1) The defense - By the 3rd game, the type of defense we play, legs were gone. As the legs went so did decision and effort. This was a murderer's row by any stretch over three days. Keep working.
fundamentally, I agree. But it brings up some important points:
1 - you can't play "level 5 defense" 3 days in a row - but where is the self-awareness from the coach on that FACT? yeah you can say...3 games in 3 days is going to make it hard to play intense d every minute of every game, and its true...but thats not really an excuse for not adjusting to reality.
for me, this is a common pattern with Red's methods...he just puts his head down and does what hes going to do regardless of situation or advantage. no winning coach has this in common with red.
his situational awareness is abysmal...which is kinda a big deal for a coach.
2. you knew going in to the festival it would be 3 games in 3 days. it wasnt a surprise. its just not enough to make the entire identity of the team "level 5 defense" and max effort all the time as the entire strategy.
the other teams use X's and O's to beat opponents not simply "extreme intensity"...so thats why Iowa State was fine in the 2nd half, even though they were missing their leading scorer. they have an identity on BOTH SIDES of the ball...one that they can sustain and thrive in no matter the circumstances.
i do genuinely beleive that if SU was given proper prep time for kansas and iowa state those games go much better for the orange...but the consequences are still all that matters.
3. its been the same all 3 of reds years - he takes until well into the season to figure out he wants to play and establish schemes etc. Ok, he got the defense going...Ok. great. but the offense is the same offense that got JB canned. this iso spread NBA style stand around jack threes and try to score 1 on 1 with a center (even though I like Kyle) who is very limited in what he can and cannot do aka he can dunk or pass basically...with no post presence basically. Red gets the offense figured out after the season is over, basically. and this is year 3. why do the other programs seem to have everything installed and ready to go from game 1? in this era of non con being so important...HOW IN THE WORLD CAN A COACH BE OKAY WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE HIS SCHEMES INSTALLED AND IRONED OUT FROM GAME 1? red doesnt actually have an offensive system!!
4. yeah...you wonder why the entire roster is shooting well below their career averages, even at the line...welll...maaaaybe givng level 5 defense effort all game...has a negative impact on the offense. in fact, im sure it does. and it definitely did on the 2nd half of the Iowa state game. besides the fact that the system itself is way too basic and easy to defend, with a major lack of actual plays.
5. red should know that his style and system...what of it there is...cannot possibly work out well in a 3 games and 3 days situation. even if you gave red the option of picking his roster from all of ncaabb, his team would suffer in game 3. what does he do to adjust? NOTHING. bc he doesnt have anything else up his sleeve.
his onyl way of impacting games is by subbing players in and out and cheerleadng...what were his x's and o's adjustments???? he really doesnt do much there, esp on offense. he does bring out the press on d...but come on...there is a clear lack of "mastermindedness" going on.
of course he must play this "festival" bc it is all about NIL for his players and thats all THEY care about...but the format of this tourney SUCKS. coaches should be dissing the helll out of it and demanding massive changes.
listening to his post game after iowa state was cringe af...he literally has no shame or embarassment...he is happy with what happened" he is glad..."they can compete with anyone" bc they coudlnt in his first 2 years...despite getting BLASTED. and going 0-3...i wonder if this broke any of his players confidence like we saw with bell, taylor, carlos, etc in reds other seasons...probably it mightve. idk.
