Serious question: What is it that a guy like JJ Redick can do that AWIII can't? Speaking 'athletically/shot creation/etc.' To me, it seems like our offensive scheme just didn't put AWIII in the best situations to succeed—not often enough. I remember specifically, a couple of plays where he was 'open,' but the guard began dribbling toward him before passing him the ball, and AWIII's defender just went to close the space because it was just so obvious what was about to happen. If he's a catch-and-shoot guy, he needs to be put in those types of situations, and our guard play just wasn't up to dealing with the pressure. Not every drive has to go to the backboard. Not every drive has to be for the purpose of getting the ball into the paint or passing into the paint. And our guards just need better, lower, closer dribbling. Don't know how many times i actually gasped as the ball was wayyyy out in front of a guard, ripe for the plucking.
Glad we got this game out of the way at this stage, actually. Shows these kids what they need to work on, and a practical lesson is the best lesson. I'm glad they did compete the whole way through. The hill was just too much to climb. But, they've learned. And hopefully, Frankie will learn to keep plugging and not get his head down so quickly. We have weapons offensively. The zone will improve as they go along, and especially once Chukwu learns to try to protect a smaller area.