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As the coach, what would you do differently?
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<blockquote data-quote="drwillini" data-source="post: 1267574" data-attributes="member: 7762"><p>I would go seriously up-tempo. Everybody says this team has no identity. The one positive attribute we have is that we are relatively deep from the standpoint that it really doesn't make much difference if we play the second five or the first five. The team plays no defense, and the offense is based on trying to get an open outside shot. Groce has never before had depth at point guard and post. This year we do. If we press, it reduces the amount of time that we have to play half court defense, and if we run, it allows some high percentage transition baskets and a chance to get to the foul that you just don't get when you are gunning away from the outside. The biggest thing going up tempo does is wear down the other team. Two games in particular I think this would have really helped: I don't think the one legged 5'7" guard from Winthrop would have had gas in his tank at the end if he was facing a press all game, and a team like IU with a short rotation would be gassed at the end as well. </p><p></p><p>A good coach has to use what he has to his advantage. To me this team has few advantages, but we are not attempting to use the one that we have. </p><p></p><p>Longer term, the thing that is really an indictment of Groce is the atrocious defense. Don't see any evidence of teaching or scheming. I know defense is not sexy, but the one concept that is true in all sports is that defense wins championships. Outstanding defense keeps you in all games, and allows you to win games when your offense is not clicking. As we are, this team plays poor defense and has a decent offense only when hitting from the outside. Its not surprising that kind of team might win a few games at home with friendly rims, but will be uncompetitive on the road. </p><p></p><p>The frustrating thing is that you don't need to be Jay Bilas to figure this out.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="drwillini, post: 1267574, member: 7762"] I would go seriously up-tempo. Everybody says this team has no identity. The one positive attribute we have is that we are relatively deep from the standpoint that it really doesn't make much difference if we play the second five or the first five. The team plays no defense, and the offense is based on trying to get an open outside shot. Groce has never before had depth at point guard and post. This year we do. If we press, it reduces the amount of time that we have to play half court defense, and if we run, it allows some high percentage transition baskets and a chance to get to the foul that you just don't get when you are gunning away from the outside. The biggest thing going up tempo does is wear down the other team. Two games in particular I think this would have really helped: I don't think the one legged 5'7" guard from Winthrop would have had gas in his tank at the end if he was facing a press all game, and a team like IU with a short rotation would be gassed at the end as well. A good coach has to use what he has to his advantage. To me this team has few advantages, but we are not attempting to use the one that we have. Longer term, the thing that is really an indictment of Groce is the atrocious defense. Don't see any evidence of teaching or scheming. I know defense is not sexy, but the one concept that is true in all sports is that defense wins championships. Outstanding defense keeps you in all games, and allows you to win games when your offense is not clicking. As we are, this team plays poor defense and has a decent offense only when hitting from the outside. Its not surprising that kind of team might win a few games at home with friendly rims, but will be uncompetitive on the road. The frustrating thing is that you don't need to be Jay Bilas to figure this out. [/QUOTE]
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As the coach, what would you do differently?
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