Time to move on from Cole Swider experiment

[CardiacCuse]

Actually Elijah did very well his first year (2018-20199 playing here, especially considering Tyus Battle, OShae Brissett, Frank Howard etc were on the team. He made a mark his first year here despite not being the focus of the offense. Elijah Hughes College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

yeah he played well but wasnt a star level player until his second year (3rd in the system)...my point that it takes a while to get up to speed still stands, imo

 

[CuseFaninVT]

So, as I said earlier, finally got around to watching the UVA game last night. Noticed one difference between Jimmy and Cole that was striking to me. Not sure I've noticed this before, but there are times when Jimmy receives a pass that he clearly has made his mind up that he's going to drive the ball. Makes him look like he has a very quick first step, when in reality he's just being decisive. That's what Cole lacks completely - decisive actions when he's going to drive. He takes a dribble, then a hesitation dribble, then pretty much gets stopped in his tracks. It's every time. His inability to get around a guy is totally of his own doing. He needs to be more decisive and less predictable.

 

[br801]

So, as I said earlier, finally got around to watching the UVA game last night. Noticed one difference between Jimmy and Cole that was striking to me. Not sure I've noticed this before, but there are times when Jimmy receives a pass that he clearly has made his mind up that he's going to drive the ball. Makes him look like he has a very quick first step, when in reality he's just being decisive. That's what Cole lacks completely - decisive actions when he's going to drive. He takes a dribble, then a hesitation dribble, then pretty much gets stopped in his tracks. It's every time. His inability to get around a guy is totally of his own doing. He needs to be more decisive and less predictable.

Good stuff. Maybe Jimmy is just more accustomed to being a primary scoring option at this point. Perhaps Cole can grow into a more aggressive mindset if he has some success with it.

 

[Newhouser]

So, as I said earlier, finally got around to watching the UVA game last night. Noticed one difference between Jimmy and Cole that was striking to me. Not sure I've noticed this before, but there are times when Jimmy receives a pass that he clearly has made his mind up that he's going to drive the ball. Makes him look like he has a very quick first step, when in reality he's just being decisive. That's what Cole lacks completely - decisive actions when he's going to drive. He takes a dribble, then a hesitation dribble, then pretty much gets stopped in his tracks. It's every time. His inability to get around a guy is totally of his own doing. He needs to be more decisive and less predictable.

The whole team is fairly predictable as to when they are hunting a shot. It's a fun game to play at home watching and predicting. You can almost see the cartoon balloon "I'm shooting this trip", Jimmy just does it faster than Cole, Buddy, and Joe.

 

[rhcuse]

Cole also hesitates on catch and shoot 3s a couple times per game. You can clearly see the defender turn out towards Swider and then stop because he knows he can’t get there in time as Swider has raised the ball to start his shooting motion. Then Cole inexplicably hesitates so the defender moves up on him and Cole doesn’t shoot.

 

[orangejunkie]

Jimmy is more naturally skilled in being able to put the ball on the floor and get his shot going to the rim. I see Cole making some attempts but it is not a part of his current skill set and he's not close to Jimmy in that area.. JB has said in interviews that he wants to expand Cole's offensive game but it is a work in progress. Having said that, I think it's crazy to think that Cole shouldn't be in the starting rotation. What is the other alternative. Benny?, I don't think so. Buddy, maybe, in short stretches depending on the opponent

 

[4evaOrange]

I know what experiment it’s time for.

 

[UD1954]

I don't think Jay Wright (Villanova) lost any sleep when Cole entered the Portal....the man knows talent.

 

[Sherman20]

Buddy is to Chris Mullin what Jesse Edwards is to Pat Ewing

There are no Mullins or Ewings in college basketball anymore. They’re all gone to the NBA after freshman year. So the comparison isn’t really valid for any team in CBB.

 

[Sherman20]

as weve seen, just having deep threats don’t create open shots.

we have no one, NO ONE, who can consistently get past their man. There’s literally zero reason for every team not to face guard Joe up and down the floor and double Buddy when he gets the ball.

which is why imo the game plan needs to turn to going into Jesse more. Inside, out.

I’m very confused as to why people keep harping on the offense. We’re top 20 in offensive efficiency. Would I like to see them improve that number and get into the top 10? Yes, definitely, especially because the defense is so bad. The biggest issue holding us back from being an elite offense is the lack of bench production, which should improve with more playing time and experience for Symir and Benny as the season goes on. And the lack of JB running more off-ball screening actions and motion sets to get guys more open looks. It can’t all be 1-1 iso. We need more diversity. I’m not holding my breath for that though, as JB is stuck in his ways. Anyhow, offense is by far and away the least of our problems. Our issues begin and end with our atrocious defense, which currently ranks 188 in KenPom in defensive efficiency. If we can get that number under 100 and the offense into the top 10 or 15, we could make some noise in the ACC. But is that realistic? And how can the team and coaches make that happen? Any thoughts on improving the defense? Because that’s our biggest problem area by far.

 

[djcon57]

I’m very confused as to why people keep harping on the offense. We’re top 20 in offensive efficiency. Would I like to see them improve that number and get into the top 10? Yes, definitely, especially because the defense is so bad. The biggest issue holding us back from being an elite offense is the lack of bench production, which should improve with more playing time and experience for Symir and Benny as the season goes on. And the lack of JB running more off-ball screening actions and motion sets to get guys more open looks. It can’t all be 1-1 iso. We need more diversity. I’m not holding my breath for that though, as JB is stuck in his ways. Anyhow, offense is by far and away the least of our problems. Our issues begin and end with our atrocious defense, which currently ranks 188 in KenPom in defensive efficiency. If we can get that number under 100 and the offense into the top 10 or 15, we could make some noise in the ACC. But is that realistic? And how can the team and coaches make that happen? Any thoughts on improving the defense? Because that’s our biggest problem area by far.

Because the defense won’t get better, the team was built to outscore people.

thoughts on improving the defense? Play Benny more and hope he improves. That’s all I got.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Characterizing Swider's playing as "an experiment" is dumb.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

I’m very confused as to why people keep harping on the offense. We’re top 20 in offensive efficiency. Would I like to see them improve that number and get into the top 10? Yes, definitely, especially because the defense is so bad. The biggest issue holding us back from being an elite offense is the lack of bench production, which should improve with more playing time and experience for Symir and Benny as the season goes on. And the lack of JB running more off-ball screening actions and motion sets to get guys more open looks. It can’t all be 1-1 iso. We need more diversity. I’m not holding my breath for that though, as JB is stuck in his ways. Anyhow, offense is by far and away the least of our problems. Our issues begin and end with our atrocious defense, which currently ranks 188 in KenPom in defensive efficiency. If we can get that number under 100 and the offense into the top 10 or 15, we could make some noise in the ACC. But is that realistic? And how can the team and coaches make that happen? Any thoughts on improving the defense? Because that’s our biggest problem area by far.

I think we miss Big Bad Bobby Braswell more than we miss Kadary Richmond.

 

[MikeSU02]

I’m very confused as to why people keep harping on the offense. We’re top 20 in offensive efficiency. Would I like to see them improve that number and get into the top 10? Yes, definitely, especially because the defense is so bad. The biggest issue holding us back from being an elite offense is the lack of bench production, which should improve with more playing time and experience for Symir and Benny as the season goes on. And the lack of JB running more off-ball screening actions and motion sets to get guys more open looks. It can’t all be 1-1 iso. We need more diversity. I’m not holding my breath for that though, as JB is stuck in his ways. Anyhow, offense is by far and away the least of our problems. Our issues begin and end with our atrocious defense, which currently ranks 188 in KenPom in defensive efficiency. If we can get that number under 100 and the offense into the top 10 or 15, we could make some noise in the ACC. But is that realistic? And how can the team and coaches make that happen? Any thoughts on improving the defense? Because that’s our biggest problem area by far.

Our defense can't be improved with this roster. Otherwise would absolutely say to go crazy with the defense.

Also, while the offensive efficiency number is good, a number of other offensive rankings are not and it's not fair to expect Joe to keep shooting almost 50% from three, for example. Yes, Buddy might tick up, but I'm guessing that 19th ranking is soft and will trend down once we get into ACC play. Maybe I'll be wrong.

I would love nothing more than to have the defense be better. I just don't see it.