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All are similar in how they structured their teams based around defense first, and defense second. This philosophy just doesnt seem to work with successful runs in March, but results in great regular season results. Something happens when a team suddenly gets hot and starts making tough shots. They get tentative, and can't seem to keep their cool. All of these programs have been very similar.

Rick Pitino's Louisville teams were defensive minded teams, but he always brought in great talent that score, so it worked for him.

What can Mick do to nick this trend, or is he too unwilling to change his ways. This loss will affect this program for a while I feel.

UC lost because the players thought they won the game with 13 minutes left. Let Nevada take less contested shots and we stopped running the offense that got us the lead. I have no issue with micks defensive first mins set. It will keep UC consistently good and always give them a chance to win a game. If Cronin had Dukes players they would be a 1 seed IMO.

Difference between UC and Pitt vs. Louisville is they strictly get better players. UC doesn’t seem to be able to get top 30 players and Pitt never did either. It is what it is.

Virginia’s defense is strictly to create turnovers, not a huge fan of it at all and don’t ever see them winning a title playing that way.

(03-18-2018 08:06 PM)jarr Wrote:  All are similar in how they structured their teams based around defense first, and defense second. This philosophy just doesnt seem to work with successful runs in March, but results in great regular season results. Something happens when a team suddenly gets hot and starts making tough shots. They get tentative, and can't seem to keep their cool. All of these programs have been very similar.

Rick Pitino's Louisville teams were defensive minded teams, but he always brought in great talent that score, so it worked for him.

What can Mick do to nick this trend, or is he too unwilling to change his ways. This loss will affect this program for a while I feel.

I don’t see any good answer. Many times in the past I’ve felt that Mick was a pretty good coach who just couldn’t get the talent through the door. The thing that’s so disappointing about this loss is that it’s Mick’s most talented squad, clearly with better talent than the opponent. The team did not look prepared to win, and that’s on the coach.

I feel that Mick’s defense first recruiting philosophy is a hindrance. Recruit guys for dribble-pass-shoot skills, and coach them up on defense. Easier that way than to coach them up on offense.