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Message: [QUOTE="orangenirvana, post: 1703787, member: 156"] Dranginis is the type of random role player who has historically had career nights against Syracuse. We'll have to watch out for him. Some quality comments from Gonzaga board: [I]Although they have some talented guys, their zone this year doesn't have as much length and size as we are normally accustomed to seeing. Their zone isn't extremely intimidating this year, but it's still highly effective and unique nonetheless. Syracuse ranks at #23 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents average 64.4 PPG, 40.7% FG, and 30.4% from 3 point range. Patience is always a big key. The Zags can't be suckered into launching the first 3 point look that comes their way. [B]I am expecting Kyle Dranginis to be a major part of the game plan on Friday night. [/B]Whenever teams throw an effective zone at the Zags, one of the first things you'll see Few do is get Dranginis in the game if he isn't already on the floor. [B]He is fantastic at finding gaps in the zone off the bounce. Once he hits the gap, he has an excellent floater, but he is also highly adept at finding open shooters, open cutters and open big men near the rim.[/B] Having two big guys like Wiltjer and Sabonis who can stick that foul line jumper also helps.[/I] *************************************************** [I]Our team is actually setup very well to go against this extended zone. This zone gives elbows and short corners wide open. It is designed to make you think the split pass is open when it really is not, while taking away the immediate ball reversal pass ( think wing to top off key pass). The other unique thing about this zone is the high pick and pop is generally wide open due to their wing extensions (wiltjer special specialty). Pitt does great job dissecting this type zone because of their dual short corner post offense. Getting ball to short corner creates a weak side pass to diagonal block cutter because opposite wing was extended for the cross court pass to steal. [B]I see a lot of wiltjer drains flashing and dragging across the paint to elbows forcing either the opposite defender to stay ( which leaves slide down open look on overload) and upon elbow or free throw entry sabonis duck in or opposite wing ( Mac or drains) dropping for slash look. Real susceptible to weak side baseline offensive rebounding...draino and Mac will be key here[/B] Concern is Perkins and propensity to make the skip pass which is what this zone wants you to think is open...while he has gotten much much better this zone is a teaser for those looks[/I] [/QUOTE]

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