Shot Blocking

[earsky]

Not sure that there's a legitimate chance to win a championship unless one or more of our front line players become great shot blockers.
It's just the way it's been since Gorgui left.
There were plays late in the game that I still cannot understand. Phantom attempts at shot blocking just won't work.
When the guy is 2 feet from the rim, the last thing to worry about is a foul......Block the shot!!
Hopefully,at least one guy or 2(preferably) can emerge to become the guy that isn't giving anything easy away.

 

[shadow force]

Yes shot blocking has been a key missing ingredient on these last couple of teams. However, earsky, both Onuaku and Mahmoud were decent to good shot blockers to fill that niche after Dieng left.

I think there was even a discussion about lack of rim protection last season. I remember mentioning that it was strange not having that shot blocking presence after seeing our past few centers and how they could alter games with that threat in the middle. Those guys, especially Dieng, could really affect opposing teams players and also erased many defensive mistakes made by others.

 

[earsky]

You're right. We have had some good ones since Gorgui left.
It's very frustrating watching guys worry about picking up a foul when the guy is laying in 2 foot bunnies.

 

[nccardfan]

Guys, I’m not sure where I read this, but this is part of the different defensive philosophy of Mack. We don’t gamble for steals and deflections and don’t try to filter guys into our bigs like we did under Pitino. On offense we don’t try to run or fast break. It’s going to take me a bit to adjust and keep reminding myself that our teams will play different but hopefully just as effective.

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Guys, I’m not sure where I read this, but this is part of the different defensive philosophy of Mack. We don’t gamble for steals and deflections and don’t try to filter guys into our bigs like we did under Pitino. On offense we don’t try to run or fast break. It’s going to take me a bit to adjust and keep reminding myself that our teams will play different but hopefully just as effective.

Mack stated his philosophy on defensive deflections,pressure and steals he doesn't track it nor want his players seeking them because he feels, In his defensive set that players will not stay in their defensive assignments. And as far as fast breaking and running go look at his Xavier teams they got up and down the court hell they were a very high scoring team. He just doesn't have those type guys at present starting.

And yes completely opposite in everything from Rick. Once he gets his guys all in and purges all of Ricks guys . Fans will enjoy watching his teams on the court.

 

[PHCARD]

Red, I’m partial to some of those guys that you say need purging. CCM has had what 20 months to coach up these guys to his style.

 

[earsky]

All of the difference in philosophies aside, I just want anybody to aggressively go after shots at the rim.

 

[earsky]

Otherwise, teams start to think they can all just boogey in and soldier right thru you.(My Warriors reference)

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

All of the difference in philosophies aside, I just want anybody to aggressively go after shots at the rim.

Mack continues to drive tuffness home with them . These guys are just plain soft. Except Sutton and Kimble .

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Otherwise, teams start to think they can all just boogey in and soldier right thru you.(My Warriors reference)

It really showed against UK Richards has played soft all year when he went against players with size for some reason he wasn't afraid of U of Ls guys. Especially Williams whom i really thought would give him fits just because he moves much more fluent than Enoch. But Richards just bullied him out of position every time he was guarded by him.