Welcome Kim English

[The Great PATSby]

So after last night's performace by Daryl Banks, it got me thinking about if we had a game plan to contain the opposing team's leading scorers. Here's the breakdown of all the season leading scorers of each team and how they did against us. In our 6 losses, we failed to contain their leading scorer 5 times. What's concerning is that in those 5 loses, their leading scorer scored much higher than their season averages. I would like to see improvements by the Staff with defensive preperations and in-game adjustments containing future leading scorers.

		Season Leading Scorer	Pts vs Us	Season Avg
15 Auburn	L70-52	Broome	12​	13.1​
Longwood	W83-69	Wilkins	13​	13.3​
American University	W73-56	Rogers	6​	13.9​
Boston College *	L71-56	Ashton	17​	11.8​
Belmont *	L66-62	Sheppard	24​	18.1​
Buffalo *	L82-74	Jones	22​	14.9​
Queens University	W72-65	Dye	10​	17.5​
Hofstra	W81-77 OT	Estrada	31​	22.1​
Toledo	W80-73	Dennis	10​	19.2​
Maryland-Eastern Shore	W67-54	Voyles	12​	12.1​
Tulane *	W62-56	Cook	11​	18.3​
Old Dominion	L78-77	Scott-Grayson	30​	13.4​
Coppin State	W91-53	Sessoms	17​	22.2​
Richmond	W62-58	Burton	21​	19.6​
St. Bonaventure	L73-69	Banks	27​	17.4​

 

[sleeperpick]

So after last night's performace by Daryl Banks, it got me thinking about if we had a game plan to contain the opposing team's leading scorers. Here's the breakdown of all the season leading scorers of each team and how they did against us. In our 6 losses, we failed to contain their leading scorer 5 times. What's concerning is that in those 5 loses, their leading scorer scored much higher than their season averages. I would like to see improvements by the Staff with defensive preperations and in-game adjustments containing future leading scorers.

		Season Leading Scorer	Pts vs Us	Season Avg
15 Auburn	L70-52	Broome	12​	13.1​
Longwood	W83-69	Wilkins	13​	13.3​
American University	W73-56	Rogers	6​	13.9​
Boston College *	L71-56	Ashton	17​	11.8​
Belmont *	L66-62	Sheppard	24​	18.1​
Buffalo *	L82-74	Jones	22​	14.9​
Queens University	W72-65	Dye	10​	17.5​
Hofstra	W81-77 OT	Estrada	31​	22.1​
Toledo	W80-73	Dennis	10​	19.2​
Maryland-Eastern Shore	W67-54	Voyles	12​	12.1​
Tulane *	W62-56	Cook	11​	18.3​
Old Dominion	L78-77	Scott-Grayson	30​	13.4​
Coppin State	W91-53	Sessoms	17​	22.2​
Richmond	W62-58	Burton	21​	19.6​
St. Bonaventure	L73-69	Banks	27​	17.4​

going to point out the obvious here but this list contains about 60% point guards (ballhandlers) which has what I have been trying to say all year. we haven't played many/any good bigs and honestly other than Dayton I am not sure a big will lead our opposition in scoring this year against us. we really need our guards to learn how to be better defenders or switch up the scheme because opponents guards are killing us routinely

 

[GSII]

Now do this comparison with the 2011 team and its opponents.

 

[The Great PATSby]

going to point out the obvious here but this list contains about 60% point guards (ballhandlers) which has what I have been trying to say all year. we haven't played many/any good bigs and honestly other than Dayton I am not sure a big will lead our opposition in scoring this year against us. we really need our guards to learn how to be better defenders or switch up the scheme because opponents guards are killing us routinely

We have more depth this year than the last 5-10 years, I think we should be more agressive defensively i.e full court press occasionally. I wouldn't mind seeing the soft full court press that Paulsen used to do. At least it ran off 7-10 seconds off the shot clock.

 

[mkaufman1]

So after last night's performace by Daryl Banks, it got me thinking about if we had a game plan to contain the opposing team's leading scorers. Here's the breakdown of all the season leading scorers of each team and how they did against us. In our 6 losses, we failed to contain their leading scorer 5 times. What's concerning is that in those 5 loses, their leading scorer scored much higher than their season averages. I would like to see improvements by the Staff with defensive preperations and in-game adjustments containing future leading scorers.

		Season Leading Scorer	Pts vs Us	Season Avg
15 Auburn	L70-52	Broome	12​	13.1​
Longwood	W83-69	Wilkins	13​	13.3​
American University	W73-56	Rogers	6​	13.9​
Boston College *	L71-56	Ashton	17​	11.8​
Belmont *	L66-62	Sheppard	24​	18.1​
Buffalo *	L82-74	Jones	22​	14.9​
Queens University	W72-65	Dye	10​	17.5​
Hofstra	W81-77 OT	Estrada	31​	22.1​
Toledo	W80-73	Dennis	10​	19.2​
Maryland-Eastern Shore	W67-54	Voyles	12​	12.1​
Tulane *	W62-56	Cook	11​	18.3​
Old Dominion	L78-77	Scott-Grayson	30​	13.4​
Coppin State	W91-53	Sessoms	17​	22.2​
Richmond	W62-58	Burton	21​	19.6​
St. Bonaventure	L73-69	Banks	27​	17.4​

Nice analysis - I would also point out that in several of our wins (AU, UMES, Tulane, Coppin, Richmond, 4 at home, 1 neutral) that we win when our opponent doesn't score 60 points.

Now granted those are crappy/medicore opponents, but in general if the defense locks down that well, we are successful. That was one of just many frustrating things that occurred last night with Bonaventure scoring 73 points and shooting overall 52 percent from the field for the game.

I would also add, that I believe in a few of these games, as much as the leading scorers went off they may not have been super efficient (I know Burton wasn't, not sure about others). I know Banks was probably pretty efficient last night.

 

[gmujim92]

Now do this comparison with the 2011 team and its opponents.

Why? Nobody in their right mind thinks this team comes close to measuring up to 2011, which has an argument for being the most talented team top to bottom that Mason has ever fielded. What would that possibly prove?

 

[GMU79]

Why? Nobody in their right mind thinks this team comes close to measuring up to 2011, which has an argument for being the most talented team top to bottom that Mason has ever fielded. What would that possibly prove?

It would just be interesting to see.

 

[GSII]

Why? Nobody in their right mind thinks this team comes close to measuring up to 2011, which has an argument for being the most talented team top to bottom that Mason has ever fielded. What would that possibly prove?

Why not? Kim has referenced the Jai/Will combo regarding our 3 out offense. If he can look back at what worked we can too.

 

[The Great PATSby]

Now do this comparison with the 2011 team and its opponents.

In our 7 losses, 2 were well above their season averages which means the '11 team was better defensivly against the top scorers. Sullinger, Jenkins, and Wright all played in the NBA too.

		Season Leading Scorer	Points Against Us	Season Average
Ohio State	L98-66	Sullinger	18​	17.2​
NC State	L78-65	Leslie	12	11​
*NCST's leading scorer didn't play. Leslie was the 2nd Leading Scorer.
Wofford	L82-79 OT	Dahlman	11​	20.1​
Dayton	L73-67	Wright	13​	13.2​
Hofstra	L87-74	Jenkins	32​	22.6​
ODU	L69-65	Hassell	18​	15.1​
vcu	L79-63	Skeen	21​	15.7​

 

[gmulion]

I'm glad we hired a young coach who can recruit. However, there is going to be a learning curve as he figures things out because he is so young. I understand it will take time with some of the in game adjustments. The thing I was expecting to see though was more development from the players in the program. My concern is that a few of them seem to have regressed this season.

Oruro from 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds to 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds
Ticker from 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds to 6.6 points and 6.2 rebounds

Jones not improving in any area, shooting has dropped off, doesn't box out well and still picks up too many cheap fouls.

Cooper and Henry still are about the same as last year in terms of production.

Polite is the only one that seems to have gotten better since last season and that might be because is finally healthy.


Again, I'm still glad we have CKE and think he will learn, but it is going to take time.

 

[GSII]

Usually, older players are better at anticipation and cleverness. This gives them an edge on defense. Sad to say, we show no such signs. And for this, blame goes to the scheme. Or accept the fact that our players are not good enough to play a high level of defense.

 

[mkaufman1]

I'm glad we hired a young coach who can recruit. However, there is going to be a learning curve as he figures things out because he is so young. I understand it will take time with some of the in game adjustments. The thing I was expecting to see though was more development from the players in the program. My concern is that a few of them seem to have regressed this season.

Oruro from 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds to 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds
Ticker from 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds to 6.6 points and 6.2 rebounds

Jones not improving in any area, shooting has dropped off, doesn't box out well and still picks up too many cheap fouls.

Cooper and Henry still are about the same as last year in terms of production.

Polite is the only one that seems to have gotten better since last season and that might be because is finally healthy.


Again, I'm still glad we have CKE and think he will learn, but it is going to take time.

Fully on board with what you are saying and no disagreement.

The question then becomes how much time do you give someone like CKE? We're halfway through year 2, and what we thought would be an NCAA like year. It won't be, but it still could be a very good year (I'm hoping for about 20 wins, Saturday in Brooklyn, etc).

He has a 5 year contract so obviously he is getting at least 4. Is he going to be able to flip things in the next 2 years? Does Mason give him a 1 year courtesy extension or maybe they have already?

Its a bit early to start thinking of these types of things, but we're halfway through year 2 already and time goes quick.

 

[GSII]

He needs to sign a PG that can put pressure on the ball and make life hell for the opposing PG. LIke Miskiri used to do. Or a Cam Long. But if we are going to play the numbers game and hope teams miss, then I dunno what that gets us except for mediocrity. Hope isn't defense. You gotta go out and take the game with solid and intimidating defense.

 

[Falco]

Get a pass first point guard! If only kolek stayed

 

[gmujim92]

He needs to sign a PG that can put pressure on the ball and make life hell for the opposing PG. LIke Miskiri used to do. Or a Cam Long. But if we are going to play the numbers game and hope teams miss, then I dunno what that gets us except for mediocrity. Hope isn't defense. You gotta go out and take the game with solid and intimidating defense.

I bet you’re one of those people who think Tony Bennett’s system is lame because it doesn’t force turnovers and relies on opposing teams missing shots lol

 

[sleeperpick]

I bet you’re one of those people who think Tony Bennett’s system is lame because it doesn’t force turnovers and relies on opposing teams missing shots lol

eh Tony Bennett's system is extremely boring but he wins and consistently beats better teams because of it. This isn't a good comparison to whatever the heck you would call our defense. I mean somebody is still teaching these dudes to face up box out lol don't see UVA looking completely lost when a shot goes up like we sometimes do. I am more frustrated with our 6 foot 10 big man that has to be like 50% from directly under the rim this year, who can't hit any clutch/or else free throws, who STILL cannot defend helpside as a 4th year senior without hacking on every possession.

 

[GMU79]

I know this goes against the grain here, and I know every coach in the country is active in the tranfer portal, but it seems to me that CKE just isn't signing very good players.

 

[gmujim92]

eh Tony Bennett's system is extremely boring but he wins and consistently beats better teams because of it. This isn't a good comparison to whatever the heck you would call our defense. I mean somebody is still teaching these dudes to face up box out lol don't see UVA looking completely lost when a shot goes up like we sometimes do. I am more frustrated with our 6 foot 10 big man that has to be like 50% from directly under the rim this year, who can't hit any clutch/or else free throws, who STILL cannot defend helpside as a 4th year senior without hacking on every possession.

None of which addresses my point, which is that you do not have to force turnovers to play good defense.

 

[gmujim92]

I know this goes against the grain here, and I know every coach in the country is active in the tranfer portal, but it seems to me that CKE just isn't signing very good players.

It seems to me that you have no clue what you’re talking about

 

[sleeperpick]

None of which addresses my point, which is that you do not have to force turnovers to play good defense.

which I agree with, but that's not at all what I can decipher from your post lol I don't see TB defenders getting driven past at will like guards do to Ronnie and Coop nor do I see horrible interior defense from UVA bigs to understand this comparison

UVA also has the third slowest tempo in the country offensively draining the game clock and reducing possessions we don't do that