That is true. Look at how TKR made the big jump last year. He definitely put the work in during the off-season last year.
I don’t mean this to come off mean at all but TKR has put in the work since he got here. I have been saying since I saw him at the scrimmage his sophomore year, before they went to Europe and no Zach (due to team Canada), you could see how good he was/going to be. He showed a LOT then and he showed it vs Illinois at Mackey when he took them to school.
TKR is such a beast….read somewhere how the shots he developed were developed because he had to beat Edey on a daily basis in practice.
Professional scouts who exclusively cover international players, compared Mayer favorably to KJ from IL last year. Said he was a better prospect coming in to the B1G. For referrence, KJ went for 15,6, and 5 last year and is a likely lottery pick in this draft. Hope that answers your question.
I'm not at all sure that you can go from no D to decent D in a year of practice time. SO much to learn and become ingrained so you don't have to slow down and think about it. Hopeful he'll learn "our ways", but probably going to be a large challenge. It's almost a whole nuther game vs what he's been playing/learning.
He's been pretty weak against good shot blockers. Lots of really weak attempts swatted. Getting better, but much better at bullying lessor centers than doing great against top centers. Room to grow for this season. I LOVE TKR and his attitude and competitiveness. I'm not knocking him. I see what he can be.
After seeing film focused on offense I naturally give him/Mayer a thumbs up but no film really on D and with Braden at a B- and Loyer at a C- on D the combo of Mayer/Loyer and Smith doesn't have that lock down D feeling that Jones brought or Cox/Harris , So while I give our offense potential an A going to next on offense to get where want to be FF/Natty going to have to be some serious "D improvement".
They played pretty good D in the tourney. Adding bigs will help solidify their efforts I think.
My take is I'm not as concerned about the perimeter defense. If a team gets hot from three, we also have the ability to make it rain from three. Last year, TKR was simply not a rim protector. When he tried, he was in foul trouble early. We gave up so many sort looks at the basket last year, especially late in the clock. I think this made the defense look terrible. And when they'd miss the short shots, we couldn't rebound. Gave up too many easy buckets and gave teams too many bites at the apple.
There was an interview with Braden before the season started (the NCRU run) and he said “TK has been killin everyone in practice, and he was killin Zach all day with his pivots and scoring at will”.
Loyer has started 3 years now with little to no defense
Agreed. It would be nice to use the depth with stifling defense for 40 minutes Ala Arkansas back in the day.
I applaud you for having the courage to admit you don't understand the nuances of the game. Bravo.
Who are the good shot blockers that he's been weak against? I buy 'less effective' but I'd want to see the data before I buy into 'pretty weak'.
Wow. I have no idea if it's a cry for attention or a sort of joyful disdain for facts.
yeh, having DJ back there, like Zach previously, is just huge. Braden and Fletch are always going to struggle against really quick guys and the way we overplay almost encourages ball handlers to drive on us. Funneling into Zach worked pretty well and they are both stronger and better able to engage defensively. I think with Cox/Harris/Mayer/Benter? we can keep them fresher and better much longer than in the past.
I see Mayer and Smith TKR and Cluff just destroying other teams with Cox Harris playing Jones role ....sprinkle in sharp shooters Loyer Murphy in Rotation could be the best 3 year ever. Bombs Away.....15-20 3's per game coming .
Right on having to earn it. Meyer, Cox and Harris are going to battle.
And remember you don’t have to reject many. It’s the hurried shots or deciding not to take it it to the hoop that will improve upon last years layup drills.
Loyer employs good team defensive principles & is very smart on D. His understanding on D is apparent in drawing charges and working with teammates to stop what the other team is doing.
