Small Lineup

[wendy1]

With all the chatter about who needs to play more and who needs to play less, I think CMP needs to start looking more at matchups and second half adjustments. In the case of Iowa, we probably get beat 9 out of 10 times playing our traditional lineup.

That doesn't mean we should change or abandon our default lineup for most games, but we need a different strategy when playing teams with more athletic bigs. One thing I haven't seen enough of is the use of a small lineup that can be use with either Jacquil, Biggy, or even Vince playing Center.

We are going to need a small/quick lineup in the tourney at some point and right now is when we should be experimenting with it. If we wait until too late in the season to develop the right personnel for this, we will get exploited in the tourney, as most one-dimensional teams usually do.

 

[*4purdue*]

With all the chatter about who needs to play more and who needs to play less, I think CMP needs to start looking more at matchups and second half adjustments. In the case of Iowa, we probably get beat 9 out of 10 times playing our traditional lineup.

That doesn't mean we should change or abandon our default lineup for most games, but we need a different strategy when playing teams with more athletic bigs. One thing I haven't seen enough of is the use of a small lineup that can be use with either Jacquil, Biggy, or even Vince playing Center.

We are going to need a small/quick lineup in the tourney at some point and right now is when we should be experimenting with it. If we wait until too late in the season to develop the right personnel for this, we will get exploited in the tourney, as most one-dimensional teams usually do.

Traditional lineup gave us a 17 pt. lead at home & a 2 pt lead on the road at the half. We just need to play 40 min.

 

[Statey]

Traditional lineup gave us a 17 pt. lead at home & a 2 pt lead on the road at the half. We just need to play 40 min.

As you noted, things went well for 50% of each game to get those leads. I think the OP's point was that when things aren't going well - see 2nd halves of Iowa - Purdue/Painter might want to consider an alternative line-up (re: one that doesn't have 2 bigs). Purdue went to this a little with only Biggie in the game, but I think it's obvious this lineup is more of a last resort that the team probably doesn't practice a lot, as they didn't look overly comfortable doing it.

The interesting thing about the Iowa struggles is that Robbie was a really dynamic 4 who could cause a lot of problems for opposing teams, and Painter's team really exploited that, yet the team struggled getting guys to slow Uthoff down in both of these games. I would think that the experience and familiarity gained of exploiting Robbie's capabilities would show more in Painter teams being able to slow down a similarly-skilled player. That said, some guys are just really good and you can only hope to keep a lid on them as best you can, since stopping them completely is rarely going to be a successful endeavor.

 

[Bigohh]

As you noted, things went well for 50% of each game to get those leads. I think the OP's point was that when things aren't going well - see 2nd halves of Iowa - Purdue/Painter might want to consider an alternative line-up (re: one that doesn't have 2 bigs). Purdue went to this a little with only Biggie in the game, but I think it's obvious this lineup is more of a last resort that the team probably doesn't practice a lot, as they didn't look overly comfortable doing it.

The interesting thing about the Iowa struggles is that Robbie was a really dynamic 4 who could cause a lot of problems for opposing teams, and Painter's team really exploited that, yet the team struggled getting guys to slow Uthoff down in both of these games.

I think you answered your own question in that Robbie and Uthoff are a lot alike with Uthoff maybe being the better player of the two. I thought Biggie actually did ok against Uthoff particularly in the first half. I really wondered why MP did not match up Woodbury and our two bigs all of the time. When Uhl came in we needed to go small to cover him on shooting 3's.

 

[boiler_pride]

Let me get this out of the way first - As mean girls would say "Stop trying to make Jacquil happen. It is not going to happen."

I think the main reason you don't see a small lineup much is we don't have a good small lineup this year. Our guards are quite inconsistent both offensively and defensively.

 

[BoilerDeac]

Traditional lineup gave us a 17 pt. lead at home & a 2 pt lead on the road at the half. We just need to play 40 min.

I could be wrong, but I though Purdue was able to extend its lead a bit in the first half when they went with VE at the 4.

 

[soybean]

I've seen teams try to go small against Iowa this year...let me put it this way - it ain't gonna work.

 

[IyamCornholio]

A small lineup might work if they played at the pace Iowa plays at. There has to be an advantage playing small. Quickness, better shooters, or someone that can score on a drive can take away the need for a 7' player. A 7' player is only an advantage if they can move in today's game. I would give up 2" for better quickness and a long wingspan.

 

[FirstDownB]

I've seen teams try to go small against Iowa this year...let me put it this way - it ain't gonna work.

Tell that to Mike Brey, Archie Miller, and Steve Prohm.

I don't agree with not playing AJ, but certainly Vince in place of Biggie with 3 guards on the floor has been an effective situational lineup.

 

[Bigohh]

Tell that to Mike Brey, Archie Miller, and Steve Prohm.

I don't agree with not playing AJ, but certainly Vince in place of Biggie with 3 guards on the floor has been an effective situational lineup.

There was at least one time in the IA/PU game where Woodbury was on the floor and Biggie was playing the 5 against him. I had to wonder wtf MP was doing as Woodbury is the only good matchup for AJ and Isaac. Uhl was a bad matchup because of his 3 pt shooting capability. He was no quicker than Biggie and a good matchup for him.

 

[Born Boiler]

Better to be tall and slow than small and slow.

We're not quick enough either way. P.J. and Johnny B. Good are OK, but otherwise we're loaded with too guards -- too slow.

Vince moves well but can't do it alone. Taylor should've been given more minutes during the cupcake schedule to develop, because he's by far our quickest big and he's always active ... often too much so. Even as is, he should get a few minutes against teams with bigs who move well, especially when fouls are adding up for the regulars. He would help cut down on some of those wide-open jumpers. He rebounds well, too, and can score. More time in November and December would've helped reduce his fouls and turnovers.

Playing small just gets us buried worse, and Iowa is the best evidence...