(11-18-2017 05:25 PM)WMtribe17 Wrote:  We played a UCF team without their starting PG and their backup PG for most of the game. They had to have their starting 3 play PG because they had nobody else. If they have both of those players, I think W&M loses by more

Hmm, did we know that? If so, why didn't we press more? Got to take advantage of opponent's weaknesses.

This is not a pressing team. They still had three to four players on the floor (most of the night) who could handle the ball and get their own shot, so it would probably have led to easy baskets, especially from their very large human.

I like pressing basketball. I agree with BillyMac, pressing today would probably have backfired on us.

Today's game was about as expected. Away game with really nothing to play for other than getting better as a team.

Positives: Milon and Pierce continued to show real talent and the ability to play at this level. We have them for three years. Defense was better on the ball and help was there.
Negatives: Knight showed some laziness on defense and got in foul trouble. We all know we can't be successful without him on the floor most of the game. Cohn was frustrated on offense.

Tacko Fall is one of the 40 tallest men on the planet (according to the broadcast team)

(11-18-2017 06:37 PM)billymac Wrote:  This is not a pressing team. They still had three to four players on the floor (most of the night) who could handle the ball and get their own shot, so it would probably have led to easy baskets, especially from their very large human.

Also pressing requires depth, which W&M doesn't really have yet and not against a team like UCF.

Most positive item was our ball handing with 17 assists to 7 turnovers! Our 3 point shooting is still a work in progress at 9-28 but we ran our offense much better and held our own on the boards only being outrebounded 44-36. Cohn still seems to not be himself but Pierce and Milon as others have stated looked good. Remember Milon's home is Orlando! Good effort and much better BB than either of our first two games.

(11-18-2017 07:14 PM)Rocco Wrote:  

(11-18-2017 06:37 PM)billymac Wrote:  This is not a pressing team. They still had three to four players on the floor (most of the night) who could handle the ball and get their own shot, so it would probably have led to easy baskets, especially from their very large human.

Also pressing requires depth, which W&M doesn't really have yet and not against a team like UCF.

This

(11-18-2017 08:45 PM)WMtribe17 Wrote:  

(11-18-2017 07:14 PM)Rocco Wrote:  

(11-18-2017 06:37 PM)billymac Wrote:  This is not a pressing team. They still had three to four players on the floor (most of the night) who could handle the ball and get their own shot, so it would probably have led to easy baskets, especially from their very large human.

Also pressing requires depth, which W&M doesn't really have yet and not against a team like UCF.

This

Okay, so not to disagree with any of the valid points about pressing -- so let's just say that UCF lucked into the best possible opponent to play when their first two starting point guards were out.

One thing that frustrated me in the game was that Tony must have really emphasized assists and sharing the ball in practice and pre-game -- because we had a ton of plays where we took that one pass too many. We passed 3 or 4 or 5 times and then when the open shot was there -- we then passed it again. That last pass resulted in a player less open or less ready or less good getting the ball and missing the shot. I was yelling at the screen for them to "just shoot the ball already". Obviously, 17 assists is a good thing, but sometimes you can overdo a good thing. They would have had even more assists if some of those passers had shot instead.

(Oops, better not say that I was yelling at the screen. Don't want to imply that I am investing too much psychic energy in following the athletic exploits of 18-22 year old kids)!

It's game 3 for a young team with very little starting experience. The two returning starters are being asked to play different roles than last year. The previous offense, as it should, ran through Daniel, Jack, and Omar. Complimentary and role players are being asked to take on new roles.

Shaver's offense is at its best when the assist numbers are up. I think that is what they are trying to do, but don't know exactly how to do it. So games of too little passing and others with over passing aren't a surprise. I think it is all part of the growing process. The end goal is sorting things out and being comfortable in the offense come conference play when it really matters.

Sure, the game yesterday could have gone in our favor, but UCF was the better team. Even without a true PG on the floor, they have long, athletic attacking guards and forwards. They could get to the hoop all day long. Not exactly our best matchup.

Bring on the Hornette's from Winchester

I thought there was a lot more positive from this game than negative. The team is improving and actually running the offense. They’re not going to face a team full of athletic guards with a 7’6” Center very often...