(08-12-2015 05:42 PM)Blue Dynasty Wrote:  I'm always ready for basketball, even as most of the world is ready for football, well it makes sense if you know what state I'm from

That WVU defense is looking as disruptive as, or more so, than last year!

Thanks!

(08-16-2015 09:11 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  When you boys want to see elite defense let me know and I will upload some UC games......Cronin's teams are one of the best defensively ever single year. Playing UC is like getting a root canal.....

(08-16-2015 09:48 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 09:11 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  When you boys want to see elite defense let me know and I will upload some UC games......Cronin's teams are one of the best defensively ever single year. Playing UC is like getting a root canal.....

Those game were exhibition games, which are basically glorified scrimmages. It was not a well officiated organized contest. It was an opportunity for WVU to get in some extra practice, build up the camaraderie of the team, and work some new players into the system. That's what all these early season trips are for, in case you weren't aware.

Those game resembled street ball, more than any organized game. But that is exactly what was needed to give the new players a feel for the game. Huggins had advised the refs to call the game very close too, to help teach the team not to put their hands on people, picking up cheap touch fouls. That was a weakness for the team at times last season.

However, WVU forced 133 forced turnovers and 95 steals in three games. That is not a misprint.
That's an average of 44.33 TOs forced, and 31.66 steals each and every game, which is more than double last season's average for the Mountaineers. BTW, WVU led the nation in both categories last season - by a very wide margin.

If that ain't defense, I missed the memo. And I believe UC had NEVER even come close to such averages over any period - not even during Huggins' glory days in the Queen City.

(08-16-2015 04:38 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 09:48 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 09:11 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  When you boys want to see elite defense let me know and I will upload some UC games......Cronin's teams are one of the best defensively ever single year. Playing UC is like getting a root canal.....

Those game were exhibition games, which are basically glorified scrimmages. It was not a well officiated organized contest. It was an opportunity for WVU to get in some extra practice, build up the camaraderie of the team, and work some new players into the system. That's what all these early season trips are for, in case you weren't aware.

Those game resembled street ball, more than any organized game. But that is exactly what was needed to give the new players a feel for the game. Huggins had advised the refs to call the game very close too, to help teach the team not to put their hands on people, picking up cheap touch fouls. That was a weakness for the team at times last season.

However, WVU forced 133 forced turnovers and 95 steals in three games. That is not a misprint.
That's an average of 44.33 TOs forced, and 31.66 steals each and every game, which is more than double last season's average for the Mountaineers. BTW, WVU led the nation in both categories last season - by a very wide margin.

If that ain't defense, I missed the memo. And I believe UC had NEVER even come close to such averages over any period - not even during Huggins' glory days in the Queen City.

With the exception of the 92 and 93 teams, by in large Mick's Bearcats are a much better defensive unit than Huggs teams. Of course Mick can't coach offense (not that Huggs was a mastermind, but he was better).

As far as WVA defense...yup, you are playing exhibition games. Now, you put up those numbers in the regular season against ANYBODY and I will give you props. I doubt you will though....not even against the tune up teams you play.

(08-17-2015 04:12 PM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 04:38 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 09:48 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(08-16-2015 09:11 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  When you boys want to see elite defense let me know and I will upload some UC games......Cronin's teams are one of the best defensively ever single year. Playing UC is like getting a root canal.....

Those game were exhibition games, which are basically glorified scrimmages. It was not a well officiated organized contest. It was an opportunity for WVU to get in some extra practice, build up the camaraderie of the team, and work some new players into the system. That's what all these early season trips are for, in case you weren't aware.

Those game resembled street ball, more than any organized game. But that is exactly what was needed to give the new players a feel for the game. Huggins had advised the refs to call the game very close too, to help teach the team not to put their hands on people, picking up cheap touch fouls. That was a weakness for the team at times last season.

However, WVU forced 133 forced turnovers and 95 steals in three games. That is not a misprint.
That's an average of 44.33 TOs forced, and 31.66 steals each and every game, which is more than double last season's average for the Mountaineers. BTW, WVU led the nation in both categories last season - by a very wide margin.

If that ain't defense, I missed the memo. And I believe UC had NEVER even come close to such averages over any period - not even during Huggins' glory days in the Queen City.

With the exception of the 92 and 93 teams, by in large Mick's Bearcats are a much better defensive unit than Huggs teams. Of course Mick can't coach offense (not that Huggs was a mastermind, but he was better).

As far as WVA defense...yup, you are playing exhibition games. Now, you put up those numbers in the regular season against ANYBODY and I will give you props. I doubt you will though....not even against the tune up teams you play.

I figure WVU will average about the same numbers as last season. Maybe a little better, considering this is year 2 of Press Virginia.

But that ain't too shabby either. WVU led the nation in both steals and forced TOs, and by a pretty large margin too. The Mountaineers led the nation in 4 statistical categories, all related to the press. Poor shooting isn't such an issue when you take 20-30 more shots than your opponent too. That's a good thing, especially now that it appears that juco scoring leader, SG Teyvon Myers probably won't make it onto campus until the 2nd semester.