Damn ***** about 2 losses... perfection is impossible and Cal will tweek this team in the right direction.I know some of you are geniuses but let's let Coach Cal handle it...and maybe my eyes will stop rolling at some of these comments.
DEFENSE!!
- Thread starter BigBlueTom1_rivals
- Start date
This sums things up perfectly whether you want to admit it or not. I love this team and I love watching them play. I'm hopeful as hell we can keep winning and make a deep run in the tournament, maybe even win it all. But we play zero defense and if that don't change we will bow out of the tournament early. Our defense has a great opportunity to improve but we won't just outscore our opponent six times in a row come tournament time. The defense HAS to improve big time for us to make a deep run. I sure hope they do.
Some if the comments are way over the top but some are spot on accurate and need to be fixed. If you think our defensive performances thus far will win a championship I have to strongly disagree.
This from Cal today:
“They have got to get better,” Cal said. “At the end of the day, if we’re going to be anything, it will be because we’re a terrific defensive team. We’re not there yet. We’re just not.”
“They have got to get better,” Cal said. “At the end of the day, if we’re going to be anything, it will be because we’re a terrific defensive team. We’re not there yet. We’re just not.”
Cal thought this group had the physical gifts to be a terrific defensive team and they just haven't done it. Will they by the time they reach the tournament who knows?
i think winning a championship depends on a lot of luck and also favorable matchups ala(Duke and Uconn who in the last 10 years have gotten that) plus getting hot at the right moments.Our defense needs work but we have time.What we don't want is a fan base that at times causes more negativity than good.If you or anyone else sweats and pours as much sweat as Bam does in a job they work in....Well then throw stones...but also grab you're nose before it grows so large it hits the floor.
I don't think anyone is ignoring the defensive issues that this team has, but what we are doing is keeping it in perspective. It's January, we rank 14th in total defense, we play an up tempo style, we play a bunch of Freshman but we are also blowing teams out.
So many of our spoiled fans are pissed because the blowouts aren't big enough.
Auburn played tough, they deserve SOME credit. They hit shots and drove the lane hard. We still won by 20.
Here we go boys, we got ourselves another tough guy.
Come on keyboard cowboy. Tell us all about your knowledge. I can't wait.
@15seconds?
You going to tell Cal he sucks as a fan too? Looks like he's saying the same thing we are saying. You know, the same things you're trying to debate? Tough guy.
It's hard to play tough defense when you're worried about fouling out quickly. The refs , especially in the last two games have made it impossible to play d. When Fox and Monk are in foul trouble early how are they going to play defense ? The whistle seems to soften late in the games plus they're not as worried about fouling out as much down the stretch with little time left to foul out.
These refs are dictating the game and it sucks to watch all the ticky tack fouls called. But the NCAA is getting what they want as a result, more scoring.
These refs are dictating the game and it sucks to watch all the ticky tack fouls called. But the NCAA is getting what they want as a result, more scoring.
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I say once again, which team out there doesn't have to improve defensively? You can't look at UK in a vacuum. Several top teams including Baylor, Kansas, Duke, UNC and UCLA have had issues on defense.
We do not have a rim protector. Our guards are getting picked off with screens out front. That puts them having to guard a big and our big trying to stop a guard, which results in open drives to the basket. I don't see this changing this year, unless Cal tries some different looks.
What makes you think we do not enjoy this team? I love this team. Is it so terrible to want to see them be even better?
Hard to be pleased with the defense at this point, but the people talking about other top teams struggling also have a valid argument.
I think a lot of this has to do with how the game is changing. The way refs are calling things influences it, as does the 30 second clock. Teams are spreading the floor more than ever, putting more players on the floor capable of driving past defenders than ever. That's the way the NBA has gone, and college is following suit. How many times the last 2 games did Bam start out a possession guarding a big guy who was standing 5 feet past the 3 point line? When a team spreads things out like that, it takes bigger help defenders out of the lane, and makes decisions on switches confusing (certainly the case for UK). It's exactly what Wisconsin and Notre Dame did to UK in 2015, except this year, it's being done by multiple teams, in higher possession games.
The one beaten horse I tend to agree with is that UK needs to stop switching so much on screens. Identify the real 3 point threats, but beyond those, try to avoid big guys switching onto smaller guys. That keeps bigger guys closer to the rim, in better position to help, rebound, and less likely to end up watching a quicker offensive player blow past them to the rim.
Still, the defense has been really good at times, certainly better than last year. It's just been good for briefer periods than we're used to. Meaning there isn't a fundamental problem, more of a lack of consistent focus.
I think a lot of this has to do with how the game is changing. The way refs are calling things influences it, as does the 30 second clock. Teams are spreading the floor more than ever, putting more players on the floor capable of driving past defenders than ever. That's the way the NBA has gone, and college is following suit. How many times the last 2 games did Bam start out a possession guarding a big guy who was standing 5 feet past the 3 point line? When a team spreads things out like that, it takes bigger help defenders out of the lane, and makes decisions on switches confusing (certainly the case for UK). It's exactly what Wisconsin and Notre Dame did to UK in 2015, except this year, it's being done by multiple teams, in higher possession games.
The one beaten horse I tend to agree with is that UK needs to stop switching so much on screens. Identify the real 3 point threats, but beyond those, try to avoid big guys switching onto smaller guys. That keeps bigger guys closer to the rim, in better position to help, rebound, and less likely to end up watching a quicker offensive player blow past them to the rim.
Still, the defense has been really good at times, certainly better than last year. It's just been good for briefer periods than we're used to. Meaning there isn't a fundamental problem, more of a lack of consistent focus.
If you think UK played good defense today, well I don't think you are watching closely. As far as that top 15 rating, that is largely based on beating Canisus, Cleveland State, UT Martin ASU etc.. Gave up 97 to UCLA, and 100 to UNC. Must improve a bunch to be a FF team.
We can all go back and forth about teams from the past played this way or that and advanced in the tournament.
The thing is, you can have a really good team but come March, its all about matchups.
One bad matchup that can expose your main weakness and you can go home, season over.
Florida State gave up 96 yes, but UNC also has a player back from injury who played really good and UNC played really good as a team on their home floor.
We beat UNC, but it took Monk having the game of the year for an individual too.
A team that can drive with players who are quick, can finish at the rim along with shooters that can stretch a team out, will give us trouble, aka Florida St. type of team.
I said I thought we would beat them, but they would give us fits. A few missed shots, foul trouble along with a close game in the last minute is not where I would want to be in March.
This board was all about how we were going to beat Auburn by a zillion points, sit back and watch the show. Not sure what channel some of you were watching, but Auburn gave us trouble for most of the game.
The part that makes me worry a little is their game plan. Pearl and his players stated they wanted us to switch and attack our "4" who they felt was a spot that could be taken advantage of.
I like Derrick and have always been a fan of his, but he has trouble with quick, driving athletic players. We need his shooting, so what is Cal to do?
You say FSU gave up 96 yesterday, but we gave up 97 to UCLA while Utah, who the hell is Utah, held UCLA to 13 less than we did. One big reason for the score in our game was letting Leaf drive right thru to the rim.
If we don't win it all this year, I think we will come back to this discussion about our defense having issues with stopping the drive to the basket as one of the main reasons why.
The thing is, you can have a really good team but come March, its all about matchups.
One bad matchup that can expose your main weakness and you can go home, season over.
Florida State gave up 96 yes, but UNC also has a player back from injury who played really good and UNC played really good as a team on their home floor.
We beat UNC, but it took Monk having the game of the year for an individual too.
A team that can drive with players who are quick, can finish at the rim along with shooters that can stretch a team out, will give us trouble, aka Florida St. type of team.
I said I thought we would beat them, but they would give us fits. A few missed shots, foul trouble along with a close game in the last minute is not where I would want to be in March.
This board was all about how we were going to beat Auburn by a zillion points, sit back and watch the show. Not sure what channel some of you were watching, but Auburn gave us trouble for most of the game.
The part that makes me worry a little is their game plan. Pearl and his players stated they wanted us to switch and attack our "4" who they felt was a spot that could be taken advantage of.
I like Derrick and have always been a fan of his, but he has trouble with quick, driving athletic players. We need his shooting, so what is Cal to do?
You say FSU gave up 96 yesterday, but we gave up 97 to UCLA while Utah, who the hell is Utah, held UCLA to 13 less than we did. One big reason for the score in our game was letting Leaf drive right thru to the rim.
If we don't win it all this year, I think we will come back to this discussion about our defense having issues with stopping the drive to the basket as one of the main reasons why.
That post could be about any other top team. Once again, point out the defensive juggernauts you have seen this year which are top teams.
You'll be hard pressed to find a team this season with a great offense and great defense.
Only two teams is in the top 10 in both offensive and def efficiency........that's WVU and Gonzaga. That's it.
People can point to things like oh we can't keep people outta the lane but the fact is when adjusted for SOS we are ranked 13th in defense. That's not some magical formula. That's simply points per possession with SOS factored in.
It may not have "looked" good but the results have been there.
But a few years ago, the same was said about our offense. Because we didn't shoot the ball well but rebounded well, lots said our offense was "ugly". But it got results. And in the end that's all that matters.
Only two teams is in the top 10 in both offensive and def efficiency........that's WVU and Gonzaga. That's it.
People can point to things like oh we can't keep people outta the lane but the fact is when adjusted for SOS we are ranked 13th in defense. That's not some magical formula. That's simply points per possession with SOS factored in.
It may not have "looked" good but the results have been there.
But a few years ago, the same was said about our offense. Because we didn't shoot the ball well but rebounded well, lots said our offense was "ugly". But it got results. And in the end that's all that matters.
There is always something people ***** about. Earlier this year, we couldn't shoot and Monk was overrated. The 2012 and 2015 teams didn't have enough close games. The 2014 team couldn't shoot, couldn't play defense and couldn't win on the road. Blah blah blah. Yet by some miracle, all of those teams made the final four and one won the championship. Cal has freshmen and builds his teams for March. It's the middle of January. Every team has flaws right now but they have a myopic view of UK.
As are the defensive stats of every team. They all play cupcakes early in the year. How do you not recognize that fact?
It's the same story every game now. We switch everything and end up with our 5&4 on the 1&2s. One trick pony on d. We will win the conference and conference tourney. Bow out in Final 8 when a good team really exploits our switching man to man. No backup d. Might win draft night again. It is a fun team to watch. My opinion is you have to be able to adjust defensively late in the tourney these days. We appear all in on the simple switch every screen regardless of the matchup. Hope the staff devises some adjustments but not expecting them.
i wish people would sit back and enjoy this thing. At some point, Cal will be gone.
It's a process. Just like any other season. And by March he'll have them rolling, just like any other season
No. It's not. That top 15 number people are quoting is adjusted for SOS.
Why can people acknowledge the fact that our defense is going to look great against cupcakes but can't acknowledge the fact that our defense won't look good against outstanding teams like UCLA and UNC.
What team in America is going to have defenses that look great vs those teams? No one. UCLA is ranked 1st in offense. UNC is 12th. Also factoring in the fact that those teams and UK like to run, points were always going to be scored in those games.
Great offenses tend to have slight advantages to great defenses in college basketball. You only have to look at 2015 Wisconsin vs UK to see that. Or 2015 Notre Dame vs UK who also put up huge numbers against what was considered our great defense.
Not expecting adjustments? Tell me who has has more success than Cal in the NCAA tournament since he has been at UK? Tell me who has more success against top teams than Cal in the NCAA tournament since he has been at UK? I will give you the answer- no other coach.
Uk plays like UNC now and I hate it. UNC is run and gun and no defense.
I prefer the other Cal teams way of playing.
This style freaking sucks. Giving up layups all day and letting teams reach 70 every game is ********. Not blocking shots is the backbreaker for me.
I hope this is a one year thing Cal is doing. He needs to go back to the slower pace and blocking every shot.
I prefer the other Cal teams way of playing.
This style freaking sucks. Giving up layups all day and letting teams reach 70 every game is ********. Not blocking shots is the backbreaker for me.
I hope this is a one year thing Cal is doing. He needs to go back to the slower pace and blocking every shot.
Cal has lost in the final four 3 times. That's not success. Lost in round 2 last year. Not success.
If UCONN is a top team then he has NO success in the tournament against that top team.
Since you are new, this is a message board, people have different opinions, and we discuss UK basketball here. A word of advice, do not attempt to dictate to all other fans their fandom. Keep rolling your eyes, but you are no genius yourself, otherwise you would not have this arrogant attitude.
Have to disagree with you here. This team is offensive minded and are really fun for me to watch, yes I woudl like to see better defense, but I doubt that will happen as long as Cal has them playing only one type of defense that they struggle with. With no shot blocker, this is what we have, try to enjoy the run and gun offense as long as it lasts.
Lol. Name the coach who has had better success than Cal the last seven years in the tournament outside of Coach K? Your argument is lame and has no basis in fact.
Yes and your team would still lose by 20 because you don't have Monk,Fox,Briscoe and Bam.
You couldn't score a layup if you were the only one in the gym.
Yeah every team plays cupcakes, but you don't play cupcakes in the NCAA tourney, maybe 1st round, but the best of the best. And Auburn is not the best of the best by any means.
I believe the D will improve, but simply look at Calipari's comments after the game, he is NOT happy !
I agree 100%. Everyone who is quoting the "numbers" of us being the 13th ranked defense in the country, come on. Those numbers are completely skewed because of how many cupcakes we've played. Anyone who actually watches what other teams (even some very bad ones) are doing to us on offense has to be concerned. Every teams guards are getting in the paint and to the rim almost at will. I don't think Cal has ever had a team give up as many easy layups as this one is/has. Monk and Fox simply can not stay in front of anyone. Willis, well, I don't have to even explain that one. Gabriel is very athletic, but has no clue how to play proper defense yet. He looked much better rebounding yesterday but still has a long, long way to go.
I also agree with many who have said we've always had guards who got beat, we usually just have a great rim protector to make up for it and we don't this year. Bam got a few blocks at the end yesterday, hopefully that can continue.
We are so insanely fast and talented on offense, I just think these guys, as you said, are not willing to put extreme effort in on defense. They know they can just outscore everyone, and yes, that is really fun to watch but a team getting 15 wide open layups a game against us is not.
Once you get to the elite 8 in the NCAA, almost every game is decided in the last 3 minutes by a combination of if you can get a couple of key stops on defense and making a few clutch ft's. Hopefully yesterday's ft's were an anomaly as the team had been shooting them very well, but the defense is very concerning. If/when that improves we will have a shot at a very deep run in March.
That 13 number people are quoting for is ADJUSTED efficiency. Its ADJUSTED for SOS. The cupcake argument is irrelevant.