Five Biggest Stat Differences from Last Year to Now

[I.I.]

1. James Woodard has gone from 70% to 80% from the line.
2. Rashad Ray from 80% to 59% from the line.
3. Brandon Swannegan from 45% to 54% from the field.
4. Best shooter last year was T.K. Edogi at 56.8% 21-37 (many were dunks)
5. This year we have another good 38.8% 3 point shooter in Pat Birt.

* Another stat to note. Woodard has only fouled out once in the last 61 games and that was when we were intentionally fouling at the end. Birt only once in 28 games. Please don't sit them for the remainder of the half again with only 2 fouls. Wright and Swannegan yes but not these guys.

 

[TU_BLA]

1. James Woodard has gone from 70% to 80% from the line.
2. Rashad Ray from 80% to 59% from the line.
3. Brandon Swannegan from 45% to 54% from the field.
4. Best shooter last year was T.K. Edogi at 56.8% 21-37 (many were dunks)
5. This year we have another good 38.8% 3 point shooter in Pat Birt.

* Another stat to note. Woodard has only fouled out once in the last 61 games and that was when we were intentionally fouling at the end. Birt only once in 28 games. Please don't sit them for the remainder of the half again with only 2 fouls. Wright and Swannegan yes but not these guys.

Ray and Wright's regression from the FT line is just puzzling to me. Wright was a pretty good FT shooter prior to this season and one of the reasons I also thought he should be on the floor more near the end of games. However, Swannegan is the one that has looked smooth at the line this season, and Wright has lost ALL confidence in his game seemingly.

 

[tufan56]

Ray and Wright's regression from the FT line is just puzzling to me. Wright was a pretty good FT shooter prior to this season and one of the reasons I also thought he should be on the floor more near the end of games. However, Swannegan is the one that has looked smooth at the line this season, and Wright has lost ALL confidence in his game seemingly.

I thought Wright has looked a lot better these last few games. Finally dunking the ball like he should.

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

His post defense has been really good for the last several games.

 

[PhoggyBottom]

Offensive Efficiency has improved from 0.994 points per possession (234th) last year to 1.104 (57th) this year. Moderate improvements in 3%, FT% and TO% plus solid improvement in 2%.

Defensive Efficiency has slightly declined from 0.936 points per possession (19th) last year to 0.966 (48th) this year. Slight regression in 3%, 2%, and OR% plus enormous change in FT%. However, forcing more turnovers evens it out a bit.

 

[TUBballJunkie]

I thought Wright did a pretty dang good job against the UCF beasts.

That last stat re: sitting Woodard or Birt is a good one.

 

[TU_BLA]

That last stat re: sitting Woodard or Birt is a good one.

I don't know...I think that is a feel thing. Are the refs whistle happy? Are they calling it tight or loose? Does the player look like he's moving his feet well on defense? Is it a player you trust to not pick up that 3rd foul? What's the situation in the game (tight vs. on the verge of losing touch)?

While I don't think coaches should have a hard fast rule on the 2 fouls in the 1st half, MOST of the time it usually works out OK either way.

 

[TulsaEye]

I don't know...I think that is a feel thing. Are the refs whistle happy? Are they calling it tight or loose? Does the player look like he's moving his feet well on defense? Is it a player you trust to not pick up that 3rd foul? What's the situation in the game (tight vs. on the verge of losing touch)?

While I don't think coaches should have a hard fast rule on the 2 fouls in the 1st half, MOST of the time it usually works out OK either way.

It's all about confidence. The players that go in playing loose, relaxed and confident. Will usually get less fouls called on them. Part of that is because they are focused and sharp playing at a high level. If a player that goes is tight, uncertain not relaxed not playing well. Is more likely to get fouls called on them. Defensive players and refs will pickup on this consciously even if unconsciously. If you play tight you will probably be less focused not as sharp. This is common for most activities. I have experienced this myself. I think Wright goes in off the bench playing tight expecting fouls to be called on him. Your expectations become reality. He might as well be waving a red flag above himself with the words "I Am a Victim Call fouls On Me". Act like a victim become a victim!

 

[dfwcanefan]

It's all about confidence. The players that go in playing loose, relaxed and confident. Will usually get less fouls called on them. Part of that is because they are focused and sharp playing at a high level. If a player that goes is tight, uncertain not relaxed not playing well. Is more likely to get fouls called on them. Defensive players and refs will pickup on this consciously even if unconsciously. If you play tight you will probably be less focused not as sharp. This is common for most activities. I have experienced this myself. I think Wright goes in off the bench playing tight expecting fouls to be called on him. Your expectations become reality. He might as well be waving a red flag above himself with the words "I Am a Victim Call fouls On Me".

Those were interesting stats Phoggy posted upthread about the offense. From what I remember from last year it looked like there was a lot more stagnant dribbling in place until the shot clock got low and someone hoisted a contested shot. This year I've noticed a lot more urgency, crisper ball movement and a general sense of purpose.

I'm sure a lot of that has to do with having a year to get used to Haith's system, but I wonder if the 30 second shot clock is actually helping us in that regard since we know we don't have as long to fool around.

 

[ctt8410]

I'm sure a lot of that has to do with having a year to get used to Haith's system, but I wonder if the 30 second shot clock is actually helping us in that regard since we know we don't have as long to fool around.

Average Tulsa possession was 18.2 seconds last year. This year, it's 16.1 seconds. We're definitely playing faster this year.