This is what I’d like to see. The kind of hair-on-fire intensity we’ve shown in the last 8 minutes of games, after digging ourselves a hole, needs to be applied right out of the gate.
Win the FIRST 4 Minutes
- Thread starter BillyC80
- Start date
Start Geo.
Along with Geo, might be worth starting Young too, with Montez, Kwasi and Myles. Would be like a booster rocket of intensity with those three guards in at once. The energy level will be high from the get-go.
I worry about Young out of control early. But might be worth a shot to get us out of the first half funks. Maybe Harper will get fired up coming off the bench.
Harper hasn't really been playing as well in the first halves, anyway - very passive. Maybe it makes sense to bring him in off the bench for a bit.
Over the last three games, he's averaged:
1st half: 3.0 pts, 1.3 rb, 0.0 ast, 1.0 blk, 0.7 tov, 1.0 pf
2nd half: 5.3 pts, 2.7 rb, 0.7 ast, 0.3 blk, 0.0 tov, 0.3 pf
Whoever starts, they need to defend the 3 point shot better. Teams draining 3's early is becoming a trend.
Our 3-point defense strategy seems to change for the better in the second half. Whatever that adjustment is, we should start the game using it.
I agree. Need a change to the starting lineup. At minimum it's time for Geo to be back starting. I also think he should consider Young too. The problem with these starts is we seem to be lacking energy and intensity from the opening tip and play slow. Young would help in all of those areas. Pike also stresses the importance of defense and Young is the best on ball defender at the 1. Even if it's just for one game, shake things up and send a message
As for defending the 3, have we been changing how we defend the 3 later in the second half? If so, let's start with it. If not, need that intensity and sense of urgency from the tip and not wait to be down double digits in the second half
As for defending the 3, have we been changing how we defend the 3 later in the second half? If so, let's start with it. If not, need that intensity and sense of urgency from the tip and not wait to be down double digits in the second half
More than that ...like to see us NOT allow teams to settle in ..and get comfortable
Make them uncomfortable in minute one
Make them uncomfortable in minute one
Hard to with McConnell and Tez paired together with no other guard.
Which 5 started SHU game? That game we came out firing as hot as I have EVER seen a RU team play. The atmosphere in the building before the game will likely be almost up to that bar as well
The adjustment is we stop doubling the ball and play straight up man to man and we don't leave our men wide open; we did it in the Northwestern game and we did it last night; why it's not coached that way to do that from the start is beyond me; I would rather them make a 2 pointer than an open 3 pointer which is back breaking and although we made some late 3 pointers last night we are usually at a decide disadvantage in this category and that has led to a few of our losses
You need to mix it up. Can't always be predictable. Play zone for a possession here and there to throw off timing. Double team sometimes but not others. Over hedge sometimes but not others. Fake a double team only to get back to your man. If you are always doing the same thing its easy to plan against you.
Basketball is a rhythm sport. You need to break the opposing team offense's rhythm especially when they are on a roll
Agreed. That's why IMO, you don't start Caleb and Ron together. You want Geo in there to start. And if he can't go, I would like to see Jacob get the start because he's the fire plug we need at the get-go.
Caleb's strengths right now are rebounding, free throws, and midrange jumpers. Through November he led the team in 3P%.... but since the start of December, he's had the lowest 3P% on the team. Not sure what's going on there.
Agree. Bring in the blitzing man to man defense style to start the game with Young, Geo and even Mathis. Soften the opponent with quick scores, steals and stops at the three point line and get a lead. Then bring in Harper, McConnell and Paul so they can catch a hot hand and add to the lead.
Young scored points against OSU in the blink of an eye and played man possessed defense. I would go into battle with that kid any day of the week.
GO RU
Young scored points against OSU in the blink of an eye and played man possessed defense. I would go into battle with that kid any day of the week.
GO RU
Tell Johnson to let a guy have a 2 in the first 10 min rather than fouling when he’s beat or out of position.
Start Geo.
Start McConnell - he’s very steady.
Start Young - he can get to the basket almost any time he wants, and can create one on one.
Start Yeboah - he’s tough, smart, can defend, and shoot the 3.
Bring Harper in with Mathis swapping out McConnell and Young. Of course Carter comes in when Johnson gets his 2nd 1H foul or needs a rest.
Mulcahy comes in when Geo needs a rest and then stays in for whoever needs to stay sitting between McConnell, Young, Mathis, Yeboah, Harper.
Start Geo.
Start McConnell - he’s very steady.
Start Young - he can get to the basket almost any time he wants, and can create one on one.
Start Yeboah - he’s tough, smart, can defend, and shoot the 3.
Bring Harper in with Mathis swapping out McConnell and Young. Of course Carter comes in when Johnson gets his 2nd 1H foul or needs a rest.
Mulcahy comes in when Geo needs a rest and then stays in for whoever needs to stay sitting between McConnell, Young, Mathis, Yeboah, Harper.
So very much this. He contests that first layup like it's the last layup in a one score game - and there's absolutely no reason for it. When you're beat, you're beat - just let it go and get the next one.
Also, Johnson has to not get frustrated when he tries to muscle his way inside and basically bangs into a wall against a bigger center. He's not moving Cockburn off his base - he needs to find a way incorporate other post most moves to go around/over him, not through him.
A lot of us are on board with having Geo start the game instead of McConnel to help us have a good start. But while starting Young sounds interesting for energy, I can't see taking Mathis out of the starting lineup. He's too important on multiple levels. So that would leave Harper. I know he has been in a slump but it may mess with Harper's mind too much.
Geo for McConnel is the only tweak I would make.
Geo for McConnel is the only tweak I would make.
See the Seton Hall game. That game was won in the first five when RU played Ralphie to their Scott Farkas right off the jump. I don’t care if they were ranked #20 or whatever. Trio, dunk and good early defensive stops and they had no chance.
Well we are starting Geo which was predictable. No Myles is an interesting call. Saves him from early foul trouble at least
