First off the effort of last night and even the ku game Wednesday is what the team needs to bring every game from here on.
The intensity and look of focus from the team needs to happen every game.
The biggest key in how getting to the tourney can be accomplished is the play of Edwards. He has to stay confident in himself and play within himself. When he is dialed in and focused on the current play and not letting the previous play get to him he's at his best. He needs to be a steady contributor throughout the game. Not a superstar but steady.
I could say the same about Iwundu. They way he played last night is how we need him to play. Aggressive but in control. Not asking for perfection but consistent.
If those two play that way it will allow Wade and Brown to relax and just play their games. It seems for a while now that the freshmen have been feeling the pressure of having to carry the team. Just to relieve that level of stress and expectation might allow them too be consistent with their shots.
I also feel that DJ should get at least 10 paint touches a game. He now has shown the ability to finish with his left and right hand at the rim. Continuous paint touches will force the defense to creep in and leave Brown, Wade, Iwundu, and Edwards wide open from the outside. If there is a kick out they need to shoot while whoever doesn't get the ball needs to crash the glass.
The schedule is favorable and very much doable. Teams that have success in the tourney play their best ball in February leading up to the dance.
We're not gonna win any awards for looking pretty and we don't need to.
The intensity and look of focus from the team needs to happen every game.
The biggest key in how getting to the tourney can be accomplished is the play of Edwards. He has to stay confident in himself and play within himself. When he is dialed in and focused on the current play and not letting the previous play get to him he's at his best. He needs to be a steady contributor throughout the game. Not a superstar but steady.
I could say the same about Iwundu. They way he played last night is how we need him to play. Aggressive but in control. Not asking for perfection but consistent.
If those two play that way it will allow Wade and Brown to relax and just play their games. It seems for a while now that the freshmen have been feeling the pressure of having to carry the team. Just to relieve that level of stress and expectation might allow them too be consistent with their shots.
I also feel that DJ should get at least 10 paint touches a game. He now has shown the ability to finish with his left and right hand at the rim. Continuous paint touches will force the defense to creep in and leave Brown, Wade, Iwundu, and Edwards wide open from the outside. If there is a kick out they need to shoot while whoever doesn't get the ball needs to crash the glass.
The schedule is favorable and very much doable. Teams that have success in the tourney play their best ball in February leading up to the dance.
We're not gonna win any awards for looking pretty and we don't need to.
