So...any issues with the big men is on the guards.

I see.

(03-22-2014 03:34 PM)SouthernBlue Wrote:  

(03-22-2014 11:35 AM)MemphisTigerPawr Wrote:  Its not just that the passes are weak, its that they hit them in their shins. They have to bend over to get the ball and six hands are slapping at it, usually one of them gets it, or by the time they do get back up to shoot the ball the defense has had time to position itself. Give the ball to the big men high. Neither one of these guys are bad about bringing down low. Nichols has excellent fundamentals. Both of them have great touch around the hoop and are great passers, they just don't need to waste a second or two fighting for the ball down at their shins first.

With Shaq, it is not just the entry pass. His habit is to bring the ball down to his waist every times he has it. He also tries to dribblein the low post with multiple players around him. Both of these habits lead to turnovers. Time and agsin in crucial moments in the last few games he has done this. It would be great if he would learn from Austin to keep the ball high in the low post. Keith Lee was also really good at this if I remember correctly.

Great points. But the guy improved dramatically after his first year, there is no reason to think he won't do it again.

(03-22-2014 10:37 PM)Mimi Wrote:  So...any issues with the big men is on the guards.

I see.

Sometimes.

Of course.

And sometimes guard issues are on the big men.

Just poking those who seem to blame the guards for the Malaysian flight- while never even thinking that it is at least remotely possible that Nichols or Shaq may actually- play sub par.

(03-22-2014 11:10 PM)TigerBill Wrote:  

(03-22-2014 03:34 PM)SouthernBlue Wrote:  

(03-22-2014 11:35 AM)MemphisTigerPawr Wrote:  Its not just that the passes are weak, its that they hit them in their shins. They have to bend over to get the ball and six hands are slapping at it, usually one of them gets it, or by the time they do get back up to shoot the ball the defense has had time to position itself. Give the ball to the big men high. Neither one of these guys are bad about bringing down low. Nichols has excellent fundamentals. Both of them have great touch around the hoop and are great passers, they just don't need to waste a second or two fighting for the ball down at their shins first.

With Shaq, it is not just the entry pass. His habit is to bring the ball down to his waist every times he has it. He also tries to dribblein the low post with multiple players around him. Both of these habits lead to turnovers. Time and agsin in crucial moments in the last few games he has done this. It would be great if he would learn from Austin to keep the ball high in the low post. Keith Lee was also really good at this if I remember correctly.

Great points. But the guy improved dramatically after his first year, there is no reason to think he won't do it again.

Shaq and Austin both take that little one dribble before shooting under the goal. Teams that scout us know it's coming from both of them and are prepared to steal the ball. I think Calipari instituted that but his was more of a crossing the lane dribble bounce to get the defensive man to back off not under the goal with 3 defenders on them. If they could just turn and shoot with the ball high they would score or get fouled. I know it's easier said than done. Shaq did make big strides Bill you are exactly right. That much improvement this coming year would be great. I'm not sure they have anyone who is a good "big man" teacher in the coaching staff. It's hard for me to have any patience with the last 3 years of big men. Coleman, Black and Shaq when we had Omar Sneed who was 6'4'' or so. What I'd give to see us get a Chris Massie or a senior Earl Barron not to mention Taggart, Dozier, Dorsey.