I'm not nervous at all. Way too early in the season to be anyway.. especially considering we are not going to learn how to play without Zach overnight.
The truth is likely somewhere between beating Bama and the loss and I also would add that the Bama game may have taken some gas out of the team as I have little doubt they left it all on the court against Bama considering it was at home, they were #2 and it was a battle.
We're a relatively young team as well so will take our lumps this year to make us a contender possibly next year and I am more than okay with that (not that it matters). There is a truckload of talent on this team that is just a handful of games in to a young season where they are all trying to learn their identity.
Also some perspective.. this is basically a "rebuilding" year for us and we are still a top 20 team. And it was done all without having to go out and buy a team and hope it works. This team is very capable and by March I have little doubt they will put it all together at just the right time.
Trying to remember the game, but a few random thoughts-
Jacobsen is not needed every game, but his help D in the lane would have been helpful in this game
Braden lost his poise. Regained some second half, but they really keyed on him with a big that could move on a hard hedge and a big athletic guard (Ross) on him all the time.
Seemed to key on the Big Three and not a lot of offense outside of those three
Gicarri’s first impression of not being a perimeter shooter seems true so far.
Thought Caleb although he was slow to try to dunk twice has been playing better this year.
Last two games it appears Cam is starting to find the basket on the perimeter.
Myles hitting the board, but passing up a couple of shots.
Myles/Cam need to be able to get in the lane and most likely would require two dribbles. Both should be able to elevate with a short jumper when opposing teams are applying a lot of pressure.
Purdue wings rarely back cut when feeling pressure. Purdue does backscreen sometimes but only for the 5 and one time for Myles.
Purdue-do NOT pass it when a defender is in the passing lane…and why is the defender in the passing lane…did you not v-step and seal your man before breaking out…or were you too early in your break?
Marquette pressure was good. They were quick and I couldn’t see enough to see if they got by with some physical play in the crowds. Purdue reminded me of a few years ago when it was only a post feed or 3 pt shot…very little in-between to reduce pressure.
Marquette and others will want a hard hedge if able. This forces Braden up higher creating more space in the handoffs and allowing the D to stay with Braden or get a hand in there.
Every team has degrees of difficulty when the opposition applies pressure whether in zone or man pressure variants. Whatever susceptibility to pressure exists inside a team, that team is typically more formidable IMO early in the season, when so many things are being covered and compounded further with new players and youth.
