing real well and that's going to be a main focal point."

It's been blatantly obvious in many games where we watch the shot go up and then chase the ball after it comes off the rim. Very few times have I seen a player find an opponent and box them out away from the rim. This is great to hear that Little Richard is emphasizing rebounding. When the Little Sisters of the Poor are out rebounding us, what do you think is going to happen when the kids from the B1G show up to play? I hope those drills knock some sense into the kids 'cause it will be a long B1G season if they keep chasing rebounds like they have the past 8 games.

 

[SelectionSunday]

I liked a reference the other day to Santa "Clause", not once but twice! Not sure who wrote it, whether it was a beat writer, columnist, or blogger. I know it wasn't Patrick.

 

[DeathClutch]

Dang, I was reading it wrong Underground. I had rebounds and assists all mixed up. Good catch.

From what I can gather they are 7th so far compared to other Big Ten teams at 72.8 on the defensive rebounding percentage, that seem correct?

No we are at 67.6% which is second to last in the conference and 230th/351 in the country. I don't think it is your night stats wise.


edit: Looks like Team Rankings has us at 72.8%, and they don't count the Franklin Pierce game. Statsheet has us at 67.6% but does include the Franklin Pierce game.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

No we are at 67.6% which is second to last in the conference and 230th/351 in the country. I don't think it is your night stats wise.


edit: Looks like Team Rankings has us at 72.8%, and they don't count the Franklin Pierce game. Statsheet has us at 67.6% but does include the Franklin Pierce game.

So true, my friend. Couldn't help but crack up when reading that.