Where are all the steals coming from?

[ImperialOrange]

I haven't been able to watch any games yet, but have caught a few on AM radio on my way home from work.

We've got 7 guys averaging at least 1 steal per game and Dion leading the charge with 2.3 spg.

Are most of these from the zone, man, or our press defense? I know the press has been great but have a fair amount been from half court defense as well?

 

[fanfanclubclub]

yea half court D has been amazing. Melooooooo! (thickburger sure helps too)

 

[jekelish]

Solid defensive efforts, sure, but defensive stats are always skewed early in the year when you're playing inferior competition. Superior athleticism always creates inflated steal and blocked shot stats.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Solid defensive efforts, sure, but defensive stats are always skewed early in the year when you're playing inferior competition. Superior athleticism always creates inflated steal and blocked shot stats.

Granted, I was just curious what defense we were running to create a majority of the steals since I havent been able to watch.

I figured blocked shots number is actually down because noone is getting anywhere near the rim before turning it over.

 

[TinyManInside]

They're probably somewhat inflated because we haven't played a very tough schedule yet.

 

[mark79]

Pretty much everyone is playing an easier schedule and we are still in the top 3 nationally in steals so I think it is still a pretty good indicator that our defense is very good.

It is a combination of our usual frenzied zone and our increased pressing that is keeping our numbers up there. As has been mentioned, let's see if that continues
once our competition gets better. Tomorrow should be a good barometer! I think having four guards with very quick hands makes a big difference. JS is getting his share too as is KJ.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=37.600222,-77.826710

 

[suthrills]

We haven't played the stiffest competition but it's great to see Dion playing inspired D with high energy. I still don't love his penchant for reaching but he's playing with such zeal that I think even the coaches are ok with it.

 

[ImperialOrange]

We haven't played the stiffest competition but it's great to see Dion playing inspired D with high energy. I still don't love his penchant for reaching but he's playing with such zeal that I think even the coaches are ok with it.

Wonder if has alot to do with our coaches not having to worry about foul trouble? Nice to be hyper aggressive on D and not be snake bit if the whistles come out.

 

[SkanSU]

We have had a number from the press most certainly ... especially it seemed against Stanford ... but against the inferior teams it seemed the press nabbed quite a few. You are not going to see that against much better teams and don't even look for the press against Florida. Otherwise IMO it seems the zone and good movement by ou guards, especially Dion, has been the most productive as far as steals go ... and the 1/2 court defense has been awesome (I just wish we could get a great 1/2 court offense going)

 

[SaintTristan]

Dion. He is basically the God of defense now. Best defensive player ever to attend SU. We currently have 6 players averaging more than 1.0 steals per game. These kids are heroes.

Dion
Scoop
Southy
KJ
MCW
CJ

The effort they make each night deserves a round of applause.

 

[realorange]

We'll find out tomorrow night, who is good and who has just been taking advantage of lesser players.

 

[NineOneSeven]

"Dion. He is basically the God of defense right now."

I've been looking for a signature, perhaps this?

 

[stuckinbig11]

don't forget the long arms of Southerland

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

The stats can be misleading, but I think a few factors really stand out. Dion is obviously explosive, and he has really gotten smarter in regards to when to gamble. MCW just plain attacks people. Quite gawky lookin when he does it, but tenacious would be an understatement. You have Fab intimidating players. Against our zone, blind passes via driving guards when confronted by our 7-footer, end up transition buckets. Southerland is fantastic as the first line of defense when we press. All in all... I think all the steals are sustainable. Maybe even more so, depending on whether or not MCW can continue to earn more and more time.