Three Point Shooting

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Help me figure this out. We have been abysmal from deep to start the season. Taking way too many threes for starters and can't seem to hit anything other than bunnies (and even those seem difficult).

But this team can hit the three. We have seen it. I know it was in exhibition games, but this team was electric from deep in Italy. I've always been a firm believer that "3P Defense" wasn't really a thing. Teams are either hitting their deep shots or they aren't. So I don't think the differences in competition level would matter that much. Plus, the three point line is further away in Europe. In theory, we should shoot even better here.

Just look at these stat lines side by side:

Duane:
9/16 (.529) in Italy
4/23 (.174) in Milwaukee
Sandy:
6/13 (.462) in Italy
5/13 (.384) in Milwaukee
Traci:
6/14 (.429) in Italy
2/11 (.181) in Milwaukee
Henry:
4/14 (.296) in Italy
2/13 (.154) in Milwaukee

Maybe I'm naive, but this leads me to believe that this is a mental block more than an ability block. Italy was exhibition games, who cares if you miss? Maybe its the pressure of performing in games that matter? Managing that comes with experience...which we don't have.

Any thoughts?

[g0lden3agle]

We've now had two similar sample sizes with results on complete opposite ends of the spectrum.  I would tend to believe the truth is somewhere in the middle for all of these shooters.  In Italy confidence was at an all time high, right now it's at an all time low, and the shooting percentages are proof of that.

The one I would be most concerned with is Traci.  The threes he was taking and making in Italy were not smart shots.  High difficulty, pull ups off of screens, etc.  His willingness to take those unwarranted shots, coupled with the associated fears that you mentioned based on these being "real" games, leave me worried that he may have a hard time coming out of this slump.

[MU82]

Playing in games that matter in front of big crowds is a huge departure from exhibitions.

That's why I simply refuse to believe we'll shoot sub-20% for too long a period of time. At least I hope not!

I do agree about Carter. His attempted 3's last night were ridiculous. I hope Wojo will talk to him about the shots he is electing to take.

[Herman Cain]

Most of the threes attempted this year have been poorly considered and not in the flow. Italy was a glorified version of the summer pro am and is not a meaningful comparison.

Henry forces a lot of junk threes as does Duane. They look good when they go in but most don't have a prayer. Carter's first instinct is to shoot the three early in the possession which needs to be curbed. JJJ should have his three point license revoked and stick with driving it and mid range. Same with Wally.

Sandy and Haanif can make the threes when the ball moves around a lot and they are wide open and squared to the basket.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Most of the threes attempted this year have been poorly considered and not in the flow.

Henry forces a lot of junk threes as does Duane. They look good when they go in but most don't have a prayer.

I don't necessarily agree with this. We have taken too many early three pointers. That is true. But I would argue most of them have been open looks that they've been able to step into. We just can't hit em right now.

Traci is the worst offender of early threes. He'll learn. I think Duane has fallen victim as well.

[Lennys Tap]

Help me figure this out. We have been abysmal from deep to start the season. Taking way too many threes for starters and can't seem to hit anything other than bunnies (and even those seem difficult).

But this team can hit the three. We have seen it. I know it was in exhibition games, but this team was electric from deep in Italy. I've always been a firm believer that "3P Defense" wasn't really a thing. Teams are either hitting their deep shots or they aren't. So I don't think the differences in competition level would matter that much. Plus, the three point line is further away in Europe. In theory, we should shoot even better here.

Just look at these stat lines side by side:

Duane:
9/16 (.529) in Italy
4/23 (.174) in Milwaukee
Sandy:
6/13 (.462) in Italy
5/13 (.384) in Milwaukee
Traci:
6/14 (.429) in Italy
2/11 (.181) in Milwaukee
Henry:
4/14 (.296) in Italy
2/13 (.154) in Milwaukee

Maybe I'm naive, but this leads me to believe that this is a mental block more than an ability block. Italy was exhibition games, who cares if you miss? Maybe its the pressure of performing in games that matter? Managing that comes with experience...which we don't have.

Any thoughts?

It's easier to shoot when nobody is guarding you.

[Marquette_g]

I'm no shooting instructor, but I've watched enough basketball to believe that Carter and JJJ will never be good shooters with shooting forms like theirs. 

[mattyv1908]

I'm no shooting instructor, but I've watched enough basketball to believe that Carter and JJJ will never be good shooters with shooting forms like theirs.

But in order for JJJ to be most effective, he has to still shoot the ball from the three point line when it's a good shot in rhythm so people play him honest.

[CTWarrior]

I don't necessarily agree with this. We have taken too many early three pointers. That is true. But I would argue most of them have been open looks that they've been able to step into. We just can't hit em right now.

Agree 100%.  We're getting good looks but not making 'em.  And that's why its not good to take them early in the shot clock.