As usual, just want to generate a little discussion about our MBB team. Please jump in with your thoughts!
DSF's article about Edwards has some interesting content in it. One of the pieces that really stuck out to me was about Justin being more aggressive and his belief that he can score more if he wants to.
I am of the belief, unlike some who would love to see him push the issue more offensively, that our TEAM operates most efficiently when he and Wes are facilitators. Sure, they need to be able to score, especially finishing at the rim and knocking down free throws, but when they are passers too, the offense works to perfection.
There are open shots all over the floor with what BW does offensively. If you remember last year, we had guys standing and watching most of the possession. Why? Because everyone knew it was going to be one pass and shoot or someone (cough - MF/TG/NW - cough) was going to play hero ball. There was NO motivation to move or be ready for a pass, because in all likelihood, it wasn't coming.
Flash forward to this year, and this team is sharing the ball, guys are in position, ready to receive the ball, and generally do a good job of finishing. It really is sooooo much fun to watch.
And has anyone else notice BW is doing MUCH LESS micromanaging from the sideline? He trusts these guys so much. And it shows in his ability to let them do their thing. They are invested in the offense, the play hard chart, and defense (our rotations have been pretty good most of the time, particularly when you factor in that 3 freshman are getting 20+ mpg).
Personnel-wise, BW has done a tremendous job of building this roster in a very short amount of time. If he can continue player development, manage egos (which this team seems to have little issue with), and foster a positive culture in the locker room (I think we have the players to do this - Stokes, Brown, Ervin, Edwards, DJ, Wade), look out.
I am just worried about their mental make-up. How are they going to handle getting blown out? @BrettGPC tells us they are a confident group who honestly believes they can beat any opponent. Will that continue after a blowout or a stretch of poor play?
Here are some thoughts on MPG and rotations:
Hurt 25
Wade 30
Iwundu 31
Edwards 31
Stokes 30
Brown 25
Johnson 15
Ervin 13
Budke/Williams 10
Really do need to ride 5-6 guys at this point. And Hurt or Wade need to be on the floor at all times. The Budke/DJ combo is just killer to our offense.
Stokes and his ability to play D and handle the rock is amazing, especially considering he is a frosh. Love that his jumper is starting to come around.
Brown will get there. The potential is there, just needs to be realized on a consistent basis. His D is scary, too. He can stick with anyone and is good at picking pockets. His shot selection is not quite there yet - he passes up some I don't think he should and takes some he probably shouldn't too (I could lump Stokes into the latter part of this, too).
Wade is a G. He is only going to get better. We need to get him to be more aggressive offensively.
Edwards is what makes this team go right now. I really love how active he is and how much he crashes the boards. When guys shoot or drive, he is cutting straight to the basket. It is awesome.
Hurt needs to be able to knock down 3-4 jumpers per game. If this happens, it opens up so much for us offensively. It also keeps him engaged in the game, which in a round-about way will allow him to play more minutes, because he will be so focused on the game and not his fatigue.
Wes needs to continue to be aggressive but under control on offense. He is a good facilitator. Just keep driving and make the right read for the bucket. His D has been questionable at times (a focus issue not an ability issue) and he needs to not hold onto the ball at the top and let the D reset. Swing it! Get it going side to side.
I really hope DJ can start playing more. Brett told us it was his thumb. I hope his foot is good to go!
Williams, man we need this guy. Is RSing really going to happen for him?
Sorry for the length, guys. Take what you like and leave the rest.
DSF's article about Edwards has some interesting content in it. One of the pieces that really stuck out to me was about Justin being more aggressive and his belief that he can score more if he wants to.
I am of the belief, unlike some who would love to see him push the issue more offensively, that our TEAM operates most efficiently when he and Wes are facilitators. Sure, they need to be able to score, especially finishing at the rim and knocking down free throws, but when they are passers too, the offense works to perfection.
There are open shots all over the floor with what BW does offensively. If you remember last year, we had guys standing and watching most of the possession. Why? Because everyone knew it was going to be one pass and shoot or someone (cough - MF/TG/NW - cough) was going to play hero ball. There was NO motivation to move or be ready for a pass, because in all likelihood, it wasn't coming.
Flash forward to this year, and this team is sharing the ball, guys are in position, ready to receive the ball, and generally do a good job of finishing. It really is sooooo much fun to watch.
And has anyone else notice BW is doing MUCH LESS micromanaging from the sideline? He trusts these guys so much. And it shows in his ability to let them do their thing. They are invested in the offense, the play hard chart, and defense (our rotations have been pretty good most of the time, particularly when you factor in that 3 freshman are getting 20+ mpg).
Personnel-wise, BW has done a tremendous job of building this roster in a very short amount of time. If he can continue player development, manage egos (which this team seems to have little issue with), and foster a positive culture in the locker room (I think we have the players to do this - Stokes, Brown, Ervin, Edwards, DJ, Wade), look out.
I am just worried about their mental make-up. How are they going to handle getting blown out? @BrettGPC tells us they are a confident group who honestly believes they can beat any opponent. Will that continue after a blowout or a stretch of poor play?
Here are some thoughts on MPG and rotations:
Hurt 25
Wade 30
Iwundu 31
Edwards 31
Stokes 30
Brown 25
Johnson 15
Ervin 13
Budke/Williams 10
Really do need to ride 5-6 guys at this point. And Hurt or Wade need to be on the floor at all times. The Budke/DJ combo is just killer to our offense.
Stokes and his ability to play D and handle the rock is amazing, especially considering he is a frosh. Love that his jumper is starting to come around.
Brown will get there. The potential is there, just needs to be realized on a consistent basis. His D is scary, too. He can stick with anyone and is good at picking pockets. His shot selection is not quite there yet - he passes up some I don't think he should and takes some he probably shouldn't too (I could lump Stokes into the latter part of this, too).
Wade is a G. He is only going to get better. We need to get him to be more aggressive offensively.
Edwards is what makes this team go right now. I really love how active he is and how much he crashes the boards. When guys shoot or drive, he is cutting straight to the basket. It is awesome.
Hurt needs to be able to knock down 3-4 jumpers per game. If this happens, it opens up so much for us offensively. It also keeps him engaged in the game, which in a round-about way will allow him to play more minutes, because he will be so focused on the game and not his fatigue.
Wes needs to continue to be aggressive but under control on offense. He is a good facilitator. Just keep driving and make the right read for the bucket. His D has been questionable at times (a focus issue not an ability issue) and he needs to not hold onto the ball at the top and let the D reset. Swing it! Get it going side to side.
I really hope DJ can start playing more. Brett told us it was his thumb. I hope his foot is good to go!
Williams, man we need this guy. Is RSing really going to happen for him?
Sorry for the length, guys. Take what you like and leave the rest.
