I have no inside information but it looks to me that what Red is trying to install is the Villanova style 4 out, 1 in offense. While there are various wrinkles to this offense, the most basic concept requires players to go screen away from the ball when they reverse it to open up double gaps in the defense to make penetration easier. This is such a simple concept, and when Cuse executes it, space is created for guys like Judah or JJ to get downhill towards the basket. The problem I’ve seen is two-fold. One, too many times the players reverse the ball and just stand in place, creating no space or gaps for the defense to have to defend. Judah is a huge offender of this. It takes a level of selflessness to go away from the hall because it means you aren’t as likely to get it back, but it is a requirement for this offense to work. Second, this offense is predicated on having versatile players who can attack off the dribble AND shoot. Right now we have guys that can either only attack off the dribble which allows defenders to play off them and in the gaps, or guys who can only shoot (which they haven’t done consistently) which allows defenders to fly at them without the concern of being blown by. The old JJ would have been perfect in this offense…crazy what has happened to his jump shot since HS. Some have said ND screwed it up, and I know his shoulder injuries played a part, but to me his shot looks worse since he got to Syracuse. On a side note, has anyone else noticed how so many of our guys shoot differently from rep to rep? Starling (sometimes brings the ball way out in front of him before bringing it up), Judah (sometimes turns sideways and his wrist does as well), Justin (sometimes brings the ball too far back behind his head which gives the defender extra time to challenge the shot), cuffe (sometimes starts his shot to the left side of his face like Lonzo Ball), and Benny (sometimes his shot has no arc at all) all seem to lack consistency in their releases. Alarming for such talented and high level players.
