Offense Being Ahead Of The Defense

[shadow force]

This is an interesting switch from almost every other year recently where the offense isn't the problem but the defense needs a lot more work. Usually the Cards are struggling on offense all the way until later in conference play or -sometimes- even post season play.

It is definitely good to be able to get the opposite perspective for a change. We have some guys that can flat out shoot and score this year. Of course we also see how not being up to the Pitino level of defense hurts as well.

I'm hoping with more practice, experience, and actual game time that everyone will be able to achieve that great level of defense to go with the good offense. We have to remember that even though Lee and Lewis are 5th year seniors that they are still brand new to Pitino's system, and of course the younger guys need time to learn it as well.

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

Agree. This is the primary observation or most noticeable thing to me. Really surprised to see there is not more discussion around this on the board.

 

[Cue Card]

I agree that it is weird seeing the offense ahead of the defense in December. That alone makes me feel GREAT about February, March, and dare I say April! These kids have to stay healthy but as long as they can, there is no height this team can't reach. This has a chance to be a very special year.

 

[nccardfan]

I don't think it came out as a surprise. Why do you think we got these 5th year seniors, to play defense? We thought we were going to have the inside presence to defend this year but Mangos injury and Onuaku's inability to grasp the concept of setting a screen derailed that. Couple that with the fact that we tried to play zone with Mahmoud in the low post and the fact that's it's no secret that Q cannot play D led to UK's perfect storm. It also didn't help that playing all these cupcakes gave us false confidence that we could score at will.

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

Also have to add in the fact that these guys (several new) are getting (more) PT with each other and having to learn a more "complex" defensive scheme/system.

Pitino has been saying for weeks this team does not communicate well on D. Mango was their best communicator on D. It was evident on Saturday.

They will get better on D. May not be as good as we are used to seeing, but they will get better.

UK's perfect storm was hitting 21% above average on 3s and several completely blown assignments on D. Two of which led to at least 2 big 3s by Hawkins.

 

[shadow force]

Also have to add in the fact that these guys (several new) are getting (more) PT with each other and having to learn a more "complex" defensive scheme/system.

Pitino has been saying for weeks this team does not communicate well on D. Mango was their best communicator on D. It was evident on Saturday.

They will get better on D. May not be as good as we are used to seeing, but they will get better.

UK's perfect storm was hitting 21% above average on 3s and several completely blown assignments on D. Two of which led to at least 2 big 3s by Hawkins.

If this UofL team can get healthy and stay healthy and get up to speed playing Pitino defense.......man I can only imagine the possibilities for them. That combined with the firepower this season and the sky really is the limit for this team. So many long, talented players that could make that CRP match up zone very scary. If we can get Adel back up to speed it adds yet another long, athletic defender to the mix. If everything goes to plan this Cardinal team will be scary come March.

 

[Cue Card]

If this UofL team can get healthy and stay healthy and get up to speed playing Pitino defense.......man I can only imagine the possibilities for them. That combined with the firepower this season and the sky really is the limit for this team. So many long, talented players that could make that CRP match up zone very scary. If we can get Adel back up to speed it adds yet another long, athletic defender to the mix. If everything goes to plan this Cardinal team will be scary come March.

Adel is long and athletic, but right now he is a defensive liability. He plays what I like to call the Matador defense. Screams O`Lay!!! as they drive right around him. He has got to learn to move his feet better. I'm confident he will learn, and that knee injury slowed his progress. He has to catch up.