take advantage of the talent we have. The first thing, easily implemented because we rebound so well, is to push the pace and break at every opportunity. Pressing more will also step up the pace. Playing faster will let us do a few things that can utilize our athleticism. Our guards and wings are not really quick enough and good at breaking down defenses in the halfcourt. Silas, Blue, DeShayne and Tyrin are really good taking it off the dribble to the rack in space. Our bigs can all run, especially Asa. If nothing develops off the initial break the bigs need to post low right away and be ready to get the ball and make a post move before the D is really set. Somto has shown some nice low post moves, but we haven't found he and Asa as much as needed. We should also find more open 3s for our shooters off secondary break.
Yesterday we had several mismatches with guards switching, but we didn't once exploit it. The reason is we were not in position to feed the post. We have not been in good position to feed our posts on the block all year. You cannot feed the post efficiently from above the ft line. It must be done from the mid to low wing. It's a simple fundamental, but makes all the difference.
Pushing the break and creating steals off pressure is our best game. I'd much rather have a turnover pushing the ball than a fumble, or lazy pass in the halfcourt.
Yesterday was disappointing, but Ole Miss, a ranked team playing at home, was primed after their loss to Memphis. If we shoot just a bit better it goes to the wire. But, we cannot keep playing the same high post offense and halfcourt game and expect we won't keep struggling. If we don't have something on the break back it out and run sets, stop all the dribbling and move the fn ball quickly. And play Abson more minutes. His passing alone makes us better.
Shoutout to Blue Cain. He didn't shoot it well , but he busted his tail every minute he played.
