(02-06-2021 01:09 PM)GFlash68 Wrote: Without a high volume 3 pt scorer, correcting this team will be a challenge. We, as fans, tend to think that the correction must come from offense. My disgust is this teams lack of defensive desire. This is not typical for a Sendy coached team. I think that he slipped this year because he was getting offense productivity that resulted in wins. Last night, I saw what was probably the worst defensive effort in years. Akron played a mediocre second half but still played at will. We have played some good defensive possessions, but not for a game. If we win from here on out, IMO, it will be because of great defensive effort. After watching DP and Beck, stand flat footed as drivers get to the bucket, and then tie that to our poor perimeter defense, I am doubtful.
As for Gio, I love the guy. He controls the pace and delivers the pass as it should be done. He makes pure point guard an art form. He just needs players around him. We have to recognize that he has a slow release on the shot and most likely will not be a prolific scorer. However, all good teams need a Gio.
I agree about the defense, and this being unusual for Sendy. But let's not forget the bulk of this team is new, despite being jr/sr, and frankly overachieved (based on nearly all predictions) until the injuries ... to the point as stated above the 'D' became secondary to the 'O.' Prior to injuries, can't remember a Kent offense this explosive.
Also, this is not a traditional Kent offense, playing 5-out. Only time Kent pounds the ball inside is with O'Neal. Other than that, it's either cuts to the hoop or backdowns by DP or Beck. Nuga's ability to drive AND hit 3s is a big loss. Ditto Hamilton playing above the rim.
Gio is good just like Jalen Avery was good ... because there were other more dangerous players on the court with him. Gio's barely 10ppg now. Tough seeing even that hold up if Gio becomes a focus for opponents defense.
Now, quite likely, Sendy has to tweak the offense somehow. DP is just not a post player so that's out. O'Neal looks to be a solid 12-15 minute guy, but that's it. Soooo, Defense has to step up, but flipping the switch on that can be tough. We'll see.
The next option is a bench player rising to the occasion. So far not much hope for Bainbridge, Hernandez or VCD in that department. Bainbridge is completely lost ... Hernandez looks to be good when he's a junior, but he's a freshman right now. VCD is not a shooter/perimeter player, and while he's likley moved ahead of Bainbridge on the baseline, that's not really where Kent's issues are.
Perhaps Jordan??? ... but he has yet to show the hot streaks (3 pters) he had in the junior college ranks. Even if he has a breakout game ... will he have another?
So now it's back to defense. Nine games left to fix it.