Defense>offense

[jesmu84]

So far this season. Whoda thunk?

[Newsdreams]

So far this season. Whoda thunk?

He is going the Buzz way, hasn't installed the offense yet 

[NickelDimer]

And this is a very good problem. I'm more comfortable in assuming that our offense will eventually get it together than if defense was once again our problem

[vogue65]

Offense is simple, pass the ball around and find the open man. 
If someone is double teamed or triple teamed, there must be someone open.
Isn't that what the pros. do?  The trick is to move the ball faster,
I don't understand the dribble weave, there is a lot I don't understand.

One thing I remember Buzz being good about was the paint touches and the kick out to the open man.  Is success with that dependent on athleticism?

[tower912]

It does require the ability to get to the paint via the dribble and draw defenders.

[jesmu84]

Offense is simple, pass the ball around and find the open man. 
If someone is double teamed or triple teamed, there must be someone open.
Isn't that what the pros. do?  The trick is to move the ball faster,
I don't understand the dribble weave, there is a lot I don't understand.

One thing I remember Buzz being good about was the paint touches and the kick out to the open man.  Is success with that dependent on athleticism?

I think, much like pick/roll, the weave is there to force switches and find favorable matchups. Seems we frequently give to sam in the low post after this

[GoldenZebra]

Offense will get way better , once the guys have time to figure out playing together etc. Markus made pretty solid adjustments to UL last night...more contributions from post players will only help MUs shooters. Right now, game plan is focused on making Howard uncomfortable, other guys are waiting for him to initiate, need more guys to step up.

[mu.n8ball]

I think, much like pick/roll, the weave is there to force switches and find favorable matchups. Seems we frequently give to sam in the low post after this

agree it's to create mismatches. we just need to capitalize better once we get that favorable matchup. you're right too, frequently it ends up with Sam on a smaller defender, or Markus on a bigger, slower defender. we just need to finish better.

[mu03eng]

I think, much like pick/roll, the weave is there to force switches and find favorable matchups. Seems we frequently give to sam in the low post after this

Weave is there to generate driving lanes and match-ups. Defender is largely moving laterally whereas the offense is moving forward so it's easier for the offensive player to turn a corner and get to the lane.

[mu03eng]

The offense is still struggling because we have key players in key positions that are still trying to figure it out. Once JC, Ed, and Joey start really putting it together the offense will be fine.

BTW once Joey figures it out on both ends he is going to be a monster...he's going to be better than Ellenson by the end of the year.

BTW, only concern I have right now is Jamal Cain. His offense has really disappointed to date and we need him out there for rebounding.

[Galway Eagle]

The offense is still struggling because we have key players in key positions that are still trying to figure it out. Once JC, Ed, and Joey start really putting it together the offense will be fine.

BTW once Joey figures it out on both ends he is going to be a monster...he's going to be better than Ellenson by the end of the year.

BTW, only concern I have right now is Jamal Cain. His offense has really disappointed to date and we need him out there for rebounding.

Joey is already better by virtue of being able to hit an outside shot lol but more seriously I expect Joey to be on Henry's level next year, if he gets there this year I'll be thrilled.

[Floorslapper]

So far this season. Whoda thunk?

Not surprised.  Don't see our offense taking much of a step forward, beyond what we've seen thus far. 

Defense is definitely better than last year, which is a pretty easy comp to beat - however suspect we will finish more in the area of 80-100 versus the current 56th ranking.

[jesmu84]

Not surprised.  Don't see our offense taking much of a step forward, beyond what we've seen thus far. 

Defense is definitely better than last year, which is a pretty easy comp to beat - however suspect we will finish more in the area of 80-100 versus the current 56th ranking.

You believe our offense is as good as it's going to get?

[Floorslapper]

You believe our offense is as good as it's going to get?

I certainly don't see any kind of major uptick.  Perhaps a very slight bit of improvement, but this team will have challenges on the offensive end of the ball executing against athletic/physical teams.  Granted the Big East is quite weak this year, but as the competition ramps up, I don't think we are able to take it up a level offensively.

Teams will hedge every ball screen/crowd Markus, limit his three point looks, force him into being a passer, and they'll stay glued to Sam - forcing our other guys to beat them.  Maybe Joey can step up into that critical 3rd weapon on the O-end, but we really do lack athleticism and don't have a guy that can really go get a bucket if you need one.

[jesmu84]

I certainly don't see any kind of major uptick.  Perhaps a very slight bit of improvement, but this team will have challenges on the offensive end of the ball executing against athletic/physical teams.  Granted the Big East is quite weak this year, but as the competition ramps up, I don't think we are able to take it up a level offensively.

Teams will hedge every ball screen/crowd Markus, limit his three point looks, force him into being a passer, and they'll stay glued to Sam - forcing our other guys to beat them.  Maybe Joey can step up into that critical 3rd weapon on the O-end, but we really do lack athleticism and don't have a guy that can really go get a bucket if you need one.

How do you define "major"?

[Floorslapper]

How do you define "major"?

I'll be surprised if we improve on our current 111.9 Adjusted Efficiency rating.  I see it more likely that this number decline, than improve as the season goes on.

I also expect our Adjusted Defensive Efficiency to rise from its current 96.3 to ~99-101.