RE: Offens(ive)
Thought this thread was worth bringing back to life under new management.
After just two games it appears there have been some huge changes to our offense.
1. Guard oriented - we were trying to get the ball into the post on pretty much every play under McGrath. We are now using our 5 to set high picks to clear the paint and allow our guards to get to the bucket minus a big defender.
2. Motion and picks - Our offense was four guards at the three point line passing around the perimeter, hoping to get an open 3. Or, we would pass the ball into Linssen or Dodd. We are now setting picks, looking for cuts across the paint, penetrating and kicking out to a 3 point shooter. And, our passes and movement are quick and precise. Still some bad passes on the bounce to cutters but at least the movement is there. As a result, you can really see some of the strengths of our guards we didn't really see before.
Tolefree - IMO, the biggest change on the team under Burke. He drives to the basket harder than any player on the team. Not great handles, so he usually needs some help with a pick or getting the ball on the move when he cuts, but once he makes his move, he's getting to the basket and can finish with contact. He then shoots 76% from the line.
Okauru - NOW we can see why he was a 3 star out of HS and was recruited by Florida. He has shown himself to be a clutch player in these past two games. Reminds me a lot of Ponder. Once he gets to the basket the balls going in. He made one of the best final plays I can remember at UNCW on his drive and dunk to put us into OT against NU. Almost lost the ball on the dribble drive, but calmly regained control and finished. Then he put down four ft's in a row to help seal the win in overtime. Looks like the obvious leader on this team and a go to guy at the end of games when we need a bucket or ft's. Great rebounder and assist man as well.
Phillips - One on one handles and quickness that cannot be stopped if he wants to drive. Burke has obviously asked him to be more of a scorer. Under McGrath, he didn't shoot much so we didn't really see his offensive game. Best mid range pull up jumper on the team and possibly in the CAA. Once he gets past his defender and into the paint he is able to fake and move defenders to get off his deadly jumper. He's only attempted 12 threes this season and hit 4. I'm sure Burke is going to want to see those numbers go up. If he can become a competent 3 point shooter, he is going to be an offensive nightmare for other teams. Confident player who shoots 71% from the line so it would be nice if he could get to 80%.
Sims - Seemed to really lose his confidence this season and was really struggling in all aspect on offense. Started off the NU game hitting two 3's in a row, which were his only attempts, then finished the game 1-4 from the field. I'm really not sure what his offensive game should look like. He isn't quick on his drives so he finds himself getting called for charges a lot or turning the ball over. His best game is probably as a spot up 3 point shooter. He brings good size to the floor, but needs to find a way to contribute to our offense against DI competition. Also went 0-4 fromthe FT line and missed back to back ft's against NU that could have sealed the win. Hoping his confidence and scoring return under Burke
Gadsden - Ty has been slow to get his offensive game back on track. Primarily a spot up 3 point shooter under McGrath, he's struggled from the 3 since his comeback. But, he has now shown he can take the ball to the rack and finish. He went 4-5 from the field against NU, but took only one 3 point attempt and missed. We need the dead eye 3 point shot to return and i'm sure it will.
Linssen - Just as solid as you can get scoring in the paint. Burke has obviously reduced our reliance on his scoring as a post up player, but he has become a huge asset setting high picks and drawing his defender away from the basket because he is such a good scorer. With a more guard oriented attack, he should have a chance to grab offensive rebound s off missed drives to the bucket and finish the second chance.
Dodd - right now Dodd is mostly a cleanup player in the post on offense. A monster on the boards, this new emphasis on guards driving to the basket should really give him a lot of second chance points. He has a monster offensive rebound against NU and finshed with a rim rattling dunk.
Boggs- Not there yet on offense, but he has shown a versatile game and has one of the most mechanically sound 3 point strokes on the team. Should be one of our best from three as he gets more confident and stronger. If he can improve his handles and get physically stronger, he's going to be a nightmare to stop.
Overall, this new offense plays to the offensive strengths of our guards. And by driving to the basket on almost every play, we have a better chance at offensive rebounds. If we can start getting the three ball to drop, we should get back to scoring in the 70's. It's just a matter of time. Estime' should help with scoring, but who will he take minutes from?
(This post was last modified: 01-23-2020 06:33 AM by 82hawk.)
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