Scrimmage Thoughts

[Roeder]

Carsen Edwards is the real deal. Does not play like a Freshman. Takes some bad shots here and there, but will be starting or playing starters minutes by end of the year. A lock to be top 3 on the team in scoring IMO. Still want to see how he does against bigger/quicker defenders, but easily the best guard we've had since E'twaun.

Edwards and Swanigan were solid as expected. Swanigan seemed to play more within himself and not force things as much. Had a couple really nice passes for assists too.

Haas really struggled during the first scrimmage. Looked really winded and turned the ball over a ton off double teams. However, he bounced back and played much better in the second 20 minutes which was encouraging. Hopefully J. Taylor will bounce back from injury quickly to add more post depth.

Point guard play was great. Spike looks really good as a primary ball handler. Really understands the game, and can score in a variety of ways. Will become a Purdue fan favorite very quickly. PJ looks like he's more confident, and CE looks strong enough with ball to slide over if needed.

Smotherman will be a great spark off the bench. Really thrives in the open court, but has ability to stick the open J too.

Cline/Mathias didn't shoot well. Cline might be the odd man out when the rotation shortens. Mathias has a much better floor game.

 

[punaj]

Much appreciated! Can't wait for the season. Really excited to see our guards.

 

[TooPoorToBleedGold]

JT supposedly could have played, but they didn't want to rush him back. Has had a tough couple weeks. In first practice he had a run in with Isaac and had to get stiches, and got a walking boot after a play against Biggie.

 

[boilerzz]

Haas rolled his ankle a couple of days ago so there was some question as to whether he would participate today.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Carsen Edwards is the real deal. Does not play like a Freshman. Takes some bad shots here and there, but will be starting or playing starters minutes by end of the year. A lock to be top 3 on the team in scoring IMO. Still want to see how he does against bigger/quicker defenders, but easily the best guard we've had since E'twaun.

Edwards and Swanigan were solid as expected. Swanigan seemed to play more within himself and not force things as much. Had a couple really nice passes for assists too.

Haas really struggled during the first scrimmage. Looked really winded and turned the ball over a ton off double teams. However, he bounced back and played much better in the second 20 minutes which was encouraging. Hopefully J. Taylor will bounce back from injury quickly to add more post depth.

Point guard play was great. Spike looks really good as a primary ball handler. Really understands the game, and can score in a variety of ways. Will become a Purdue fan favorite very quickly. PJ looks like he's more confident, and CE looks strong enough with ball to slide over if needed.

Smotherman will be a great spark off the bench. Really thrives in the open court, but has ability to stick the open J too.

Cline/Mathias didn't shoot well. Cline might be the odd man out when the rotation shortens. Mathias has a much better floor game.

Thanks for the thoughts....

 

[Cevol03]

I believe Carsen will be the most dynamic freshman we have had since Big Dog. I think he will lead the team in scoring, which is saying a lot given all of the talent we return

 

[punaj]

I believe Carsen will be the most dynamic freshman we have had since Big Dog. I think he will lead the team in scoring, which is saying a lot given all of the talent we return

I think it will be between him and Biggie. Going to be a different team to watch this year for sure.

 

[skfboiler]

I believe Carsen will be the most dynamic freshman we have had since Big Dog. I think he will lead the team in scoring, which is saying a lot given all of the talent we return

If Carsen ends up leading the team in scoring then we have bigger problems than anticipated.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

If Carsen ends up leading the team in scoring then we have bigger problems than anticipated.

Not necessarilly. Carsen is a really talented young man.

 

[oldboiler52]

If Carsen ends up leading the team in scoring then we have bigger problems than anticipated.

What ? The kid can score the ball if he isn't top 3 we have major problems . I'm not sure how good he can be but I wouldn't be shocked if he is 1st team all B1G . I absolutely love his game especially when you factor in our bigs .

 

[nagemj02]

I believe Carsen will be the most dynamic freshman we have had since Big Dog. I think he will lead the team in scoring, which is saying a lot given all of the talent we return

That's high-praise. Vince Edwards had a good freshman season (started every game, I believe). E'Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel were both dynamic freshmen as well. Chris Kramer was dynamic on the defensive end. Brian Cardinal (as a RS freshman), Jaraan Cornell and Mike Robinson had pretty good freshman seasons. The same goes for Brad Miller and Chad Austin, so there have been a lot of good freshmen for Purdue in the time between Big Dog (technically a sophomore, per the old Prop 48 rule) and Carsen Edwards.

 

[tjreese]

Carsen Edwards is the real deal. Does not play like a Freshman. Takes some bad shots here and there, but will be starting or playing starters minutes by end of the year. A lock to be top 3 on the team in scoring IMO. Still want to see how he does against bigger/quicker defenders, but easily the best guard we've had since E'twaun.

Edwards and Swanigan were solid as expected. Swanigan seemed to play more within himself and not force things as much. Had a couple really nice passes for assists too.

Haas really struggled during the first scrimmage. Looked really winded and turned the ball over a ton off double teams. However, he bounced back and played much better in the second 20 minutes which was encouraging. Hopefully J. Taylor will bounce back from injury quickly to add more post depth.

Point guard play was great. Spike looks really good as a primary ball handler. Really understands the game, and can score in a variety of ways. Will become a Purdue fan favorite very quickly. PJ looks like he's more confident, and CE looks strong enough with ball to slide over if needed.

Smotherman will be a great spark off the bench. Really thrives in the open court, but has ability to stick the open J too.

Cline/Mathias didn't shoot well. Cline might be the odd man out when the rotation shortens. Mathias has a much better floor game.

yours is the first I read. It is hard to get a feel in seeing only two scrimmages and Spain. That said I definitely see Cline being the odd man out. I thought he had more lift before thrust in shooting last year. This year it looks almost all wrist. Matt has a tough job in allowing Carsen to be aggressive and yet teaching him that it is okay to wait for the ball to come back. he appeared to have good chemistry with Biggie. When Biggie caught the ball around the FT line he found Carsen on the left baseline for at least 5 baskets. Carsen will definitely play.

What was that sports bra Haas was wearing? Is it weighted to help him get in shape? He was hack a bit by swarming quick people digging down. No doubt some were fouls. Still I want him to go to the rim and give up the fade away. Biggie is better...quicker. Wish to hell he took the ball up through his right eye instead of the side of his head when shooting. The ball is not directly above the elbow...there is a slight bend.

PJ is more aggressive offensively and I thought he did well and SPIKE is going to get some minutes as he made some nice passes and has that old man's mature game. He played MUCH better than the first scrimmage. Dakota was floating on some of his shot to the left and yes he missed some. IN warm ups I really like his form...particularly from the waist up. Dakota makes a LOT of really good passes. Thought Basil looked more aggressive...would like to have slo mo to see when he hit his hand on teh board since I wasn't sure that was a smart move. Vince is Vince...a quiet assassin. Thought there was too many bad shots overall, but this team will score.

Talked to Vince a little before the scrimmage. Not a hint of match-up zone has been practiced. Defensive Shell has always been a staple, but no more than any other year. I thought there might be a little more individual work on dribble containment, but no more than usual...and probably more emphasized in the Shell practice. Said they did try a few screens against the 1-2-2 and 1-1-` zone press and it didn't work.

This team has some tools and can pass the ball. ALL good teams have good passers. Now if they can contain the dribble...

 

[tjreese]

JT supposedly could have played, but they didn't want to rush him back. Has had a tough couple weeks. In first practice he had a run in with Isaac and had to get stiches, and got a walking boot after a play against Biggie.

Well, he sure didn't walk like he could play. It is the same leg he has injured in the past. He said he would be okay, but he was dragging it...

 

[nagemj02]

yours is the first I read. It is hard to get a feel in seeing only two scrimmages and Spain. That said I definitely see Cline being the odd man out. I thought he had more lift before thrust in shooting last year. This year it looks almost all wrist. Matt has a tough job in allowing Carsen to be aggressive and yet teaching him that it is okay to wait for the ball to come back. he appeared to have good chemistry with Biggie. When Biggie caught the ball around the FT line he found Carsen on the left baseline for at least 5 baskets. Carsen will definitely play.

What was that sports bra Haas was wearing? Is it weighted to help him get in shape? He was hack a bit by swarming quick people digging down. No doubt some were fouls. Still I want him to go to the rim and give up the fade away. Biggie is better...quicker. Wish to hell he took the ball up through his right eye instead of the side of his head when shooting. The ball is not directly above the elbow...there is a slight bend.

PJ is more aggressive offensively and I thought he did well and SPIKE is going to get some minutes as he made some nice passes and has that old man's mature game. He played MUCH better than the first scrimmage. Dakota was floating on some of his shot to the left and yes he missed some. IN warm ups I really like his form...particularly from the waist up. Dakota makes a LOT of really good passes. Thought Basil looked more aggressive...would like to have slo mo to see when he hit his hand on teh board since I wasn't sure that was a smart move. Vince is Vince...a quiet assassin. Thought there was too many bad shots overall, but this team will score.

Talked to Vince a little before the scrimmage. Not a hint of match-up zone has been practiced. Defensive Shell has always been a staple, but no more than any other year. I thought there might be a little more individual work on dribble containment, but no more than usual...and probably more emphasized in the Shell practice. Said they did try a few screens against the 1-2-2 and 1-1-` zone press and it didn't work.

This team has some tools and can pass the ball. ALL good teams have good passers. Now if they can contain the dribble...

What did Vince say the team has been working on defensively (other than man)?

 

[tjreese]

I believe Carsen will be the most dynamic freshman we have had since Big Dog. I think he will lead the team in scoring, which is saying a lot given all of the talent we return

As soon as his butt lifts from the bench Carsen is looking to score. Still, my money is on Biggie. I think Vince, Haas and Carsen will be close if not low double digits...

 

[tjreese]

What did Vince say the team has been working on defensively (other than man)?

I never actually asked that specific question and he had to go sign autographs pretty soon after I caught him, JT and Carsen. I didn't want to interfere with the picture taking and such. I just wanted to talk basketball. It was clear that a shell drill was pretty important (team defense) since he has been here. He agreed that this team could be very good offensively. I just asked about Match-Up since Matt toyed a couple of years ago with it and he said no.

I told Carsen that it was a little colder here than in TExas and he laughed and shook his head in agreement. I told him to just stay in the gym as it was warm there

 

[tjreese]

What did Vince say the team has been working on defensively (other than man)?

a few soundbites here http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102216aab.html

 

[Born Boiler]

The scrimmage boxscore showed some numbers that would get a guy thrown out of the Co-Rec as a chucker. Mathias and Cline combined to shoot only 3 for 21 overall, including 1-for-16 from three. Swanigan hit only 7 of 19, just 5 for 13 inside the arc. And Haas somehow had five turnovers. On the other hand, Mathias, Cline and Swanigan each had five or more assists. Thompson was the only regular to be turnover-free, as usual. Albrecht had eight boards, and Smotherman filled his chart, as did the firm of Edwards & Edwards. Fitting that we’ll rely on our Double-E major.

 

[BoilerBiker]

Fitting that we’ll rely on our Double-E major.

?

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

?

E for Edwards, squared....I think. Unless VE is studying EE.

 

[Born Boiler]

E for Edwards, squared....I think. Unless VE is studying EE.

Actually, both are majoring in organizational leadership; they already know how to light up scoreboards.

 

[Do Dah Day]

Actually, both are majoring in organizational leadership; they already know how to light up scoreboards.

a very popular major for athletes ... for several reasons ... I will absolutely admit that it is a solid major in that it teaches a LOT of great inter-personal skills. Although it is often seen as a path of least resistance, the classes are very beneficial toward developing people who will be contributors to society.

 

[Born Boiler]

a very popular major for athletes ... for several reasons ... I will absolutely admit that it is a solid major in that it teaches a LOT of great inter-personal skills. Although it is often seen as a path of least resistance, the classes are very beneficial toward developing people who will be contributors to society.

Besides, someone has to herd those EE's around.

(Hope my kid brother isn't looking.)

 

[nagemj02]

I never actually asked that specific question and he had to go sign autographs pretty soon after I caught him, JT and Carsen. I didn't want to interfere with the picture taking and such. I just wanted to talk basketball. It was clear that a shell drill was pretty important (team defense) since he has been here. He agreed that this team could be very good offensively. I just asked about Match-Up since Matt toyed a couple of years ago with it and he said no.

I told Carsen that it was a little colder here than in TExas and he laughed and shook his head in agreement. I told him to just stay in the gym as it was warm there

So, in doing "shell" drills, are they trying to incorporate a different style of man/team D?

 

[alwaysaboiler]

As soon as his butt lifts from the bench Carsen is looking to score.

thats the best news we have had about a player in a long time. and add to that "he can score"

 

[BoilerFan#35]

If Carsen ends up leading the team in scoring then we have bigger problems than anticipated.

No the Big Tens going to have a problem. We all know Vince, Caleb, and Isaac will average double figures and if Careen can that would be great. Not to mention the D cant sag off of Mathias/Cline to help. This team would be FF caliber if Carsen plays that good

 

[vilehoopster]

As soon as his butt lifts from the bench Carsen is looking to score. Still, my money is on Biggie. I think Vince, Haas and Carsen will be close if not low double digits...

No one sees this as a potential problem? Not a problem, but a potential one? We have three front line players, nominated for various national awards, and we have a freshman guard who is looking to score, possibly too often. I haven't seen CE play yet, but still . . . but I guess if Painter wants him taking shots, then they are good shots, but I still think we should be a little cautious here. I have to believe that Painter will be discussing the idea of getting the ball inside first with Edwards. I have to believe it has and will come up. I may be wrong.

Remember Bryson "the ball sticks in his hands" Scott. He was our leading scorer for a stretch his freshmen year. I'm pretty sure he won a couple Big Ten Player (or was it Freshman) of the week awards with his scoring and questionable shot selection early in the year. How did that turn out?

Also, for all you guys thinking Cline will not be in the rotation, I don't possibly see that happening; he's too good. Once again, I've never seen CE play, but if we worked in the office together, I'd be willing to bet serious bucks with some of you guys that Cline will be playing more minutes than Edwards by the middle of the Big Ten season, just cause I think Cline is that good.

I could be wrong, C. Edwards could really be that good and be completely under the radar, but let's be a little cautious with our superlatives after a trip to Spain against really bad teams and one intra-squad game.

 

[Kesselschmiede]

I could be wrong

That pretty much is a given at this point. Seriously is there anything you won't whine about? I fully expect you to start complaining about Painter's tie during the games and how the color is holding us back from a Final Four.

Go get laid. Now.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

No one sees this as a potential problem? Not a problem, but a potential one? We have three front line players, nominated for various national awards, and we have a freshman guard who is looking to score, possibly too often. I haven't seen CE play yet, but still . . . but I guess if Painter wants him taking shots, then they are good shots, but I still think we should be a little cautious here. I have to believe that Painter will be discussing the idea of getting the ball inside first with Edwards. I have to believe it has and will come up. I may be wrong.

Remember Bryson "the ball sticks in his hands" Scott. He was our leading scorer for a stretch his freshmen year. I'm pretty sure he won a couple Big Ten Player (or was it Freshman) of the week awards with his scoring and questionable shot selection early in the year. How did that turn out?

Also, for all you guys thinking Cline will not be in the rotation, I don't possibly see that happening; he's too good. Once again, I've never seen CE play, but if we worked in the office together, I'd be willing to bet serious bucks with some of you guys that Cline will be playing more minutes than Edwards by the middle of the Big Ten season, just cause I think Cline is that good.

I could be wrong, C. Edwards could really be that good and be completely under the radar, but let's be a little cautious with our superlatives after a trip to Spain against really bad teams and one intra-squad game.

I think that it always makes sense to let freshmen prove themselves in real games before getting too excited, but CE has done a nice job at every opportunity of getting the hopes of fans up. It is hard to deny his talent when you watch him play. Whether he is ready for the Big Ten remains to be seen, but having a major scoring threat at the guard position seems likes good problem to have.

BTW, I think that CE is very different than Scott, both in terms of skill set and the way that he plays. From what I have seen, when CE looks to score he acts decisively, while Scott had a bad habit of trying to probe the defense with the dribble.

 

[vilehoopster]

I always thought that the idea of a forum was for the intelligent exchange of information and ideas; you know, an intellectual back and forth.

Look at the last two posts about my post, which is three above.

One post is thoughtful and intelligent . . . . the other . . . not so much. Is this obvious to others also?

As to the "Go get laid" thing . . . was that an offer?

 

[tjreese]

So, in doing "shell" drills, are they trying to incorporate a different style of man/team D?

Defensive shell drills are to incorporate team defensive alignment dependent on the ball and player movement. It tries to form more of a shell for help defense through a team concept. Coaches or extra players may pass the balll around the perimeter to teach shifts of all the defenders. One pass away the defensive player is in the passing lane, two passes (not counting skip passes) teh defensive players are a few steps towards the ball until their player gets within one pass and then they get in the passing lane. Then they could flash a player to the FT line and teach some rotations based upon offensive player positions. Another is to have the offensive player to pass the ball to a perimeter player and cut to the basket. Besides the 4 defensive players not guarding the ball, we look for the ball defender to STEP towards the pass to place him in the passing lane to prevent a return pass to the cutter. Essesntially "shell" defense is to create a shell of protection by team defense. Keady used to have his players attempt to point one foot and hand towards the ball and one towards the player you were guarding...because you were either going to the ball of to thh player you were guarding. It is a great concept, but can't be done obviously when the ball and the player you are guarding are 180 like one baseline to another. However, it does bring about some focus. See if this helps some

 

[Boiler Buck]

No the Big Tens going to have a problem. We all know Vince, Caleb, and Isaac will average double figures and if Careen can that would be great. Not to mention the D cant sag off of Mathias/Cline to help. This team would be FF caliber if Carsen plays that good

Agree, I have said since we recruited him, if he is a guard that would be a difference maker out there Purdue would be dangerous. However, it might be prudent to wait and see how he is against Villanova and Louisville until everyone crowns him a difference maker.

But like others, I like and am excited about the potential.

 

[tjreese]

No one sees this as a potential problem? Not a problem, but a potential one? We have three front line players, nominated for various national awards, and we have a freshman guard who is looking to score, possibly too often. I haven't seen CE play yet, but still . . . but I guess if Painter wants him taking shots, then they are good shots, but I still think we should be a little cautious here. I have to believe that Painter will be discussing the idea of getting the ball inside first with Edwards. I have to believe it has and will come up. I may be wrong.

Remember Bryson "the ball sticks in his hands" Scott. He was our leading scorer for a stretch his freshmen year. I'm pretty sure he won a couple Big Ten Player (or was it Freshman) of the week awards with his scoring and questionable shot selection early in the year. How did that turn out?

Also, for all you guys thinking Cline will not be in the rotation, I don't possibly see that happening; he's too good. Once again, I've never seen CE play, but if we worked in the office together, I'd be willing to bet serious bucks with some of you guys that Cline will be playing more minutes than Edwards by the middle of the Big Ten season, just cause I think Cline is that good.

I could be wrong, C. Edwards could really be that good and be completely under the radar, but let's be a little cautious with our superlatives after a trip to Spain against really bad teams and one intra-squad game.

somewhere someplace I wrote that Matt's issue with Carsen will be keeping him aggressive and yet understanding the ball will return. Relative to Cline...it appears to me he has grown taller, but is not any stronger or quicker. He seems more gangly and "again" seems to me to have more of a wrist flipping the shot. I hope Cline starts by midseason as that would say Cline has made significant improvement from any of the two scrimmages I have watched...and I say that knowing two scrimmages is a small sample. Carsen will be a better defender and is more able to get his shot off...he just will need to learn at sometime that his team is more loaded than in high school and that he doesn't have to score like he did. My concern with Carsen from high school was his D and it appears he is trying to embrace that improvement. If two scrimmages (and that is an if) are indicative of the differences between Carsen and Cline...Carsen will get more minutes and it has nothing to do with Spain...it is more about athletic ability combined with skill. Biggie is looking for Carsen in scrimmages. He hit Carsen for at least four baskets on the left baseline. If you end up being right ...Carsen regressed or Cline made up a LOT of ground...

 

[Kesselschmiede]

I always thought that the idea of a forum was for the intelligent exchange of information and ideas; you know, an intellectual back and forth.

It is, except all you do is whine about pretty much everything Painter does. There is no exchange of ideas because you have no interest in listening to anyone else but yourself and the few that think like you.

As to the "Go get laid" thing . . . was that an offer?

Na, ask boilersallthewaynow he seems be what you need. Besides even if I did swing that way, I have no doubt I could do better than you.

 

[StickPurdue]

No one sees this as a potential problem? Not a problem, but a potential one? We have three front line players, nominated for various national awards, and we have a freshman guard who is looking to score, possibly too often. I haven't seen CE play yet, but still . . . but I guess if Painter wants him taking shots, then they are good shots, but I still think we should be a little cautious here. I have to believe that Painter will be discussing the idea of getting the ball inside first with Edwards. I have to believe it has and will come up. I may be wrong.

Remember Bryson "the ball sticks in his hands" Scott. He was our leading scorer for a stretch his freshmen year. I'm pretty sure he won a couple Big Ten Player (or was it Freshman) of the week awards with his scoring and questionable shot selection early in the year. How did that turn out?

Also, for all you guys thinking Cline will not be in the rotation, I don't possibly see that happening; he's too good. Once again, I've never seen CE play, but if we worked in the office together, I'd be willing to bet serious bucks with some of you guys that Cline will be playing more minutes than Edwards by the middle of the Big Ten season, just cause I think Cline is that good.

I could be wrong, C. Edwards could really be that good and be completely under the radar, but let's be a little cautious with our superlatives after a trip to Spain against really bad teams and one intra-squad game.

C. Edwards offers a dimension Cline never can. C. Edwards blew right past Cline every time he guarded him. Cline can't drive and is at best a spot up shooter when open, but he tends to force shots and doesn't hit as many as he should in that role. Mathias is on the same level on shooting but he is much better at driving the lane and better as a defender. C. Edwards has the potential to lead the team in steals because of his craftyness and speed.

C. Edwards has the potential to be everything Purdue needs. I see him overtaking Cline's minutes quickly just based on what he can do. The chemistry between him and Biggie is amazing. We will know more after they play Villanova and Louisville, but this team could and should be special.

 

[nagemj02]

Defensive shell drills are to incorporate team defensive alignment dependent on the ball and player movement. It tries to form more of a shell for help defense through a team concept. Coaches or extra players may pass the balll around the perimeter to teach shifts of all the defenders. One pass away the defensive player is in the passing lane, two passes (not counting skip passes) teh defensive players are a few steps towards the ball until their player gets within one pass and then they get in the passing lane. Then they could flash a player to the FT line and teach some rotations based upon offensive player positions. Another is to have the offensive player to pass the ball to a perimeter player and cut to the basket. Besides the 4 defensive players not guarding the ball, we look for the ball defender to STEP towards the pass to place him in the passing lane to prevent a return pass to the cutter. Essesntially "shell" defense is to create a shell of protection by team defense. Keady used to have his players attempt to point one foot and hand towards the ball and one towards the player you were guarding...because you were either going to the ball of to thh player you were guarding. It is a great concept, but can't be done obviously when the ball and the player you are guarding are 180 like one baseline to another. However, it does bring about some focus. See if this helps some

View embedded media

So, it looks like it's similar to what Virginia has done under Tony Bennett with their "pack-line" defense. Would this be a fair assumption?

 

[BoilerDaddy]

So, it looks like it's similar to what Virginia has done under Tony Bennett with their "pack-line" defense. Would this be a fair assumption?

That's not an assumption that you can make based on them running shell drills. In the pack line the first pass isn't denied.

 

[tjreese]

So, it looks like it's similar to what Virginia has done under Tony Bennett with their "pack-line" defense. Would this be a fair assumption?

You know you are taking me back a while. I recall his dad coaching, but was thinking he was more position D. I remember he had "runners" on the O, but can't tell you what they did. Shoot at this moment I'm missing a Sig and two lockboxes..one with some diamonds. 23 adn me says I genetically shouldn't get dementia, but I'm already forgetting!

Man D is so versatile that you can apply a general approach as a team or mix it up for different players. In all of Man you either cover the man or the ball and most try to do both. It is about moving when the ball or players move and anticipating what the offense is going to do and trying to prevent that. All teams that play Man have their version of adjustments from pressure to sagging (Hank Iba) and any combination between.

Years and years ago man meant guarding a man and little help defense. Then zones guarded an area when men entered. For several decades man has tried to bring in the Zone concepts to make Man D better...and Zone people have brought in M thoughts to make the zones better (match-up).
Personally, there is little if anything new under the sun. All these coaches take what they know best and try to recruit to that strength. It is always about execution. You can win with a zone and you can win with man. you can win with a press or trapping D or you can win with a positional D. It is all about execution. That said I do think Man is best and I also think the best half court offensive team more often than not will be the winner. Sorry I couldn't answer your specific about Tony

 

[tjreese]

That's not an assumption that you can make based on them running shell drills. In the pack line the first pass isn't denied.

Wisconsin has been a positional D team for many years now and there is nothing wrong with that. Position D says play the odds on contesting a shot, but stay in good rebounding position and not take chances...a willingness to lose some easy baskets by not getting turnovers, but not giving up as easy a shot and being in position for the boards. Even in position D they will get the inside (ball side) hand in the lane even if the body is still not over committed. Perhaps with the rule emphasis on fouls on the perimeter...positional D is the way to go? 460,000 living alumni and a few dozen of us are all that beat this basketball strategy around...we truly are the much, much,much more basketball minded alumni!

 

[Do Dah Day]

we truly are the much, much,much more basketball minded alumni!

Or have time on our hands and a desire to communicate more than we do ... or in some cases, having a huge desire for validation LOL OH, and a few with ODD (Opposition Defiant Disorder)