RunGopherRun
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2009
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- Reaction score
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I'm very excited for this season to actually get underway. Beating up on some bad teams is a nice, easy way to start the campaign, but seeing some real competition is going to be fun. I went to the game last night, and this is what I took from it.
The Good - Our athleticism and defense last night, and all year so far, have been awesome! They are definitely going to be one of the more long, athletic teams in the Big Ten, if not the nation. I thought our physical nature brought to the table was good to see, especially for when the conference season starts up. I thought 4 of our starting 5 plus Mbakwe looked very good. They did what they should have done; run an inferior team off the floor and win in a blowout.
The Bad - My biggest concerns coming from last night's game are threefold.
First, I worry about Joe Coleman. Great athlete, not yet a great basketball player. Can barely dribble with a purpose with his left hand, below average jump shot, and his court awareness worries me, especially on defense. I watched him a few times last night and he looked lost.
Secondly, our ball-handling under pressure was not good. For an inferior team to come into our arena and press us, and in turn cause multiple turnovers is a concern. I would say that more often than not, we did not easily break the press. If a team like TN St can come into the barn and cause problems with a press, what will a more athletic, better defensive team do? I also noticed basic ball handling was not sharp last night. It reminded me of when you try and dribble a ball that is too inflated. It seemed like our guys were losing control of it too easily.
Last, and nothing new here, our half-court offense was fairly stagnant. I would like to see the guys move with more of a purpose, making crisp cuts and sharp passes. There's too much standing with the ball, and not enough passing, screening and cutting. One of the highlights from the American game showed glimpses of what the offense can do, swinging the ball quickly, then getting an easy high low dunk for Rodney.
I realize that many concerns were magnified when the second stringers were in there, which won't happen as much when it matters. I'm the type of guy, though, that doesn't worry about winning and losing early on in the season against weak competition, but more about solid play and execution, taking care of the ball and simply looking good doing it. I used to get more pissed at my teams for playing poorly and winning than playing well and losing. The focus seemed to be lacking last night. Admittedly, it is hard to get up to play bad teams and to stay 100% focused when you know the game is not in the balance.
I'm excited to see what the guys can do on Sunday, as well as on Turkey Day. Win or lose against Duke, I just want them to play well....and WIN!
The Good - Our athleticism and defense last night, and all year so far, have been awesome! They are definitely going to be one of the more long, athletic teams in the Big Ten, if not the nation. I thought our physical nature brought to the table was good to see, especially for when the conference season starts up. I thought 4 of our starting 5 plus Mbakwe looked very good. They did what they should have done; run an inferior team off the floor and win in a blowout.
The Bad - My biggest concerns coming from last night's game are threefold.
First, I worry about Joe Coleman. Great athlete, not yet a great basketball player. Can barely dribble with a purpose with his left hand, below average jump shot, and his court awareness worries me, especially on defense. I watched him a few times last night and he looked lost.
Secondly, our ball-handling under pressure was not good. For an inferior team to come into our arena and press us, and in turn cause multiple turnovers is a concern. I would say that more often than not, we did not easily break the press. If a team like TN St can come into the barn and cause problems with a press, what will a more athletic, better defensive team do? I also noticed basic ball handling was not sharp last night. It reminded me of when you try and dribble a ball that is too inflated. It seemed like our guys were losing control of it too easily.
Last, and nothing new here, our half-court offense was fairly stagnant. I would like to see the guys move with more of a purpose, making crisp cuts and sharp passes. There's too much standing with the ball, and not enough passing, screening and cutting. One of the highlights from the American game showed glimpses of what the offense can do, swinging the ball quickly, then getting an easy high low dunk for Rodney.
I realize that many concerns were magnified when the second stringers were in there, which won't happen as much when it matters. I'm the type of guy, though, that doesn't worry about winning and losing early on in the season against weak competition, but more about solid play and execution, taking care of the ball and simply looking good doing it. I used to get more pissed at my teams for playing poorly and winning than playing well and losing. The focus seemed to be lacking last night. Admittedly, it is hard to get up to play bad teams and to stay 100% focused when you know the game is not in the balance.
I'm excited to see what the guys can do on Sunday, as well as on Turkey Day. Win or lose against Duke, I just want them to play well....and WIN!
