That Lineup

[mu03eng]

The reason that line-up was successful against Butler was a match-up thing.  It you notice, especially in the last 5 minutes of the game the team run the same set which consisted of the 2 guard weave(Wilson right to left bringing it to Mayo moving left to right) while Burton and Otule set a double screen, with Burton(as first screener) flashing to the weak side block and Otule staying forcing his man to hedge on Mayo the shooter.  Meanwhile Jake went to the right corner perimeter.  This gave Mayo the choice to drive the edge of the hedge without any big men defenders down low or if no hedge came to take a shot.  If Jake's defender helped off on the drive it left Jake open.  Wilson and his man were on the left side away from the action preventing and help from that direction.  Lastly Burton was in position for a dump off or a rebound with Otule in trailing position for a long rebound on the 3pt shot.

It took advantage of Butler's lack of lateral foot speed and 45s foul trouble.  It also was made possible by the fact that Mayo was hitting shots.  However, that won't work against say a Creighton who is much more perimeter oriented.  We are going to continue to see a mismatch of line-ups because we don't have the right compesition to just roll the ball out and play....MU has to win with strategy not talent

It was great coaching by Buzz and even better execution by the players, pretty exciting stuff

[Niv Berkowitz]

It was great coaching by Buzz and even better execution by the players, pretty exciting stuff

Get outta here with that Buzz-praise!! Don't you know that Buzz obviously forgot how to coach the last three months!

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

As much as I wish that this lineup is the one we have been searching for as the announcers last night suggested, I don't think it's the case. Most teams have 5 or at least 4 well rounded players who should clearly be starting every night and then bring role players off the bench.

We have a lot of players with glaring shortcomings, so Buzz needs to mix and match based on the matchups. Buzz has done a good job in some games coming in with plan to win that works (George Washington, Providence). Others he has not (Creighton, Saint John's). Others he has come in with a good game plan but then has been unable to adjust when the opposing coach adjusted (Butler part 1, New Mexico).

Last night might have been the first game this season where we came in with a bad plan and then were able to adjust. Hope to see more of that

[Lennys Tap]

You're right, Eagle. Our best offensive lineup is Dawson, Todd, Jamil, Deonte and Davante - but they might go 10 minutes between stops. Our best defensive lineup is Derrick, Jake, ? (Juan or Todd), Jamil and Otule but they might go 10 minutes without a basket.

If we want more Burton, fine - as long as people understand that means more Otule to cover for his defensive lapses. And if Otule and Derrick are in there together you'd better have three of Todd, Jamil, Deonte and Jake in for balance. Last year we had a guy who excelled on both ends of the court (Blue) four guys who could do a little of both (Junior, Trent, Jamil, Todd), one offensive specialist (Davante) and 2 defensive specialists (Derrick and Chris). This year it's a couple of guys who can do a little of both (Todd, Jamil) and a bunch of guys (due to lack of ability or experience) who are "specialists". Too many one dimensional players to hide so Buzz is forced to give minutes based on match ups and who is playing well that night. Going forward, we'll see lots of Todd, Jamil and Derrick. The balance of time TBD. Sometimes it will look disjointed, but that's what's necessary when you have too many "specialists".

[MarquetteDano]

You're right, Eagle. Our best offensive lineup is Dawson, Todd, Jamil, Deonte and Davante - but they might go 10 minutes between stops. Our best defensive lineup is Derrick, Jake, ? (Juan or Todd), Jamil and Otule but they might go 10 minutes without a basket.

If we want more Burton, fine - as long as people understand that means more Otule to cover for his defensive lapses. And if Otule and Derrick are in there together you'd better have three of Todd, Jamil, Deonte and Jake in for balance. Last year we had a guy who excelled on both ends of the court (Blue) four guys who could do a little of both (Junior, Trent, Jamil, Todd), one offensive specialist (Davante) and 2 defensive specialists (Derrick and Chris). This year it's a couple of guys who can do a little of both (Todd, Jamil) and a bunch of guys (due to lack of ability or experience) who are "specialists". Too many one dimensional players to hide so Buzz is forced to give minutes based on match ups and who is playing well that night. Going forward, we'll see lots of Todd, Jamil and Derrick. The balance of time TBD. Sometimes it will look disjointed, but that's what's necessary when you have too many "specialists".

Perfect post.