Kipper is not a 4 or a 5, he simply is not a post or inside player or even a stretch 4, he is a small forward (3). Black was not a center either, yet we were forced to play him in the post pretty much the entire season last year. He did well, but it was not the best for his career prospects after college and it showed in the lack of interest after college. If nothing else, constantly playing players out of position most of their careers (e.g., Malcolm, Leron, Kipper) is more hurting them than helping them, and team results are not good either. Unless we close those positional gaps with better, consistent recruiting, the same thing will keep on happening.
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Ohio State 77, Illinois 67 POSTGAME
Kipper is not a 4 or a 5, he simply is not a post or inside player or even a stretch 4, he is a small forward (3). Black was not a center either, yet we were forced to play him in the post pretty much the entire season last year. He did well, but it was not the best for his career prospects after college and it showed in the lack of interest after college. If nothing else, constantly playing players out of position most of their careers (e.g., Malcolm, Leron, Kipper) is more hurting them than helping them, and team results are not good either. Unless we close those positional gaps with better, consistent recruiting, the same thing will keep on happening.
Losing Leron simply should not be an excuse for losing. Teams have attrition every year due to graduation, transfer, etc. Everybteam deals with it. I actually heard one of our post game radio guys say recently what hurt in groce’s last team the most was Hill graduating. Like you didn’t see that coming four years prior? It’s a silly argument.
As far as the fouls go, we foul at such a high rate because we are forcing guys to play a style and system that is ill-fitted for their skillsets. Our roster would be much better suited using a packline defense and clogging up the lane. Instead, we pressure creating huge gaps that our guys have no chance to close and recover. We simply don’t have the athleticism or quickness. I get that Underwood wants to establish his system, but at what cost? Wins apparently.
As far as the fouls go, we foul at such a high rate because we are forcing guys to play a style and system that is ill-fitted for their skillsets. Our roster would be much better suited using a packline defense and clogging up the lane. Instead, we pressure creating huge gaps that our guys have no chance to close and recover. We simply don’t have the athleticism or quickness. I get that Underwood wants to establish his system, but at what cost? Wins apparently.