I wouldn't mind seeing some gimmicky defenses today, I don't think we can defend them man-to-man in the half court all game. Mix a little 1-3-1 half court traps to get the ball out of Hughes' hands, maybe some zone, maybe pick up full court a couple times, to get them to play at a different pace.
I also feel that Mbao and EWill have to play at least a few minutes today, and somebody like Buycks, Maymon, or Cubes will have to have a decent scoring game for us to compete. I'd LOVE for Maymon to have that breakout game today.
Yea the 1-3-1 was huge last year as well as I believe it was Burke who pretty much shut down Landry. Going in to the game if someone told me Burke would play great D on him out by the 3 point line I would have thought they were crazy. I was wondering if there would be any other unexpected matchup today and I was wondering about the possibility of Butler on Hughes. We could put Acker or cubi on Bohannon. The only way this might work is if one of Nankivil or Leuer are out and Lazar is in. I think Butler could keep up with him and especially his length, and Hughes would not overpower him. I could be way off and I don't know if it would work due to us possibly getting killed on the inside, but I think Butler would be the one who best matches Hughes. DJO I think will most likely be on him with Cubillan or Acker on Bohannon. I think DJO matches up well with strength and athleticism.
I look for a two guard, three forward starting line-up with at either DJO or Buycks starting and on Hughes. Maybe even with Maymon getting his first start and taking advantage of all on his inevitable energy. Small ball comes later. Perhaps some funky zones with Yous at the back for a couple of minutes just to change stuff up. In the end, I still think Bucky wins. MU's first true road game. Hopefully, we don't get rolled.