I know Buzz does not play alot of zone and probably wont play alot on Thursday. But I wonder if he tries it for a few trips here an there and sees how UW reacts to it? Its not like Buzz never uses a zone. This could also steal some minutes to keep Lazar and Jimmy out of foul trouble. Like shooter says, "you got to pack it in the lane, make em chuck it from he cheapseats." Maybe his typical 1-2-2 token pressure back to a 2-3 to control tempo for a while?
Buzz likes the 1-3-1. I wouldn't doubt that we see it to at least slow down the pace of the game. (I don't think we'll see Yous up top like we did earlier in the year though!)
I know we played a bunch of 1-3-1 last year. But I think this year it has been a 1-2-2 back to a 2-3. With the point man sinking back to the middle after the ball goes below ft extended.
I am pretty sure we will see 3/4 court zone press.
Also, I would like to see the triangle and two. I think it was fairly effective against WVU, if I remember correctly. 3 guys cloging the middle with their two best players tightly guarded.
We've pretty much been playing straigh up man for the last 10-15 games, so I doubt we'll see any half-court zone defense this game. Buzz is going to ride the horse that got us here. Not saying we won't see some token zone full court pressure, which falls back into man-to-man half court D.
Since UW cannot hit 3's and score a lot close in, I think a 2-3 zone (making it tough to get to the rim) would be pretty effective to out in the mix with man. I think Buzz will plan man and judge how it's working, and if needed will switch up. But I would like to see a couple of zones thrown in.
Zone does not matter if you turn the ball over. We need to prevent the fast break.