The offense is actually getting better

[goru7]

The struggles early season are well documented. I want to focus on the last 10 games even thru the 7 game losing streak and the present 2 game winning streak.
Pike has prioritized putting on the floor more offensive weapons for more minutes in the game than earlier. Having starters of Piwers, Zrno , Grant and Francis with Manny is your best offensive lineup . You have your 3 point threat in Zrno . Powers can also bit the 3 but his driving ability and 2 point pull-up is good. Dylan , still a disappointing year , but can hit the 3, can hit the 2 as he did last night , and when he is engaged on the offensive glass , he is at his best. Francis has been steady and terrific with his mid range game , drawing fouls, shooting 90% at the line , all outstanding. Manny not giving enough but can do more but has become a solid rim protector.

Last night’s game we scored 85 in regulation . We continued to attack, did not pull the ball out , drove hard , took good shots on ball movement and better passing. Even in the Wisconsin and UCLA losses , where we were done 26 to Wisconsin , but put up 58 points in the second half where we took good shots on good passing . First half against UCLA where Powers was on a heater , we were down 52-:42 at half , If we played a stitch of defense at UCLA we are leading at the half or at worst tied . UCLA played against air that game. Unbelievably bad defense. We played incredibly good offense against Michigan State and frankly blew it. Another tremendous first half of offense as well as a good 15 minutes of offense in the second half .Iowa was a weird game and again our defense let us down, letting Stirtz get free last 7 minutes . The second half first 10-12 minutes against Maryland was some of the best offense we have played all year.

All in all , since Pike committed to embracing the 3 point shot , actually setting it up , and putting our best offensive guys on attack ,, from 2 or from 3, this has been a functioning offense remarkably without almost no low post presence. , We should have won more games during the 7 game losing streak , Michigan State , Iowa , and maybe USC come to mind and we would be sitting at 7-8. Our defense until the last 2 games has been really atrocious preventing it. Pike has to continue to squeeze attacking offense out of this group which let’s us compete and more fun to watch

 

[RC80]

Interesting they decided to go with Francis, Powers & Zrno; and sit JMike; while the right decision - probably wasn't an easy conversation with JMike. Don't mind it - but will see if a veteran PG is targeted out of the portal. Or if TF is willing to handle that role going into next season. Can't remember (anymore) what game it was - but ball moved quickly from Francis (in the middle) to Powers back to Francis to an open Zrno for the 3; finally looked like an actual offensive game plan. Would still like to see Nwuli get more time (and definitely be here next season); hits his FT's and looks like he can eventually be a major contributor. The no center offense is interesting - and I'll give the staff credit (even if it out of necessity) for trying something different.

 

[seansherm]

The struggles early season are well documented. I want to focus on the last 10 games even thru the 7 game losing streak and the present 2 game winning streak.
Pike has prioritized putting on the floor more offensive weapons for more minutes in the game than earlier. Having starters of Piwers, Zrno , Grant and Francis with Manny is your best offensive lineup . You have your 3 point threat in Zrno . Powers can also bit the 3 but his driving ability and 2 point pull-up is good. Dylan , still a disappointing year , but can hit the 3, can hit the 2 as he did last night , and when he is engaged on the offensive glass , he is at his best. Francis has been steady and terrific with his mid range game , drawing fouls, shooting 90% at the line , all outstanding. Manny not giving enough but can do more but has become a solid rim protector.

Last night’s game we scored 85 in regulation . We continued to attack, did not pull the ball out , drove hard , took good shots on ball movement and better passing. Even in the Wisconsin and UCLA losses , where we were done 26 to Wisconsin , but put up 58 points in the second half where we took good shots on good passing . First half against UCLA where Powers was on a heater , we were down 52-:42 at half , If we played a stitch of defense at UCLA we are leading at the half or at worst tied . UCLA played against air that game. Unbelievably bad defense. We played incredibly good offense against Michigan State and frankly blew it. Another tremendous first half of offense as well as a good 15 minutes of offense in the second half .Iowa was a weird game and again our defense let us down, letting Stirtz get free last 7 minutes . The second half first 10-12 minutes against Maryland was some of the best offense we have played all year.

All in all , since Pike committed to embracing the 3 point shot , actually setting it up , and putting our best offensive guys on attack ,, from 2 or from 3, this has been a functioning offense remarkably without almost no low post presence. , We should have won more games during the 7 game losing streak , Michigan State , Iowa , and maybe USC come to mind and we would be sitting at 7-8. Our defense until the last 2 games has been really atrocious preventing it. Pike has to continue to squeeze attacking offense out of this group which let’s us compete and more fun to watch

Over the last ten games, vs the first 6 conference games. we are taking like 1 more three pointer per game. We took 20 per the first six conference games (hit at a 32.5% clip) and we've taken 21.5 since (hitting at 32.6%). Two point attempts have dropped by 2 per game, but we've gone from 39.7% to 43.5%. We've upped our FT's by three a game and gotten to 75.8% vs 73.3% prior.

We have upped scoring from 66.7 the first six conference games to 72.6 the last ten. Is that change of offense (don't think so), becoming more efficient and better ball sharing (I think partially), or just getting used to each other (I think mostly). We've also gone from giving up 84.8 those first three to 79.4 the last ten to 77 the last five to 69.7 the last three.

 

[LeapinLou]

We should have won more games during the 7 game losing streak , Michigan State , Iowa , and maybe USC come to mind and we would be sitting at 7-8. Our defense until the last 2 games has been really atrocious preventing it. Pike has to continue to squeeze attacking offense out of this group which let’s us compete and more fun to watch

Yes, we should have held on against MSU. They made a few unlikely 3-pointers at the end while Francis had the game winning shot right in front of him after eluding the first defender, but drove to the basket instead of putting up an 8-footer that he almost certainly would have made.
But it's a big stretch to say we should have beaten USC or Iowa. USC had an epic meltdown; otherwise, that game isn't close. And I never felt like we had a real chance against Iowa.

But had we beaten MSU, we'd be sitting at 12-14, with a shot at a .500 record. That could have meant an NIT bid.

 

[PhillyRU]

No. 81 offense per Bart Torvik since Jan. 1 and No. 66 over the last four weeks, a minor miracle for Pike. Worth noting that Penn State is absolutely egregious on defense.

 

[goru7]

Yes, we should have held on against MSU. They made a few unlikely 3-pointers at the end while Francis had the game winning shot right in front of him after eluding the first defender, but drove to the basket instead of putting up an 8-footer that he almost certainly would have made.
But it's a big stretch to say we should have beaten USC or Iowa. USC had an epic meltdown; otherwise, that game isn't close. And I never felt like we had a real chance against Iowa.

But had we beaten MSU, we'd be sitting at 12-14, with a shot at a .500 record. That could have meant an NIT bid.

Lou, the Iowa game was tight there either tied or a small lead with 6 minutes left , Why did you think we should not have won. Their biggest lead was the final score.
I was at the USC game and the pathetic frontline defense put us in a hole and allowed them to extend their lead but we got it from 17 down to 9 at the under 12 timeout . Being in the building , if that game goes 1 minute longer we win. The meltdown had something to do with our press which was fantastic and we played them at full strength with Baker - Azarra and Arenas , unlike the last 3 games USC played. Damn if Pike had a timeout we likely win the game. Really am shocked you couldn’t envision winning Iowa and USC

 

[RUJMM78]

The offense is getting better but the competition is easier with Maryland and Penn State.The team still commits too many
turnovers.Hopefully .the team can win at least two more games.What matters is the number of players performing better return next season.A transfer portal center than can rebound and score should be the top priority.

 

[LeapinLou]

Lou, the Iowa game was tight there either tied or a small lead with 6 minutes left , Why did you think we should not have won. Their biggest lead was the final score.
I was at the USC game and the pathetic frontline defense put us in a hole and allowed them to extend their lead but we got it from 17 down to 9 at the under 12 timeout . Being in the building , if that game goes 1 minute longer we win. The meltdown had something to do with our press which was fantastic and we played them at full strength with Baker - Azarra and Arenas , unlike the last 3 games USC played. Damn if Pike had a timeout we likely win the game. Really am shocked you couldn’t envision winning Iowa and USC

I see your point of view. But based on my 40+ years of watching Rutgers basketball, I didn't get that "feeling" watching those games. Conversely, I couldn't sleep after the MSU game.

 

[RU-ROCS]

IMHO, the biggest factor in last night's offensive success was Francis actually playing like a point guard, sharing the ball with 7 assists. He has the skill set to be an effective Big 10 PG, but until last night I had not seen him look like a floor general. If he can develop that skill RU will be much better.

 

[RUBigFrank]

Biggest stat was the 16 assists!
Winning the boards also important!

 

[BillyC80]

Yes, we should have held on against MSU. They made a few unlikely 3-pointers at the end while Francis had the game winning shot right in front of him after eluding the first defender, but drove to the basket instead of putting up an 8-footer that he almost certainly would have made.
But it's a big stretch to say we should have beaten USC or Iowa. USC had an epic meltdown; otherwise, that game isn't close. And I never felt like we had a real chance against Iowa.

But had we beaten MSU, we'd be sitting at 12-14, with a shot at a .500 record. That could have meant an NIT bid.

If we make one more free throw against MSU, and don’t lay an egg vs CCSU, we’d be at 13-13 with a legit shot at a postseason invite of some kind.

 

[LeapinLou]

If we make one more free throw against MSU, and don’t lay an egg vs CCSU, we’d be at 13-13 with a legit shot at a postseason invite of some kind.

And that would have been viewed as a very successful season.

 

[Simce91]

A win Saturday at Minnesota would be fantastic

 

[dpwhite]

In the last 10 games, RU has the 81 best offense in the nation, per Torvik, but 132 for entire schedule. If the defense was even top 100, we'd be in a lot different shape, which is amazing to say.

 

[Shelby65]

IMHO, the biggest factor in last night's offensive success was Francis actually playing like a point guard, sharing the ball with 7 assists. He has the skill set to be an effective Big 10 PG, but until last night I had not seen him look like a floor general. If he can develop that skill RU will be much better.

Exactly right. Because he can score too. Ace Bait isn’t a scoring threat but by the D focusing on limiting Francis’ scoring as PG the other players can get better shots, especially a few starters. Ace Bait doesn’t make teammates more productive one iota. Never has. He plays by himself.

 

[RUDiddy777]

The struggles early season are well documented. I want to focus on the last 10 games even thru the 7 game losing streak and the present 2 game winning streak.
Pike has prioritized putting on the floor more offensive weapons for more minutes in the game than earlier. Having starters of Piwers, Zrno , Grant and Francis with Manny is your best offensive lineup . You have your 3 point threat in Zrno . Powers can also bit the 3 but his driving ability and 2 point pull-up is good. Dylan , still a disappointing year , but can hit the 3, can hit the 2 as he did last night , and when he is engaged on the offensive glass , he is at his best. Francis has been steady and terrific with his mid range game , drawing fouls, shooting 90% at the line , all outstanding. Manny not giving enough but can do more but has become a solid rim protector.

Last night’s game we scored 85 in regulation . We continued to attack, did not pull the ball out , drove hard , took good shots on ball movement and better passing. Even in the Wisconsin and UCLA losses , where we were done 26 to Wisconsin , but put up 58 points in the second half where we took good shots on good passing . First half against UCLA where Powers was on a heater , we were down 52-:42 at half , If we played a stitch of defense at UCLA we are leading at the half or at worst tied . UCLA played against air that game. Unbelievably bad defense. We played incredibly good offense against Michigan State and frankly blew it. Another tremendous first half of offense as well as a good 15 minutes of offense in the second half .Iowa was a weird game and again our defense let us down, letting Stirtz get free last 7 minutes . The second half first 10-12 minutes against Maryland was some of the best offense we have played all year.

All in all , since Pike committed to embracing the 3 point shot , actually setting it up , and putting our best offensive guys on attack ,, from 2 or from 3, this has been a functioning offense remarkably without almost no low post presence. , We should have won more games during the 7 game losing streak , Michigan State , Iowa , and maybe USC come to mind and we would be sitting at 7-8. Our defense until the last 2 games has been really atrocious preventing it. Pike has to continue to squeeze attacking offense out of this group which let’s us compete and more fun to watch

I think you’re also seeing the value of continuity - a lot of our turnovers have seemed like the kind of miscommunications you’d have with guys who haven’t played together for very long - as well as the freshman growing up and gaining confidence.

It’d be great if these guys could get a buy and then snag a game or two in the BTT (before being fed to the lions who occupy the top 1/3 of the conference).

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

Exactly right. Because he can score too. Ace Bait isn’t a scoring threat but by the D focusing on limiting Francis’ scoring as PG the other players can get better shots, especially a few starters. Ace Bait doesn’t make teammates more productive one iota. Never has. He plays by himself.

Must you be an ahole about everything? Just use the guy‘s name.

 

[Shelby65]

Must you be an ahole about everything? Just use the guy‘s name.

Shelby refers to himself by name. Ace Bait, JMiss, JBrick, and other nicknames good or bad arent off limits, nor are nicknames given to Zrno and others by folk in this community not named Shelby.

 

[BillyC80]

In the last 10 games, RU has the 81 best offense in the nation, per Torvik, but 132 for entire schedule. If the defense was even top 100, we'd be in a lot different shape, which is amazing to say.

When you think about it, at the beginning of the season we were starting Badalau and Davis, and Grant was our dominant offensive player. Powers, Lino, and to some extent Zrno, were all seeing limited PT. And we were giving Fall and Ware spot minutes.

So much has changed since the start of the season and we have finally identified our best offensive rotation, with Francis taking over the alpha role. Buchanan and Nwulli have been mostly solid off the bench as well.

Btw, on the defensive side, I do think an unsung player in our better performances has been Manny. His defensive footwork, rebounding, and timing on blocks has improved to where you can see opponents hesitate in the paint when he’s in there. Makes you realize how critical it is for us to pull in a legit two-way center for next year.

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

Shelby refers to himself by name. Ace Bait, JMiss, JBrick, and other nicknames good or bad arent off limits, nor are nicknames given to Zrno and others by folk in this community not named Shelby.

Cool for you bro.

You’re a very small human being.

 

[satnom]

Shelby refers to himself by name. Ace Bait, JMiss, JBrick, and other nicknames good or bad arent off limits, nor are nicknames given to Zrno and others by folk in this community not named Shelby.

Serious question: Do you work on Sesame Street? You sound like a muppet.

GO RU

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Over the last ten games, vs the first 6 conference games. we are taking like 1 more three pointer per game. We took 20 per the first six conference games (hit at a 32.5% clip) and we've taken 21.5 since (hitting at 32.6%). Two point attempts have dropped by 2 per game, but we've gone from 39.7% to 43.5%. We've upped our FT's by three a game and gotten to 75.8% vs 73.3% prior.

We have upped scoring from 66.7 the first six conference games to 72.6 the last ten. Is that change of offense (don't think so), becoming more efficient and better ball sharing (I think partially), or just getting used to each other (I think mostly). We've also gone from giving up 84.8 those first three to 79.4 the last ten to 77 the last five to 69.7 the last three.

I don’t think it’s the number of 3s taken vs. the types of shots we’re taking in the flow of the offense. Earlier we were forcing a lot of contested late shot clock attempts (from both 2 and 3). Nobody is better at drawing fouls on outside shots than Tariq, but those attempts still aren’t the types of shots we want to take often. We’ve done a better job from the naked eye of avoiding those situations lately. TF is getting more comfortable gradually running the offense vs simply trying to take it himself in iso as a two guard.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

In the last 10 games, RU has the 81 best offense in the nation, per Torvik, but 132 for entire schedule. If the defense was even top 100, we'd be in a lot different shape, which is amazing to say.

The good news for Rutgers is it’s a lot cheaper to buy defense in the portal than offense. This is why there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic about next season.

 

[Shelby65]

Serious question: Do you work on Sesame Street? You sound like a muppet.

GO RU

No, but Big Bird and Shelby are old acquaintances.

 

[tru2ru1]

Cool for you bro.

You’re a very small human being.

This troll lives for attention, if everyone puts him on ignore he would shrivel & disappear

 

[willisneverrana43]

Serious question: Do you work on Sesame Street? You sound like a muppet.

GO RU

Funny. It really does come off that way.