Will this team press?

[OfficeLinebacker]

The thread about losing Novak got me to thinking that this team not only has the ability to run more on offense but to crank of the pressure on defense.  They appear to be deep enough to employe some pressure defense.

Any Thoughts?

[Nukem2]

Might do some pressing as a surprise element.  Seems more likely that TC will employ more half-court pressure and traps....??

[shaquilvaine]

Great question. I'd love to see a pressing team or a trapping team with the athleticism we have.  There's no better way to control the tempo of the game than to press. If TC truly wants to score 85 points a game, implementing a press much like Tom Davis used to do and then Bruce Pearl (a Davis disciple) now does. 

[mu03eng]

I think the press will be used as a change of pace or a situational defense.....say if the other team has a weaker ball handling line-up in or if MU is going on a mini-run.  It all depends on who is in our front court at the time.  If Kinsella is in I don't think you will see it.

[WashDCWarrior]

Anybody else think we have the speed and depth to run like UAB or Arkansas, a la 40 minutes of hell?  Maybe not every game, but against specific opponents?

[bheitz]

I'm all for a press and/or pressure defense.  We have the horses -- the right type of horses -- to do that.  At minimum, what I would like to see is an increase in defensive intensity.  By that I mean using the overall athleticism of the team to do things such as picking up the defense at half court, forcing the opponent's offense to be run further from the basket, over playing the passing lanes a bit, and having the shot clock become an ally and forcing the offense into a hurried (bad) shot.

[thisists]

i wouldnt be suprised to see it. our speed and tenacity is something to take advantage of in this manner. especially with the deflection juggernaut, mcneal.

[Big Papi]

Might do some pressing as a surprise element.  Seems more likely that TC will employ more half-court pressure and traps....??

You think you are right on point with that comment.  I don't see us utilizing a full court press but definitely a lot of half court pressure and traps.

[OfficeLinebacker]

If nothing else  MU has the talent pool to employ some pressure defense.  Just one more thing opposing coaches need to prepare for.

[LastWarrior]

OfficeLinebacker - who is that a picture of in your profile??

[spiral97]

FINALLY someone asked!!!!! *waits for response*

[OfficeLinebacker]

Sorry guys, its nobody in particular.  Just one of cbssportslines Maxim girls of the day.  Located near the middle on the left side of their home page each day.  Its a nice thing to look up each day though.

[4everwarriors]

some on the ball pressure and lock down defense. Always has been the trademark of past Warrior teams. Not certain that Crean values or teaches it.

[NYWarrior]

he did in the 2nd half against Alabama....in an interview last month he indicated that the coaches spent alot of time studying the work there -- given the makeup of this and future rosters, I dont think there's any doubt -- this team will run and press.

(says this optimist)