This team showed us their version of zone excellence today

[Flacusian]

Much was made of the fact that defense was what propelled last years team into it's final 4 run. At the onset of this season most people did not anticipate that this year's team could develop into the defensive juggernaut that was last years team toward the end of the season.

We may not have as much length at the guard position as we did last year but this team is appearing to have found it's own particular brand of the 2-3 zone and today was every bit as disruptive and dominating as last years version. If what we saw today was the precursor of the zone we will be treated to witness as we move through conference play and on to the post season... this team is going to be a devastating force wreaking havoc on everyone we play.

It seems like the teams demeanor is evenly measured by the human metronome Tyler Ennis and the sense of playing in a controlled fashion has translated into defensive discipline as well. There were so many tipped and deflected balls during today's game and the control of the boards was superb. But I believe that if we are destined to win a title this year the primary reason will be because this team will 1st and foremost excel defensively. It is the wellspring of everything that is successful with Syracuse Basketball.

 

[jordoo]

It seems we may wind up better at getting turnover and better at challenging and blocking shots at the rim somehow. Its pretty crazy to think about. We are most certainly a better defensive rebounding team than last years squad.

 

[teamco]

Great D, for sure, and still improving. The offense has been pretty good this year, maybe a bit spotty, but this team does have a penchant of catching a groove in almost every game and ringing em up in bunches. That said, what was most striking to me about today's game, and perhaps most indicative of THIS teams character, is its intensity and will to win. All year they have been a team on a mission. Compare that to the Tar Heels who early in the second half reminded me of Roberto "No Mas" Duran. They were looking for the bus.

 

[Cowtown]

Much was made of the fact that defense was what propelled last years team into it's final 4 run. At the onset of this season most people did not anticipate that this year's team could develop into the defensive juggernaut that was last years team toward the end of the season.

We may not have as much length at the guard position as we did last year but this team is appearing to have found it's own particular brand of the 2-3 zone and today was every bit as disruptive and dominating as last years version. If what we saw today was the precursor of the zone we will be treated to witness as we move through conference play and on to the post season... this team is going to be a devastating force wreaking havoc on everyone we play.

It seems like the teams demeanor is evenly measured by the human metronome Tyler Ennis and the sense of playing in a controlled fashion has translated into defensive discipline as well. There were so many tipped and deflected balls during today's game and the control of the boards was superb. But I believe that if we are destined to win a title this year the primary reason will be because this team will 1st and foremost excel defensively. It is the wellspring of everything that is successful with Syracuse Basketball.

Most of good defense is being willing to play on D. Some teams play D because they have to, but this team appears to play D because they're good at it. Almost as though they like to. I love that. Very similar to the Rautins-led team of a few years ago. Now, last year's D cut off the ball by ambushing the passing lanes - very similar to the Rautins-led team who also went out and took it. This team appears similar, though perversely more so on the interior than at the perimeter. They defend the perimeter adequately, but they get their turnovers on the inside. Fewer fast breaks, but very effective nonetheless. And it's really pleasing how they do it without a lot of fouls. Just good anticipation and good hands. And also like the Rautins teams, they play like they trust the guy next to them. It's really a delight to watch that.