RE: Temple @ USC game
Very interesting analysis.
Had not previously considered the strategy of limiting turnovers by taking more perimeter shots, when the opponent has a strong interior defense.
Of course, this only works when a team hits a fair % of perimeter shots, which Temple was able to do with patience & play-making to create high percentage shots.
Rose has changed his game a lot since freshman season, when he scored a lot of points on spectacular athletic drives to the hoop. He made the adjustment in conference play, particularly after his stress fracture last season.
Game 4 was Rose's best game of the season, and hopefully is a sign of things to come. He reported not feeling well after game 1, and perhaps he's feeling physically healthier now.
Definitely agree about the benefits of balanced scoring, and think that if Rose continues to struggle from 2 pt area, he should focus more on play-making to interior players, as he did in game 4. Also helps that he's only playing 30 mpg.
Josh's playing has come as a complete surprise, especially him leading the team in scoring in game 4. But I had thought he was a good defender - and he does lead the team in steals per minute played, but you made an interesting point about USC going on a run when Scott was replaced by JPL in the lineup, second half.
I can definitely see Scott getting 16 mpg despite his poor productivity in pts, rebounds, etc., because the other two back up guards have flaws in their games. From what I'm starting to gather, perhaps Scott has the basketball IQ to be in the right place at the right time more often than Alani and JPL are.
Regarding Hamilton, I'm surprised that Coach McKie has already found a way to persuade him to accept the role that the team needs him to play, near the basket, and as an interior defender and rebounder. That's especially important without the availability of Damion Moore. If it continues, Temple's prospects may be better than I might have expected.
Needless to say, though, we need Damion to get back into action and in full health as soon as possible.
I know he has a back injury, and that it was bad enough to keep him out of two games. Do you know if he suited up, or if he was present at the USC game, or have you heard anything about how serious the injury was? Back injuries can take a long time to recover from. If it takes him out of action too long, he might qualify for a medical redshirt and another year of eligibility.
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