In the postgame press confrence Buzz was asked if it was harder for for DJ to score while having to guard the top scorer Jones. Was this a good idea (we did win)? With the threat DJ gives us being a great 3 pt. Shooter and 1 on 1 player, is it too risky for Buzz to take him off the offensive end?
Quote from: jwalsh on February 14, 2010, 02:35:41 PM
In the postgame press confrence Buzz was asked if it was harder for for DJ to score while having to guard the top scorer Jones. Was this a good idea (we did win)? With the threat DJ gives us being a great 3 pt. Shooter and 1 on 1 player, is it too risky for Buzz to take him off the offensive end?
It's nice to have a guard taller than 6' that can play some lockdown D. We haven't lacked scorers this year (surprisingly) so it's nice to know that DJO can step up and shutdown a prolific slasher guard like Jones.
I don't understand why you can't do both (play d and score some points.) It's not an either or thing.
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 03:09:14 PM
I don't understand why you can't do both (play d and score some points.) It's not an either or thing.
It's definitely not theoretically impossible. But, it's hard to give absolutely maximum effort on both ends for 30+ min. a game.
What is so hard about playing hard for 30minutes?Especially when you are 20 years old.
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 03:13:06 PM
What is so hard about playing hard for 30minutes?Especially when you are 20 years old.
I do not care how good of shape they are in.. Or if they are 20 years old. You get fatigued giving maximum effort for 35 minutes a game on both ends of the court. Especially when that consists of trying to shut down one of the best players in the conference. Not that you take plays off normally but, the players can cruise for a stretch sometimes.
I seeno reason as to why a Div I athlete, in his prime and with the benefit of stellar coaching and training,cannot give maximum effort for thirty minutes, regardless of what end of the floor he is on.
Realistically, these guys are not going 30-40 minutes solid. There are TV time outs every 4 minutes, half time, other time outs, free throws, out of bounds plays. It's very feasible for a collegiate player to play an entire game if he is properly conditioned...
I agree. DJO just had an off night on O.In fact, he has been on a downward trend and that is understandable. But it is not because he is playing tough d.
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 03:41:16 PM
I seeno reason as to why a Div I athlete, in his prime and with the benefit of stellar coaching and training,cannot give maximum effort for thirty minutes, regardless of what end of the floor he is on.
Maybe you could explain that to Buzz who is quoted as saying:
"I thought DJO was the player of the game. He expended about 98 percent of his energy on that end of the floor, and that's what gave us our best chance for success. Nothing against any of the other players on our roster, but he was the only one that, from a full-time perspective that can guard him, because DJ can match his strength somewhat and match his athleticism somewhat. Credit to DJ, but credit to our team, because we can't guard anybody 1-on-1; we're not talented enough. But we sure can't guard him 1-on-1."
Gotta side with Coach Buzz on this one, and take DJO off the hook for not having a great night offensively. It is quite possible USF did some things to try to contain DJO offensively that were effective. Perhaps that is what resulted in Cubi and Mo being responsible for 25 points on 16 shots? Also, I suspect Buzz told DJO that MU's best chance to win was for him to shut down Jones - and to put everything he had into his defensive effort. That can take away from your offensive game. Don't care if you are a 20-year old kid, particularily 1 who is in his first year of big-time college ball - you are going to fatigue playing high intensity defense over the course of 35 minutes.
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 03:41:16 PM
I seeno reason as to why a Div I athlete, in his prime and with the benefit of stellar coaching and training,cannot give maximum effort for thirty minutes, regardless of what end of the floor he is on.
All our players (except maybe Lazar) are still human, not some sort of basketball machine. Even with breaks during TV timeouts, etc, basketball is still exhausting, even if you are in peak condition. Ever noticed how Olympians get tired? Or professional soccer players in their prime?
It's easy to underestimate how difficult basketball because players seem to be walking, light jogging, hopping around a lot. But when they run or cut, they do so VERY hard...sprinting, and especially changing direction, takes a lot out of you.
Quote from: akmarq on February 14, 2010, 05:57:48 PM
All our players (except maybe Lazar) are still human, not some sort of basketball machine. Even with breaks during TV timeouts, etc, basketball is still exhausting, even if you are in peak condition. Ever noticed how Olympians get tired? Or professional soccer players in their prime?
It's easy to underestimate how difficult basketball because players seem to be walking, light jogging, hopping around a lot. But when they run or cut, they do so VERY hard...sprinting, and especially changing direction, takes a lot out of you.
I'd agree with the physical argument, but I think the mental part of it is just as important. I'm guessing DJO wasn't thinking to himself prior to the game that he would score 20+ and hold the leading scorer in BEAST in check. His focus all week was on shutting down Jones, he did so, and as a fan, I'm extremely pleased to see him do something as difficult and unselfish as that.
Quote from: avid1010 on February 14, 2010, 06:26:08 PM
I'd agree with the physical argument, but I think the mental part of it is just as important. I'm guessing DJO wasn't thinking to himself prior to the game that he would score 20+ and hold the leading scorer in BEAST in check. His focus all week was on shutting down Jones, he did so, and as a fan, I'm extremely pleased to see him do something as difficult and unselfish as that.
Let there be no doubt - we are fortunate to have DJO on the team. Very fortunate. I still think his lack of offensive production is not related to his work at the other end. Like all of us, DJO is in a slump. Buzz' words are coach speak.
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 07:43:46 PM
Let there be no doubt - we are fortunate to have DJO on the team. Very fortunate. I still think his lack of offensive production is not related to his work at the other end. Like all of us, DJO is in a slump. Buzz' words are coach speak.
DJO took 5 shots yesterday, the lowest number of any starter. He went 1-4 from behind the arc, which yes, is uncharacteristically low, but I feel like putting him into a slump is a bit premature.
The previous game @PC he went 4-9 with 12 points and 50% from 3 point range. Home against DePaul he slumped his way to 21 points.
It wasn't him in a slump, it was less offense being run through him. Probably because he was doing so much on the defensive end. Which sounds a lot like what Buzz said.
players are not robots....he programmed himself to play defense and thats what we got.
Quote from: MUUWUWM on February 14, 2010, 08:31:00 PM
players are not robots....he programmed himself to play defense and thats what we got.
+1
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 07:43:46 PM
Let there be no doubt - we are fortunate to have DJO on the team. Very fortunate. I still think his lack of offensive production is not related to his work at the other end. Like all of us, DJO is in a slump. Buzz' words are coach speak.
I've never listened to a coach with less "coach speak" then Buzz.
Thankyou. Finally someone.
Quote from: akmarq on February 14, 2010, 08:08:36 PM
It wasn't him in a slump, it was less offense being run through him.
Does DJO's father know about this? This is an outrage!
Quote from: applesareroughAGE on February 14, 2010, 11:21:28 PM
Does DJO's father know about this? This is an outrage!
Yep, that's still funny
His defense has improved exponentially this year. He was working really hard off the ball last night on defense, I'll give him a bit of a pass for the lack of offense.
Quote from: akmarq on February 14, 2010, 08:08:36 PM
DJO took 5 shots yesterday, the lowest number of any starter. He went 1-4 from behind the arc, which yes, is uncharacteristically low, but I feel like putting him into a slump is a bit premature.
The previous game @PC he went 4-9 with 12 points and 50% from 3 point range. Home against DePaul he slumped his way to 21 points.
It wasn't him in a slump, it was less offense being run through him. Probably because he was doing so much on the defensive end. Which sounds a lot like what Buzz said.
Well, if he goes 2-4 beyond the arc he is *over* his percentage. It's just one shot.
You also need to remember that these 20 year olds are playing against other 20 year olds.
I think it can be especially tiring depending on the defensive strategy. From Buzz's comments, and what I remember from watching, part of the strategy was denying the ball in certain spots on the court. That is a lot more difficult for guards because their men are running all over, and normally you just need to stay between your man and the hoop, now you have to follow him out, and stay right with him, if he is in certain spots where he likes the ball. The slump talk is totally evidence free.
MU has not had trouble scoring points all season. They did not have trouble putting up points against USF either. Getting stops has been the problem, so if DJO can step up and be that guy to keep Villanova guards out of the paint, then that is perfect. Acker and Cubillan scored from the perimeter to complement Jimmy and Lazar.
Him learning to defend the other team's best wing player makes it easy for Vander Blue to come in next year and focus on settling in. Jimmy and DJO can handle the defensive assignments. Im glad to see DJO get that experience against Jones.
Quote from: avid1010 on February 14, 2010, 06:26:08 PM
I'd agree with the physical argument, but I think the mental part of it is just as important. I'm guessing DJO wasn't thinking to himself prior to the game that he would score 20+ and hold the leading scorer in BEAST in check. His focus all week was on shutting down Jones, he did so, and as a fan, I'm extremely pleased to see him do something as difficult and unselfish as that.
ABSOLUTELY...and I also agree with a post above with Cubillan/Acker taking more shots than usual, it left DJO out of the offense a little bit...but he has proven (except for a few instances) that he generally does let the game come to him...if the shot is open, he will knock it down...if not, he will make the extra pass and the next guy will knock it down. I think DJO has come a long way this year is playing with 'poise'.
Theres some guys who literally do get their offense started for them by playing tough D (see Jerel McNeal freshman-junior year)...while, I dont think DJO is necessarily one of those guys...it's good to have a good enough athlete to play that kind of defense!!
ALso...not trying to be pesimistic...but I felt like we gave up quote a few open shots (3s) on Saturday night...but USF just wasnt making any of them...I fear if they had, the game could have been much closer. Did anyone else feel the same way while watching??
Quote from: MU_Hoops3 on February 15, 2010, 10:11:26 AM
ALso...not trying to be pesimistic...but I felt like we gave up quote a few open shots (3s) on Saturday night...but USF just wasnt making any of them...I fear if they had, the game could have been much closer. Did anyone else feel the same way while watching??
It did appear that we gave up some open 3s, BUT, because USF is not a good 3-point shooting team, the gameplan may have been to deny Jones and clog the middle to deny the pass to their bigs. Put another way, if USF beats us with the 3, kudos to them.
point taken...and that could very well be the case
(i also apparently need spell check just as badly as Mbao needs to put weight on for next season)