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Wednesday Feb 8, 2012
It has been a few days since my last blog post because honestly there was not much to talk about. Seton Hall is not playing as well and everyone knows that. Rutgers is not doing much better and everyone knows that as well. Even the lower conference schools have been the same even though I have not looked at an FDU box score in a while. But I would imagine they have not won since they beat powerful Bryant College or is it University? I do know Bryant is a very good academic school that until a few years ago was a proud New England Division 2 program. Now they are a FDU rival!
On the HS scene the games seem to have been very competitive especially in NYC in what was once the Suicide Division in Brooklyn. All those teams are good in Brooklyn and tough as well. Lincoln, Boys and Girls, Jefferson, Roberson will be good and competitive, South Shore is pretty good, Grady will bounce back, and many others are good as well. We know that Campus Magnet (Andrew Jackson) will be tough down the stretch as will Benjamin Cardozo, who is one on NY's top programs along with many of the others I have mentioned. Lets not forget Johnny Mathis Kennedy HS team in the boogie down Bronx or should I say upscale Riverdale section of NYC? Yes, NY teams, especially PSAL teams, are and always will be very competitive despite the huge amount of kids opting to attend private and parochial schools in NY and NJ.
Of course the CHSAA teams in NY are always competitive with St. Raymond's, Christ The King, and others. Oddly the CHSAA programs have been hurt more than anyone else by the number of players who would normally be at those schools attending HS in The Garden State. It took a while before people realized the commute to Jersey City or Elizabeth is not a hard one on public transportation. NYC kids are now making a huge difference at some of the traditional NJ power HS Programs.
This brings me to the St. Anthony;s vs Plainfield game I attended yesterday in Plainfield, New Jersey. What atmosphere for a HS game! I have been to many HS games over the years and thought the atmosphere at some were decent or very good. Plainfield was the best atmosphere I have ever experienced in my 35 years of attending HS games. From the great Security telling you where to park, to the pleasant people selling and taking tickets with smiles and thanking you, this was a first class operation. The gym was an older building that seemed to be re-done with great seating on 4 sides and filled to capacity during the Freshmen game. Thats right 3 and a half hours before the varsity game the seating was 85 percent sold out. They even handed out actual game programs with player names and numbers. I asked if this was a regular thing and was told yes.
What really amazed me were all the adults in the seating who actually knew the freshmen kids and cheered and encouraged those kids like they were the varsity team. I have never been to a HS game where 6o percent of the fans were actually adults who attend the games on a regular basis. Even the Town Mayor was at the game waving and cheering like she know the drill lol. Plainfield has two super duper supporters, one an ex school board member, who are true fans with one actually doing the powder thing prior top tipoff. And in the stands there was no player bashing just clean cheering for the home team and respect for the visitors from St. Anthony's.
2000 plus people saw a game that had the number 1 team in NJ go against the number 5 team which is Plainfield. Here is where the accolades stop! Sorry Plainfield because I do want to be welcome in your gym again one day. And though I am a true blue Teaneck Fan, I know it would be a tough game for Teaneck if they faced you. But honestly I have never seen a team ranked so high be so unprepared to play a huge game. I have never seen a highly ranked team not even attempt to run an offensive set the entire game. I mean the ENTIRE GAME NOT ONE OFFENSIVE SET WAS ATTEMPTED! People and fans can say that was because of the St. Anthony defense. I say bull because NO OFFENSIVE SET WAS ATTEMPTED and I kept track. Horrible up and down street ball basketball was played by Plainfield. It was the closest I have ever seen to the big game between Hickory High playing controlled basketball against the big run and gun team from the big city in Hoosiers. Horrible team basketball as I have ever seen! Coach might have had an off day but if there was a shot clock they might have scored 25 points based on no sets run to free up players for shots. In the first half 30 and 40 seconds went by as Plainfield searched for shots often shooting "hope" shots or air balls.
Now this is not an attack on the players. But it certainly is a post wondering about who the coach is because Plainfield has talent and tough inside guys. I did not expect Plainfield to beat powerful St. Anthony's. But neither did I expect to see a Harlem Rucker League Team coached by Slim from the block play last night. Remember the stage was set and than I realized I was way off Broadway in regards to actual performance. Like having a Mercedes body over a Yugo automobile. Plainfield had everything going up until game time sadly. They next play Gil St. Bernard in a game I really wanted to attend. Unfortunately I now feel Gil might make them look even worst despite the fact Plainfield will not be intimidated like they seemed to be last night. Who knows, they just might run a play or two!
St. Anthony's is a well oiled machine. Kyle Anderson is a complete TEAM player who you love cheering for based on him being a better person than player and as a player he is NBA bound in the near future. The other players around him benefit from his presence and mental toughness. In a nutshell St. Anthony's from the very talented players to the outstanding coaching staff of 15 guys (lol) expect to win and play that way. My only negative about St. Anthony's would be the clunky Reebok sneakers all 3 teams wore. They looked like they weighed 10 pounds lol. But they must be light because this is a true HS team and a wonderful HS program. Honestly I am stunned St. Anthony's does not ask for money to play games such as yesterday, games that sell out and generate capital.
Plainfield's biggest group 3 challenge at the time is powerful Teaneck HS from Bergen County who are rated 3rd in NJ by the Newark Star Ledger. The big match-up could occur in the state playoffs at East Orange Campus HS in the North Group 3 finals. Teaneck is playing great and the coaching staff is really one of the best in the entire state if not the entire east coast.
With at least 4 potential D 1 players on the roster and playing very well together this team has the ingredients to do well and possibly make a run at the overall group 3 state championship and do well in the Tournament of Champions. Last night they beat Paterson Eastside, a top 10 team in Nj and the number 1 Group 4 team in the state. But that Bergen Jamboree can be tough and often political if you know what i mean. So getting through the country tournament might just be more challenging than people realize.
Seton Hall vs Rutgers
The RAC was jumping! People purchased tickets outside from scalpers for as much as $2000 a ticket. The Governor attended as did many of the other state politicians. Thousands were turned away from attending this sold out game at the newly refurbished Rutgers Athletic Center, and what a building it is. Video score boards, expanded soft chair back seating, wonderful refreshments and two actual restaurants in the building for pre game meals in a comfortable atmosphere over looking the court. With every top NYC, NJ, and Pa. kid looking on from the special recruitment lounge, this game was full of great plays. RU and SHU with a combined 9 HS All Americans on the rosters, made us say ACC who? An interesting development last night was the sudden transfer requests from 2 players who just could not break into the line-ups at SHU or RU because of the overflow of talent. I have heard they will attempt to transfer to Duke or Kentucky where they will have a better opportunity to play!
I guess you know by now I was dreaming of what it could and might be in the near future. Unfortunately we are not there YET! However I still feel this game should be a sell out at Rutgers. To not be able to attract 8000 plus people is downright disgusting and whoever is in charge of PR and marketing at Rutgers needs to really be held accountable. Maybe the person worked at FDU in the past and really has no understanding of the right way to attract fans to games.
I think the game will be nip and tuck as well as exciting to watch. I personally will be watching from the comforts of home. Who will win? Does anyone care? Is it on the Governors schedule? Stay tuned for alot to say after the game concludes.
25 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi
Offensive Practice Planning
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As promised, I'm forging ahead and talking about how I approach an offensive practice. First off, I'll just say that I do like separating practices with an offensive and defensive emphasis because I think that if your practices are 2 hours or shorter, you cannot go into the kind of detail needed for either offense or defense unless you separate them out. But as you will see, we still work on some component of offense during defensive practices and some defense within offensive practices, but there is a focus on working on offense or defense on a particular day. I also do not like having practices longer than 2 hours. I find that after 1.5 hours, the players' attention spans go sideways, and the law of diminishing returns begins to take into effect.
Before I breakdown the nuts and bolts of the plan (click here to see a PDF version), here is a rough chronological summary of how I organize offensive practices:
1. Dynamic warmup
2. Mental concentration drill
3. Play Insertion/Walkthrough period
4. Early Offense drill with FTs right after
5. Shooting or individual development drills
6. Offensive breakdown drills
7. Team period, controlled scrimmage
8. Team shooting drill
I always have the date and our next opponent listed at the top. It keeps me focused on who we need to beat next and not on anything else. I like to setup who will be the teams for the practice before practice begins, that way I think about which players I want playing with who that day. I also use it to take attendance (I just check them off with a pen).
I like to plan the first 1hr or so of practice in either 5 or 10 minute chunks. I always use the scoreboard timer to time everything, it really helps to keep practice on time. I think like all of you, there is usually something that goes overtime in practice, and you end up having to skip something, but I try my best to stay on time, and the scoreboard timer really helps. If you can't use a scoreboard, definitely use a pocket timer, I use it as a backup when I have to split the gym or practice in our mini-gym.
Dynamic Warmup:
I give 10 mins for a dynamic warmup. Our dynamic is pretty simple. They do high knees, quad stretch, hammys, groin, etc... If it were up to me, I'd cut it down to 5 mins, but I also use this time to talk to the players, sometimes it is a little bit of a pep talk, other times it is logistical (how are we going to get to the next game). So I don't mind 10 minutes. Also, sometimes our practices start late because of prior games, or the gym needs to be setup (put the wall up), or the previous team went over time which can happen a lot. So, 10 mins, is good as a buffer, when you need to cut time out, you do it here and you can get away with a 5 min dynamic.
Mental Concentration Drill:
Next up, I always like to start practices with some form of drill where the players have to think a little. I think it's important to set the tone where players have to concentrate on something very specific. At the end of a busy school day, a student can have any number of crazy things going on in their head. I need them zero'ed in on basketball so I always start with something that will get them 100% focused on what we're doing. In this case, I have chosen a semi-circle passing drill, where the player in the middle has to really concentrate on 2 balls being thrown at him. Another series I like to do in this period is to do 2-ball dribbling. Not only is it skill development, but the players really have to concentrate with 2 balls in their hands.
Play Insertion/Walkthrough period:
It's not shown in this practice plan, but early in the season, I will use the time right after the first mental concentration drill to do any play insertion. I find that if you are introducing new material to players, especially using the whole-part-whole method, that you introduce it early on in practice. I like it right after the mental concentration drill because that is when you have their greatest attention. I spend no longer than 15 minutes doing install, doing a walkthrough of the new play or continuity, and switching players often so that everyone gets at least 1 rep going through the new play.
Early Offense drill with FTs right after:
I like working some form of early offense drill, like a team fast break or a 3-on-2 2-on-1 drill right after play insertion. I like getting this done early in the practice when their bodies are fresh and I can really push them hard on the break. There is always some goal they are trying to reach (25 layups in 2 min as a team) and if they don't reach it they run, or 2 pushups for every missed layup. Right after the drills, I have them break up individually and shoot FTs. I always have them shoot 10 in a row and start them off trying to make 7. If they make 7, they don't have to run. Then I give them a short water break.
Speaking of water breaks, I always put 45 secs on the clock, as soon as the horn goes, the players know they have to go to the baseline and be ready for the next drill. This way, you cut down on wasted time after they go for water and they mess around shooting, and you get distracted talking to a player. It's 45 secs and we're on to the next thing.
Another thing on FTs. You'll notice throughout, I have bolded FTs for winners. After any competitive drill where there is a winner or loser. I chose a player from the winning team to shoot FTs. They have to hit both of them to avoid the consequence. If the player misses both, their whole team shares the whole consequence with the losing team, if the player makes 1, their team does half the consequence.
Shooting or individual development drills:
After fast break stuff, I like to breakdown and do individual skill development. This is usually some form of a shooting drill or as you can see in the picture above, I have a hustle drill listed. Each practice is different, but I want to focus on 1 or 2 of the following if it is an offensive day:
- effort (hustle drills, rebounding drills, finishing drills)
- execution (3-on-3 breakdown like flex drill or blood drill)
- technique (shooting drills, passing drills, cone drills)
In my opinion, you can't work on everything in one practice. So early on in the season, it is mostly technique or execution. Footwork is really important to me, so I want them using the right steps to get into their shot. Or passing with the outside hand, extending the outside hand to call for the ball. Or how to cut to the basket, how to post up, etc... I also want to work on executing the offense, so this is where the "part" of the whole-part-whole comes in. I break them down into 3-on-3 or even 2-on-2 and they work on the specific components of the offense. This way, the floor is more empty and you can give more focused instruction, if you have assistant coaches this is where they can be invaluable. Later on in the season, I want to keep the intensity up so I focus more on effort and finish. This practice is in mid January, the doldrums, so I want them to stay sharp, so my focus is on diving for loose balls, banging the boards. But we're also doing the blood drills for the DDM stuff, and I also have another fast-break drill, but instead of it being fast-fast-fast, I am teaching in this period, I'm working on specific things that I want them to do in a 2-on-1 situation, how to get the rebound, how to outlet the ball.
The second half of practices is some form of team period. Early in the season we will go 20-30 minutes of team. As we get into mid-season or later, it is less time. As you can see here, I've injected a team conditioner and a high-intensity rebounding/finishing drill in between team scrimmage and team shooting, since we are in mid-Jan and I want them to focus on effort and finishing.
Team period, controlled scrimmage:
Now we get to the team period. There are all kinds of philosophies on scrimmaging. Here is mine. I think in any practice, you have to go 5 on 5 at some point. The players need to be able to put together what they've been learning in a 5 man setup. However, I do not believe in just putting up 8 minutes on the clock, and just having them play. At the same time, I do not believe in going 5 on 5 half-court only, and switching every 3 reps. In offense, you have 2 distinct phases, transition and half-court. Players have to learn how those phases are executed from start to finish, you can't do that in a 5-on-5 half-court only, and you can't do that in 3-on-2 fast break drill. You have to practice the phases together. You need to setup a scenario which is as realistic to the game as possible. I have 2 scenarios I like to setup the players in for a controlled 5-on-5 scrimmage for offensive practices:
1. Circle Setup. Setup 9 players (5 defense and 4 offense) running the circle near one of the baskets, the offensive player inbounding the ball is standing out of bounds. I talk to the players quickly (15 secs) to give them instructions that I want them to execute, like a play call, or defense is going to press, etc... I also name 3 or 2 or 1 players on defense that will have to run back to the baseline before they can play defense. This way, I can control the fast-break situation (either a 5 on 4, 3, or 2). When I throw the ball in to the inbounder, it begins. The players will go down the floor, and then the defense becomes offense and comes back down. So basically each team gets 1 rep on both offense and defense. At the end, I can quickly debrief, then we go again with the same teams or different teams. These are the teams that I have specified on my sheet at the top.
2. FT Setup. Another setup I like to use is a FT setup. So I as the coach will pretend to shoot a FT. The player lineup as either the defense (closest to the hoop) or offense (1 man away). Same as first setup, I can call out instructions, play to use on offense, etc... I lob the ball up, and the defense has to rebound, then run offense going the other way. If offense gets the rebound, they play offense on the same hoop. They go there and back and we run it again.
I usually will start with the Circle setup and move to the FT setup around mid-way through team period. In 20 minutes, I hope to get about 8 good mini-scrimmages going back and forth. In my opinion, it's as realistic as possible to a real game, but I also get a chance to stop the scrimmage and give my coaching points so that it isn't just 8 mins of free scrimmage.
Team shooting drill:
Finally, I always like to end every practice with some form of team shooting drill. I always make it competitive, so it's usually Team A vs Team B, and whoever scores the least has to run. If time is running short, the loser has to put all the balls away. I have used the Walberg around the world 3-point shooting drill, or 5 balls 5 lines, or what I call Iowa shooting. You can do whatever you want, but the idea is that they are competing, working on shooting, and building team chemistry. I also use the 5 minutes to gather my thoughts about how practice went, write down some notes, and prepare what I want to say to the players at the very end of practice.
End of Practice:
I try to give the players a short lecture towards the end. Sometimes I come down hard on them, sometimes I pump them up. I also give them an evaluation of the practice, so they have an idea as to my expectations. Finally, I remind them of any important details for our next game or next practice, such as rides, or early dismissals, or forms they need to hand in.
I realize that was a lengthy post, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. I'd be very interested to hear what others do in terms of practice planning and organization. When I go to observe other coaches, I always want to see how they plan and organize practices. I also coach football, so I always look for things that I can incorporate into either sport that I coach. Efficiency is a big one for me, I'm always looking to squeeze as much into a 1.5 or 2 hour timeframe as possible. Next up will be a breakdown of defensive practices.
Before I breakdown the nuts and bolts of the plan (click here to see a PDF version), here is a rough chronological summary of how I organize offensive practices:
1. Dynamic warmup
2. Mental concentration drill
3. Play Insertion/Walkthrough period
4. Early Offense drill with FTs right after
5. Shooting or individual development drills
6. Offensive breakdown drills
7. Team period, controlled scrimmage
8. Team shooting drill
I always have the date and our next opponent listed at the top. It keeps me focused on who we need to beat next and not on anything else. I like to setup who will be the teams for the practice before practice begins, that way I think about which players I want playing with who that day. I also use it to take attendance (I just check them off with a pen).
I like to plan the first 1hr or so of practice in either 5 or 10 minute chunks. I always use the scoreboard timer to time everything, it really helps to keep practice on time. I think like all of you, there is usually something that goes overtime in practice, and you end up having to skip something, but I try my best to stay on time, and the scoreboard timer really helps. If you can't use a scoreboard, definitely use a pocket timer, I use it as a backup when I have to split the gym or practice in our mini-gym.
Dynamic Warmup:
I give 10 mins for a dynamic warmup. Our dynamic is pretty simple. They do high knees, quad stretch, hammys, groin, etc... If it were up to me, I'd cut it down to 5 mins, but I also use this time to talk to the players, sometimes it is a little bit of a pep talk, other times it is logistical (how are we going to get to the next game). So I don't mind 10 minutes. Also, sometimes our practices start late because of prior games, or the gym needs to be setup (put the wall up), or the previous team went over time which can happen a lot. So, 10 mins, is good as a buffer, when you need to cut time out, you do it here and you can get away with a 5 min dynamic.
Mental Concentration Drill:
Next up, I always like to start practices with some form of drill where the players have to think a little. I think it's important to set the tone where players have to concentrate on something very specific. At the end of a busy school day, a student can have any number of crazy things going on in their head. I need them zero'ed in on basketball so I always start with something that will get them 100% focused on what we're doing. In this case, I have chosen a semi-circle passing drill, where the player in the middle has to really concentrate on 2 balls being thrown at him. Another series I like to do in this period is to do 2-ball dribbling. Not only is it skill development, but the players really have to concentrate with 2 balls in their hands.
Play Insertion/Walkthrough period:
It's not shown in this practice plan, but early in the season, I will use the time right after the first mental concentration drill to do any play insertion. I find that if you are introducing new material to players, especially using the whole-part-whole method, that you introduce it early on in practice. I like it right after the mental concentration drill because that is when you have their greatest attention. I spend no longer than 15 minutes doing install, doing a walkthrough of the new play or continuity, and switching players often so that everyone gets at least 1 rep going through the new play.
Early Offense drill with FTs right after:
I like working some form of early offense drill, like a team fast break or a 3-on-2 2-on-1 drill right after play insertion. I like getting this done early in the practice when their bodies are fresh and I can really push them hard on the break. There is always some goal they are trying to reach (25 layups in 2 min as a team) and if they don't reach it they run, or 2 pushups for every missed layup. Right after the drills, I have them break up individually and shoot FTs. I always have them shoot 10 in a row and start them off trying to make 7. If they make 7, they don't have to run. Then I give them a short water break.
Speaking of water breaks, I always put 45 secs on the clock, as soon as the horn goes, the players know they have to go to the baseline and be ready for the next drill. This way, you cut down on wasted time after they go for water and they mess around shooting, and you get distracted talking to a player. It's 45 secs and we're on to the next thing.
Another thing on FTs. You'll notice throughout, I have bolded FTs for winners. After any competitive drill where there is a winner or loser. I chose a player from the winning team to shoot FTs. They have to hit both of them to avoid the consequence. If the player misses both, their whole team shares the whole consequence with the losing team, if the player makes 1, their team does half the consequence.
Shooting or individual development drills:
After fast break stuff, I like to breakdown and do individual skill development. This is usually some form of a shooting drill or as you can see in the picture above, I have a hustle drill listed. Each practice is different, but I want to focus on 1 or 2 of the following if it is an offensive day:
- effort (hustle drills, rebounding drills, finishing drills)
- execution (3-on-3 breakdown like flex drill or blood drill)
- technique (shooting drills, passing drills, cone drills)
In my opinion, you can't work on everything in one practice. So early on in the season, it is mostly technique or execution. Footwork is really important to me, so I want them using the right steps to get into their shot. Or passing with the outside hand, extending the outside hand to call for the ball. Or how to cut to the basket, how to post up, etc... I also want to work on executing the offense, so this is where the "part" of the whole-part-whole comes in. I break them down into 3-on-3 or even 2-on-2 and they work on the specific components of the offense. This way, the floor is more empty and you can give more focused instruction, if you have assistant coaches this is where they can be invaluable. Later on in the season, I want to keep the intensity up so I focus more on effort and finish. This practice is in mid January, the doldrums, so I want them to stay sharp, so my focus is on diving for loose balls, banging the boards. But we're also doing the blood drills for the DDM stuff, and I also have another fast-break drill, but instead of it being fast-fast-fast, I am teaching in this period, I'm working on specific things that I want them to do in a 2-on-1 situation, how to get the rebound, how to outlet the ball.
The second half of practices is some form of team period. Early in the season we will go 20-30 minutes of team. As we get into mid-season or later, it is less time. As you can see here, I've injected a team conditioner and a high-intensity rebounding/finishing drill in between team scrimmage and team shooting, since we are in mid-Jan and I want them to focus on effort and finishing. Team period, controlled scrimmage:
Now we get to the team period. There are all kinds of philosophies on scrimmaging. Here is mine. I think in any practice, you have to go 5 on 5 at some point. The players need to be able to put together what they've been learning in a 5 man setup. However, I do not believe in just putting up 8 minutes on the clock, and just having them play. At the same time, I do not believe in going 5 on 5 half-court only, and switching every 3 reps. In offense, you have 2 distinct phases, transition and half-court. Players have to learn how those phases are executed from start to finish, you can't do that in a 5-on-5 half-court only, and you can't do that in 3-on-2 fast break drill. You have to practice the phases together. You need to setup a scenario which is as realistic to the game as possible. I have 2 scenarios I like to setup the players in for a controlled 5-on-5 scrimmage for offensive practices:
1. Circle Setup. Setup 9 players (5 defense and 4 offense) running the circle near one of the baskets, the offensive player inbounding the ball is standing out of bounds. I talk to the players quickly (15 secs) to give them instructions that I want them to execute, like a play call, or defense is going to press, etc... I also name 3 or 2 or 1 players on defense that will have to run back to the baseline before they can play defense. This way, I can control the fast-break situation (either a 5 on 4, 3, or 2). When I throw the ball in to the inbounder, it begins. The players will go down the floor, and then the defense becomes offense and comes back down. So basically each team gets 1 rep on both offense and defense. At the end, I can quickly debrief, then we go again with the same teams or different teams. These are the teams that I have specified on my sheet at the top.
2. FT Setup. Another setup I like to use is a FT setup. So I as the coach will pretend to shoot a FT. The player lineup as either the defense (closest to the hoop) or offense (1 man away). Same as first setup, I can call out instructions, play to use on offense, etc... I lob the ball up, and the defense has to rebound, then run offense going the other way. If offense gets the rebound, they play offense on the same hoop. They go there and back and we run it again.
I usually will start with the Circle setup and move to the FT setup around mid-way through team period. In 20 minutes, I hope to get about 8 good mini-scrimmages going back and forth. In my opinion, it's as realistic as possible to a real game, but I also get a chance to stop the scrimmage and give my coaching points so that it isn't just 8 mins of free scrimmage.
Team shooting drill:
Finally, I always like to end every practice with some form of team shooting drill. I always make it competitive, so it's usually Team A vs Team B, and whoever scores the least has to run. If time is running short, the loser has to put all the balls away. I have used the Walberg around the world 3-point shooting drill, or 5 balls 5 lines, or what I call Iowa shooting. You can do whatever you want, but the idea is that they are competing, working on shooting, and building team chemistry. I also use the 5 minutes to gather my thoughts about how practice went, write down some notes, and prepare what I want to say to the players at the very end of practice.
End of Practice:
I try to give the players a short lecture towards the end. Sometimes I come down hard on them, sometimes I pump them up. I also give them an evaluation of the practice, so they have an idea as to my expectations. Finally, I remind them of any important details for our next game or next practice, such as rides, or early dismissals, or forms they need to hand in.
I realize that was a lengthy post, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. I'd be very interested to hear what others do in terms of practice planning and organization. When I go to observe other coaches, I always want to see how they plan and organize practices. I also coach football, so I always look for things that I can incorporate into either sport that I coach. Efficiency is a big one for me, I'm always looking to squeeze as much into a 1.5 or 2 hour timeframe as possible. Next up will be a breakdown of defensive practices.
Defensive Practice Planning
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Sorry for the slight delay, closing off the loop on practice planning by looking at a defensive emphasis practice. We usually get 2 practices a week during the season, so one of the practices will have a defensive emphasis. In the pre-season, we will practice 3 or 4 times a week, in that case, the ratio is more like 3-to-1 offensive to defensive since early in the season there is a lot more offense to install as compared to the defense. But by mid-season, it is definitely almost 1-to-1 and by the post-season you may end up even more defense as you prepare for specific opponents.
The plan I have chosen to breakdown (click here to see a PDF version) is during the same week as the offensive one I broke down earlier, that way you can see a little bit of how the two work together. I follow the same rough structure as an offensive practice:
1. Dynamic warmup
2. Mental concentration drill
3. Early Offense drill with FTs right after
4. Play Insertion/Walkthrough period
5. Individual defensive development drills
6. Defensive team breakdown drills
7. Team period
8. Team shooting drill
I won't explain again the parts at the top. It is the same as an offensive practice. I will however, setup teams more evenly for a defensive practice, mixing in starters and second unit players. In an offensive practice, I like to keep the starters together for chemistry purposes. But in a defensive practice, I want them even so that they can really go after each other.
Overall, I really keep the periods shorter in a defensive practice as compared to an offensive practice. For example, in an offensive practice, I may have periods that go 10-15 minutes, whereas in a defensive practice, rarely will I go more than 5-10 minutes. Players tend to get bored when the defensive drill lasts too long, and then the quality of the reps goes down. I feel it is important to keep the content fresh and moving quickly so as to keep their attention focused.
I'll skip the dynamic warmup as I covered that in the offensive breakdown and it is exactly the same.
Mental Concentration Drill:
I covered the rationale behind the mental concentration drill in the offensive breakdown. I just want to make a little comment on this drill I picked up from an Alan Stein DVD. I call it sprint/circle/pickup. And what happens is each player has a tennis ball, they roll it along the ground, then they speed dribble and try to circle around the ball, then pickup the tennis ball (all the while dribbling the basketball in the other hand), then finish with a layup. We go half-court only, and work left and right layups. It really is a great drill to work on ball handling and finishing, but mostly it is a great concentration drill because you have to be really dialed-in to do it right.
Early Offense drill with FTs right after:
You can do play insertion before or after fast-break stuff, the problem I found was that I wanted to get after my guys a little when running the fast-break drills and if I did play insertion first they tended to be more sluggish, so I found that doing fast-break stuff before was better overall.
I covered this in the offensive breakdown, and it is basically the same. The only difference being that I usually shorten the time duration for a defensive practice. My goal here is to get them running, bust their tails, and like the mental concentration, I want them focused and finishing hard.
We do FTs as usual after fast-break stuff, to simulate shooting while tired.
Play Insertion/Walkthrough period:
You can see here, we're going over what we called "Magic", which was a full court matchup press. Last year, we basically ran the Pitino white and black presses. It worked really well with the players we had, it's a kind of pressure that only works when your players have a high basketball IQ. I would not recommend it if you have players that are new to basketball, as it requires players to see the floor and make reads appropriately.
In this practice, I've picked a couple of things to focus on. First is an adjustment versus a team that goes 4 across in their press break. This can present a problem for a man press, so our forwards have to let those bigs get the ball if they cut to the baseline, but then we bump them with our chest if they try to beat us long, to buy some time and turn and run with them. We're also working on backpursuit once we do get beat, stunting and/or jump-switching. I usually setup a 2v2 backpursuit drill full court to rep this.
Individual defensive development drills:
The order of the actual plan might be backwards. I think what I wanted to do here was to do the exchange to closeout drill first, then ballscreen defense afterwards. I like to work some form of individual defense here after an install and before team stuff. I believe in doing a lot of 1v1 work. I think it's vital for players to work 1v1, and understand how to defend 1v1. To many players I see do not really know how to defend a person 1on1. And if you cannot defend 1on1, you rely too much on help and then defenders get out of position and you cannot recover in time.
Specifically, this drill is a 2v2 on 1 side, and 1 shooter on the other side of the floor drill. The 2v2 on the one wing are working exchanges on a coach's call, and when the coach throws it to the shooter, the help defender has to closeout on the shooter, the other defender has to block out 2 players and rebound the ball. It's a great drill to work on closeouts and weakside rebounding. It is a drill I got from the Billy Donovan All-Access DVD.
Defensive team breakdown drills:
I will either choose a modified shell drill or in this case we're working on ballscreen defense. It is usually 2v2 or 3v3. This is where having an assistant coach is important. You can split players up to different baskets and then give some 1on1 attention to specific players.
Everyone has a different way to defend ball screens, the important thing is always teach in a progression, so that's why 2v2 is important. You break things down into smaller parts, and have the players master the skill with specific parameters, before introducing them to the entire sequence.
Team period:
Defensive practices are a little different in that there will be a few different things we will do in team. We will usually work on some kind of team press scrimmage, or team trapping scrimmage. The idea is to work our press or half-court traps in a live like situation.
We will also work our shell drills in this time. I like having the guards and forwards cross as they come into half-court so I can see ball to help side positioning right away. You must have a "live" call so that as a coach you control when the players can score. Before the "live" call, I'm watching if the help is where it needs to be as the ball is reversed and players are cutting through. I'm also looking for good closeouts (under control), communication by the players, and how they are playing the cutters. I will also have the players play cutthroat shell, so defense needs 2 stops in order to go on offense.
I like to insert a short shooting drill somewhere in between team periods. As mentioned, players everywhere hate defensive practices, so having something in between to break the monotony is good, especially as you go into a team scrimmage period where you want players to be a little more enthusiastic for.
I've talked about the team scrimmages I like to run in the offensive breakdown. I will the same thing here at the end of practice, but the period duration will usually be shorter. I will usually incorporate full-court pressing or some of our half-court trap calls in the scrimmages too for defensive emphasis.
Team shooting drill:
Like in the offensive practices, I like to end with a team shooting drill. Again, I find it useful to take 5 minutes to gather my thoughts about practice, and to remind myself of any things I want to say to the team before we break for the end of practice.
End of Practice:
Same as offensive practices. I will give them an evaluation of the practice and lecture them a little about something we worked on. I will also remind them of any important details for our next game or next practice, such as rides, or early dismissals, or forms they need to hand in.
So there you have it. My philosophy on practice planning in 3 separate posts. I hope you found that helpful and even if there was one or two things you can take from it, I hope it was worth your while to read my posts. Definitely would like to hear from the rest of you on your philosophy on practices, feel free to email me or make a post about it on the X's and O's basketball forum.
The plan I have chosen to breakdown (click here to see a PDF version) is during the same week as the offensive one I broke down earlier, that way you can see a little bit of how the two work together. I follow the same rough structure as an offensive practice:
1. Dynamic warmup
2. Mental concentration drill
3. Early Offense drill with FTs right after
4. Play Insertion/Walkthrough period
5. Individual defensive development drills
6. Defensive team breakdown drills
7. Team period
8. Team shooting drill
I won't explain again the parts at the top. It is the same as an offensive practice. I will however, setup teams more evenly for a defensive practice, mixing in starters and second unit players. In an offensive practice, I like to keep the starters together for chemistry purposes. But in a defensive practice, I want them even so that they can really go after each other.
Overall, I really keep the periods shorter in a defensive practice as compared to an offensive practice. For example, in an offensive practice, I may have periods that go 10-15 minutes, whereas in a defensive practice, rarely will I go more than 5-10 minutes. Players tend to get bored when the defensive drill lasts too long, and then the quality of the reps goes down. I feel it is important to keep the content fresh and moving quickly so as to keep their attention focused.
I'll skip the dynamic warmup as I covered that in the offensive breakdown and it is exactly the same.
Mental Concentration Drill:
I covered the rationale behind the mental concentration drill in the offensive breakdown. I just want to make a little comment on this drill I picked up from an Alan Stein DVD. I call it sprint/circle/pickup. And what happens is each player has a tennis ball, they roll it along the ground, then they speed dribble and try to circle around the ball, then pickup the tennis ball (all the while dribbling the basketball in the other hand), then finish with a layup. We go half-court only, and work left and right layups. It really is a great drill to work on ball handling and finishing, but mostly it is a great concentration drill because you have to be really dialed-in to do it right.
Early Offense drill with FTs right after:
You can do play insertion before or after fast-break stuff, the problem I found was that I wanted to get after my guys a little when running the fast-break drills and if I did play insertion first they tended to be more sluggish, so I found that doing fast-break stuff before was better overall.
I covered this in the offensive breakdown, and it is basically the same. The only difference being that I usually shorten the time duration for a defensive practice. My goal here is to get them running, bust their tails, and like the mental concentration, I want them focused and finishing hard.
We do FTs as usual after fast-break stuff, to simulate shooting while tired.
Play Insertion/Walkthrough period:
You can see here, we're going over what we called "Magic", which was a full court matchup press. Last year, we basically ran the Pitino white and black presses. It worked really well with the players we had, it's a kind of pressure that only works when your players have a high basketball IQ. I would not recommend it if you have players that are new to basketball, as it requires players to see the floor and make reads appropriately.
In this practice, I've picked a couple of things to focus on. First is an adjustment versus a team that goes 4 across in their press break. This can present a problem for a man press, so our forwards have to let those bigs get the ball if they cut to the baseline, but then we bump them with our chest if they try to beat us long, to buy some time and turn and run with them. We're also working on backpursuit once we do get beat, stunting and/or jump-switching. I usually setup a 2v2 backpursuit drill full court to rep this.
Individual defensive development drills:
The order of the actual plan might be backwards. I think what I wanted to do here was to do the exchange to closeout drill first, then ballscreen defense afterwards. I like to work some form of individual defense here after an install and before team stuff. I believe in doing a lot of 1v1 work. I think it's vital for players to work 1v1, and understand how to defend 1v1. To many players I see do not really know how to defend a person 1on1. And if you cannot defend 1on1, you rely too much on help and then defenders get out of position and you cannot recover in time.
Specifically, this drill is a 2v2 on 1 side, and 1 shooter on the other side of the floor drill. The 2v2 on the one wing are working exchanges on a coach's call, and when the coach throws it to the shooter, the help defender has to closeout on the shooter, the other defender has to block out 2 players and rebound the ball. It's a great drill to work on closeouts and weakside rebounding. It is a drill I got from the Billy Donovan All-Access DVD.
Defensive team breakdown drills:
I will either choose a modified shell drill or in this case we're working on ballscreen defense. It is usually 2v2 or 3v3. This is where having an assistant coach is important. You can split players up to different baskets and then give some 1on1 attention to specific players.
Everyone has a different way to defend ball screens, the important thing is always teach in a progression, so that's why 2v2 is important. You break things down into smaller parts, and have the players master the skill with specific parameters, before introducing them to the entire sequence.
Team period:
Defensive practices are a little different in that there will be a few different things we will do in team. We will usually work on some kind of team press scrimmage, or team trapping scrimmage. The idea is to work our press or half-court traps in a live like situation.
We will also work our shell drills in this time. I like having the guards and forwards cross as they come into half-court so I can see ball to help side positioning right away. You must have a "live" call so that as a coach you control when the players can score. Before the "live" call, I'm watching if the help is where it needs to be as the ball is reversed and players are cutting through. I'm also looking for good closeouts (under control), communication by the players, and how they are playing the cutters. I will also have the players play cutthroat shell, so defense needs 2 stops in order to go on offense.
I like to insert a short shooting drill somewhere in between team periods. As mentioned, players everywhere hate defensive practices, so having something in between to break the monotony is good, especially as you go into a team scrimmage period where you want players to be a little more enthusiastic for.
I've talked about the team scrimmages I like to run in the offensive breakdown. I will the same thing here at the end of practice, but the period duration will usually be shorter. I will usually incorporate full-court pressing or some of our half-court trap calls in the scrimmages too for defensive emphasis.
Team shooting drill:
Like in the offensive practices, I like to end with a team shooting drill. Again, I find it useful to take 5 minutes to gather my thoughts about practice, and to remind myself of any things I want to say to the team before we break for the end of practice.
End of Practice:
Same as offensive practices. I will give them an evaluation of the practice and lecture them a little about something we worked on. I will also remind them of any important details for our next game or next practice, such as rides, or early dismissals, or forms they need to hand in.
So there you have it. My philosophy on practice planning in 3 separate posts. I hope you found that helpful and even if there was one or two things you can take from it, I hope it was worth your while to read my posts. Definitely would like to hear from the rest of you on your philosophy on practices, feel free to email me or make a post about it on the X's and O's basketball forum.
Defining Moments, Game 7 Celtics vs Heat
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"We get to play for all the marbles..." as coach Doc Rivers said best in his game 6 post-game conference. There's nothing better than a winner take all game, and as a coach it doesn't get any better than that. It's been such a great series so far, and going back to last year when the Heat took out the Celtics, and then when the Heat were unable to close it out against the Mavs, no doubt that all eyes are on Lebron. He certainly played magnificently in Game 6, but it all comes down to tonight's Game 7.
In coach Erik Spoelstra's post-game conference, he talked about defining moments. Game 7 will be a defining moment in Lebron James' career, the question is will he define the moment? Or will the moment define him? We shall see. I'll leave you with coach Doc Rivers and his game 7 message, "I Know They'll be Ready..."
In coach Erik Spoelstra's post-game conference, he talked about defining moments. Game 7 will be a defining moment in Lebron James' career, the question is will he define the moment? Or will the moment define him? We shall see. I'll leave you with coach Doc Rivers and his game 7 message, "I Know They'll be Ready..."
Trust in your players, Brooks and Durant
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Looking forward to watching Game 3 tomorrow night between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat. The combined experience of the Heat gives them the big advantage in my opinion, but my goodness, the Thunder are so tenacious, and they simply never give up. It is going to be a fantastic finish if the first 2 games are any indication.
In my opinion, one of the most important decisions in the game came when Coach Scott Brooks left Kevin Durant in the game despite picking up his 5th foul early in the fourth quarter. A lot of people say it was a big gamble, but I think more importantly than just trying to comeback in the 4th quarter, it shows trust.
Sure, Durant could have easily picked up another cheap foul and ended up on the bench, and the near comeback probably would not have happened. But again, there is more at stake here then just the 4th quarter. There will be more important moments in this series, and in their career together, where that trust will become even more important, a last second play to win the game, a critical defensive stand. It's hard to trust your players when they make stupid mistakes, but once a player knows how much you believe in them, they will respond when it counts the most.
Looking forward to watching Game 3 tomorrow night between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat. The combined experience of the Heat gives them the big advantage in my opinion, but my goodness, the Thunder are so tenacious, and they simply never give up. It is going to be a fantastic finish if the first 2 games are any indication.
In my opinion, one of the most important decisions in the game came when Coach Scott Brooks left Kevin Durant in the game despite picking up his 5th foul early in the fourth quarter. A lot of people say it was a big gamble, but I think more importantly than just trying to comeback in the 4th quarter, it shows trust.
Sure, Durant could have easily picked up another cheap foul and ended up on the bench, and the near comeback probably would not have happened. But again, there is more at stake here then just the 4th quarter. There will be more important moments in this series, and in their career together, where that trust will become even more important, a last second play to win the game, a critical defensive stand. It's hard to trust your players when they make stupid mistakes, but once a player knows how much you believe in them, they will respond when it counts the most.
24 Haziran 2012 Pazar
UC Riverside Post Game: Opening Strong
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The Burn Offense is Alive and Well...in Riverside, California
While it might seem far fetched that a basketball team can create a 25 point winning margin on just 58 (plus or minus 1?) possessions, that is precisely what Villanova did in their first round game with University of California Riverside of the 76 Classic in Anaheim, California. Looking at last season's kenpom ratings this would make some sense, the Wildcats obtained the highest rating among the eight schools invited to participate; UC Riverside had the lowest. Two things happened on the way to the first round...first, the balance of the field was not seeded in the anticipated 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 fashion that one might have expected, and second, the kenpom ratings changed to reflect games played this season, and Villanova fell to #3 according to the kenpom system. The field was seeded to insure an "East-West" game for the finals. The only team in Villanova's bracket not from the Mississippi or east was UC Riverside, the team most likely to lose their first round game. All of the teams in the other bracket come from west of the Mississippi River Valley, Oklahoma, clearly a "southwestern" team is the most easterly team in the bracket. Villanova dismantled UC Riverside 71-46 in the most decisive game so far in the Wildcats' the 2011-12 schedule. The final will feature an East-West match.
The Highlanders held onto the lead for over 10 minutes in the first half. The shot clock, not a hot shooting hand or control of the offensive boards was the key. The Highlanders typically took 20-30 seconds off the clock before they took a field goal attempt. The Wildcats would more often than not gather the defensive rebound and respond with a shot (often a miss) anywhere from four to twenty seconds into the shot clock. That tactic, to "shorten" the game by burning the clock, is an often employed strategy by an overmatched underdog. It makes sense too; by limiting the scoring opportunities the underdog can, in theory, keep the score close, maximizing the impact of high reward offensive tactics like the three point attempt. By the 11 minute mark however, the Highlanders, overmatched on height, had no more fouls to give, and the Wildcats' offense began to grind them down. Freshman off guard Darrun Hilliard hit a three at the 9:30 mark putting Villanova up by one 15-14, and the Wildcats were not headed again. Once on top, the 'Cats took a 17-2 run to close out the half...and the game.
The bloggers over at Nova Blog and VUHoops.com attributed UC Riverside's 11 minute lead to hot shooting (the Highlanders) and sloppy play (the Wildcats), both of which were true. Sort of. UC Riverside did score in their first three possessions (which consumed over two minutes on the game clock), but those seven points were half of their entire point production through the first 11 minutes of the half. It took the Highlanders another nine minutes to scored their next seven points. And seven more minutes to score their next two (and last of the half) points. Villanova did go an appalling 2-9 from the field while they were down on the Highlanders, but stayed within contact by shooting 6-6 from the line. While the Highlanders committed seven fouls (putting the 'Cats in the bonus) with a single turnover over that time period, the 'Cats committed four fouls and one turnover by contrast. The University site posted their AP wire story. The official boxscore is also posted. The breakdown by halves
Half Time Adjustments
Villanova broke on top in the first because, though their eFG% was poor enough to be down at the half, was better than the Highlanders...shot defense. The Wildcats took care of the ball (see turnover rate) while forcing turnovers by UC Riverside. Second half stats show improved (reflected in the score margins, which ranged as high as 30 late in the second period, ultimately settling in at 25) shot efficiency (eFG%) coupled with much better offensive rebounding rates, even as the Wildcats continued to care for the ball (see turnover rate). The half-over-half steep drop in free throw rate (FTA/FGA) is most likely a reflection of the Highlanders' foul difficulties -- their bigs had to be careful, which may also account for the dramatic increase in Villanova's offensive rebounding rate (24.8 to 64.7).
Notes & Observations
1. The staff appears to have fixed on the starting five, using Maalik Wayns at the point with Darrun Hilliard and Dom Cheek rounding out the back court/wing sports, with James Bell playing the "#4" and Mouphtaou Yarou at the #5. The staff called the numbers for a total of 10 players who were alloted playing time ranging from eight minutes (freshman Ty Johnson again) up to 35 minutes (Wayns). Freshman Achraf Yacoubou drew a modestly surprising 20 minutes, due most likely to Bell's foul problems. Freshman JayVaughn Pinkston played for 17 minutes while fellow freshman Markus Kennedy drew 12 minutes.
2. Yarou and Wayns asserted themselves as hoped for. Yarou scored a double-double on 11 points and 10 rebounds. Wayns chipped in a game-high 23 points while the 'Cats had two others, Hilliard (12 points) and Bell (12 points) who also notched double digit minutes. Bell's 12 points were scored in 13 minutes of play, all that could be safely allocated given his foul problems.
3. A crucial and welcomed stat is the point distribution, highlighted in green above. Though Villanova shooters were hitting their three point attempts at a 50% clip, but the guards did not drop out to the arc and start jacking threes. Note points from two point attempts in the second half was 66%, and overall threes accounted for under 30% of the point production. Given the point margin was +20 through much of the second half the back court showed discipline and good judgement by not stepping back taking threes. They also insured that a cold streak would not let the Highlanders back into the game.
4. Wayns took about 40% of the possessions and 38% of the shots when he was on the court. This time he combined high usage with high efficiency, for the kind of production that will earn him some national attention. I have just about accepted the idea that he will be a volumn shooter, not a role I would like to see. Against programs like UC Riverside however, it works. He draws (defensive) attention, which should benefit second and third scoring options like Hilliard, Yarou and Yacoubou, both of whom took between 11% and 21% of the shots. Bell took a surprising 31% of the shots, but consider how little time he actually logged.
5. UC Riverside was paced by Daymond Cowlah, who scored 10 points on 4-7 (2-4 from threes, 2-3 from inside the arc). Team-high rebounding was shared by T.J. Burke and Elliot Berry.
6. Coach Jay Wright, as noted by VUSports.com, logged win #350 for his career.
The Burn Offense is Alive and Well...in Riverside, California
While it might seem far fetched that a basketball team can create a 25 point winning margin on just 58 (plus or minus 1?) possessions, that is precisely what Villanova did in their first round game with University of California Riverside of the 76 Classic in Anaheim, California. Looking at last season's kenpom ratings this would make some sense, the Wildcats obtained the highest rating among the eight schools invited to participate; UC Riverside had the lowest. Two things happened on the way to the first round...first, the balance of the field was not seeded in the anticipated 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 fashion that one might have expected, and second, the kenpom ratings changed to reflect games played this season, and Villanova fell to #3 according to the kenpom system. The field was seeded to insure an "East-West" game for the finals. The only team in Villanova's bracket not from the Mississippi or east was UC Riverside, the team most likely to lose their first round game. All of the teams in the other bracket come from west of the Mississippi River Valley, Oklahoma, clearly a "southwestern" team is the most easterly team in the bracket. Villanova dismantled UC Riverside 71-46 in the most decisive game so far in the Wildcats' the 2011-12 schedule. The final will feature an East-West match.
The Highlanders held onto the lead for over 10 minutes in the first half. The shot clock, not a hot shooting hand or control of the offensive boards was the key. The Highlanders typically took 20-30 seconds off the clock before they took a field goal attempt. The Wildcats would more often than not gather the defensive rebound and respond with a shot (often a miss) anywhere from four to twenty seconds into the shot clock. That tactic, to "shorten" the game by burning the clock, is an often employed strategy by an overmatched underdog. It makes sense too; by limiting the scoring opportunities the underdog can, in theory, keep the score close, maximizing the impact of high reward offensive tactics like the three point attempt. By the 11 minute mark however, the Highlanders, overmatched on height, had no more fouls to give, and the Wildcats' offense began to grind them down. Freshman off guard Darrun Hilliard hit a three at the 9:30 mark putting Villanova up by one 15-14, and the Wildcats were not headed again. Once on top, the 'Cats took a 17-2 run to close out the half...and the game.
The bloggers over at Nova Blog and VUHoops.com attributed UC Riverside's 11 minute lead to hot shooting (the Highlanders) and sloppy play (the Wildcats), both of which were true. Sort of. UC Riverside did score in their first three possessions (which consumed over two minutes on the game clock), but those seven points were half of their entire point production through the first 11 minutes of the half. It took the Highlanders another nine minutes to scored their next seven points. And seven more minutes to score their next two (and last of the half) points. Villanova did go an appalling 2-9 from the field while they were down on the Highlanders, but stayed within contact by shooting 6-6 from the line. While the Highlanders committed seven fouls (putting the 'Cats in the bonus) with a single turnover over that time period, the 'Cats committed four fouls and one turnover by contrast. The University site posted their AP wire story. The official boxscore is also posted. The breakdown by halves
| Opponent | UC Riverside | |||||||||
| 1st | 2nd | Game | ||||||||
| Pace | 30.0 | 28.3 | 58.3 | |||||||
| Offense | Defense | |||||||||
| 1st | 2nd | Game | 1st | 2nd | Game | |||||
| Rating | 106.7 | 137.6 | 121.7 | 53.4 | 105.8 | 78.9 | ||||
| eFG% | 41.7 | 53.0 | 48.2 | 25.0 | 45.8 | 35.0 | ||||
| TORate | 13.3 | 14.1 | 13.7 | 23.3 | 24.7 | 24.0 | ||||
| OR% | 27.8 | 64.7 | 45.7 | 28.6 | 42.9 | 34.3 | ||||
| FTA/FGA | 58.3 | 12.1 | 31.6 | 26.9 | 33.3 | 30.0 | ||||
| FTM/FGA | 50.0 | 12.1 | 28.1 | 11.5 | 33.3 | 22.0 | ||||
| ARate | 62.5 | 31.3 | 41.7 | 33.3 | 10.0 | 18.8 | ||||
| Blk% | 0.0 | 6.1 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | ||||
| Stl% | 0.0 | 7.2 | 3.5 | 9.9 | 6.9 | 8.5 | ||||
| PPWS | 1.04 | 1.12 | 1.08 | 0.55 | 1.08 | 0.81 | ||||
| 2FG% | 30.8 | 48.1 | 42.5 | 31.3 | 47.1 | 39.4 | ||||
| 3FG% | 36.4 | 50.0 | 41.2 | 10.0 | 28.6 | 17.6 | ||||
| FT% | 85.7 | 100.0 | 88.9 | 42.9 | 100.0 | 73.3 | ||||
| %2FG | 25.0 | 66.7 | 47.9 | 62.5 | 53.3 | 56.5 | ||||
| %3FG | 37.5 | 23.1 | 29.6 | 18.8 | 20.0 | 19.6 | ||||
| %FT | 37.5 | 10.3 | 22.5 | 18.8 | 26.7 | 23.9 | ||||
Half Time Adjustments
Villanova broke on top in the first because, though their eFG% was poor enough to be down at the half, was better than the Highlanders...shot defense. The Wildcats took care of the ball (see turnover rate) while forcing turnovers by UC Riverside. Second half stats show improved (reflected in the score margins, which ranged as high as 30 late in the second period, ultimately settling in at 25) shot efficiency (eFG%) coupled with much better offensive rebounding rates, even as the Wildcats continued to care for the ball (see turnover rate). The half-over-half steep drop in free throw rate (FTA/FGA) is most likely a reflection of the Highlanders' foul difficulties -- their bigs had to be careful, which may also account for the dramatic increase in Villanova's offensive rebounding rate (24.8 to 64.7).
Notes & Observations
1. The staff appears to have fixed on the starting five, using Maalik Wayns at the point with Darrun Hilliard and Dom Cheek rounding out the back court/wing sports, with James Bell playing the "#4" and Mouphtaou Yarou at the #5. The staff called the numbers for a total of 10 players who were alloted playing time ranging from eight minutes (freshman Ty Johnson again) up to 35 minutes (Wayns). Freshman Achraf Yacoubou drew a modestly surprising 20 minutes, due most likely to Bell's foul problems. Freshman JayVaughn Pinkston played for 17 minutes while fellow freshman Markus Kennedy drew 12 minutes.
2. Yarou and Wayns asserted themselves as hoped for. Yarou scored a double-double on 11 points and 10 rebounds. Wayns chipped in a game-high 23 points while the 'Cats had two others, Hilliard (12 points) and Bell (12 points) who also notched double digit minutes. Bell's 12 points were scored in 13 minutes of play, all that could be safely allocated given his foul problems.
3. A crucial and welcomed stat is the point distribution, highlighted in green above. Though Villanova shooters were hitting their three point attempts at a 50% clip, but the guards did not drop out to the arc and start jacking threes. Note points from two point attempts in the second half was 66%, and overall threes accounted for under 30% of the point production. Given the point margin was +20 through much of the second half the back court showed discipline and good judgement by not stepping back taking threes. They also insured that a cold streak would not let the Highlanders back into the game.
4. Wayns took about 40% of the possessions and 38% of the shots when he was on the court. This time he combined high usage with high efficiency, for the kind of production that will earn him some national attention. I have just about accepted the idea that he will be a volumn shooter, not a role I would like to see. Against programs like UC Riverside however, it works. He draws (defensive) attention, which should benefit second and third scoring options like Hilliard, Yarou and Yacoubou, both of whom took between 11% and 21% of the shots. Bell took a surprising 31% of the shots, but consider how little time he actually logged.
5. UC Riverside was paced by Daymond Cowlah, who scored 10 points on 4-7 (2-4 from threes, 2-3 from inside the arc). Team-high rebounding was shared by T.J. Burke and Elliot Berry.
6. Coach Jay Wright, as noted by VUSports.com, logged win #350 for his career.
Saint Louis Post Game: Deja Vu
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Take Me Home, Country Roads
The first seven possessions went like clockwork, 13 points on 5-8 shooting with three made three point field goals as Villanova jumped out to a 13-5 lead on St. Louis. Then the Billinkens calmed down and began to work their offensive sets. The game tightened up as the Bills took a 12-10 run over the next six minutes to trim two points off of the Wildcats' lead. Then Mouphtao Yarou headed to the bench with his sesond foul of the half, and the wheels fell off of the wagon. Coach Rick Majerus' squad launched a 22-10 onslaught over the last 9:30 of the first period that wiped out Villanova's lead and sent Saint Louis into the lock room with a four point, 38-34 lead. And firm control on the game.
Watching Villanova's defense try to trap and press St. Louis reminded me of a badly played game of keep-away. By the mid point of the second half the relative youth (and indiscipline?) of the Wildcats showed with a series of flairing elbows and flagrant foul calls. Walking a fine line between tough, Big East defense and chippy basketball, the 'Cats found themselves under an unwelcomed refereeing microscope. The irony was that Villanova's offense was not terrible, as in lose-the-game terrible. With a 52.9% eFG% and turnover rate of 18.5%, how could Villanova be losing, and by double digits (the game was in the second half...) at that? The game reminded me of the West Virginia teams under John Beilein. Most of the time the Wildcats got much of what they wanted offensively, but would still lose to a Mountaineer team that understood what plays to run to exploit the Wildcats' help defense. As Blue and White defenders collapsed on the Billiken with the ball driving the lane (or at the elbow), the pass would go into the area just vacated by the "help" defender...to a Billiken flashing to the basket or set for a quick three. The Bills converted 14 of 27 three point attempts, far, far to high for any opponent to overcome. It was a game where high rebounding numbers and low turnover rates were marginalized by the extraordinary efficiency offered by the other team.
The bloggers over at VUHoops.com offered a brief recap with player grades while the Nova Blog posted a recap followed by a detailed player critique later. The University site posted their AP wire story. The official boxscore is also posted. The breakdown by halves
Half Time Adjustments
An anemic 6.7% offensive rebounding rate in the first half was "corrected" to 37.5% in the second half. Realistically that was probably the only way to boost an already good 56.3% eFG%. Ironically the rebounding improved -- but the conversion rate still dropped. A 52.9% eFG% coupled with a 1.13 PPWS should be good enough offensively to chalk up the win. The Billikens however, sliced up Villanova's defense to the tune of a 64.7% eFG% and 1.30 PPWS, numbers that should draw a comment from Ken Pomeroy and others who track those numbers. Villanova's "help defense" was it's own worst enemy in this game. And the frustration manifested by a number of second half chippy fouls (and Darrun Hilliard's quick exit after his fourth foul) suggests the players knew their best efforts were useless to shut down the offense they faced.
Notes & Observations
1. The assist rate drop from first to second half (75.0 to 30.8) is clear evidence that the offense went away from dribble drive to one-on-one breakdown as a response to being down double digits for much of the perod.
2. Maalik Wayns took a whopping 44% of the shots when he was in the game. Given he played 87.5% of the available minutes at one of the guard positions, his high shooting percentage was not a distortion of the minutes. His 49% possession rate, however, tends to reduce Villanova's offense to one dimension. Stop Wayns and the Wildcats stall.
3. James Bell emerged as a legitimate second option on offense. The sophomore wing took 26.5% of the shots when he was on the floor, with a comparable percentage of the possessions. Now one (or both?) of Mouphtaou Yarou or Dominic Cheek must establish themselves as legitimate second/third scoring options. For Yarou that means staying in the game (and game flow). For Cheek it means shooting/scoring more consistently.
4. The staff used a 10 man rotation again. Minute distribution ranged from five (Ty Johnson to 35 (Wayns) minutes, with eight drawing 10 or more minutes.
5. St. Louis was paced by sophomore guard Jordair Jett who came off of the bench to score 19 points on 7-8 (2-2, 5-6) shooting from the floor and 3-6 from the line. Kwamain Mitchell (32.1% Shot%), Cody Ellis (23.5% Shot%) and Rob Loe (43.6% Shot%) were, along with Jett, the offensive mainstays for St. Louis. Mitchell did not convert efficiently however, and Loe played only nine minutes (taking five field goal attempts in that time span).
Up Next... -- Santa Clara will face Villanova in the 3rd place game on Sunday.
Take Me Home, Country Roads
The first seven possessions went like clockwork, 13 points on 5-8 shooting with three made three point field goals as Villanova jumped out to a 13-5 lead on St. Louis. Then the Billinkens calmed down and began to work their offensive sets. The game tightened up as the Bills took a 12-10 run over the next six minutes to trim two points off of the Wildcats' lead. Then Mouphtao Yarou headed to the bench with his sesond foul of the half, and the wheels fell off of the wagon. Coach Rick Majerus' squad launched a 22-10 onslaught over the last 9:30 of the first period that wiped out Villanova's lead and sent Saint Louis into the lock room with a four point, 38-34 lead. And firm control on the game.
Watching Villanova's defense try to trap and press St. Louis reminded me of a badly played game of keep-away. By the mid point of the second half the relative youth (and indiscipline?) of the Wildcats showed with a series of flairing elbows and flagrant foul calls. Walking a fine line between tough, Big East defense and chippy basketball, the 'Cats found themselves under an unwelcomed refereeing microscope. The irony was that Villanova's offense was not terrible, as in lose-the-game terrible. With a 52.9% eFG% and turnover rate of 18.5%, how could Villanova be losing, and by double digits (the game was in the second half...) at that? The game reminded me of the West Virginia teams under John Beilein. Most of the time the Wildcats got much of what they wanted offensively, but would still lose to a Mountaineer team that understood what plays to run to exploit the Wildcats' help defense. As Blue and White defenders collapsed on the Billiken with the ball driving the lane (or at the elbow), the pass would go into the area just vacated by the "help" defender...to a Billiken flashing to the basket or set for a quick three. The Bills converted 14 of 27 three point attempts, far, far to high for any opponent to overcome. It was a game where high rebounding numbers and low turnover rates were marginalized by the extraordinary efficiency offered by the other team.
The bloggers over at VUHoops.com offered a brief recap with player grades while the Nova Blog posted a recap followed by a detailed player critique later. The University site posted their AP wire story. The official boxscore is also posted. The breakdown by halves
| Opponent | St. Louis | |||||||||
| 1st | 2nd | Game | ||||||||
| Pace | 32.4 | 31.9 | 64.3 | |||||||
| Offense | Defense | |||||||||
| 1st | 2nd | Game | 1st | 2nd | Game | |||||
| Rating | 105.1 | 106.5 | 105.8 | 117.5 | 131.6 | 124.5 | ||||
| eFG% | 56.3 | 50.0 | 52.9 | 68.5 | 60.4 | 64.7 | ||||
| TORate | 15.5 | 21.9 | 18.7 | 12.4 | 9.4 | 10.9 | ||||
| OR% | 6.7 | 37.5 | 22.6 | 0.0 | 31.3 | 17.2 | ||||
| FTA/FGA | 41.7 | 25.0 | 32.7 | 7.4 | 83.3 | 43.1 | ||||
| FTM/FGA | 29.2 | 21.4 | 25.0 | 3.7 | 54.2 | 27.5 | ||||
| ARate | 75.0 | 30.8 | 52.0 | 64.3 | 41.7 | 53.8 | ||||
| Blk% | 4.2 | 7.1 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 4.2 | 2.0 | ||||
| Stl% | 6.1 | 9.3 | 7.7 | 0.0 | 6.3 | 3.2 | ||||
| PPWS | 1.18 | 1.09 | 1.13 | 1.36 | 1.25 | 1.30 | ||||
| 2FG% | 56.3 | 52.4 | 54.1 | 45.5 | 53.8 | 50.0 | ||||
| 3FG% | 37.5 | 28.6 | 33.3 | 56.3 | 45.5 | 51.9 | ||||
| FT% | 70.0 | 85.7 | 76.5 | 50.0 | 65.0 | 63.6 | ||||
| %2FG | 52.9 | 64.7 | 58.8 | 26.3 | 33.3 | 30.0 | ||||
| %3FG | 26.5 | 17.6 | 22.1 | 71.1 | 35.7 | 52.5 | ||||
| %FT | 20.6 | 17.6 | 19.1 | 2.6 | 31.0 | 17.5 | ||||
Half Time Adjustments
An anemic 6.7% offensive rebounding rate in the first half was "corrected" to 37.5% in the second half. Realistically that was probably the only way to boost an already good 56.3% eFG%. Ironically the rebounding improved -- but the conversion rate still dropped. A 52.9% eFG% coupled with a 1.13 PPWS should be good enough offensively to chalk up the win. The Billikens however, sliced up Villanova's defense to the tune of a 64.7% eFG% and 1.30 PPWS, numbers that should draw a comment from Ken Pomeroy and others who track those numbers. Villanova's "help defense" was it's own worst enemy in this game. And the frustration manifested by a number of second half chippy fouls (and Darrun Hilliard's quick exit after his fourth foul) suggests the players knew their best efforts were useless to shut down the offense they faced.
Notes & Observations
1. The assist rate drop from first to second half (75.0 to 30.8) is clear evidence that the offense went away from dribble drive to one-on-one breakdown as a response to being down double digits for much of the perod.
2. Maalik Wayns took a whopping 44% of the shots when he was in the game. Given he played 87.5% of the available minutes at one of the guard positions, his high shooting percentage was not a distortion of the minutes. His 49% possession rate, however, tends to reduce Villanova's offense to one dimension. Stop Wayns and the Wildcats stall.
3. James Bell emerged as a legitimate second option on offense. The sophomore wing took 26.5% of the shots when he was on the floor, with a comparable percentage of the possessions. Now one (or both?) of Mouphtaou Yarou or Dominic Cheek must establish themselves as legitimate second/third scoring options. For Yarou that means staying in the game (and game flow). For Cheek it means shooting/scoring more consistently.
4. The staff used a 10 man rotation again. Minute distribution ranged from five (Ty Johnson to 35 (Wayns) minutes, with eight drawing 10 or more minutes.
5. St. Louis was paced by sophomore guard Jordair Jett who came off of the bench to score 19 points on 7-8 (2-2, 5-6) shooting from the floor and 3-6 from the line. Kwamain Mitchell (32.1% Shot%), Cody Ellis (23.5% Shot%) and Rob Loe (43.6% Shot%) were, along with Jett, the offensive mainstays for St. Louis. Mitchell did not convert efficiently however, and Loe played only nine minutes (taking five field goal attempts in that time span).
Up Next... -- Santa Clara will face Villanova in the 3rd place game on Sunday.
The 2011 Legends Classic -- 4 Takaways
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After I Got a Few Hours' Sleep Between Monday and Wednesday...
After blogging the Legends Classic Saturday and Monday night, I drove home to write the recap for RTC, sleep for an hour or two before embarking on a 24 hour juggling marathon of personal, professional and avocational responsibilities. Having an hour to actually sit and think...would probably put me to sleep. So before I think too long...
1. Entertaining & Exciting != High Quality & Excellent -- The fans who came out (mostly attached to the schools, which is a shame, these were very entertaining games) were treated to a four game set that included an overtime period between Oregon State and Texas Saturday, necessitated by an Oregon State make on the next-to-last possession of regulation (O State had not held the lead for more than one possession for the previous 32 mintues). Jared Cunningham sank two free throws to force the overtime period. Two other games featured the possible win or tie by the team holding the ball at the end of regulation. Nerve wracking for the winners and very exciting for those who came out to watch. The fourth game, by the way, was decided by seven points (three possessions), saw five lead changes and a tie in the last six minutes of play...hardly a snooze. So why does exciting not always equal excellent? The four games averaged 42.5 fouls (that is 21 fouls per team) and 35.8 turnovers (or nearly 18 per team per game). Each game seemed to have several stretches where both teams turned the ball over on successive possessions, leading to several sequences where the ball would change hands four-to-six times with teams exchanging "one-and-done" possessions, or possibly not taking a shot at all. Television timeouts, which seemed to stretch innocuous fouls into 2-3 minute huddle sessions, brought several promising runs to a screeching halt which fatally disrupted any attempts at a game flow. But the runs, taken by all four teams at various times, coupled with some impressive individual performances and wild end-of-regulation play sequences were strong redeeming qualities. Yes I'd do this again. In a heartbeat.
NC State's Richard Howell dunks
at the end of a run out
in State's loss to Vanderbilt
2. Vanderbilt Can Win Without Festus Ezeli (or Even Johnny Jenkins?!). Oregon State Cannot Without Jared Cunningham -- Coach Kevin Stallings put speculation about the impact of no Ezeli to bed quickly, and the subject of the post game interviews refocused on how Vanderbilt played rather than how they would have played. The Commodores downed two good -- not great -- teams from power conferences. Teams expected to finish in the upper division of their respective conferences, though not to seriously challenge for the top spots in their respective conferences. Given the competition, that Vanderbilt won both games speaks well for the Commodores' depth and poise. They bested middling teams from other power conferences without their starting center who was the team's #3 scorer and #2 rebounder (#1 offensive rebounder) speaks to the talent level that is now available. That is the basic talent level that will sustain them through SEC play. Ezeli, when he rehabilitates and rejoins the squad, will most likely make a difference as to whether the 'Dores finish #5 or #3 (or higher...) this season. His absence will not determine whether the squad has a winning or losing season. Opposing coaches spoke of Vanderbilt's experience in post game pressers, but invariably they mentioned senior wing Jeffrey Taylor, before junior guard John Jenkins, the leading SEC scorer last season.
Can the same be said for Oregon State? Coach Craig Robinson asserted to the assembled press that his team "...have quite a bit of character...", and "...[Jared Cunningham]'s a marked man now. We expect Jared to understand that help [his teammates] get involved...he affects the game even when he is not scoring 35 points a game...". While forward Devon Collier and pg Ahme Starks led the scoring against Vanderbilt, the Beavers' scoring is largely in those three teammates' hands. Though he had seven steals, the Beavers needed more than nine points from the junior off guard against Vanderbilt. Cunningham will need to post more than nine points per game to boost the Beaver's chances in Pac-12 play.
Starks (#3) & Collier (#44) are not enough
if the Beavers are to finish
in the Pac-12's top 3
3. Should Coach Barnes Test His Team for ADHD? -- Counting the two halves of each game separately, Texas "lost" the last four minutes three out of four times (four out of five if you count the Oregon State overtime Saturday). What happened? In the first half of their semi-final versus Oregon State, the Long Horns had just outscored the Beavers 14-7 from the 7:59 mark to the 4:00 mark. From there to the end of the half however the Horns managed eight points on eight possessions, for a 1.00 points per possession rate. The Beavers scored 10 point in eight possessions, good for a 1.25 ppp. Though the Horns retained a five point edge going into the intermission, they had Beavers on the ropes at the 4:00 minute mark, and let them go. The second half of Saturday's game followed a pattern similar to the first half, the Horns again established an edge going into the last four minutes (complements of a 13-6 scoring edge from the 11:50-4:00 mark), but lost focus again, scoring six points in their last eight possessions (0.75 ppp) to Oregon State's 12 points over eight possessions (1.50 ppp). The Horns shot 3-9 from the floor and 9-12 from the line in those two four minute slices, with no assists. Coach Robinson's squad shot 6-14 (with six assists) and 7-8 from the line.
Monday night's Consolation Game with North Carolina State had a similar pattern emerge with respect to "the last four", at least in the first half. Up by 13 at the 4:00 minute mark, the Horns scored their last five points in the half using six possessions (0.83 ppp), shooting 1-6 from the field with a single assist and 2-4 from the line.
NC State Coach Mark Gottfried can only watch
as Texas center Alexis Wangmene stuffs a putback
in first half of the Consolation Game
The Wolfpack scored eight points on seven possessions (1.14 ppp) on 1-2 shooting from the field (on an assist) and 5-6 from the line. Coach Barnes identified fouling as one of the areas the staff had to continue to address with the young team. J'Covan Brown's technical (and fifth foul) as a reaction to his fourth foul became a central theme in the post game presser. Coach Rick Barnes, reflecting on Brown offered "...That's where he gotta grow up. He's been in the program for three years and he's at different role now where these guys are looking for a lot from him...and he just can't do that. This has happened too much and sooner or later he's going to have to figure out that's what's going to keep him from where he wants to be and more importantly, it's a team game, and...he's got to realize it is not about him, there's more to it than scoring points...there's a lot that goes into being a part of a basketball team" Speaking with that gentle Southeastern drawl that tends to soothe the untrained Yankee ear, the coach continued "...he's come a long way...but he's, he ought to have it figured out by now...". In response to a later question about the impact of the technical on the team, Barnes responded "...I'm concerned for J'Covan. We're going to be fine. We've got enough guys who will work...the concerning part is for him. He's a junior, he's been here long enough and he ought to know...but for the team, if he doesn't do what he needs to do we'll move without him. We don't want to do that...everyone likes him...he's worked harder than he's ever worked in his life...but there's more to it...there's a mental side to it; there's a team component side to it...". Acknowledging that the technical "put them back on their heels..." was a mild statement.
Texas Coach Rick Barnes responded
to reporters' questions
but did he have any answers?
Leading 65-52 when Brown was T'ed up, the Horns could score only nine points on their last 16 possessions of the game (0.56 ppp), going 2-12 (no assists) from the field and 5-7 from the line. The Wolfpack scored 21 points on their last 16 possessions (1.56 ppp), converting 6-9 (four assists) from the field to go with 7-11 from the line.
Missing Saturday's semi-final with a rolled ankle
Wolfpack forward Scott Wood
provided outside scoring to complement State's inside game
4. Three For the Post Season? -- I left the 2010 Legends convinced that three of the four teams would play in the post season somewhere (in a tournament that starts with an "N"). Three did, though I was surprised at the details. I am not sure if three of the four teams I saw Saturday and Monday will go to the post season this time. Tournament winner Vanderbilt is the easy pick, assuming they do not hit anymore "Ezeli Bumps" (see Notre Dame's Tim Abromaitis), but which among the others will draw a bid? If Oregon State, the other finalist Monday does finish in the top 3/4 of the Pac-12 they will probably be tabbed. The win over Texas would help if there is any doubt, but Jared Cunningham has to show up. The Texas squad was not impressive, especially in the second loss to North Carolina State. But then neither was Michigan last season, and the Wolverines managed a bid as Coach Beilein's squad did mature and gel as the season progressed. North Carolina State did not impress in their semi-final game with Vanderbilt, but C. J. Leslie was back for his first game and Scott Wood was a DNP. The wing was solid, even on a shaky ankle, in the Wolfpack's win over Texas. And Leslie looked more comfortable than in his first game. Project (by Ken Pomeroy subscription) to tie for sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, North Carolina has an experienced squad. With Mark Gottfried at the helm and a staff that includes Bobby Lutz and Rob Moxley, the Wolfpack is better prepared to succeed than any of the past five years.
Texas freshman guard
Sterling Gibbs (#13) saw action in
the Consolation Game Monday
After blogging the Legends Classic Saturday and Monday night, I drove home to write the recap for RTC, sleep for an hour or two before embarking on a 24 hour juggling marathon of personal, professional and avocational responsibilities. Having an hour to actually sit and think...would probably put me to sleep. So before I think too long...
1. Entertaining & Exciting != High Quality & Excellent -- The fans who came out (mostly attached to the schools, which is a shame, these were very entertaining games) were treated to a four game set that included an overtime period between Oregon State and Texas Saturday, necessitated by an Oregon State make on the next-to-last possession of regulation (O State had not held the lead for more than one possession for the previous 32 mintues). Jared Cunningham sank two free throws to force the overtime period. Two other games featured the possible win or tie by the team holding the ball at the end of regulation. Nerve wracking for the winners and very exciting for those who came out to watch. The fourth game, by the way, was decided by seven points (three possessions), saw five lead changes and a tie in the last six minutes of play...hardly a snooze. So why does exciting not always equal excellent? The four games averaged 42.5 fouls (that is 21 fouls per team) and 35.8 turnovers (or nearly 18 per team per game). Each game seemed to have several stretches where both teams turned the ball over on successive possessions, leading to several sequences where the ball would change hands four-to-six times with teams exchanging "one-and-done" possessions, or possibly not taking a shot at all. Television timeouts, which seemed to stretch innocuous fouls into 2-3 minute huddle sessions, brought several promising runs to a screeching halt which fatally disrupted any attempts at a game flow. But the runs, taken by all four teams at various times, coupled with some impressive individual performances and wild end-of-regulation play sequences were strong redeeming qualities. Yes I'd do this again. In a heartbeat.
NC State's Richard Howell dunks
at the end of a run out
in State's loss to Vanderbilt
2. Vanderbilt Can Win Without Festus Ezeli (or Even Johnny Jenkins?!). Oregon State Cannot Without Jared Cunningham -- Coach Kevin Stallings put speculation about the impact of no Ezeli to bed quickly, and the subject of the post game interviews refocused on how Vanderbilt played rather than how they would have played. The Commodores downed two good -- not great -- teams from power conferences. Teams expected to finish in the upper division of their respective conferences, though not to seriously challenge for the top spots in their respective conferences. Given the competition, that Vanderbilt won both games speaks well for the Commodores' depth and poise. They bested middling teams from other power conferences without their starting center who was the team's #3 scorer and #2 rebounder (#1 offensive rebounder) speaks to the talent level that is now available. That is the basic talent level that will sustain them through SEC play. Ezeli, when he rehabilitates and rejoins the squad, will most likely make a difference as to whether the 'Dores finish #5 or #3 (or higher...) this season. His absence will not determine whether the squad has a winning or losing season. Opposing coaches spoke of Vanderbilt's experience in post game pressers, but invariably they mentioned senior wing Jeffrey Taylor, before junior guard John Jenkins, the leading SEC scorer last season.
Can the same be said for Oregon State? Coach Craig Robinson asserted to the assembled press that his team "...have quite a bit of character...", and "...[Jared Cunningham]'s a marked man now. We expect Jared to understand that help [his teammates] get involved...he affects the game even when he is not scoring 35 points a game...". While forward Devon Collier and pg Ahme Starks led the scoring against Vanderbilt, the Beavers' scoring is largely in those three teammates' hands. Though he had seven steals, the Beavers needed more than nine points from the junior off guard against Vanderbilt. Cunningham will need to post more than nine points per game to boost the Beaver's chances in Pac-12 play.
Starks (#3) & Collier (#44) are not enough
if the Beavers are to finish
in the Pac-12's top 3
3. Should Coach Barnes Test His Team for ADHD? -- Counting the two halves of each game separately, Texas "lost" the last four minutes three out of four times (four out of five if you count the Oregon State overtime Saturday). What happened? In the first half of their semi-final versus Oregon State, the Long Horns had just outscored the Beavers 14-7 from the 7:59 mark to the 4:00 mark. From there to the end of the half however the Horns managed eight points on eight possessions, for a 1.00 points per possession rate. The Beavers scored 10 point in eight possessions, good for a 1.25 ppp. Though the Horns retained a five point edge going into the intermission, they had Beavers on the ropes at the 4:00 minute mark, and let them go. The second half of Saturday's game followed a pattern similar to the first half, the Horns again established an edge going into the last four minutes (complements of a 13-6 scoring edge from the 11:50-4:00 mark), but lost focus again, scoring six points in their last eight possessions (0.75 ppp) to Oregon State's 12 points over eight possessions (1.50 ppp). The Horns shot 3-9 from the floor and 9-12 from the line in those two four minute slices, with no assists. Coach Robinson's squad shot 6-14 (with six assists) and 7-8 from the line.
Monday night's Consolation Game with North Carolina State had a similar pattern emerge with respect to "the last four", at least in the first half. Up by 13 at the 4:00 minute mark, the Horns scored their last five points in the half using six possessions (0.83 ppp), shooting 1-6 from the field with a single assist and 2-4 from the line.
NC State Coach Mark Gottfried can only watch
as Texas center Alexis Wangmene stuffs a putback
in first half of the Consolation Game
The Wolfpack scored eight points on seven possessions (1.14 ppp) on 1-2 shooting from the field (on an assist) and 5-6 from the line. Coach Barnes identified fouling as one of the areas the staff had to continue to address with the young team. J'Covan Brown's technical (and fifth foul) as a reaction to his fourth foul became a central theme in the post game presser. Coach Rick Barnes, reflecting on Brown offered "...That's where he gotta grow up. He's been in the program for three years and he's at different role now where these guys are looking for a lot from him...and he just can't do that. This has happened too much and sooner or later he's going to have to figure out that's what's going to keep him from where he wants to be and more importantly, it's a team game, and...he's got to realize it is not about him, there's more to it than scoring points...there's a lot that goes into being a part of a basketball team" Speaking with that gentle Southeastern drawl that tends to soothe the untrained Yankee ear, the coach continued "...he's come a long way...but he's, he ought to have it figured out by now...". In response to a later question about the impact of the technical on the team, Barnes responded "...I'm concerned for J'Covan. We're going to be fine. We've got enough guys who will work...the concerning part is for him. He's a junior, he's been here long enough and he ought to know...but for the team, if he doesn't do what he needs to do we'll move without him. We don't want to do that...everyone likes him...he's worked harder than he's ever worked in his life...but there's more to it...there's a mental side to it; there's a team component side to it...". Acknowledging that the technical "put them back on their heels..." was a mild statement.
Texas Coach Rick Barnes responded
to reporters' questions
but did he have any answers?
Leading 65-52 when Brown was T'ed up, the Horns could score only nine points on their last 16 possessions of the game (0.56 ppp), going 2-12 (no assists) from the field and 5-7 from the line. The Wolfpack scored 21 points on their last 16 possessions (1.56 ppp), converting 6-9 (four assists) from the field to go with 7-11 from the line.
Missing Saturday's semi-final with a rolled ankle
Wolfpack forward Scott Wood
provided outside scoring to complement State's inside game
4. Three For the Post Season? -- I left the 2010 Legends convinced that three of the four teams would play in the post season somewhere (in a tournament that starts with an "N"). Three did, though I was surprised at the details. I am not sure if three of the four teams I saw Saturday and Monday will go to the post season this time. Tournament winner Vanderbilt is the easy pick, assuming they do not hit anymore "Ezeli Bumps" (see Notre Dame's Tim Abromaitis), but which among the others will draw a bid? If Oregon State, the other finalist Monday does finish in the top 3/4 of the Pac-12 they will probably be tabbed. The win over Texas would help if there is any doubt, but Jared Cunningham has to show up. The Texas squad was not impressive, especially in the second loss to North Carolina State. But then neither was Michigan last season, and the Wolverines managed a bid as Coach Beilein's squad did mature and gel as the season progressed. North Carolina State did not impress in their semi-final game with Vanderbilt, but C. J. Leslie was back for his first game and Scott Wood was a DNP. The wing was solid, even on a shaky ankle, in the Wolfpack's win over Texas. And Leslie looked more comfortable than in his first game. Project (by Ken Pomeroy subscription) to tie for sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, North Carolina has an experienced squad. With Mark Gottfried at the helm and a staff that includes Bobby Lutz and Rob Moxley, the Wolfpack is better prepared to succeed than any of the past five years.
Texas freshman guard
Sterling Gibbs (#13) saw action in
the Consolation Game Monday
Guest Contributor Ray Floriani -- St. Peter's at FDU
To contact us Click HERE
by Ray Floriani
Teaneck, NJ - In women's basketball, FDU defeated St. Peter's 55-46 on Tuesday at Stratis Arena. The efficiency and pace (kind of tells it all):
Visiting St.Peter's of the MAAC pushed the pace on both ends as the mid-seventies possession count shows. FDU, with point guard Amanda Andrades out with an ankle injury, struggled at the lead guard spot. FDU was guilty of 24 turnovers. Coach Peter Cinella credited St. Peter's defense but did admit his club needs work on cutting down on turnovers. Part of the problem was FDU accelerating when there was need to sporting a double digit lead and just under ten minutes to go. The TO rates are as follows:
Not an artistic gem of a game on either end. FDU entered the game with a 31% TO rate, so there is work to be done.
Mariyah Laury of FDU (3-5) led all scorers with 14 points. Laury did have 4 assists, but 8 turnovers as she was making the transition from two guard to the lead. Laury came through in the clutch, scoring two crucial baskets as St. Peter's rallied to get it to a one possession game in the stretch with two minutes to play. Jesika Holmes led St. Peter's (0-4) with 13 points.
Shooting, was a sore spot for St.Peter's. They shot 26% for the game including 9.5% (2 of 21) from three. The foul line wasn't much better as St. Peter's was only 44%. It was that kind of night for the Peahens.
Stat Stuffer: FDU forward Desiree Crawford with a Manley efficiency of 17. Crawford scored 7 points (3 of 8 shooting) but offset the under 50% shooting with 11 rebounds, 'only' two turnovers (not bad considering FDU's TO woes) and 7 blocks.
Stratis Arena interior during the game
Teaneck, NJ - In women's basketball, FDU defeated St. Peter's 55-46 on Tuesday at Stratis Arena. The efficiency and pace (kind of tells it all):
| Off. | ||
| Poss. | Eff. | |
| St. Peter's | 75 | 61 |
| FDU | 73 | 75 |
Visiting St.Peter's of the MAAC pushed the pace on both ends as the mid-seventies possession count shows. FDU, with point guard Amanda Andrades out with an ankle injury, struggled at the lead guard spot. FDU was guilty of 24 turnovers. Coach Peter Cinella credited St. Peter's defense but did admit his club needs work on cutting down on turnovers. Part of the problem was FDU accelerating when there was need to sporting a double digit lead and just under ten minutes to go. The TO rates are as follows:
| TO% | |
| St. Peter's | 21% |
| FDU | 33% |
Not an artistic gem of a game on either end. FDU entered the game with a 31% TO rate, so there is work to be done.
Mariyah Laury of FDU (3-5) led all scorers with 14 points. Laury did have 4 assists, but 8 turnovers as she was making the transition from two guard to the lead. Laury came through in the clutch, scoring two crucial baskets as St. Peter's rallied to get it to a one possession game in the stretch with two minutes to play. Jesika Holmes led St. Peter's (0-4) with 13 points.
Shooting, was a sore spot for St.Peter's. They shot 26% for the game including 9.5% (2 of 21) from three. The foul line wasn't much better as St. Peter's was only 44%. It was that kind of night for the Peahens.
Stat Stuffer: FDU forward Desiree Crawford with a Manley efficiency of 17. Crawford scored 7 points (3 of 8 shooting) but offset the under 50% shooting with 11 rebounds, 'only' two turnovers (not bad considering FDU's TO woes) and 7 blocks.
Stratis Arena interior during the game
Guest Contributor Ray Floriani -- Siena at St. Peter's
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by Ray Floriani
Jersey City, NJ- The MAAC opener for both Siena and St. Peter's was played Thursday night at St. Peter's in Jersey City. While it is still early, the conference teams play two games prior to the new year. Getting off to a good start in league play is vital.
St. Peter's took advantage of home court and some outstanding defense posting a 51-44 victory. The pace and efficiency:
Basic grind it out style of play as noted by the extremely low count of 54 turnovers. The key for St. Peter's in this one…
Defense.
To little surprise St. Peter's limited Siena to an 82 offensive efficiency, the Peacocks forced a 26% turnover rate and limited the visitors to a 38% eFG mark. Siena shot 3 of 18 (16.7%) from three point range.
Siena trailed by 16 early in the second half but was able to tie it in the stretch. They never were able to get a lead which was significant from a momentum standpoint.
The Saints excelled at…offensive rebounding. They enjoyed a 39-25% edge in that area.
Chris Prescott of St. Peter's paced the scorers with 16 points. OD Anosike led Siena with a strong 12 point 10 rebound effort.
Manley efficiency leader.
Yvon Raymond of St. Peter's. Raymond put up a 'Manley' number of 18. He scored 15 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, had 2 assists, one block and only one turnover.
St. Peter's improved to 2-4 while Siena fell to the same won-lost record.
The coveted MAAC Championship Banner
Hangs in the Yanitelli Center in Jersey City
Jersey City, NJ- The MAAC opener for both Siena and St. Peter's was played Thursday night at St. Peter's in Jersey City. While it is still early, the conference teams play two games prior to the new year. Getting off to a good start in league play is vital.
St. Peter's took advantage of home court and some outstanding defense posting a 51-44 victory. The pace and efficiency:
| Off. | ||
| Poss. | Eff. | |
| St. Peter's | 54 | 94 |
| Siena | 54 | 82 |
Basic grind it out style of play as noted by the extremely low count of 54 turnovers. The key for St. Peter's in this one…
Defense.
To little surprise St. Peter's limited Siena to an 82 offensive efficiency, the Peacocks forced a 26% turnover rate and limited the visitors to a 38% eFG mark. Siena shot 3 of 18 (16.7%) from three point range.
Siena trailed by 16 early in the second half but was able to tie it in the stretch. They never were able to get a lead which was significant from a momentum standpoint.
The Saints excelled at…offensive rebounding. They enjoyed a 39-25% edge in that area.
Chris Prescott of St. Peter's paced the scorers with 16 points. OD Anosike led Siena with a strong 12 point 10 rebound effort.
Manley efficiency leader.
Yvon Raymond of St. Peter's. Raymond put up a 'Manley' number of 18. He scored 15 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, had 2 assists, one block and only one turnover.
St. Peter's improved to 2-4 while Siena fell to the same won-lost record.
The coveted MAAC Championship Banner
Hangs in the Yanitelli Center in Jersey City
23 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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What a few days this has been in local college basketball. Rutgers was a bright spot going 1 and 1 after losing to West Virginia and beating Notre Dame at home in front of a disappointing crowd. Is it Rutgers cannot sell out the RAC or is it Notre Dame does not bring people out as they did years ago? Where are those Subway Alumni? I still remember a 500 record Notre Dame team begging to get invited to the NIT and actually packing the place under Richard "Digger" Phelps. Digger was some marketing genius at both ND and Fordham before that. But if you ask the student athletes on the ND campus about the guy they run into while they work out in the fitness center or see on campus you would surely be surprised what many have to say.
Rutgers fans really need to support that team in large numbers to prove a new or renovated facility is needed!
Seton Hall lost last night to Villanova. OK it was a loss, and one they could have avoided with better and more consistent play. But we also have to remember that game was at Villanova and against a Big East Team and not one from the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference or the NJAC which is the league waiting on FDU. It was not Chaney State, or East Stroudsburg University, it was Villanova of the Big East! Villanova played hard and with a purpose because they really are attempting to salvage what has been a surprising and disappointing season. So it was a loss away from home against a team they really are better than at this time though the final score says otherwise.
Now I am not Kevin Willard and he has forgotten more than I will ever know about coaching. But how in heavens name does Jordan Theodore, a very good point guard, take 16 shots and make 2 while Herb Pope, though lacking great hops and athletic ability, only takes 8 shots in 31 minutes? Are you kidding me? How does Edwin take 16 shots and makes 5 as well? So the duo from Patterson Catholic HS takes 32 shots by themselves and the leader and top rated player on the team takes 8 and makes 4? I love Jordan Theodore's game but right now he needs to distribute and get others involved as he is capable of doing and has done in other games. His future is now and he needs to make this a wonderful season to remember.
On the other end of the court Jayvaughn Pinkston had a career game scoring 23 points including 13 of 17 from the FT stripe. I wonder if it is easier to be a workhorse when you get the ball and the person you match up with on the other end gets 8 shots so you really can preserve your energy? Ummmmmm!
Maalik Wayns also had a good game with a double-double including 15 of 16 from the charity stripe. Was there some sort of PG ego competition which made the SHU PG not distribute better? Again I really do not know what happened but to see Pope with 8 shots is something that makes you go ummmm!
St. Johns with the watered down roster and coaches with sneakers and open collar shirts lost to South Florida. Nothing to be ashamed about considering both are BE members and both recruit kids in similar fashion. I really do not understand what is going on at SJU but to me a D1 program with 7 players should play a bit better and more consistant. Especially a program with as many top 75 HS players as they have! Lou Carnessecca did it with 1 or 2 top HS stars and a bunch of All NYC type players who worked and played hard. The glamor of the program remains but the end result is not what was expected.
Maybe it is me but I really thought SJU would be the team in the NY Metro Area this season. I would bet that SJU has the highest basketball budget, including the largest recruiting budget by a long shot. A brand new renovated field house, a Hollywood Head Coach, a bunch of very high paid assistant coaches, the number 1 Assistant Coach in America, a great fan base, and a highly rated recruiting class.
Maybe they need a bunch of role players to compliment the kids on the roster just waiting for NBA opportunities? Maybe Ronald Roberts, who is averaging double figures at St. Joes of the A10 and not of Brooklyn, would have been a great piece to the puzzle before he (as they said.....smile) decided not to attend SJU.
And again I really do not understand that grunge look with the coaches wearing sneakers and no neck-ties. What the heck is that about? Maybe they are doing that until the day they resemble the team they are supposed to be. No pride in coaches appearance, so I guess it boils over to no pride in performance. Why not just wear sandals and shorts?
Seems like a new trend is taking place. More and more good players are transferring to low D1 programs from teams in power conferences. Just read where a kid is transferring to Rider as opposed to Arkansas after averaging around 11 a game at his previous school which was in a power conference. I also noticed Wagner has a transfer who was Mr. Basketball in his home state. He chose Wagner as opposed to going to a huge university. I guess kids are not taking chances of transferring and not being stars! I wonder who will be transferring to FDU? Great opportunity at a good academic school right near NYC. Nice campus and games are held in The Rothman Center, right on campus. Hey that sounds great. Like I said in the past, the grass always looks greener until you step on it!
Rutgers fans really need to support that team in large numbers to prove a new or renovated facility is needed!
Seton Hall lost last night to Villanova. OK it was a loss, and one they could have avoided with better and more consistent play. But we also have to remember that game was at Villanova and against a Big East Team and not one from the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference or the NJAC which is the league waiting on FDU. It was not Chaney State, or East Stroudsburg University, it was Villanova of the Big East! Villanova played hard and with a purpose because they really are attempting to salvage what has been a surprising and disappointing season. So it was a loss away from home against a team they really are better than at this time though the final score says otherwise.
Now I am not Kevin Willard and he has forgotten more than I will ever know about coaching. But how in heavens name does Jordan Theodore, a very good point guard, take 16 shots and make 2 while Herb Pope, though lacking great hops and athletic ability, only takes 8 shots in 31 minutes? Are you kidding me? How does Edwin take 16 shots and makes 5 as well? So the duo from Patterson Catholic HS takes 32 shots by themselves and the leader and top rated player on the team takes 8 and makes 4? I love Jordan Theodore's game but right now he needs to distribute and get others involved as he is capable of doing and has done in other games. His future is now and he needs to make this a wonderful season to remember.
On the other end of the court Jayvaughn Pinkston had a career game scoring 23 points including 13 of 17 from the FT stripe. I wonder if it is easier to be a workhorse when you get the ball and the person you match up with on the other end gets 8 shots so you really can preserve your energy? Ummmmmm!
Maalik Wayns also had a good game with a double-double including 15 of 16 from the charity stripe. Was there some sort of PG ego competition which made the SHU PG not distribute better? Again I really do not know what happened but to see Pope with 8 shots is something that makes you go ummmm!
St. Johns with the watered down roster and coaches with sneakers and open collar shirts lost to South Florida. Nothing to be ashamed about considering both are BE members and both recruit kids in similar fashion. I really do not understand what is going on at SJU but to me a D1 program with 7 players should play a bit better and more consistant. Especially a program with as many top 75 HS players as they have! Lou Carnessecca did it with 1 or 2 top HS stars and a bunch of All NYC type players who worked and played hard. The glamor of the program remains but the end result is not what was expected.
Maybe it is me but I really thought SJU would be the team in the NY Metro Area this season. I would bet that SJU has the highest basketball budget, including the largest recruiting budget by a long shot. A brand new renovated field house, a Hollywood Head Coach, a bunch of very high paid assistant coaches, the number 1 Assistant Coach in America, a great fan base, and a highly rated recruiting class.
Maybe they need a bunch of role players to compliment the kids on the roster just waiting for NBA opportunities? Maybe Ronald Roberts, who is averaging double figures at St. Joes of the A10 and not of Brooklyn, would have been a great piece to the puzzle before he (as they said.....smile) decided not to attend SJU.
And again I really do not understand that grunge look with the coaches wearing sneakers and no neck-ties. What the heck is that about? Maybe they are doing that until the day they resemble the team they are supposed to be. No pride in coaches appearance, so I guess it boils over to no pride in performance. Why not just wear sandals and shorts?
Seems like a new trend is taking place. More and more good players are transferring to low D1 programs from teams in power conferences. Just read where a kid is transferring to Rider as opposed to Arkansas after averaging around 11 a game at his previous school which was in a power conference. I also noticed Wagner has a transfer who was Mr. Basketball in his home state. He chose Wagner as opposed to going to a huge university. I guess kids are not taking chances of transferring and not being stars! I wonder who will be transferring to FDU? Great opportunity at a good academic school right near NYC. Nice campus and games are held in The Rothman Center, right on campus. Hey that sounds great. Like I said in the past, the grass always looks greener until you step on it!
FDU, FDU, and All FDU!
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Good Morning:
I was pumped up thinking FDU had won a game last night. Silly me! I continue to see the rivals scoreboard and obviously something is wrong because it only provides the score of one of the teams per listing score. I thought, or took for granted, that maybe it was the winning team. After doing some research that proved harder than expected, I saw they lost to that power house team Robert Morris. Robert Morris? I still remember when that school was a powerful Junior College program recruiting the tri-state area. They became a D1 program and for years played in a band box gym. Now they have a new facility that is pretty nice. This is what happens when a school has support from the administration and the athletic department has vision. It is only a matter of time before NJIT is REALLY a better program than FDU.
I looked at the FDU Roster this morning and believe it or not they have pretty good talent including a few D1 transfers from pretty good programs. They have height and players who have basketball skills. FDU is far from the Little Sisters of The Poor University in regard to actual talent. Interesting no one in Bergen County actually realizes this so they do not come out to games. I mean the talent of some of the players are at least A10 or lower Big East!
Well, either they get it together or honestly they need to turn to the NJAC and request to be admitted. Now FDU has another branch in Madison I think. FDU Madison and they play a D3 schedule. I wonder who would win if they played against each other in a game called the FDU Challenge? Better yet I wonder if The School President or any of his Administration would attend?
I get emails all the time from FDU fans asking why I am so hard on FDU and what I would do to fix the problem. Well, here is what I would do. And remember it is business and not personal.
I would first do a serious evaluation of the sports program top to bottom. I would evaluate the AD, and all coaches to see if they are on the same page and moving in a direction best for FDU as opposed to a direction best for themselves.
I would determine if certain coaches are the correct people for the FDU job! Does not mean they are bad coaches, just means do they fit.
Basketball wise I know they made a mistake in the last hire based on some behind the scene stuff. It's OK because stuff happens. But at least give the guy you hired the support to make the hire look correct!
Increase the basketball budget to at least the budget of a lower A10 program
Not sure about the staff in place for basketball. I am not sure because I have not seen them play with a full deck of cards. But one thing for sure, a 1 to 3 win season would be reason for concern.
Now if they hire a new coach sometime in the future they must decide if they wish to be competitive in D1 mens basketball. If so they will do the following.
Make sure the AD is a person with vision and know how from an established athletic program who understands the need for butts in the seats and putting a winner on the court. If not get a new one!
Fund Raise and put money into restoring The Arena (Gym) to at least where it was with bleachers surrounding the court giving it a true arena feeling. HS gyms in Pennsylvania are 100 times nicer and more attractive.
Look into hiring a real PR and Marketing firm to sell the program to Bergen County NJ and the surrounding areas.
Get more local businesses involved. Not the Pizza shops and bars as much as the corporations and retail stores such as Bloomingdales, Saks, and Car Dealers. Ticket give aways, special promotion nights, kid clubs, youth basketball nights, Jr. Knight program, free refreshment night, Team clinics throughout Bergen County, and more to improve fan interest and support.
Buy more advertising, which could be sponsored by local businesses. McDonald's presents FDU vs Robert Morris. Every person in attendance gets a free Big Mac with a ticket stub if FDU wins!
Redo locker rooms and create a real players lounge (if they do not have one)
Upgrade schedule to more A10 teams and every team in NJ if possible.
Lastly support the Men's basketball Club! Get them involved. Some very good people in that organization!
These are just some of the things that come to mind in regards to FDU basketball. I know they dislike me. I am sorry but I honestly remember the great times in that gym and I know what it could be with the right people.
Finally. FDU is a wonderful school with some great people attending and graduating each year. I hope the basketball can one day catch up to the many fine graduates that come out of FDU each year!
PS Did you folks know that Tom Green is going into the NEC Hall of Fame? Ummmmmm! I wonder if he is in the FDU Hall of Fame? I wonder if they have one? Should I ask the administration? Nah, they would not know!
I can be Reached at LFBall@AOL.COM
I was pumped up thinking FDU had won a game last night. Silly me! I continue to see the rivals scoreboard and obviously something is wrong because it only provides the score of one of the teams per listing score. I thought, or took for granted, that maybe it was the winning team. After doing some research that proved harder than expected, I saw they lost to that power house team Robert Morris. Robert Morris? I still remember when that school was a powerful Junior College program recruiting the tri-state area. They became a D1 program and for years played in a band box gym. Now they have a new facility that is pretty nice. This is what happens when a school has support from the administration and the athletic department has vision. It is only a matter of time before NJIT is REALLY a better program than FDU.
I looked at the FDU Roster this morning and believe it or not they have pretty good talent including a few D1 transfers from pretty good programs. They have height and players who have basketball skills. FDU is far from the Little Sisters of The Poor University in regard to actual talent. Interesting no one in Bergen County actually realizes this so they do not come out to games. I mean the talent of some of the players are at least A10 or lower Big East!
Well, either they get it together or honestly they need to turn to the NJAC and request to be admitted. Now FDU has another branch in Madison I think. FDU Madison and they play a D3 schedule. I wonder who would win if they played against each other in a game called the FDU Challenge? Better yet I wonder if The School President or any of his Administration would attend?
I get emails all the time from FDU fans asking why I am so hard on FDU and what I would do to fix the problem. Well, here is what I would do. And remember it is business and not personal.
I would first do a serious evaluation of the sports program top to bottom. I would evaluate the AD, and all coaches to see if they are on the same page and moving in a direction best for FDU as opposed to a direction best for themselves.
I would determine if certain coaches are the correct people for the FDU job! Does not mean they are bad coaches, just means do they fit.
Basketball wise I know they made a mistake in the last hire based on some behind the scene stuff. It's OK because stuff happens. But at least give the guy you hired the support to make the hire look correct!
Increase the basketball budget to at least the budget of a lower A10 program
Not sure about the staff in place for basketball. I am not sure because I have not seen them play with a full deck of cards. But one thing for sure, a 1 to 3 win season would be reason for concern.
Now if they hire a new coach sometime in the future they must decide if they wish to be competitive in D1 mens basketball. If so they will do the following.
Make sure the AD is a person with vision and know how from an established athletic program who understands the need for butts in the seats and putting a winner on the court. If not get a new one!
Fund Raise and put money into restoring The Arena (Gym) to at least where it was with bleachers surrounding the court giving it a true arena feeling. HS gyms in Pennsylvania are 100 times nicer and more attractive.
Look into hiring a real PR and Marketing firm to sell the program to Bergen County NJ and the surrounding areas.
Get more local businesses involved. Not the Pizza shops and bars as much as the corporations and retail stores such as Bloomingdales, Saks, and Car Dealers. Ticket give aways, special promotion nights, kid clubs, youth basketball nights, Jr. Knight program, free refreshment night, Team clinics throughout Bergen County, and more to improve fan interest and support.
Buy more advertising, which could be sponsored by local businesses. McDonald's presents FDU vs Robert Morris. Every person in attendance gets a free Big Mac with a ticket stub if FDU wins!
Redo locker rooms and create a real players lounge (if they do not have one)
Upgrade schedule to more A10 teams and every team in NJ if possible.
Lastly support the Men's basketball Club! Get them involved. Some very good people in that organization!
These are just some of the things that come to mind in regards to FDU basketball. I know they dislike me. I am sorry but I honestly remember the great times in that gym and I know what it could be with the right people.
Finally. FDU is a wonderful school with some great people attending and graduating each year. I hope the basketball can one day catch up to the many fine graduates that come out of FDU each year!
PS Did you folks know that Tom Green is going into the NEC Hall of Fame? Ummmmmm! I wonder if he is in the FDU Hall of Fame? I wonder if they have one? Should I ask the administration? Nah, they would not know!
I can be Reached at LFBall@AOL.COM
Quick Hits on a Football Sunday
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Having HS basketball games in North Jersey is very difficult today with the Giants game sceduled. But there will be some great action in Englewood that folks need to attempt to check out.
Noticed many of the HBCU's (Historical Black Colleges and Universities), which by the way have wonderfully and rightfully integrated their basketball teams, are starting to understand the commitment needed to be D 1 programs. I see attendance in both the MEAC and SWAC really improved this season. In fact Hampton had close to 7000 for their home loss to a powerful Norfolk State University team last night!
It seems St. Johns is oh so close, yet oh so far in getting where they need to be. Close game yesterday at The Garden with over 10,000 in attendance. All they need now is Seton Hall's Curtain which might not be needed by next season.
Seton Hall is still exciting and the best in the area.
Rutgers is exciting as well
The games involving RU, SHU, and SJU could be very special this season.
The games between SJU, RU, and SHU will definitely impact marketability of each program and recruitment success in the future. Trust me kids are watching the results and looking at attendance figures except the kids that choose Miami.
Still thinking about Aquille Carr! Wow! How much are those SHU season tickets?
Iona is really good!
FDU is really bad!
Just heard the NJAC rejected FDU. Said they wanted a better program more committed to winning. They are reaching out to Caldwell College!
I hate the way All County Teams are chosen in NJ. Popularity contests more than anything else. Year after year they pick based on a particular coaches clout or via an old boy behind the scene network.
In Bergen County, Teaneck has the 4 best players in the county on its great team and the Coach of the Year, and assistant Coaches of the year if there was such a thing. What will happen? They will take 2 kids from Teaneck, and the rest will be guys nowhere as good in the ten they choose and the other 2 Teaneck Kids will be 2nd Team. Crazy!
Coach of the year in Bergen County should be Jerome Smart. What might happen is they give it to some guy I do not even know at Ft. Lee or Old Tappan because he went from winning 2 games last season to winning 4 this season. Plus he hangs with the guys who vote. Crazy!
Same with the Girls picks. Do not like a coach and they take it out on the players by not voting for them. Sad and alot of other things I will not say on this blog but if you email me or call me I sure will give my opinion.
I was thinking about Sean Banks after talking to my basketball buddy JSHUTTLESWORTH yesterday. What is he doing? Is it too late? What happened? Is he the only one to blame for not being in the NBA despite having NBA talent? I say no! John Calipari shares the blame in ways I also will not mention on here. But what a waste! I wish him well though and hope he does have a productive life!
Michael Gilchrist has made me a believer in more ways than one. I guess he is as good as they said he was when he rarely showed at HS showcase events inn the off season. I thought he was hiding from the better players. Silly me he was only resting to prepare for a great freshmen season and a season that makes me think no one in America plays as hard as he does. Will he leave this year?
Since I am thinking about players let me ask the following:
What ever happened to Anthony Perry?
Where is Seth Brown?
Anyone see Eugene Harvey?
Where is Keith Hughes?
Is Dejuan Wagner around? Is his Dad still coaching in College? If not?
What about Billy Thompson?
Does Lenny Cook still come around?
Omar Cook?
On another note I heard that FDU does have a Hall of Fame. Unfortunately Tom Green is not a member. Talk about being mistreated! Person who sent me this info feels the court at the FDU arena (arena lolololol) should be named after him. I agree! Honestly I think if they hire a new coach he should be reconsidered along with a new AD. Maybe he should be the AD and hire the new coach. Talk about poetic justice!
I asked about past players because people need to understand basketball is temporary and the fuss made over young players goes away quickly, especially if they do not live up to the hype. If Stephon Marberry walked through Coney Island in July he would not be made over as he was in HS. Ditto Sabastian Telfair and the others! Pearl Washington as good as he was is not made over in Brooklyn.
Lenny Cook would be just a person at a game today as would Omar Cook. Just guys watching! Do you think Lenny Cook is a fan of Lebron James? Or does he have flashbacks every time he see's him on TV? Honestly LeBron should send Lenny a little check for allowing him to be on the stage with him at ABCD camp in Teaneck many years ago. Thats when it all started and the rest is positive and negative history.
This is why you work hard and have non basketball plans for the day it all ends. Nothing like an angry wannabe!
The Lenny Cook story would be a great one for TV and to be used in schools all over America.
I wonder what ever happened to that wonderful and sincere family, and I mean that sincerely, who really tried to help him by allowing him to live with them in Old Tappan NJ?
Does anyone feel Fred Hill Jr. will be able to really recruit the NY metro area anytime soon?
Will Aquille Carr ever play a game at Seton Hall? I sure hope so!
Binghamton is still perfect in the win/loss category. They have not won a game. Think the coach is safe? Great opportunity up there and they support that team!
Delaware, Ole Delaware. Mike Brey was a PR machine and good coach who got it done. Sellouts every game, huge support, and winning teams. Now......? Another great job! I still say Delaware blew it by not hiring Kevin Willard after offering him the position a few years back. DUMB DUMB DUMB! He was Mike Brey but younger! Thats what happens when you feel you are better and holier than thou!
Saw the new arena, yes arena, at Boston University. What a nice facility! They are now a true mid major player for the top transfers and very good players not going high major. Watch out FDU, there is competition.
That's it for now! Off to the super market to pick up goodies for the football game today. And the funny thing is I am not even a huge football fan.
Noticed many of the HBCU's (Historical Black Colleges and Universities), which by the way have wonderfully and rightfully integrated their basketball teams, are starting to understand the commitment needed to be D 1 programs. I see attendance in both the MEAC and SWAC really improved this season. In fact Hampton had close to 7000 for their home loss to a powerful Norfolk State University team last night!
It seems St. Johns is oh so close, yet oh so far in getting where they need to be. Close game yesterday at The Garden with over 10,000 in attendance. All they need now is Seton Hall's Curtain which might not be needed by next season.
Seton Hall is still exciting and the best in the area.
Rutgers is exciting as well
The games involving RU, SHU, and SJU could be very special this season.
The games between SJU, RU, and SHU will definitely impact marketability of each program and recruitment success in the future. Trust me kids are watching the results and looking at attendance figures except the kids that choose Miami.
Still thinking about Aquille Carr! Wow! How much are those SHU season tickets?
Iona is really good!
FDU is really bad!
Just heard the NJAC rejected FDU. Said they wanted a better program more committed to winning. They are reaching out to Caldwell College!
I hate the way All County Teams are chosen in NJ. Popularity contests more than anything else. Year after year they pick based on a particular coaches clout or via an old boy behind the scene network.
In Bergen County, Teaneck has the 4 best players in the county on its great team and the Coach of the Year, and assistant Coaches of the year if there was such a thing. What will happen? They will take 2 kids from Teaneck, and the rest will be guys nowhere as good in the ten they choose and the other 2 Teaneck Kids will be 2nd Team. Crazy!
Coach of the year in Bergen County should be Jerome Smart. What might happen is they give it to some guy I do not even know at Ft. Lee or Old Tappan because he went from winning 2 games last season to winning 4 this season. Plus he hangs with the guys who vote. Crazy!
Same with the Girls picks. Do not like a coach and they take it out on the players by not voting for them. Sad and alot of other things I will not say on this blog but if you email me or call me I sure will give my opinion.
I was thinking about Sean Banks after talking to my basketball buddy JSHUTTLESWORTH yesterday. What is he doing? Is it too late? What happened? Is he the only one to blame for not being in the NBA despite having NBA talent? I say no! John Calipari shares the blame in ways I also will not mention on here. But what a waste! I wish him well though and hope he does have a productive life!
Michael Gilchrist has made me a believer in more ways than one. I guess he is as good as they said he was when he rarely showed at HS showcase events inn the off season. I thought he was hiding from the better players. Silly me he was only resting to prepare for a great freshmen season and a season that makes me think no one in America plays as hard as he does. Will he leave this year?
Since I am thinking about players let me ask the following:
What ever happened to Anthony Perry?
Where is Seth Brown?
Anyone see Eugene Harvey?
Where is Keith Hughes?
Is Dejuan Wagner around? Is his Dad still coaching in College? If not?
What about Billy Thompson?
Does Lenny Cook still come around?
Omar Cook?
On another note I heard that FDU does have a Hall of Fame. Unfortunately Tom Green is not a member. Talk about being mistreated! Person who sent me this info feels the court at the FDU arena (arena lolololol) should be named after him. I agree! Honestly I think if they hire a new coach he should be reconsidered along with a new AD. Maybe he should be the AD and hire the new coach. Talk about poetic justice!
I asked about past players because people need to understand basketball is temporary and the fuss made over young players goes away quickly, especially if they do not live up to the hype. If Stephon Marberry walked through Coney Island in July he would not be made over as he was in HS. Ditto Sabastian Telfair and the others! Pearl Washington as good as he was is not made over in Brooklyn.
Lenny Cook would be just a person at a game today as would Omar Cook. Just guys watching! Do you think Lenny Cook is a fan of Lebron James? Or does he have flashbacks every time he see's him on TV? Honestly LeBron should send Lenny a little check for allowing him to be on the stage with him at ABCD camp in Teaneck many years ago. Thats when it all started and the rest is positive and negative history.
This is why you work hard and have non basketball plans for the day it all ends. Nothing like an angry wannabe!
The Lenny Cook story would be a great one for TV and to be used in schools all over America.
I wonder what ever happened to that wonderful and sincere family, and I mean that sincerely, who really tried to help him by allowing him to live with them in Old Tappan NJ?
Does anyone feel Fred Hill Jr. will be able to really recruit the NY metro area anytime soon?
Will Aquille Carr ever play a game at Seton Hall? I sure hope so!
Binghamton is still perfect in the win/loss category. They have not won a game. Think the coach is safe? Great opportunity up there and they support that team!
Delaware, Ole Delaware. Mike Brey was a PR machine and good coach who got it done. Sellouts every game, huge support, and winning teams. Now......? Another great job! I still say Delaware blew it by not hiring Kevin Willard after offering him the position a few years back. DUMB DUMB DUMB! He was Mike Brey but younger! Thats what happens when you feel you are better and holier than thou!
Saw the new arena, yes arena, at Boston University. What a nice facility! They are now a true mid major player for the top transfers and very good players not going high major. Watch out FDU, there is competition.
That's it for now! Off to the super market to pick up goodies for the football game today. And the funny thing is I am not even a huge football fan.
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