Blaming these performances on lack of talent is misdirected. This roster has a lot of talent, or perhaps better stated, there is a significant amount of individual skill that is clearly uncomfortable and ill-suited for this offense. Admittedly, the defensive capabilities for a number of these kids is sub par for this level of college basketbal, and those defensive woes clearly are contributing to the team’s poor performances.
Inconsistent focus and execution? Absolutely, as the inconsistency that I have witnessed from just about everyone on the roster except for Curry is unmistakable. What ever happened to Withers from last season cannot be assigned to moving from the 5 to the 4 and 3 roles, as last night’s performance was a lot more of an indication of having “checked out” mentally and physically.
Those of us who watch all 40 minutes of all of these games should agree that at times we have witnessed Ellis, Locke, Cross, Williamson, Davis, Williams, Faulkner and West exhibit periods of individual talent and efficiency that was both projected and anticipated. The problem has been total inconsistency, that are a direct result of unforced TOs, poor shooting percentages and lapses on defense.
Mack brought in a new staff, and this fast offense with transfers who were expected to fit this model. Clearly it has failed, and there is no evidence of improvement as this season continues to erode. Perhaps most disturbing is seeing the erosion of individual focus, effort and attitude that was magnified in last night’s performance.
One example of my point here, can be seen in the 2nd half performance by Ellis against MSU. When playing against arguably the most disciplined half court defense in America ……EL shredded it inside and out. He repeated some of that against Pitt. Is he talented …….absolutely, but is he consistent? Just like Cross, Locke, Williamson, Davis and Faulkner …… there have been some games where their individual talent has been clearly evident, and consistent with what they exhibited previously here and elsewhere.
I saw this at UK last season …….. exceptional talent, but completely void of any continuity and consistency from one game to another, or even from one moment to another. Even last night, there were a few stretches where individuals played at a very high level, only to fall apart with unforced TOs and open opportunities.
Inconsistent focus and execution? Absolutely, as the inconsistency that I have witnessed from just about everyone on the roster except for Curry is unmistakable. What ever happened to Withers from last season cannot be assigned to moving from the 5 to the 4 and 3 roles, as last night’s performance was a lot more of an indication of having “checked out” mentally and physically.
Those of us who watch all 40 minutes of all of these games should agree that at times we have witnessed Ellis, Locke, Cross, Williamson, Davis, Williams, Faulkner and West exhibit periods of individual talent and efficiency that was both projected and anticipated. The problem has been total inconsistency, that are a direct result of unforced TOs, poor shooting percentages and lapses on defense.
Mack brought in a new staff, and this fast offense with transfers who were expected to fit this model. Clearly it has failed, and there is no evidence of improvement as this season continues to erode. Perhaps most disturbing is seeing the erosion of individual focus, effort and attitude that was magnified in last night’s performance.
One example of my point here, can be seen in the 2nd half performance by Ellis against MSU. When playing against arguably the most disciplined half court defense in America ……EL shredded it inside and out. He repeated some of that against Pitt. Is he talented …….absolutely, but is he consistent? Just like Cross, Locke, Williamson, Davis and Faulkner …… there have been some games where their individual talent has been clearly evident, and consistent with what they exhibited previously here and elsewhere.
I saw this at UK last season …….. exceptional talent, but completely void of any continuity and consistency from one game to another, or even from one moment to another. Even last night, there were a few stretches where individuals played at a very high level, only to fall apart with unforced TOs and open opportunities.
