Fool's Gold

[iommi]

Yeah you did. Here is the quote:

"This team will not get past the first weekend if these two areas aren't addressed."

I'm willing to wager that this team gets through the first weekend, regardless.

The doomsday scenarios and naysayers on this board are insufferable. Every single team in the country has flaws. Including Kentucky.

Sorry you have to suffer, but there's an "if" in the sentence, making my comment not a declaration but a possible scenario. See the difference?

 

[iommi]

To those people who say we've been getting good looks in the half court so that means our half court offense is fine:

The bottom line is made baskets. If we are not a good shooting team, there is no remedy, other than transition baskets, which we all agree we are great at. So either we have bad half court offense or bad shooters in the half court. The result is the same.

On defense, if we don't get rebounds, we don't run and if we don't run we are back to half court offense. It's a cruel cycle.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Not sure about Fool's Gold. Bottom line is that Georgetown is the best defensive team in the BE. We won when we probably shouldn't have. I think we need to come out strong on Saturday and play consistent for 40 minutes and that includes these guys that are putting up 0 points and 0 rebounds. Our 10 player depth shrunk very fast.

People are saying that JB should be considered for Coach of the year, but I thought he didn't do his best job vs Georgetown. Not sure I will ever understand BT sitting, but MCW also. Let's beat Yukon and things will be back to normal (at least until Monday night).

Brandon needed the motivation. I'll bet he is really aggressive and active in the zone next time out.

 

[pfister1]

This team has a great record, but it has been winning several 50/50 type games. The benefit of doing that is a good seed come tourney time and an easier route through the first weekend. After the first weekend the benefit of the seeding and winning the close games earlier becomes less of a factor.

The disadvantage of playing above your talent level during the season, are the increase odds of not performing to the given seed come March. Making a Final Four would be great. Being majorly disappointed in not getting there seems to be raising the bar a little too high.

Don't underestimate what the high seed will do for you, it carries past the first weekend.

It may get us the opportunity to play Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games in Boston where our fans can be a real presence rather than Atlanta, St. Louis or Phoenix where we are less likely to have as strong a contingent.

Also, if you are number 1 - the best seed you will see in the Sweet 16 is a 4. With any upsets the quality of that opponent drops off precipitously. The advantage of being a #1 seed is one that keeps on giving at least until the Regional Final.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I think the guards could help with the rebounding if they were not sprinting on the break before we even have possession of the ball. They could have grabbed some of those long rebounds from the horrible shots the Hoyas were taking.

That's the balancing act we have to walk. Really, the guards should follow the flight of the ball to see if it's a long rebound, but if it's not, they've got to take off, and leave it to the forwards to clean up the boards. That's how our defense has always worked, but CJ has regressed a bit lately, and Kris is also inconsistent on the boards, although these past couple games he has been improving. To me, it's all about effort from our front line. Sometimes we get it and we stay close on the boards, and sometimes we don't bring the effort and we are out-rebounded by 15. We can't do that in an NCAA tournament game after the 2nd round.

 

[bigf1973]

That's the balancing act we have to walk. Really, the guards should follow the flight of the ball to see if it's a long rebound, but if it's not, they've got to take off, and leave it to the forwards to clean up the boards. That's how our defense has always worked, but CJ has regressed a bit lately, and Kris is also inconsistent on the boards, although these past couple games he has been improving. To me, it's all about effort from our front line. Sometimes we get it and we stay close on the boards, and sometimes we don't bring the effort and we are out-rebounded by 15. We can't do that in an NCAA tournament game after the 2nd round.

Totally agree with you IthacaMatt. I think the really allarming point is the lack of passion for rebounding against Georgetown. If a team should be up for scrapping for rebounds, shouldn't be against your greatest rival? I really miss Kong... he wouldn't put up with this crap

 

[Louie&Bouie]

Sorry you have to suffer, but there's an "if" in the sentence, making my comment not a declaration but a possible scenario. See the difference?

I recognize that. It's kind of like listening to my father tell me that he has a bad feeling about an upcoming game. Then, when we lose, I get one of those "told ya so" phone calls. Problem is, 9 times out of 10, he's wrong.

Is our rebounding a concern? Sure. But 24 out of 25 times this year, we've won. Just for the record, that's a .960 clip. Hard to predict failure on that number alone. If we do lose and it makes you feel better to say "told ya so", then have at it. But it sure as hell doesn't make you an expert.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Brandon needed the motivation. I'll bet he is really aggressive and active in the zone next time out.

I'll agree that BT needs to score more as the starting two guard. He definitely has the talent, but i'm not sure what motivates him though. Based on his body language sitting on the bench in the second half, JB was probably right to keep him there.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

Don't underestimate what the high seed will do for you, it carries past the first weekend.

It may get us the opportunity to play Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games in Boston where our fans can be a real presence rather than Atlanta, St. Louis or Phoenix where we are less likely to have as strong a contingent.

Also, if you are number 1 - the best seed you will see in the Sweet 16 is a 4. With any upsets the quality of that opponent drops off precipitously. The advantage of being a #1 seed is one that keeps on giving at least until the Regional Final.

That's a good point. Getting the advantage of a good location to play would be an excellent benefit I had overlooked. And getting a weaker Sweet 16 foe would help as well.

If that played out, I would be majorly disappointed in not making it to the elite 8. And really bummed not to get to the Final Four. Still have work to do to get those advantages but so far we're on track.

 

[AZOrange]

Triche looked like he got banged up in the first half on his fastbreak that he got fouled on. I wonder if that had something to do with it. Otherwise his absence made no sense.

 

[iommi]

I recognize that. It's kind of like listening to my father tell me that he has a bad feeling about an upcoming game. Then, when we lose, I get one of those "told ya so" phone calls. Problem is, 9 times out of 10, he's wrong.

Is our rebounding a concern? Sure. But 24 out of 25 times this year, we've won. Just for the record, that's a .960 clip. Hard to predict failure on that number alone. If we do lose and it makes you feel better to say "told ya so", then have at it. But it sure as hell doesn't make you an expert.

It NEVER makes me feel good when we lose. I'm not BlueCurtain or igor. I think we'll continue to win. My point was/ is that unless we improve our weaknesses we will be very vulnerable come tourney time. That's true of all teams of course but sometimes a great record has a tendency to mask problems. I'm glad JB expressed similar concerns in his post-game presser.

 

[AZOrange]

It NEVER makes me feel good when we lose. I'm not BlueCurtain or igor. I think we'll continue to win. My point was/ is that unless we improve our weaknesses we will be very vulnerable come tourney time. That's true of all teams of course but sometimes a great record has a tendency to mask problems. I'm glad JB expressed similar concerns in his post-game presser.

But like you said, everyone has them...

But a team can win with defense...now you want to grab more rebounds but our D is so good right now

 

[SBU72]

I realize it's popular here to do the whole, "A win is a win is a win" nonsense. We're 24-1...Etc.

The bottom line is that after our amazing start, everyone here should be able to agree that nothing short of a Final Four trip would be a major disappointment. That being said, it's very clear to this observer that this team no longer has tendencies; it has strengths and weaknesses. We all know what they are. The issue is it's February. Can JB and the team actually improve the problems or mask them somehow between now and March?

Our inefficiency in half court offense is one thing I think can be improved but here's where I'm sceptical: JB has been running the same basic offense forever seemingly and there are very few wrinkles added. It's motion with high ball screens and high pick and rolls. With our athleticism, I'd like to see some planned plays (like baseline screens leading to set alley-oops). Doing that twice a game could give us 4 easy points. I'd also like to run guys off screens but we really don't really seem to have anyone like Andy Rautins who is proficient at that.

Apparently you did not see Fabs alley-oop dunk in the first half or the botched one (bad pass?) after that. I think those are pretty much don't happen by accident. Same for when in past games Scoop gets an easy layup breaking back to the basket. He was open on one (good TV coverage from behind the basket showed it) but the passing lane was to tight to risk it. What this says is that Georgetown played pretty good D to cut these things off. They don't average giving up ONLY 58 pts a game because they like halof court Offense.

 

[iommi]

All teams have flaws, I agree...But right now, it's tough to find Kentucky's shortcomings. Earlier in the year, I'd have said point guard play but Teague has been running the show very well lately and Lamb is an excellent ball handler and 2 guard. You can say inexperience but I think that's overrated. Not that many teams have strong senior leadership. We have one leader, Scoop, and he's still prone to the occasional "UGH, SCOOP!!" play (though they have been less frequent of late).

 

[iommi]

Apparently you did not see Fabs alley-oop dunk in the first half or the botched one (bad pass?) after that. I think those are pretty much don't happen by accident. Same for when in past games Scoop gets an easy layup breaking back to the basket. He was open on one (good TV coverage from behind the basket showed it) but the passing lane was to tight to risk it. What this says is that Georgetown played pretty good D to cut these things off. They don't average giving up ONLY 58 pts a game because they like halof court Offense.

Those Fab alley oops came off pick and rolls (correct me if I'm wrong) and were great plays. I'm referring to set alley oops to one of our forwards (Kris or CJ) off baseline screens.

One of my biggest criticisms of JB is that we run the same things over and over again with little variance.

 

[pfister1]

Apparently you did not see Fabs alley-oop dunk in the first half or the botched one (bad pass?) after that. I think those are pretty much don't happen by accident. Same for when in past games Scoop gets an easy layup breaking back to the basket. He was open on one (good TV coverage from behind the basket showed it) but the passing lane was to tight to risk it. What this says is that Georgetown played pretty good D to cut these things off. They don't average giving up ONLY 58 pts a game because they like halof court Offense.

I actually thought the second missed alley-oop was a result of the Georgetown defender bodying Melo as he was trying to go up and get the pass. There was contact that I think kept Melo from handling the pass cleanly....wasn't called, but probably should have been.

 

[SBU72]

Those Fab alley oops came off pick and rolls (correct me if I'm wrong) and were great plays. I'm referring to set alley oops to one of our forwards (Kris or CJ) off baseline screens.

One of my biggest criticisms of JB is that we run the same things over and over again with little variance.

You mean like KJ had against St Johns. And that is how Scoop gets free for his lay up. He runs the baseline, then curls back as his man gets rubbed off on a screen. They do do it. And why is your version of an Alley-oop so different than the pick and roll that Fab ran. The both are plays and work when the defense is a step off or late. Accomplishes the same thing.

 

[mikekan14]

A couple of my thoughts...

1. A #1 seed is no where guaranteed. We still have 2 games each against L'ville (beat us 8 of last 9?) and UConn (try rebounding against Drummond and Oriakhi)

2. When Boeheim KNOWS we're not doing well on the glass, why can't we go with a bigger lineup (Melo and BMK/Xmas) and go man for just 2-3 possessions to see if it helps the boards? I know Boeheim is incredibly stubborn about going away from his zone; he'll professes that if played as designed and everyone rotates as they should, the zone works. I just wish he would make a few more in game decisions. Gtown went from man to zone on us after it showed that it slowed us down (and we can't shoot from the perimeter). I think we always play better when KJ rebounds (i.e. vs Stanford and WVA) but I think he's been too itchy to get out on the break as well. I don't know how his rebounding stats have gone down since his sophomore/6th man of the year season.

3. Rebounding was bad but want about post entry denial/defense? Sims and Porter sealed us deep in the paint so many times in the second half. We were lucky they didn't convert more and that Melo stayed out of foul trouble.

4. How we respond against UConn will give me a better sense of what to expect of this team in Tourney time. We responded after Jack Cooley dominated us and battled Cincy (a more physical team) well in the boards.

 

[AZOrange]

All teams have flaws, I agree...But right now, it's tough to find Kentucky's shortcomings. Earlier in the year, I'd have said point guard play but Teague has been running the show very well lately and Lamb is an excellent ball handler and 2 guard. You can say inexperience but I think that's overrated. Not that many teams have strong senior leadership. We have one leader, Scoop, and he's still prone to the occasional "UGH, SCOOP!!" play (though they have been less frequent of late).

There are a couple of things about UK I dont like. First, I think the turn it over too much. Second, I think they pound the ball alot and dont have alot of assists. Third, I think their perimeter d is average at best (I mean Florida had alot of good open looks the other night). Fourth, I think if you can take Lamb out of the equation, they are a pretty average shooting team.

 

[iommi]

You mean like KJ had against St Johns. And that is how Scoop gets free for his lay up. He runs the baseline, then curls back as his man gets rubbed off on a screen. They do do it. And why is your version of an Alley-oop so different than the pick and roll that Fab ran. The both are plays and work when the defense is a step off or late. Accomplishes the same thing.

Fair points.

 

[SBU72]

I actually thought the second missed alley-oop was a result of the Georgetown defender bodying Melo as he was trying to go up and get the pass. There was contact that I think kept Melo from handling the pass cleanly....wasn't called, but probably should have been.

That was why I ? bad pass. Happened so fast it wasn't clear to me. I'll have to check my tape.

 

[SBU72]

Fair points.

As are yours about the same offense. It's dribble drive. You would think that more motion would help. Especially with having so many athletic players.

 

[Knicks411]

There are a couple of things about UK I dont like. First, I think the turn it over too much. Second, I think they pound the ball alot and dont have alot of assists. Third, I think their perimeter d is average at best (I mean Florida had alot of good open looks the other night). Fourth, I think if you can take Lamb out of the equation, they are a pretty average shooting team.

Their TO% isn't that bad, 40th in the country.

Fair point on poundign the rock, they get assists on fewer than half of their baskets, which is like 280th in the country.

Here is an interesting one; they aren't that good at forcing TO (leads into your perimeter D point). 235th in the country.

A game between SU and UK would probably involve us not turning the ball over a lot, them getting a ton of their own misses, and neither team shooting a lot of foul shots.

 

[AZOrange]

Their TO% isn't that bad, 40th in the country.

again, these are just observations I have from certain UK games I have seen this year, I dont read their numbers that closely. Just seems like in the games that I have seen (or at least parts of them) they are in the 15-20 range.

 

[Knicks411]

again, these are just observations I have from certain UK games I have seen this year, I dont read their numbers that closely. Just seems like in the games that I have seen (or at least parts of them) they are in the 15-20 range.

Yeah, I didn't know either, just had to look it up.

The other points seemed pretty spot on.