I've been as staunch of a Buzz supporter as anyone, but I think he out-thought himself defensively today.
With Dominic out there, you can get away with mixing the defenses up. He said they threw 4 different flavors of zone at UL. Without him, the communication might not be at as high of a level, leading to some confusion.
Today, especially in the second half, there were 4 or 5 possessions where the guys up top had no idea what defense they were in, mainly Cubillan. UL got two wide open threes from McGee and a dunk underneath, because two guys would close out leaving the weakside open.
I think Buzz, while changing defenses, needs to do so with a base man, and a base zone and stick with it. When used at different times, it can be as effective as throwing 4 different zones at them. Especially with us counting on guys who haven't played a lot of minutes.
They have to learn how to do this so Buzz cannot wait for them. Basically, if there ever was a good loss, this was it. It showed everybody we are still a good team and worthy of an NCAA bid. Now hopefully we can be in the game against Pitt also.
my only complaint was he should have given Rel a rest in the first half. Sure he is a senior but he was pressing real bad. Take him out just before the 8 minute TV TO and let him regroup for a minute.
I think Wes and Rel need to get some breaks during the game. Just give them a small extra break just before a TV timeout, could really help them late.
the wat McNeal played today, he should have been given a real long rest.
Rel couldnt even hit FT's - too much pressure on him
Quote from: mviale on March 01, 2009, 04:41:09 PM
Rel couldnt even hit FT's - too much pressure on him
Did anyone else notice 2 or 3 of his FTs were woefully short? I think the fatigue of trying to do too much got to Rel. To his credit though, he doesn't take any possessions off (either end of the court)!
I have to disagree. It did not look to me like he got back on defense every possession. Maybe it was fatigue, maybe it was something else, but if he was McSteal instead of McShorty-on-freethrows, we win. Of course, he is allowed to have an off night every two months or so. ;)
better an off night for McNeal now than later.
I think that Wes and Jerel do need a little rest. Let Butler play his actual position at 2/3 with one of them while the other rests and play acker at the point, Burke at center, and Hayward at the 4.
As long as 2 out of the 3 scorers are out there, then we will be fine for a quick breather.