(02-05-2020 10:14 PM)memtigbb Wrote: Glad to hear Penny saying he has started calling plays. Should have been from the beginning.
We’ve heard Penny say this half a dozen times at halftime.
“I need to rein them in, use the reins, call more set plays”
Even the announcers called him out on it in the 2nd half.
If you’re constantly having to do this, why let them play haphazard in the first place?
We know Penny has the basketball IQ. I believe the question here is does he have the dogged patience and coaching ethic to change philosophy mid season?
Every player wants to push the pace, and the coach has been cheering them on from the start....I believe he tells them, if you can build a lead, then I’ll let you continue to play fast and make you’re own choices. I think this is a habit learned from an NBA style that just doesn’t work in college, especially with freshmen. How many NBA games are free wheeling that only get serious in the 4th quarter?
He’s effectively admitting to this Achilles heel issue on National TV every week. Two weeks ago his final pregame speech word was “Zoom!”
But we’ve seen a dozen times this team fall behind early, and have to crawl back. It’s not working. Also, it’s not how he’ll be able to coach or play in the conference tournament or NCAA’s against quality competition.
This team doesn’t value every possession and it shows. If our coach valued every possession then he’d demonstrate it by forcing them to slow it down and be more deliberate.
He’s also admitted that he’s surprised at the defensive rankings and poor offensive play.
Maybe it’s a style thing, and we will never change. As fans we love a fast pace, but smart Tiger fans would say adjust the tempo based on your players capabilities. We’d all like to see less turnovers at the cost of scoring fewer points.
I feel like the coaches got this team and designed a sports car with Bond gadgets that goes fast and plays great defense.
But the car has evolved in the season into a Mack Truck. (Think Virginia)
Coach has to adjust his driving style because a truck can still win the conference tournament and beyond. What if the team goal is to keep them under 50, not first to 80. Win ugly games under 50 points?
It’s not fun to play or coach, but it is fun to win.
I love Coach Hardaway’s honesty and direct frankness especially in his press conferences. But he’s so open, that there’s nothing to hide. We see it in games, we hear it over and over.
The team played well tonight. I’m glad for this win. Here’s to winning a lot more by the end of the season...