BBall IQ

[Doris Burkes Thong]

This team really struggles in that area. How many times does DJO, Buycks, and everyone else go to the rack and they never give it up to another teammate. And it's always them trying to force the issue against 3 guys at one time. It really pisses me off. And in games where the refs aren't giving them the calls at the rack they continue to force things and just waste possession after possession with turnovers or offensive fouls.

[T.V. Diener 34]

At halftime I made the comment to my dad that this team has the basketball IQ of an acorn.... the same BS happened 2 straight times and then on the third... our PG Junior Cadougan decided to do the exact same thing instead of being the floor general and slowing everyone the F down.

[jaybilaswho?]

who gets the blame for the horrible final shots of the first half that we have taken forced from 23+ feet out? Coach or players?

I know we are a "live by the three, die by the three" team, but come on. If I were coaching against us and MU had the final shot of the half. I would clear out the point and just sit on the perimeter since you know we never look inside for a high percentage shot in that situation. It drives me nuts.

[Slim]

Sometimes I blame that offensive mindset (of taking the ball to the rim, rather than dishing off to a teammate for an easy 2) on that Pro-Am league in the summer. It seems the total lack of defense in that league has some of these guys believing they are a 40 points a game type player, and can score at will. I think some terrible habits are apparent.

My biggest IQ problem last night was on D. I don't know if this is from coaching, but it seemed every time a UCONN player drove with the ball, immediately a Marquette defender would leave his man to help double team. Inevitably slow defensive rotation led to an easy bucket. Most of the time the double team wasn't necessary.

These games are not good for my health!

[T-Bone]

This team really struggles in that area. How many times does DJO, Buycks, and everyone else go to the rack and they never give it up to another teammate.

There were definitely a couple times last night where it was the right move.  The one that sticks out was a 3 on 1 break that (I believe) Buycks took to the hoop instead of passing off.  The defender was looking for the pass and out of position to take a charge or make a clean play on the ball.  Taking the shot with a good chance to make it and draw the foul is the right move there. 

But, as an overall assessment I agree with you on this.  Unfortunately, they're learning this.  I think we're getting better, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.