Post by mfk24 on Dec 5, 2012 18:37:51 GMT -5
Liked the fact a lot of players played and defense produced easy baskets needed to make this a blowout. The turnovers didn't hurt nearly as much because a lot of them were made trying to be aggressive and get out and run. When you increase possessions in a game and play faster, the less the turnovers hurt. Smith Rivera had a better floor game on offense and was more attentive on defense-but he's just an awful defensive player and opponents know this. Minute he comes into the game--his guy attacks him if Hoyas are in man, and if in zone--they can get by him. Last night Felix--who isn't any jet on the court--blew by him repeatedly and this was with Smith Rivera trying to play defense. It is what it is with him. But he contributed on glass--excecuted a beautiful pick and roll with Moses, and did what I as a fan expect--gave effort on defensive end. Can't help what you don't have--but you can try and that's all I want to see.
Nate/Markel need to keep playing like they have last 3 weeks (minus IU game for Nate).
I too thought DSR's effort was better on the defensive end. I think his defensive deficiencies can be hidden a little in the zone if he hustles to his position. Man defense against a quick player will prove a real problem at least at this stage in his career.
I did notice that DSR is comfortable with the ball against the press. Even when trapped he did not panic or try to dribble through a double team the way Whittington did. In this regard, Whittington was somewhat of a disaster last night. With time, I am certain he will become a more comfortable ballhandler. Right now, when the Hoyas are in their big lineup, opposing teams should apply full court pressure until we demonstrate we can handle the press or go with a smaller gurd oriented lineup.
I think uncharacteristically Whitt was pressing too much, the whole game. I think after the Tenn game where he struggled, he was trying to get back on track and while other guys were able to, he was still struggling offensively. In the past, he's been quite comfortable with the ball, this is the first game where I've seen him turn it over so much, try to drive 1 on 4, and generally force things. I think he got frustrated and was trying too hard to make things happen.
I think in the past we focused on Chris Wright breaking the press on his own and we were able to effectively break the press with the pass and I think they only force one or two turnovers, one of which was Whitt, and the other I think Otto fell down when the ball was supposed to go back to him.