I actually saw a lot I liked tonight

[IthacaMatt]

I think you’re both right. I think there was a lot to like compared to the first couple of games…and still not be a very good overall product.

First, you have to build a basic defense.

Then, you have to build up your players' offensive skills / opportunities, figure out where they can find good shots.

I think that we've gone from having neither of those, to clearly making progress.

Right now, pretty much everyone has to play well for us to beat a good team.

Although we didn't do that against St. John's, the fact that it was our experienced guys who were the weak links, and we were still right there in the game, bodes well for the future.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Easier to teach rebounding than 3 point shooting

And despite Boeheim ragging on Bell after the game, you might have noticed that we were only out-rebounded by 9. That's about in our expected range - we can usually win if we hold the rebound deficit to under 10. We got out-rebounded by Richmond by 17 the night before and won.