Agreed, Illinois takes almost no 2 pt J's other than Curbelo at times. At least last year, Ayo made a lot of clutch 2 pointers and it added diversity to his game. We need to get back to a better balance of 3's, 2's and layups. I would be a big advocate of around 20-25% 2 pt shots in the portfolio. A more wide open 2 pt shot is much better than a highly contested 3 pt shot. Other than Plummer being Plummer yesterday, there were no easy 3's available. There were a LOT of 2's available. Just don't understand how the metrics dictate the no 2's strategy.
Illinois 54, Chattanooga 53 Postgame
- Status
Its not no 2s. The metrics say shooting 5 feet further back fro an extra point is better when comparing FG% vs points for the two (expected points per shot if you will). A layup/dunk is higher percentage, so a good shot, but it’s the same message that coaches have drilled into players heads for DECADES about shooting the 19’ 2 pointer, except extrapolated on shots a little closer.
A huge part of it is with everyone’s overall athleticism improving and a huge focus on the 3 point shot, you get shooters that hit 3s at a better clip than before, so metrics suggest chuck up a bunch of 3s and you’ll do better than chucking up a bunch of 2s.
I think the metrics make sense….assuming you are equally open for both shots. I also think that as you focus too much on the 3, and stop shooting the mid-range, the defense adjusts. This is what we are starting to see throughout college basketball - defenses are adjusting to what the metrics have been telling the offenses to do. Will be interesting what coaches can find a way to crack the new defensive strategies to take away the 3 more.
They’d be geniuses if Smith hits the last shot
Please do that from the beginning tomorrow
Agree on having 2p options grandison had been good at midrange. I think Kofi could be good (<10ft) if he were given more reps.
Side note, in-game analysis should identify the openings and adjust plays based on D, including taking advantage of D and gaps/openings for 2p shots.
Swinging momentum is another in-game adjustment.
This year... mixed results on in game coaching adjustments...we can do better.
IIRC Ayo was doing the Ayo thing when Izzo puts in a freshman who was averaging something like 4 minutes per game to guard a first team All-American. Freshman promptly fouls Ayo so hard he breaks his nose. My guess is he did exactly what his coach told hom to do.
An argument could be made that what you’re suggesting is also playing the way the defense wants you to.
Not saying I agree or disagree, but that’s been brought up before when we take what the defense gives us. Easy to say in game adjustments have been bad when you can either say we are playing into the defense or we aren’t playing our style.
I'm not talking about 19' shots. I've seen it in tons of games this year. Player penetrates into the lane, open just inside the free-throw line, doesn't look to shoot but passes it back out past the 3 point line. I think you're correct and some coaches will start taking advantage of open mid-range shots. If shooters can hit 3's at a better clip then they can hit 2's better also.
this is not always true. Can’t think of the name, but there was someone in the pros a few years ago who couldn’t hit a mid range jump shot to save his life, but take a few steps back and he was lights out.
Exception proves the rule??
Considering I literally stated “that’s not always true”, wouldn’t that imply that i agree its OFTEN true, yet that it’s not a 100% given that a good 3 point shooter is a good mid range shooter?
(Heh, that *was* the comment to which I was referring.)
Would you take a look at who just found himself on the 2023 NBADRAFT.NET mock draft board? https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2023
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
ILLINI IN NE
- Omaha,Ne.
Was expecting #52 but not #60.
Last edited:
Illini_1979
- Oregon
I think Coleman has a reasonable chance at being a pro but he still needs one or two more years to refine his game. It's as if he is still getting that long body under control. Wish he would develop a jump hook. With that frame it would be hard to stop.
Bigtex
- DFW
Didn’t expect either 52 or 60
OurMottoisOskeeWowWow
- Illinois
Perfect. What better place to support this team and pray for a win and an entrance to the Sweet 16.
If ANYONE says ANYTHING bad about Trent, we’ve got a problem…
Social media is embarrassing
Would like a 10-15 ft jump shot. Seems like it is always open for him and at his height no one to block it.
- Status