Prediction: Fitz and Wes to have big games

[MarquetteDano]

I think Bo is concerned about his transition defense and drives to the hoop which is going to let outside shooters reign (or rain!) free.  I think Fitz and Wes will step up.  I would almost say Cubillan or Hayward too but this is probably their first truly "big" crowd so I will stick with experience.

- Dano'

[spiral97]

fitz yes.. that's his primary role.
matthews.. I'd like to see him spend time at the arch too but get the penetrations going.. I can see him and james running routes in coordination with each other to get in and out all over the floor.   James seems to be somewhat overlooked on the three.. everybody expects him to drive to the basket it seems so they load the middle (not just against him I know but he's a significant part of the reason).. thing is, he is third on the team in 3pt percentage and first on the team in number made.  granted this team isn't that great at the 3 but you gotta go where your numbers are if you're going to try it.. put him at the top of the arch interchangeably with matthews and they'll be in a position to dish out assists too (james doesn't lead the team in them for no reason).  once the lane opens up a bit then have them penetrate and kill them there too... or if three aren't falling then go to the lane and try to open the perimeter more.

I don't think cubillan will have any issues with the crowd.  he seems to thrive on this kinda thing.  duke was a big pressure event (with a pretty large crowd too) and on the road (to neutral land - sure) to beat and you know what cubillan was doing?  getting in duke's head.. slapping his legs saying come on are we gonna play?  generally running circles around some of their players on defense.  his season 3pt percentage is the best on the team (over .500) and he's made more of them than anyone else on the team except james (but with considerably fewer attempts).. I say put him at one side of the arch and fitz on the other side of the arch and interchangeably use one to draw the defense off the other.  eastablish a few early 3 success by them and the inside game will open up big time too.  he seems to be overlooked on the three... I say start giving him a yellow light with a greenish tinge on it.

I guess the same with lazar.. he seems to be stuck inside most of the time.. don't really recall any significant 3 pt. shot stats for him..  but I think I'd like him to split time between the post and the perimeter (spelling one of the others).. have him try a few 3pointers and if they fall give him a yellow light too.  he can't get that part of his game established if he's not givien the opportunity to try.. not too many games before conference season starts (!!!!) and EVERY game seems to critical to experiment in.

barro should be within 5 feet of the hoop every offsensive possession.. he's been killer there for 2 of the last 3 games and we can use his energy today!  I never posted this yet but one thing that struck me about barro in kansas city is he alwaus seems to be bouncing off the walls with energy.. he's the one jumping up and down whenever timeout is called.. he seems to move around a lot within that 5 foot radius of the basket.. let's get some rebounds and deflections from him

finally, let's get mcneal involved!  let's get him in the thick of it so he can get his mcsteals!  another player to rotate around the floor on offense too.. anywhere except behind the arc.. I'd say shoot from inside 9 feet and he should be ok.. he should be one of the key ball receivers on inbound passes towards the end of the game if it is close and they're being fouled (together with matthews).. he's second on the team in FT percentage - albeit with a miserable 67.5% (barro is first with 73.7% but isn't someone who should be dribbling up the court much).

[MarquetteDano]

We have to find someone who can stick the three.  I know James had two but his usually come off the dribble.  We really need someone to step up to the "spot shooter" role to get teams away from zone and sagging the lane on us.  Will someone step up?

Fitz?
Matthews?
Cubillan?
Hayward?

Hello?