The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Three Observations

1) The Monarchs jumped out to an early lead, but what really told me about the progress this team has made was in the 2nd half when WKU tried to mount some runs. Three different times, the Hilltoppers cut the lead to 10, and each time, the Monarchs responded. First, it was Caver with a 3, then Baker with a 3, and then Aaron Carver with a tip-in. Not so long ago, I'm not sure these guys would have had it in them to make those plays at that critical time. They are maturing, gaining experience, and most importantly, gaining confidence.

2) Related to #1, our young guys continue to mature. Caver is becoming an all-league player, BJ is finding ways to contribute even when the shots aren't falling (he and Caver are both excellent rebounders as guards), and Porter and Carver continue to gain confidence and an understanding of their roles. Talley had one of his worst games of the year, but it wasn't a lack of effort, it was just one of those nights. I'd expect him to bounce back this week.

3) The biggest change to me recently has been the energy. The bench players are more into the game, and maybe most surprisingly, I feel as though this is the most animated Jeff has been since he's been here. He's riding the officials. He's firing up the players, and at one point on Saturday night, he was even waving his arms to get the crowd into it. This energy change has definitely affected the play on the court and it seems like the guys are having some fun.

Two Questions

1) How do the young guys handle a long road trip with 3rd place riding on it? Getting to El Paso is no picnic, the UTEP crowd will be large, and then, they have to turn around and head to San Antonio to play in front of a crowd smaller than many high schools', and create their own energy against a UTSA team that has surprised some folks this year.

2) In addition to facing a big, boisterous crowd on Thursday night, UTEP might be the hottest team in the conference and is sure to throw a ton of junk defenses at the Monarchs. They'll constantly be forcing the Monarchs to recognize defenses quickly and make some decisions. Honestly, this falls on Caver's shoulders. The question is, is Caver ready to aggressively attack the defenses Tim Floyd will throw at him?

One prediction

1) I really don't like predicting this game. I've made the trip to El Paso. It isn't easy. I watched UTEP early in the year, they were TERRIBLE. I haven't seen them recently, but I can read. Clearly, things are different now. They have enough talent on the roster and they've put some things together. Maybe I'm naive, but I'm not convinced. I think the Monarchs hold on down the stretch to lock up 3rd with BJ sealing it at the line in the last 2 minutes.

4.) Kah!!! Hope to see a lot more of that...

Regarding Question #1: If we take care of business against UTEP, than the UTSA game becomes meaningless in terms of conference seeding. We'll be #3 win or lose (though it could potentially be win #20. If we have some dinged up players, we can rest them a little.)

However, it we don't, and Rice keeps winning, we'll be playing for a first round by at UTSA.

Kah was very impressive offensively. He doesnt lack confidence. Defensively.......at least he tries hard

1). Chemistry. ODU opened the game with each of their first 6 FGs scored by different players. The pace of the passing while executing the offense has picked up noticably and players no longer seem reluctant to take the open shot when the opportunity presents itself.

2). Aaron Carver in quietly producing quality minutes that give ODU more flexibility rotating their bigs. Taylor's propensity for early foul trouble left ODU often going small and collapsing the defense to buy minutes. Carver allows ODU to continue their base defense whitout overexrending Stith and Porter.

3). Calling Caver. The team is now Caver's and opponents will need to game plan accordingly. UTEP plays every junk defense there is and Caver will likely be their target (box and 1?). If Caver is slow to react to their changes and pressure then ODU's lack of quality secondary ball handlers or perimeter snipers will become evident.

(02-27-2017 07:08 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Kah was very impressive offensively. He doesnt lack confidence. Defensively.......at least he tries hard

I'm glad you brought up defensive effort. I thought about that on Saturday with WKU. They were awful on defense. They seemed to have no clue at all about what to do. However, at least they tried hard. Marshall didn't even try to defend on Thursday.

That was the difference. Kah has no idea what he's doing on defense, but he tries hard and picks up a man....even if it isn't who he's supposed to guard. It left open a couple wide open shots, but it's better than just being caught nowhere.

(02-28-2017 09:07 AM)Gilesfan Wrote:  That was the difference. Kah has no idea what he's doing on defense, but he tries hard and picks up a man....even if it isn't who he's supposed to guard. It left open a couple wide open shots, but it's better than just being caught nowhere.

I am hoping he figures everything out defensively. We have all seen how he can make an impact, even when he is out of position. He is athletic enough to be a really good defender. If he can understand the defensive concepts, he could be a really good player for us next year.

Nine points in limited minutes. Plus he swatted one shot out of nowhere. I'm thinking Kah would be great running the back of a 1-3-1 but I don't think we even have that defense .

Im thinking Aaron Carver will be the next Keyon Carter. Solid solid roll player that every team needs off the bench. His demeanor is very calm and collected and makes the right basketball play. He is young and will take time to develop but in time will be a great player for us

(02-28-2017 09:32 AM)mac Wrote:  Nine points in limited minutes. Plus he swatted one shot out of nowhere. I'm thinking Kah would be great running the back of a 1-3-1 but I don't think we even have that defense .

We've used a 1-3-1 a handful of times this year, but not with great success. In particular, we've had trouble covering the corners in it, if the offense overloads one side.

Help me out here. What is the term "junk defense?" Is that a real term or do they just have bad defense?

My stab is it is not necessarily quality they are after, but quantity. Hoping to cause offensive miscues just by simply playing a different type of defense each possession.

I was actually wondering the same thing. Is that like being a button masher in Tekken?

(02-28-2017 10:56 AM)odu09 Wrote:  Help me out here. What is the term "junk defense?" Is that a real term or do they just have bad defense?

My stab is it is not necessarily quality they are after, but quantity. Hoping to cause offensive miscues just by simply playing a different type of defense each possession.

Junk defenses is a term used for defenses with a combination of some zone and some man-to-man. Box and 1 or Triangle and 2 are junk defenses that Tim Floyd has used in the past. But, you could see a whole bunch of combinations from him, including a 1-3 zone with a chaser (presumably against Caver).

Basically any creative defense besides man or 2-3/3-2 zone.

(02-28-2017 10:56 AM)odu09 Wrote:  Help me out here. What is the term "junk defense?"

basically this. :(

(02-28-2017 09:36 AM)cmett003 Wrote:  Im thinking Aaron Carver will be the next Keyon Carter. Solid solid roll player that every team needs off the bench. His demeanor is very calm and collected and makes the right basketball play. He is young and will take time to develop but in time will be a great player for us

Great comparison and definitely see him fitting that role well in the future. He has continually remained loyal to the process and program; from taking that post-grad year, remaining committed and putting in work during his redshirt year. I am sure it will pay dividends for him and ODU.

(02-28-2017 02:33 PM)Petey Hodge Wrote:  

(02-28-2017 10:56 AM)odu09 Wrote:  Help me out here. What is the term "junk defense?"

basically this. :(

Nice. :)

(02-28-2017 02:33 PM)Petey Hodge Wrote:  

(02-28-2017 10:56 AM)odu09 Wrote:  Help me out here. What is the term "junk defense?"

basically this. :(

Cold

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Sorry all. I'm a skins fan.

Our D sucks.

3rd and 18 feels like 3rd and 1. It is what it is...