We have hinted around at it in countless other threads, so let's just get specific and hash it out in one place. What is the problem with the defense? Scheme? Personnel? Execution?
Scheme: Too much switching, particularly at crunch time. Louisville and Vanderbilt game losing shots were both the result of a switch and somebody not getting the message. Too much double teaming of the post. Let the other team's big actually get some points down low before you start bringing the doubles.
Personnel: Chris is starting to understand when to help. That is a plus. Our guards are not great on-ball defenders. Jae has to play bigger. DG is just plain slow on rotations. Fulce is not big enough to guard the McGee's of the world.
Execution: Dumb fouls a long way from the basket. Of course, Lazar used to do that, too, and eventually he learned. Hopefully this group does, too. Slow double teams. Vander frequently looks tentative when he comes to double. Poor rotations to help when we double team the post. UConn killed us because somebody was not dropping down weak side.
I think (hope) that a week off to practice will help the defense tighten up. I think an easier schedule down the stretch will help, too.