The win over KS puts this team in a better position than they were last year at this time. Last year we started 2-3 in conference and fans were panicking. That team had yet to jell and would play their best basketball later in the year. This year's team, much like last year's has a lot of upside at this point. They are still learning how to integrate Nader and McKay. McKay is especially a work in progress given his late arrival and his unique ability to run the floor and block shots. He is another mismatch weapon and I think last night was the first time we really exploited it. I think we can even do better.
We heard before the season started that the team was working on getting out and running like they never had before. But until last night it looked like previous years. The only one that pushed it every time was Naz. Monte would look up court and pass if someone was wide open and if not, push it to mid court then back off. Last night we pushed it even after made baskets. The problem is Monte can't run at that pace all game and we eventually took our foot off the gas. We need to get Custer some minutes - even if only 2 or 3 so we can keep pushing the pace.
We are going to get better defensively - we still see guys not rotating fast enough or not rotating to the right guy (Naz left a guy wide open early and gave them a wide open 3). They are also learning how to play with a shot blocker. Rebounding may be the biggest key to our success.
Edozie and Custer are going to be needed. Last night was not the night given the stage but their time will come. I also recall last year's team having issues at the line and they got that turned around. I think this year's team will also turn that around. They are good free throw shooters - its a mental / focusing issue IMO. Fred has shown the ability to fix and adjust his teams so they are ready for the tournament. I anticipated basketball this season more than any other and so far it has not disappointed.
I have a feeling Johnny was looking down last night, fist pumping into the air and being very satisfied with the Hilton Magic he created.
We heard before the season started that the team was working on getting out and running like they never had before. But until last night it looked like previous years. The only one that pushed it every time was Naz. Monte would look up court and pass if someone was wide open and if not, push it to mid court then back off. Last night we pushed it even after made baskets. The problem is Monte can't run at that pace all game and we eventually took our foot off the gas. We need to get Custer some minutes - even if only 2 or 3 so we can keep pushing the pace.
We are going to get better defensively - we still see guys not rotating fast enough or not rotating to the right guy (Naz left a guy wide open early and gave them a wide open 3). They are also learning how to play with a shot blocker. Rebounding may be the biggest key to our success.
Edozie and Custer are going to be needed. Last night was not the night given the stage but their time will come. I also recall last year's team having issues at the line and they got that turned around. I think this year's team will also turn that around. They are good free throw shooters - its a mental / focusing issue IMO. Fred has shown the ability to fix and adjust his teams so they are ready for the tournament. I anticipated basketball this season more than any other and so far it has not disappointed.
I have a feeling Johnny was looking down last night, fist pumping into the air and being very satisfied with the Hilton Magic he created.
