but invariably allowing our opponents to go on big runs in the second half to put the game out of reach. Of course we're not able to see any of these games, so it's difficult to pinpoint what's occurring, but it's happened a lot this year. I wish I had the answer, but it wouldn't matter if I did because we would probably continue doing the same thing over and over. Groundhog Day lives!
We don't have a takeover scorer who is a perimeter player, and our defense is a step worse this year.
(12-22-2013 02:01 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]We don't have a takeover scorer who is a perimeter player, and our defense is a step worse this year.
I think Josh is developing into that player, and Kemy has some ofthowe qualities. If you'll notice Kemy makes some threes at critical points in the game. The defense I don't know about. I know Will doesn't have the quickest feet ,nor does Gus. A lot of defense has to do with anticipation and getting to where the opponent wants to go before he gets there. Larry Bird was slow afoot, but he was a good defensive player because of his anticipation.
It is our transition defense that is the problem.
(12-22-2013 05:03 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]It is our transition defense that is the problem.
But why just in the second half? Fatigue? If we can keep it close in the first half, we should be able to do the same in the second half. Are our players unable to play the amount of minutes they're playing and keep up the pace. Coach better figure it out pretty soon.
I think it is the other teams. When they turned it up a notch, we do not have the firepower to stay with them. Or weren't willing to, or something.
(12-22-2013 08:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]I think it is the other teams. When they turned it up a notch, we do not have the firepower to stay with them. Or weren't willing to, or something.
In other words, we're like the running back that has one gear, and our opponents are like the running back that can kick it into a higher gear when needed.
(12-22-2013 09:04 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]In other words, we're like the running back that has one gear, and our opponents are like the running back that can kick it into a higher gear when needed.
It is just that their high gear is higher than ours. When Bob Hayes kicked it into high gear, he would blow past other runners.
Our defense is off this year: interior, perimeter and transition. I know you guys don't like to hear about defense, but it is killing us. Now we are not alone in that: lots of teams are seeing their defensive numbers unravel this year, I suppose because of the new rules.
In the past, the Trojans could get by with mediocre offense because our defense usually was outstanding. Not so this year. We have a good group of shooters, but we can't defend.
(12-22-2013 09:09 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ] (12-22-2013 09:04 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]In other words, we're like the running back that has one gear, and our opponents are like the running back that can kick it into a higher gear when needed.
It is just that their high gear is higher than ours. When Bob Hayes kicked it into high gear, he would blow past other runners.
Our defense is off this year: interior, perimeter and transition. I know you guys don't like to hear about defense, but it is killing us. Now we are not alone in that: lots of teams are seeing their defensive numbers unravel this year, I suppose because of the new rules.
In the past, the Trojans could get by with mediocre offense because our defense usually was outstanding. Not so this year. We have a good group of shooters, but we can't defend.
It is like Bob Knight and I have always said. It is defense that wins championships. Even he didn't win when his teams didn't play D as well as they should.