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MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: 94Warrior on November 22, 2017, 08:00:05 PM

Title: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: 94Warrior on November 22, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Unbelievable! 
If you hit 12 of your first 13, including your first 6 threes, you shouldn't be up 2 at half!!!
Frustrating!
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Bad_Reporter on November 22, 2017, 08:05:06 PM
Rowsey and Howard have been playing subpar.  Emphasis on Rowsey

When will Marcus learn he cannot run out of bounce on the baseline and then catch the ball first?
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: brewcity77 on November 22, 2017, 08:07:33 PM
It's...interesting. At times the defense looks much better. Then it all falls apart. Consistency is a huge problem.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: jeffreyweee on November 22, 2017, 08:08:40 PM
We lost 2 of our better defenders. We start 2 5'8 guards. We start a big who can't move his feet on screens. We have no rim protector. All our athletic wings that should be good defenders are offensive liabilities.

What makes you think we should be able to stop anyone?
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: 94Warrior on November 22, 2017, 08:08:51 PM
They are both matadors on defense. 
I don't care if you score 25, if you give up 25.
Have some pride.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Daniel on November 22, 2017, 08:10:27 PM
Defesene is key.   This is 4th Season under Wojo, and we have not played adequate defense yet.  Do we only recruit kids who cannot learn or execute defense?  Or can we not teach it. 

Need to resolve this now.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: 94Warrior on November 22, 2017, 08:11:47 PM
We lost 2 of our better defenders. We start 2 5'8 guards. We start a big who can't move his feet on screens. We have no rim protector. All our athletic wings that should be good defenders are offensive liabilities.

What makes you think we should be able to stop anyone?

I can't argue with any of this.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 22, 2017, 08:20:48 PM
When a kid is hitting from 30 feet and quick enough to split double teams you’re going to have trouble defending. Once Waters’s prayers stop falling the defense will look much better.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Cooby Snacks on November 22, 2017, 08:22:18 PM
I can’t believe carrying bricks during shuffle drills hasn’t fixed everything.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 22, 2017, 08:25:57 PM
It’s also difficult to defend when the opponent’s point guard is allowed to change the ball’s direction 3 times in a single dribble. Every dribble is a carry. Reminds me of Providence’s point guard.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: cheese ball chaser on November 22, 2017, 08:31:03 PM
When a kid is hitting from 30 feet and quick enough to split double teams you’re going to have trouble defending. Once Waters’s prayers stop falling the defense will look much better.

I keep telling myself they'll stop and they just don't...
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Mr. Sand-Knit on November 22, 2017, 08:34:47 PM
The problem in the first half was turnovers
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 22, 2017, 08:38:45 PM
The problem in the first half was turnovers

Yup.

I keep telling myself they'll stop and they just don't...

Also yup. Some of the defense is actually pretty dang good and he just makes some prayers.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: brewcity77 on November 22, 2017, 08:44:38 PM
The problem in the first half was turnovers

Turnovers killed us. That and Waters.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: 94Warrior on November 22, 2017, 08:53:50 PM
The defense of Elliott and Anim changed this game.  Elliott needs to play more.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: skianth16 on November 22, 2017, 09:16:56 PM
It’s also difficult to defend when the opponent’s point guard is allowed to change the ball’s direction 3 times in a single dribble. Every dribble is a carry. Reminds me of Providence’s point guard.

While I do agree with this, there are much bigger problems defensively than Waters being allowed to carry. Wojo needs to buckle down and get this fixed before we get to conference play.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: cheese ball chaser on November 22, 2017, 09:33:10 PM
The defense of Elliott and Anim changed this game.  Elliott needs to play more.

I fully agree that Elliott needs more minutes. Kid was a stud today...
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: #TheThing on November 22, 2017, 09:34:17 PM
Unbelievable! 
If you hit 12 of your first 13, including your first 6 threes, you shouldn't be up 2 at half!!!
Frustrating!

I don't think so.  We shot ourselves out of the lead to some extent.  A lot of missed shots at the end and we don't take care of the ball that well.  Defense is somewhat dictated by how effective the offense is and how good you are at protecting the ball.  If you turn the ball over and it leads to fast breaks, is that really on the defense?

Good win for the team.  2-1, I will take it.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 22, 2017, 09:35:39 PM
While I do agree with this, there are much bigger problems defensively than Waters being allowed to carry. Wojo needs to buckle down and get this fixed before we get to conference play.

When a guy is as hot as Waters is it's tough.  Wojo tried a few different things and the guy just made tough shots and split the defenders.  He was small and quick enough to do that.

The defense is definitely better this year.  But the offense is definitely worse.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: warriorchick on November 22, 2017, 09:37:48 PM
Marquette's motto:

The best defense is a good offense.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: MattyWarrior on November 22, 2017, 09:39:56 PM
Surprised GE is ahead of Cain this early, kid really hustles and looks comfortable out there,can't
wait to see what the Harry Cat brings to the table
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Big tuna on November 22, 2017, 09:40:10 PM
Unsolved mystery of the universe is how our coach Wojo, who made defense his calling card can’t teach it. And apparently can’t find anyone to teach it for him.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: LAZER on November 22, 2017, 09:54:52 PM
When a guy is as hot as Waters is it's tough.  Wojo tried a few different things and the guy just made tough shots and split the defenders.  He was small and quick enough to do that.

The defense is definitely better this year.  But the offense is definitely worse.
You really think the defense is better?
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 22, 2017, 09:57:25 PM
You really think the defense is better?

Absolutely.  We've played 5 games so far.  2 have been against top 4 seed type teams, 2 against bubble teams, and 1 against a cupcake.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: forgetful on November 22, 2017, 09:59:45 PM
It’s also difficult to defend when the opponent’s point guard is allowed to change the ball’s direction 3 times in a single dribble. Every dribble is a carry. Reminds me of Providence’s point guard.

I kept noticing the same thing.  He'd essentially do a shot fake at times and keep dribbling.  A bit over the top illegal.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: brewcity77 on November 22, 2017, 10:01:03 PM
You really think the defense is better?

I'd second that. No one will confuse this with a top-25 defense, but top-100 is possible. That would be a big improvement.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: esotericmindguy on November 22, 2017, 10:02:24 PM
I fully agree that Elliott needs more minutes. Kid was a stud today...

A stud? This board is incredible when it comes to overhyping performances. Then when he plays the same vs. better competition everyone will say he's regressed. He doesn't play more because he's not very good yet. He and Cain are crazy athletic, but aren't ready. Unfortunately they're forced into action. Wilson would be a great backup on this team n
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Daniel on November 22, 2017, 10:02:49 PM
Unsolved mystery of the universe is how our coach Wojo, who made defense his calling card can’t teach it. And apparently can’t find anyone to teach it for him.

Either we recruit 100% of players who cannot learn or execute defense, or .......staff cannot teach it.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: cheese ball chaser on November 22, 2017, 10:10:16 PM
A stud? This board is incredible when it comes to overhyping performances. Then when he plays the same vs. better competition everyone will say he's regressed. He doesn't play more because he's not very good yet. He and Cain are crazy athletic, but aren't ready. Unfortunately they're forced into action. Wilson would be a great backup on this team n

I'm overhyping performances because no one else on our team outside of our top 3 have been producing offense. I'm allowed to overhype.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: jsglow on November 22, 2017, 10:11:15 PM
We're in November and we've played a very challenging schedule.  Yes, the defense is better.  And it'll continue to improve from here, especially as we add some size at the #2 with Sacar, Elliott and Haani getting more minutes.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: rocket surgeon on November 22, 2017, 10:54:58 PM
that "tripping foul" on doogie was bull gas.  the guy ran into doogie's foot.  why do i bring this up?  fortunately it didn't end up hurting us in this game, but it's calls like those we cannot afford.  the refs have to be a little better than that-simple missed call should have been a non-call or a travel.

now this is tripping-you decide
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Loose Cannon on November 22, 2017, 11:17:32 PM
We lost 2 of our better defenders. We start 2 5'8 guards. We start a big who can't move his feet on screens. We have no rim protector. All our athletic wings that should be good defenders are offensive liabilities.

What makes you think we should be able to stop anyone?

With this analysis, how many more wins do you see us having at the end of the season.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Jockey on November 22, 2017, 11:45:23 PM
Rowsey and Howard have been playing subpar.  Emphasis on Rowsey

When will Marcus learn he cannot run out of bounce on the baseline and then catch the ball first?

Yup. The guy scoring 25 a game has been awful. We'd be 5-0 without him.

Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: NorthernDancerColt on November 23, 2017, 01:06:59 AM
Unsolved mystery of the universe is how our coach Wojo, who made defense his calling card can’t teach it. And apparently can’t find anyone to teach it for him.
Why not look at the flipside? Who knew that the defensive-minded, offensively challenged scrapper could recruit such highly-skilled shooters? Then run such a smooth, well-oiled offense producing so many good shots from the right people on the right part of the floor?

Greg Elliott's  athleticism and wingspan obviously helps his D, but....wow...the dive for that loose ball gave me the shivers. Heart and effort plus ability? The sky is the limit...on both ends of the floor for GE!
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: MarquetteDano on November 23, 2017, 06:42:38 AM
This team will not be good at defense.  That said,  unless Froling is absolutely useless on D we will be better than last year.

Let's remember that Pomeroy had us ranked 165th in the country last year.  I assume that is the worst defensive Marquette team maybe ever.  Certainly since the 80's.

If we could just be inside the Top 100 that will be an accomplishment.  And strangely a huge move in the right direction versus last year.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: muwarrior69 on November 23, 2017, 06:59:34 AM
It's...interesting. At times the defense looks much better. Then it all falls apart. Consistency is a huge problem.

I may be wrong, but our best defenders are our frosh. This is going to be an interesting year. Do we live or die by our shooting or do we start to win because our frosh gain in experience and give us more stops.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: tower912 on November 23, 2017, 07:24:57 AM
Bring back Derrick Wilson and Chris Otule!    Because everybody loved how they played defense, took care of the ball, and were poor on offense.   
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: fjm on November 23, 2017, 07:25:43 AM
We've played the toughest nonbuy game schedule in the country and here we are talking about our trash defense...
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: jsglow on November 23, 2017, 09:13:34 AM
We've played the toughest nonbuy game schedule in the country and here we are talking about our trash defense...

I know, hey?  And as Elliott and Sacar get more comfortable in the offense, they become better 2 way players.  Another key.  Sammy needs to stay on the floor.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Bo Ryan's Massage Therapist on November 23, 2017, 09:18:13 AM
I know, hey?  And as Elliott and Sacar get more comfortable in the offense, they become better 2 way players.  Another key.  Sammy needs to stay on the floor.

I agree that Elliott and Sacar are better two way players and should help the D as the season goes on.  Can anyone comment on Joey Hauser's defensive ability?   Next year we lose Rowsey so we should be better defensively as guards and we add Joey. 
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: LAZER on November 23, 2017, 09:21:11 AM
We've played the toughest nonbuy game schedule in the country and here we are talking about our trash defense...
What’s wrong with discussing the defense? Are we not allowed to be critical?
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: We R Final Four on November 23, 2017, 09:42:50 AM
I agree that Elliott and Sacar are better two way players and should help the D as the season goes on.  Can anyone comment on Joey Hauser's defensive ability?   Next year we lose Rowsey so we should be better defensively as guards and we add Joey.
Joey is a bigger version of Sam—but very similar in all aspects of his game.
Very smart, savvy, high IQ, very good outside shooter, probably better down low.
JH can defend 3, 4 and 5 in the same way that Sam can. Is Sam a lockdown down defender?.......no. But he’s smart and tough and has a nose for the ball. More of the same from JH.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Big tuna on November 23, 2017, 09:45:41 AM
MU basketball playing in the 80’s, shooting 3’s, scoring machine is very entertaining. However although we will win games, we are certain to lose a bundle by lack of defense.
This current formula, 5 years running, will not win championships.  A shift of philosophy may be needed? I do agree the Sacir and the freshman class are getting after it, hopefully signs of a shift of emphasis.  Just saying.
Best to all on this Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: GGGG on November 23, 2017, 09:46:54 AM
Worse than last year?  No.  The good news is that there are better individual defenders that can be put on the floor. Sacar and Elliott for instance.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: MU82 on November 23, 2017, 09:50:23 AM
I'd second that. No one will confuse this with a top-25 defense, but top-100 is possible. That would be a big improvement.

I agree with brew and wades. The defense is definitely better. Still not as good as it needs to be - and hopefully will be - but yes, better.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: brewcity77 on November 23, 2017, 12:35:43 PM
I may be wrong, but our best defenders are our frosh. This is going to be an interesting year. Do we live or die by our shooting or do we start to win because our frosh gain in experience and give us more stops.

Some of them are. Cain can cause problems with his length, but he's far from polished. John is a double-edged sword. He has the physicality to be a defensive beast, but his over-physical nature leads to fouls that allow teams to exploit him.

Elliott, for my money, is the best of the freshmen so far. Athleticism, sneaky length, quickness, and generally stays home so he doesn't get burned as easily as some of our other defenders. That said, I think Sam and Matt have also been very good. TAMU might be able to give a better breakdown on a defensive ppp basis, but those three have been the ones that stood out most at times.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: GE911 on November 23, 2017, 12:51:24 PM
Is the defense bad becuase of personnel or becuase of the philosophy?

Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 23, 2017, 12:55:46 PM
Is the defense bad becuase of personnel or becuase of the philosophy?

Probably some of both. But you're not going to find many philosophies that can hide two 5"10 turnstiles
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: skianth16 on November 23, 2017, 04:16:10 PM
Bring back Derrick Wilson and Chris Otule!    Because everybody loved how they played defense, took care of the ball, and were poor on offense.   

Amen. By many standards, it seems this would be a common philosophy lately. We're so spoiled by offensive output that we take 20 and 30 point outings for granted now. A guy has long arms and goes to the floor once, and all of a sudden he's s star. Crazy times...
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 23, 2017, 04:25:02 PM
Amen. By many standards, it seems this would be a common philosophy lately. We're so spoiled by offensive output that we take 20 and 30 point outings for granted now. A guy has long arms and goes to the floor once, and all of a sudden he's s star. Crazy times...

Or some of us understand there’s more that goes into a basketball game than looking at the score column of a box score.

Not sure anybody is confusing Elliott for a current star. But maybe?
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Jay Bee on November 23, 2017, 04:28:46 PM
That said, I think Sam and Matt have also been very good. TAMU might be able to give a better breakdown on a defensive ppp basis, but those three have been the ones that stood out most at times.

Not a ton of possessions for guys yet, but on a ppp basis per Synergy... only a few guys grade out better than average...

Greg - 0.52, 88% percentile
Haani - 0.73, 64%
Matt 0.76, 60%
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: skianth16 on November 23, 2017, 04:30:58 PM
Or some of us understand there’s more that goes into a basketball game than looking at the score column of a box score.

Not sure anybody is confusing Elliott for a current star. But maybe?

The last time I checked, you don't win games by getting more blocks or assists than the other team. Points are sort of important in basketball.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: Loose Cannon on November 23, 2017, 04:38:08 PM
Or some of us understand there’s more that goes into a basketball game than looking at the score column of a box score.

Yep, maybe we need a SOTS  (Stud of the Stats)
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: wadesworld on November 23, 2017, 04:50:51 PM
The last time I checked, you don't win games by getting more blocks or assists than the other team. Points are sort of important in basketball.

And the last time I checked it's not a shooting contest.  It takes more than simply shooting the ball to score the ball.

Glad we figured out that your opinion is the high scorer for each game should be named the SOTG.  Complete lack of understanding of what goes into a basketball game, but at least we know where you're coming from.
Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: skianth16 on November 23, 2017, 05:09:04 PM
And the last time I checked it's not a shooting contest.  It takes more than simply shooting the ball to score the ball.

Glad we figured out that your opinion is the high scorer for each game should be named the SOTG.  Complete lack of understanding of what goes into a basketball game, but at least we know where you're coming from.

At the end of the day, my whole stance is that we are more likely to lose the game without Rowseys 30 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds than we are without Anims 12 points and 1 assist. And let's not forget that Rowsey had to draw a ton of fouls to shoot 16 FTs. That's significant too. But sure, discount all that because he had a few TOs late in the first half.

I think our views of basketball and what makes a quality outing are significantly different. You want a Rudy kind of guy, and I'm fine with acknowledging that the best player on the floor is the best player on the floor. 30 and 5 is a huge game, and you're not impressed because of a few bad minutes. Think about that.

Title: Re: Is the defense worse than last year?
Post by: forgetful on November 23, 2017, 05:52:00 PM
At the end of the day, my whole stance is that we are more likely to lose the game without Rowseys 30 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds than we are without Anims 12 points and 1 assist. And let's not forget that Rowsey had to draw a ton of fouls to shoot 16 FTs. That's significant too. But sure, discount all that because he had a few TOs late in the first half.

I think our views of basketball and what makes a quality outing are significantly different. You want a Rudy kind of guy, and I'm fine with acknowledging that the best player on the floor is the best player on the floor. 30 and 5 is a huge game, and you're not impressed because of a few bad minutes. Think about that.

Let's just say it like it is.  Sacar played great.  Huge contributor to our win.  So did Rowsey.