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Pressing creates a faster game. A faster game creates more possessions. More possessions creates more points. I wouldn’t worry about giving up 70 points if we are scoring 100.

I liked the fast pace.

So, let's not talk about the first half. Second half, OH BABY!

AUM were a scrappy, aggressive squad, and they earned whatever success they had.

Yeah, we have some 3-point shooters this season. Watching Brown just bomb the lights out after halftime was awesome. We were generating open shots before that, but they just weren't falling.

Buffen showed some nice moves inside, and there were some great passes in the paint during the second half. We were at our best when we were moving and looking for the open man at the basket.

Our press defense looked pretty stiff to these eyes. Possession after possession, they were having difficulty getting it across mid-court before the 10-count ended.

Loved seeing the deep bench guys get some playing time. That 3-pointer to hit triple digits was fun as heck.

If I'm a basketball team in C-USA, I'm shaking my head looking at all the talent Coach Kennedy has brought to Bham. GO BLAZERS!

Seems like we could've won this game by 50+ easily if we hit our layups and freethrows. I suspect that will correct itself. I like the high pressure defense that AK's teams bring. That was one thing that was severely lacking under Haase and Ehsan.

(11-02-2021 06:58 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  Pressing creates a faster game. A faster game creates more possessions. More possessions creates more points. I wouldn’t worry about giving up 70 points if we are scoring 100.

I hope you'd be happy if average 100 points a game.

Even though I like this former head coach, we could always go back to the “hold em under 60 and we should win.” approach. Kind of like our football approach, hold em to 24 points we should win.

Just getting around to posting.....

As noted, that was an ugly first half. Our shooting was horrendous, and as Coach Bartow used to say, "You shoot good, you look good....you don't shoot good, you don't look good."

I liked the energy, especially on defense. We have a lot of athletes so we can guard 94 feet for 40 minutes, with plenty of guys ready to come off the bench. We really have about 10 guys with different skill sets but very little drop-off in talent, one to another. Top to bottom we may have as much talent as we have ever had on one team, though we really don't have anyone who is a go-to star--and I happen to think that is much needed in basketball.

My key concern with this team is how in the world AK is going to keep them together. These guys who were starters in the SEC, Big East, AAC and even Sun Belt didn't come to UAB to play 18 minutes a game. The returning starters who came back can't be happy about playing part-time either. How we divvy up minutes, and keep egos in check, is going to be the key to whether this team can make a decent post-season run.

I actually think these guys came here to win a championship. They know each other. They come in knowing they have to assume roles.

(11-02-2021 05:06 PM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  I actually think these guys came here to win a championship. They know each other. They come in knowing they have to assume roles.

I don't disagree--and I sure hope that is the case. And I have not heard a single comment from any of them that would suggest otherwise. But I am sure a lot of those guys think THEY are going to be the one to lead us to the next level. Competitors have a hard time seeing their minutes decrease (as well as their PPG), especially when they are coming from a major to a "mid-major."

I know that AK knows all this, but watching them play last night reminded me how difficult it is going to be to pull that off.

I have no worries as long as they are winning; the true test comes if they hit a rough patch.

my thoughts from the exhibition game

Locure was very impressive. Plays fast and looks always in control and game saavy.

Walker was overplaying alot but is very skilled.

Buffen plays with a boulder sized chip on his shoulder.

LeBlanc is like smaller version of Jemison. An athlete that plays basketball. not born to play the game but athleticism bridges that gap. Can jump very high.

Justin Brown plays smooth and under control. nice release on his jump shots. 5-7 3 pointers as evidence.

Didn't gather much from Johnson Tate Diedhiou
Hope they surprise in upcoming games.

(11-02-2021 05:12 PM)bftb Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 05:06 PM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  I actually think these guys came here to win a championship. They know each other. They come in knowing they have to assume roles.

I don't disagree--and I sure hope that is the case. And I have not heard a single comment from any of them that would suggest otherwise. But I am sure a lot of those guys think THEY are going to be the one to lead us to the next level. Competitors have a hard time seeing their minutes decrease (as well as their PPG), especially when they are coming from a major to a "mid-major."

I know that AK knows all this, but watching them play last night reminded me how difficult it is going to be to pull that off.

I think this is fair, and to be expected to an extent. I do have some concern about going the transfer method as anecdotally it seems like those teams don't gel until conference time. That doesn't hurt you if you're LSU or Kentucky, but it's held South Alabama back since they're in a one-bid league.

Either way, glad to hear the second half went well and can't wait for Tuesday.

(11-01-2021 09:25 PM)BlazerMatt Wrote:  

After AK, is that Quan? I really need to spend time getting familiar with everyone's faces. Seems like a great kid, love the smile & personality.

Yes that's Quan. I saw him close up in person recently. He seems taller than 6'4" and is extremely long/lanky. I can absolutely see why he is such a nightmare on defense.