Pitino Wants The Guards To Focus On

[shadow force]

We have been through two days of individuals. Points of emphasis with the guards are simple: defend one-on-one better and become better one-on-one offensive players. You don’t have to be Russ Smith, but it’s a must that they learn to create their own shot off of movement.


Sounds in line with the breakdown he gave of the team, especially for Snider and Mitchell, to work on their defense and getting in even better shape.

 

[nccardfan]

How about knowing when to pass the ball to an open teammate or how to draw a foul when driving to the basket.

 

[shadow force]

Yes, smart passing/ball distribution should be emphasized for everyone. That would definitely help. I feel some guys on the team should get more calls when they drive but don't for whatever reason even if they get hacked.

 

[earsky]

We won't play man defense all the time until the guards can slow that penetration.I noticed late in the season that Q looked like a different defensive guard than early.It was noticeable to me.

I don't despise the matchupI,I just don't like it.Man to man all the time,full court or half.

I also believe that Pitino thinks beating guys off the dribble will be much better than the ever growing popularity of the "Curly Neal" dribbling that has taken over college basketball.Beat your guy and shoot or pass.If you can't beat your guy early,give it up.

 

[shadow force]

We won't play man defense all the time until the guards can slow that penetration.I noticed late in the season that Q looked like a different defensive guard than early.It was noticeable to me.

I don't despise the matchupI,I just don't like it.Man to man all the time,full court or half.

When a team has the ability to play the match up zone the way Pitino wants it, it can be a devastating defensive weapon as we've seen in the past. However from this past season, that's easier said than done sometimes. Most guys are not going to be able to "get it" in one season and sometimes he'll have to live with that- i.e. the 5th year transfers. The matchup zone where all 5 guys are on a string in unison is a thing of beauty when employed correctly. Sometimes man to man is better though and if the guys are more adept at it then we'll probably see more of it.

 

[earsky]

I agree Shadow.I think we want to see that matchup played like it can be.I don't know if they can.If Pitino can get these guys to be able to go back and forth fluidly, between the two defenses,they both work better.

 

[shadow force]

I agree Shadow.I think we want to see that matchup played like it can be.I don't know if they can.If Pitino can get these guys to be able to go back and forth fluidly, between the two defenses,they both work better.

We're definitely on the same page there, earsky, and I agree it works best being able to switch seamlessly between the two. I would always love seeing the opposing team react like "WTF just happened?" when the Cards would just fluidly switch from one type of defense to the other such as during the 2013 Champ season. You could just see it on their faces and in their action/demeanor on the court. A pleasure to watch.

 

[earsky]

when the Cards would just fluidly switch from one type of defense to the other such as during the 2013 Champ season.

Other than some outstanding individual performances,it's what sets this group apart.It started with the guards.

 

[nccardfan]

The matchup zone works best if you have a rim protector. Because of Nanu's foul tendencies, we didn't have that this year. With mango back our zone will be better.