NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I don't mean to pour it on, but how is it possible for a 6'9 kid who is quick, strong, and can jump out of the gym to only have 4 blocked shots in 13 games?
Cook - 4 Blocks in 13 games
- Thread starter NikeHawk21
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tksirius
HN's Love Doctor
He doesn't know how to play defense.
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I agree. I think his basketball IQ on the defensive end is a problem. He has no understanding of protecting the basket. Blocked shots aren't the most important thing but it's not like he's been an excellent rebounder either, he rarely boxes out.
I think his IQ can improve with time and coaching. I'm more concerned about his lack of effort on defense. He never sprints back.
Robowe
Well-Known Member
Maybe playing only 20 minutes last night will be a wake up call. He definitely needs to provide more effort on defense. Fran hinted at some changes in the starting lineup - who knows?
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I was too pissed off to listen to any of the postgame stuff, but that is interesting. I honestly can't figure out a starting 5 that makes sense for this team.
Robowe
Well-Known Member
The bench has played well in spurts in the past few games. It will be interesting to see if Baer, Kreiner or Wagner get moved into the starting lineup. Moss only played 15 minutes last night as well. Fran probably needs to do something to get the team off to better starts in the game.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
Bad positioning. Same reason Maryland was able to just drive down the middle of the lane or pass to the middle of the lane when they wanted to.
QChawkness
Well-Known Member
I've been wondering this same thing for awhile now. All that athleticism and he hardly ever leaves the floor on the defensive end. He's honestly becoming a liability on defense.
homes
Well-Known Member
The jump from high school or AAU to the Big Ten is huge. The stuff you could away with at that level won't fly in the Big Ten. It's not just him, but if you don't play defense every part of every game, you'll get thumped. It's hard work. It's not a lot of fun. And there isn't a lot of glory. But if you want to win, it's required. Pretty simple, really.
Well some players love to shut opponents down on the defensive end and then go score on the offensive end.
Fran needs to play the players who do the above. He needs to let players know verbally that is what he wants and then give them time based on that. These are young guys who need to learn to hustle and play good position defense. I have seen them do it well in multiple games.
What's weird is you think a guy who was that athletic would have more blocks by being out of position so much. Kinda like Olaseni. It's complete lack of effort and mental.
lightning1
Well-Known Member
That's because it's a poorly recruited group for fielding a 2 deep basketball roster at a P5 program. Way too many wing guards and wing forwards. Which is the calling card of a poor recruiter or a program that can't attract recruits. Or some combination of the 2.
tksirius
HN's Love Doctor
As much as some on here will refuse to admit it, this ^^ is a fact. Hopefully, Garza will at least help at the 5 position next year. However, Fran is bringing in another wing/wing forward (Connor P) (Nunge), when he should be bringing in a point guard.
NEIChawk
Well-Known Member
Does anyone know how to play defense?When I watch other teams I see kids flying to the ball, trying to help out, maybe getting a block, or a stop of some sort....our kids are totally out of position, no weak side help, rebounding.... aren't these all parts of the game? The whole game?
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I think having a true rim protector could do wonders for this team. Is Garza that guy? He's got the size, does anyone if he's known for his defense? What's his wingspan?
lightning1
Well-Known Member
Bohannon - undersized 2G playing PG, lacks athleticism
Williams - SF playing PG. No threat from outside. Can get to the rim
Dailey - SF playing?? To be determined
Ellingsen - SG playing SG. Can't break anyone down off the bounce, below avg defender
Jok - 2G playing 2G. Can score and create his own shot. Can't defend a bar stool.
Moss - SF playing 2G/SF. To be determined
Baer - PF playing SF. Too small to play against PFs. Too slow to defend legit SFs
Wagner - SF playing PF. Can't score from the wing. Too short/lacks skill to play PF
Uhl - Wing forward is the only way to describe him. Tall enough and strong enough to play PF but too soft to do it.
Cook - PF playing PF. Can't defend anything.
Pemsl - PF playing Center. Not a good defender either
Kriener - PF or Center. He really could go either way.
Jones - should retire while he can still walk.
DBQHAWK85
Well-Known Member
The big man hedging has to stop. Fran's asking too much there and it ends up with the whole team needing to be prepared to help and then they all get behind or maybe more apropos out of position.
Last years team with 4 seniors struggled trying to run Fran's defensive plan at times. How in the world can you expect freshman and sophomores to run it with out looking silly.
Last years team with 4 seniors struggled trying to run Fran's defensive plan at times. How in the world can you expect freshman and sophomores to run it with out looking silly.
HawkeyeWalker
Well-Known Member
I love Fran, but I do hate that hedge defense.
The reason people hate it is because you don't notice the 9 times out of 10 it works. But the times it doesn't work are really noticeable. Without the hedging we would see a lot more guys shooting 3s behind the screen and getting into the lane around the screen.
I'm talking about previous years of course since this year we are seeing all of that anyway.
