http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/116204634.html
"Because MU's opponent Tuesday, St. John's (15-9, 7-5), likes to play smaller and more up tempo, Otule and Gardner might not play as big a role."
I know I'm also expecting us to play smaller tonight with St. Johns... but why not play Otule/Gardner more than expected and attempt to take advantage of some post mismatches?
Quote from: socrplar125 on February 15, 2011, 11:33:25 AM
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/116204634.html
"Because MU's opponent Tuesday, St. John's (15-9, 7-5), likes to play smaller and more up tempo, Otule and Gardner might not play as big a role."
I know I'm also expecting us to play smaller tonight with St. Johns... but why not play Otule/Gardner more than expected and attempt to take advantage of some post mismatches?
Because they'll get absolutely abused on defense.
Nice article. They may not play as much because while they may cause mismatches on offense, SJU will cause mismatches on defense against them, particularly DG. If SJU is going up and down the floor, DG simply can't keep up. I think we are solid at the 5 for the next couple of years. If ever there was a time to sign a 7' project and let him redshirt, this is it.
I think Otule would cause SJU problems on both ends of the floor. However, he probably won't play more than 15 -20 minutes if they are moving at a fast tempo.
I think we are a much better team with either Otule or Gardner on the court. When they are out, two many easy baskets are scored underneath, ala Georgetown with 3 minutes to go and we had no big, they scored an easy basket to go up from 3 to 5, and that was it.
But SJU doesn't have as much of an interior offensive threat as Georgetown does.
SJU is looking to do the same type of offense we did when we ran a four guard, one forward offense. Sometimes we would neutralize the big men, sometimes we wouldn't. We have to at least see how CO & DG react to the game.
I don't like the mindset of changing our game to SJU, force them into their weaknesses first. Adjust after.
Quote from: marqptm on February 15, 2011, 12:10:54 PM
SJU is looking to do the same type of offense we did when we ran a four guard, one forward offense. Sometimes we would neutralize the big men, sometimes we wouldn't. We have to at least see how CO & DG react to the game.
I don't like the mindset of changing our game to SJU, force them into their weaknesses first. Adjust after.
Oh I agree. I just don't think we are going to be as hurt defensively this game by going small. I actually think we can run with anyone.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on February 15, 2011, 12:15:11 PM
Oh I agree. I just don't think we are going to be as hurt defensively this game by going small. I actually think we can run with anyone.
Without a doubt, and I think for the most part Buzz is more comfortable going small and running. I just hope he doesn't take that mindframe from the get go.
I don't have any statistical support, but we seem to play better with a DG or CO in the game. Often Buzz reverts back to the small lineup to recover from runs or lapses.
Quote from: msbjim on February 15, 2011, 11:46:14 AM
I think we are a much better team with either Otule or Gardner on the court. When they are out, two many easy baskets are scored underneath, ala Georgetown with 3 minutes to go and we had no big, they scored an easy basket to go up from 3 to 5, and that was it.
You say that like somehow Gardner discourages baskets from being scored underneath, when in actuality when he is in the game it is easier for our opponents to score inside than when we play small. His defensive immobility actually encourages attacks of the basket.
I agree with this point with regards to Otule, however, as he is becoming a very good help defender.
Fulce had a very good game against St John,s last year, because the matchup is a good matchup for him.