Michigan 79, Illinois 69 POSTGAME

#76      

RedRocksIllini

Morrison, CO
The hand off is fine when it is one of several options. Right now we seem to have three options: pinch post hand off, back door lob/cuts, create your own sandwich.
I'd be interest in seeing some data on that play over the course of this year. It feels like it's a fine play if the goal is to cause us to turn the ball over or commit an offensive foul, but I'm sure I'm biased. It went bad a few times early in the season and I've hated it ever since.
 
#77      
To me it's clear that the team struggles to execute the system more often than not. It's not that they aren't improving individually. When they are executing within the sets and on defense, the team can play with anyone. They've proven that several times this year.

However, time and again, there is a 10+ minute stretch...usually in the second half...where the team falls into individuals trying to create their own shot or pushing too hard. Some of those attempts we saw against scUM last night were just comically awful. They clench up at the FT line. They are anxious, tired of losing, pressing too hard, and young, which equals several minutes of undisciplined play every game.

The cohesion and execution of the game plan has to be 40 minutes before this team will threaten good teams.

I agree, but I felt like last night was the best we've seen this season of getting baskets from the system, not despite it. The lobs, feeding GB in the post after some spread actions, or Ayo taking the handoff and getting to the rim or kicking to the opposite corner. It's still not where it needs to be, but it at least felt like an improvement to me. Transition is still our best chance to score, but the half court is getting better.
 
#79      

Deleted member 29907

D
Guest
Because Griffin relies on the system to get his open looks...and we have too many guys trying to create their own shot rather than getting open looks within the sets.
Until they learn how to move the ball within the system consistently, shooters like AJ and AG aren't going to get open looks very often. We keep going back to the pinch post hand off and back door lobs over and over. Way too predictable.
This is the problem - other than Ayo (and usually he's dumping off closer to the basket) we don't have anyone else making the D commit/help and dishing to the open shooter OR skip pass over the top to the opposite corner when the D sags to stop the entry pass to Giorgi (which was open ALOT against NU). Defenses are just sagging on our pinch post and we're bound and determined to try to jam the handoff or something soft to the elbow which does not force the D to move much.
 
#80      
Not so sure I'm seeing much output (zero 3's & ppg less than 3 in BIG play) from the Nation's #1 JUCO PG. And that's from a guy who is the self proclaimed president of the Feliz fan club. Certainly not much upgrade from TJL if any.
Feliz is shooting 26% from 3. Last year, TJL shot 29%. Offensively, Feliz is having a slightly worse year than TJL did last year, with TJL getting an edge defensively IMO. Still half the year to go though, things could change.
 
#81      
The shot chart doesn’t tell it all. We lack size, depth and experience across our roster. Admittedly, we give up more lay-ups and dunks than I would like. So if we were to pack the lane and they were to shoot 45% from 3pt people would complain about that.

What that chart tells me is what has been widely known and that is we lack a true rim protector. BU has addressed that with the additions of Kofi, January and hopefully the development of Samba. This should also sure up our defensive rebounding.

I watch teams play solid fundamental defense every night and they don’t have Ralph Sampson protecting the rim. There is no reason we can’t play good funadamental defense.

So, I agree with you, the shot chart doesn’t tell it all. It doesn’t tell why we give up so many dunks and layups. The “why” is poor fundamentals. That starts at the top.
 
#83      
We are officially back. We were a few breaks away from beating the number 2 team in the nation. We just landed one of the best big men in the country for next year and Ayo looks like one of the best guards in the country right now. lock it in right now we are making the NCAA tournament next year and I expect us to win a few games in it.
 
#84      
Or, you know, Griffin is a freshman who has, so far, played abysmal defense to the point of outweighing ant offensive contribution he might make. It doesn't matter if you score 12 points a game if your defense is so bad that you give up 7 easy layups.

Yep....Griffin and Jones aren't going to play until they improve their dismal defense. For every steal or tipped pass with their long arms, they give up 4 layups because they lose their man or get beat off the dribble.

Most Freshman earn their minutes on defense first.......these 2 will be no different.

One more random thing............love Georgi............but he should go to the bench every time he shoots a 3. Last night, while we were on a roll and had a chance to tie, he chucks up the 3 that hits the other side of the backboard with no rim.......Michigan goes other way and scores. His 3s are like turnovers and Underwood should shut them down and get him in the post where he can make a difference.
 
#85      
We are officially back. We were a few breaks away from beating the number 2 team in the nation. We just landed one of the best big men in the country for next year and Ayo looks like one of the best guards in the country right now. lock it in right now we are making the NCAA tournament next year and I expect us to win a few games in it.
 
#86      
Or, you know, Griffin is a fresan who has, so far, played abysmal defense to the point of outweighing ant offensive contribution he might make. It doesn't matter if you score 12 points a game if your defense is so bad that you give up 7 easy layups.

Along these same lines, I think I read somewhere that Griffin is averaging close to 10 turnover per 40 mins. That is nothing against him as a player, other than that he is a true freshman. I fully expect him to continue to improve and eventually be a contributor. It just might not be this year, and that is not uncommon for most freshman.
 
#87      
I actually enjoyed a good amount of this game, at least comparatively to the rest of the year. Ayo is clearly our best player and I’m almost to the point of worrying about him going pro. I don’t follow the NBA, but it seems like this is going to be a relatively weak draft, and I know he definitely wants to get to the league as soon as it’s realisticslly possible. I’m really starting to wonder how this team is gonna look next year. We’ll be going from 1 good and 1 kinda serviceable big this year, to 4 serviceable-to-great bigs next year. That is a huge change, especially for a coach that stresses pressure D and positionless O. Will the scheme start to click with more talent? Or will the scheme change drastically based on the makeup of the team? I guess I’m kinda checked out for this year and just watching for progression of the young guys, but next year really has me intrigued.
 
#88      
While the handoff looked great in the training video, it seems like it is quite ineffective because it is so predictable. Not sure what the other options are, but if you hand it off 90% of the time, the defense appears ready and waiting. The handoff is often fumbled. What are options 2 and 3 and 4, and why do we always repeat the same sequence?

GO ILLINI!
 
#89      
We are officially back. We were a few breaks away from beating the number 2 team in the nation. We just landed one of the best big men in the country for next year and Ayo looks like one of the best guards in the country right now. lock it in right now we are making the NCAA tournament next year and I expect us to win a few games in it.
Can't say I really agree, but I appreciate the fresh air post. Ayo is garnering more NBA attention. Still think it's in his best interest to wait another year, but he's averaging over 20 pts over the last four games, and rebounding very well. He probably projects more as a SG at the next level right now, but his vision is there to become more of a distributor.

Kofi is huge (literally).If Ayo is back next year, I think we're one good wing player away from becoming at least an NIT team. Get a guy like Whitney (still don't see why this would happen), Patterson, or Kyree Walker and BU shouldn't have a problem making the tournament next year.

We are close, but honestly we're at least two really really good players away. Kofi is one (though as a freshman I question how much of an impact he can make). Guys like Griffin, DMW, and Jones are gonna have to step it up too.
 
#90      
We’ll be going from 1 good and 1 kinda serviceable big this year, to 4 serviceable-to-great bigs next year.

4 serviceable bigs get us maybe to the NIT.
4 great bigs get us in the top 25.

Next year a good big, Georgi
3 serviceable to good

Hopefully at least one becomes great, or at least very good.
 
#91      

Deleted member 29907

D
Guest
While the handoff looked great in the training video, it seems like it is quite ineffective because it is so predictable. Not sure what the other options are, but if you hand it off 90% of the time, the defense appears ready and waiting. The handoff is often fumbled. What are options 2 and 3 and 4, and why do we always repeat the same sequence?

GO ILLINI!
Its predictable, but over the last two games we've gotten much better at closing the gap so the defender can not get through - to the point where both NU and UM got called for multiple fouls trying to reach an arm through or hold the cutter. Thats a new happening.

Once the handoff happens, and Giorgi's guy hedges the cutter - the question is "Now What?" We've had (so far) minimal success in the post rolling to the basket for a cheap one and maybe only two examples of the pinch post faking, spinning and taking it to the rim (thank you Samba for leading the way). We HAVE to make better decisions once the big hedges to help - right now we just letting it happen without making them pay for the help.

On a side note, this is clearly a system built for year 3 and 4 players due to complexity and the reads. Anyone else concerned about trying to get 4*/5* bigs/wings up to speed quickly enough where they see the court and don't lose interest?
 
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#92      

RedRocksIllini

Morrison, CO
Its predictable, but over the last two games we've gotten much better at closing the gap so the defender can not get through - to the point where both NU and UM got called for multiple fouls trying to reach an arm through or hold the cutter. Thats a new happening.

Once the handoff happens, and Giorgi's guy hedges the cutter - the question is "Now What?" We've had (so far) minimal success in the post rolling to the basket for a cheap one and maybe only two examples of the pinch post faking, spinning and taking it to the rim (thank you Samba for leading the way). We HAVE to make better decisions once the big hedges to help - right now we just letting it happen without making them pay for the help.

On a side note, this is clearly a system built for year 3 and 4 players due to complexity and the reads. Anyone else concerned about trying to get 4*/5* bigs/wings up to speed quickly enough where they see the court and don't lose interest?
Maybe that's really the problem. The play actually requires a lot from the person doing the handoff. Asking a freshman big to execute all that is required on that play is tough. Kind of like asking a freshman lineman to execute the run-pass option as a QB in football.
 
#93      
I ended up falling asleep midway through first half and at that point I hadn't seen TF do much, but looking at the box score I'm surprised to see the comments about him needing to get back on track. Certainly not the points we need from him and he did have 6 turnovers, but looks like he shot the ball better than he has in awhile. Not the case?
 
#94      
4 serviceable bigs get us maybe to the NIT.
4 great bigs get us in the top 25.

Next year a good big, Georgi
3 serviceable to good

Hopefully at least one becomes great, or at least very good.
Yeah. I see Georgi as good this year. Good to great next.
I see Kofi as probably good next year.
I see Kane and January as serviceable next year.
 
#95      

Deleted member 746094

D
Guest
Yep....Griffin and Jones aren't going to play until they improve their dismal defense. For every steal or tipped pass with their long arms, they give up 4 layups because they lose their man or get beat off the dribble.

Most Freshman earn their minutes on defense first.......these 2 will be no different.

One more random thing............love Georgi............but he should go to the bench every time he shoots a 3. Last night, while we were on a roll and had a chance to tie, he chucks up the 3 that hits the other side of the backboard with no rim.......Michigan goes other way and scores. His 3s are like turnovers and Underwood should shut them down and get him in the post where he can make a difference.

I agree with the last part entirely. He has missed some wide open looks at key stretches. He will remain wide open because he hasn’t even come close to looking like a threat from out there. Stay within 15 feet and do your damage this year. Work on the 3-ball in the offseason as he has a decent looking shot. It just doesn’t come close to going in.
 
#96      
The handoff would work if the big could shoot from distance. This is what makes Cockburn such a nice fit.
Feliz tries hard, but like Kipper I feel he is not adequate at this level.
I am also alarmed at how badly Griffin and Felix get beat off the dribble.
Sadly Lucas>>>>> Feliz
 
#97      

BananaShampoo

Captain 'Paign
Phoenix, AZ
We are officially back. We were a few breaks away from beating the number 2 team in the nation. We just landed one of the best big men in the country for next year and Ayo looks like one of the best guards in the country right now. lock it in right now we are making the NCAA tournament next year and I expect us to win a few games in it.

FIFY
 
#98      
The handoff would work if the big could shoot from distance. This is what makes Cockburn such a nice fit.
Feliz tries hard, but like Kipper I feel he is not adequate at this level.
I am also alarmed at how badly Griffin and Felix get beat off the dribble.
Sadly Lucas>>>

I agree both Feliz and Kipper need to play less.
 
#99      
I agree with the last part entirely. He has missed some wide open looks at key stretches. He will remain wide open because he hasn’t even come close to looking like a threat from out there. Stay within 15 feet and do your damage this year. Work on the 3-ball in the offseason as he has a decent looking shot. It just doesn’t come close to going in.
Georgi made some early in the season and needs to be capable if he is going to play the four. Just don't want to see Kofi more than twenty feet from the board. Also like to see Georgi take it to the basket and/or shoot it from the post. That would open up the cutter. Samba did take it in a couple of times for the dunk. We need a lot of improvement from him as well as the wings. Would actually like to see DaMonte play the wing if he was more aggressive looking for his shot.
 
#100      
Did DMW recently ditch his knee brace? Looks much quicker of late

There was an interview...I want to say approx 2 weeks ago, where he stated he was not going to wear any longer or to that extent from a comfortable standpoint.