The defense is still way ahead of the offense

[Cue Card]

That's not a bad thing in early December, but we really need to start seeing some better offense from this bunch before conference play rolls around or this could turn into an average season at best.

I am impressed with the defense overall. I'm just OK with the offense. I wish we could see more of VJ King and Adel on the floor at the same time. I really like it when those two are on the floor together.

Overall, the team played well tonight. I didn't sense they felt the game was ever in danger of being lost so there was no sense of urgency or extra effort. Everyone played well but not with the extra tough effort it'll take to win conference games.

Grade tonight was a B- IMO. Good but not great.

 

[shadow force]

Last season, with Lee and Lewis, was one of the very few times where the offense was ahead of the defense early in the season.. I remember making a point of that because it is almost always the other way around.

A lot of the problem with the offense, aside from just not hitting shots, are the rushed and bad shots attempted so often. Like I said in the game thread, I'm not sure if the team is just trying to push the tempo or what, but jacking up shots 5 seconds into the shot clock is usually not a good idea.

Also the bad/rushed ball movement and passes make the offense look worse too. If this team would just slow down, play the game, and cut down on silly mistakes it would do wonders for the offense. Also passing back OUT of the post would help too. (I know earsky is a fan of that.lol).

Those aren't the only reasons for the sometimes poor offense but the good news is those things can be corrected and worked on. Hopefully they will do that.

 

[Cue Card]

I agree. We need better ball movement and better decisions when to and when NOT to shoot the ball. The pass into the post shouldn't always be the last pass but right now it sure feels like it is.

We'll get better and the comforting thing is the defense is stellar most of the time.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Don't hold your breath looking for offensive improvement any time soon. Reality is we lack shooters, play-making, and post play.

The offense will be the outcome of good defense. It is possible we can go on spurts to win games offensively in second halves, but it is highly unlikely the team will produce sustained offensive success for 40 minutes.

 

[nccardfan]

After the game last night in CRPs presser, you could tell he was upset. Right now we are a good team, not a great team. We played "good" not great for the first 14 minutes. Players are "hunting" for shots is the main issue. He didn't name Q specifically but one of the press asked him about Q and that's when he went on his hunting shots tirade. We played good in moments, need to play 40 minutes. 0nly guy who understands what we are doing is Levitch, but that doesn't explain why he didn't play more. I think that was a pyschological move. One guy mentioned how dominating our inside game but CRP felt like we should have dominated that team inside. I am liking more of Matz in the post if he can finish and make free throws.

 

[earsky]

Reality is we lack shooters, play-making, and post play.

And you're right Hop.This might sound cliche,but they have to move the ball to find those shots.That's how you overcome deficiencies that you've pointed out above.We've got good catch and shoot guys,but we're not understanding the first part of that equation.Somebody has to make that pass.

 

[earsky]

Better shot selection Cue,that's all it is.When they figure it out to the man,they will be good enough offensively.