GYERO ARCHIVE

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fatguy87

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Oct 8, 2004
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-We would have won by 40 if Cal had any semblance of a plan when forming lineup combinations.

-Hopkins certainly looks the part. He's big, he can handle a little, but he probably has been the worst player on the team out of the regular rotation players. I find myself being a little impressed even when he misses a runner in the paint. The power he plays with has an appeal.

-It's clear from the first 3 games that we will not be relying on the free throw line to generate much offense this season. It's even more important that we generate quality shots.

-We only took 10 3's tonight. We get an "F" for shot quality just based on that.

-Wheeler is much better than I thought he would be. Looking forward towards the end of the season, I hope he can maintain some aptitude as a scorer. Opponents not respecting him as such, much like Hagans during the last half of the '20 season, is a lingering fear especially if we have to continue to rely on him so much to handle and create.

-If Oscar continues to be so dominant on the glass, could we not lose much defensively with playing a 4 guard lineup?
 

CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
22,267
27,137
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He's not worried about winning by 40. He wants to see what works. Are we really going to have to f'n explain this after every one of these f'n cupcakes?
To be fair, you don’t really need to see that Oscar “works” vs MSM.

Wheeler running circles round anyone guarding him was pretty clear as well early.

Grady with zero shot attempts in 1H is not gonna be what works.
 

80 Proof

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
64,812
52,340
113
Anybody know what’s up with blue johnson on HOB?
Something like a bone infection, IIRC.

Lost his job because he couldn't work, got evicted, getting his leg amputated. Dude seems to have terrible luck. Almost unbelievable, but other posters have vouched for him.
 

BBdK

Heisman
Sep 21, 2003
159,783
74,127
0
He's not worried about winning by 40. He wants to see what works. Are we really going to have to f'n explain this after every one of these f'n cupcakes?

I’d agree with this…

…if didn’t have 12+ Years of experience with Cal lineups.

But, I do.


Still love my squad though.
 
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fatguy87

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"Let's see what works"

Then we see every single team trend towards an iconic Calipari formula.

You know what hasn't worked? A heavy reliance on 2 point jumpers. Guess what? That's still true this year despite a bevy of competent 3 point shooters. We are one of the best 3 point shooting teams by make rate, but among the lowest in attempt rate. Cal encourages his players to pass up wide open threes to take 15-18 footers. It happens every single season. These aren't rogue players. It's a repeating pattern. Cal coaches players to take those horrible shots. We are holding ourselves back by taking so many objectively bad shots.

Let's see if coaching Washington, Wheeler, Brooks and the crew to not pass up wide open 3's to take 15 footers works. Let's see if spreading the court and hunting for 3's works.

What it means is "let's see what works under my narrow preferences." It doesn't represent any real substantial change in the trade offs he will make.

I am stoked about the team and think we have some outstanding pieces. It gets frustrating to see a lineup with a frontcourt combo of Collins-Oscar-Hopkins suck when we've seen that same frontcourt suck for years now. Clean some things up, generate better shots, and we will be outstanding.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
I’d agree with this…

…if didn’t have 12+ Years of experience with Cal lineups.

But, I do.


Still love my squad though.
I'm not saying it as an opinion. He said multiple times in the preseason that he was going to do a lot of lineup tinkering in Nov and Dec.
 

CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
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This is just f'n dumb.
We can bully MSM 24/7 in the paint. I want Oscar and Wheeler in the lineup, but trying to run more sets for Grady/Washington…check to see if 4G lineup works etc.

Don’t really care to only have 3 makes outside the paint in a half vs MSM. That’s just being bigger, better, stronger individually - doesn’t speak to running a good system.

If we want to go deep, it will be with an offense relying heavily on the 3 ball. Beating up terrible teams with an offense that doesn’t explore anything new regarding stretching the floor isn’t exciting to me looking towards the future.

And if you like Grady getting zero attempts in a half - I’ll accept my take being called f’n dumb from you.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
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Jesus Christ. The lineup with Hopkins at the 3 has been in the game a small amount of time overall. And besides last year, what were all these years where we played 3 "bigs" together and we sucked?

In 2020, our primary lineup had Hagans, Quickley, and Maxey. In 2019, it was mainly Hagans, Johnson, and Herro. I can see maybe 2018 when we played Knox at the 3. In 2017, it was mainly Fox, Monk, and Briscoe. In 2016, it was mainly Ulis, Murray, and Briscoe. In 2015, we did indeed start 3 bigs with Towns, WCS, and Lyles. That team went 38-1 so I wouldn't say it sucked. In 2014, it was mainly the Harrisons and James Young. 2013 was a **** show and not worth mentioning. 2012 we won the title so no need to include. 2011 was mainly Knight, Liggins, and Lamb. And 2010 we were badass.

So last year was really the only year where it happened and we sucked. But everyone wants to act like it happened every f'n year.
 
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VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
And if you like Grady getting zero attempts in a half - I’ll accept my take being called f’n dumb from you.
I'm not concerned about Grady. He allows the game to come to him. I'm fairly certain when we start playing quality opponents, he'll get plenty of shots. I'm sorry if I don't think what happens in the first half of a game against The Mount in November will be the norm for the season.
 

CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
22,267
27,137
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I'm not concerned about Grady. He allows the game to come to him. I'm fairly certain when we start playing quality opponents, he'll get plenty of shots. I'm sorry if I don't think what happens in the first half of a game against The Mount in November will be the norm for the season.
Right, I can see that. I think you have to see the flip side from the frustrations of this game. Most know we won’t be able to dominate in the paint like we did vs MSM - and many don’t see us beating solid teams w/minimal emphasis on the 3 ball.

To me, the 2H felt like a football game where we ran 100% of the time, bc we knew we could. Didn’t work on other things that we know we will need later. Jmo
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
Right, I can see that. I think you have to see the flip side from the frustrations of this game. Most know we won’t be able to dominate in the paint like we did vs MSM - and many don’t see us beating solid teams w/minimal emphasis on the 3 ball.

To me, the 2H felt like a football game where we ran 100% of the time, bc we knew we could. Didn’t work on other things that we know we will need later. Jmo
I have zero frustrations from this game. We won by over 20. We were up 30. This is just the third game of the year. I know we will continue to improve. Keep overanalyzing cupcake games. I'm going to enjoy this season.
 

CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
22,267
27,137
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I have zero frustrations from this game. We won by over 20. We were up 30. This is just the third game of the year. I know we will continue to improve. Keep overanalyzing cupcake games. I'm going to enjoy this season.
Do you. I’ll keep hoping we incorporate some things that will make this season last longer against these cupcakes. Being ranked 250+ in 3p attempts with this team is a long term worry. Increase that and maybe you’ll really enjoy it.
 

august-west

Heisman
May 21, 2002
61,634
18,288
78
Pope definitely runs a fun offensive, just a hair difference from what Oats runs at AU. Regardless fun to watch.

Also, I really need some advise on how to get rid of this gat damned mouse/rat I have in the house. Multiple traps set up and nothing.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
Against Duke, we were 7-18 from 3. We went 12-23 against Robert Morris. Tonight we were 4-10, won by 25 but you're bitching about us not shooting enough 3s? I think the first 2 games showed that our guys have the green light. You'll see many more nights like that rather than nights with just 10 attempts.

But I'm sure if we did fire up 30 attempts from deep tonight but only won by 12 or so, then you'd be bitching about us not going down low and dominating our opponent.
 
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CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
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1st two games we were good for 238th on the 3p attempts list - with today we would move to 311 @ 17 attempts per game. We were 15th in %.

I like our shooters. Think it should be the identity of the team, especially with the way Oscar grabs long rebs. I’ll check back in during SEC play.
 

CatsFanGG24

Heisman
Dec 22, 2003
22,267
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That's because we're taking 3s within the flow of the offense. We're getting a lot of kick out 3s where guys are set and ready to shoot. We're not just firing them up so we'll rank higher in attempts. That's just stupid.
They could displace the long 2 pt/midrange jumpers we love. The % can drop and still produce more pts per attempt and possession.

We were 2/3 in 3p (2ppa) and 1/6 (0.33ppa) in mid range in the 2nd half.

I don’t know why you think there’s zero opportunity for increased 3pt emphasis and production from Calipari, this offense and the personnel we have.

I’ll agree to disagree…but “f’n dumb” and “just stupid” will get replies. 😂
 

fatguy87

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Oct 8, 2004
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That's because we're taking 3s within the flow of the offense. We're getting a lot of kick out 3s where guys are set and ready to shoot. We're not just firing them up so we'll rank higher in attempts. That's just stupid.
It would be incredibly smart.

Historically, we make 2's not at the rim between 40 and 37% of the time. Let's take an average and say we get 0.77 points per shot.

To get that same points per shot, we'd only need to make 26% of 3's.

So yes! Replacing 2 pointers not at the rim with bad 3 point attempts can be worth it. Our efficiency inside the arc rate would get even better if we replace the hardest 2's, midrange jumpers from guys like Brooks, with 3 point attempts.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
They could displace the long 2 pt/midrange jumpers we love. The % can drop and still produce more pts per attempt and possession.

We were 2/3 in 3p (2ppa) and 1/6 (0.33ppa) in mid range in the 2nd half.

I don’t know why you think there’s zero opportunity for increased 3pt emphasis and production from Calipari, this offense and the personnel we have.

I’ll agree to disagree…but “f’n dumb” and “just stupid” will get replies. 😂
I never said I didn't agree with more 3 pointers. I feel we saw that in the first two games. But we were getting shots around the rim in this game. I think it would be stupid to pass up layups for 3s. Also, shots around the rim means more FT possibilities and going to the line is a good thing. As the year unfolds, I think you'll see a solid balance.

As for long 2s, I'm not a fan of those either but I've seen a lot less of it this year. Even still, a couple made jumpers from the foul line by Oscar are better than a couple missed 3s by anyone. I think many on here are generating things to ***** about bc it's the cool thing to do.

I trust Cal with this team. I like what I've seen so far. I'm confident we will continue to improve, shooting included. But you guys keep searching for stuff to be miserable about.
 

fatguy87

All-American
Oct 8, 2004
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A little over 39% of our shots have been midrange 2's this season and they were a smidge more than 47% of our shots tonight. We are right on par with our historical rates.

What's going to be better long term? Oscar taking 15 footers or us taking 3's?
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
First off, there's a difference between mid range twos and long twos. Which one are you talking about? Mid range twos are good shots. They include those mid jumpers TyTy likes to take and floaters. They're higher percentage than long twos and put us in good rebounding position, shooter included. They also put us in a better position to go to the foul line.

I'm not a fan of long twos, especially by Brooks. But I like Oscar taking a few foul line Js a game because he's shown he can knock that shot down. As a result, defenses will have to come guard him which allows him opportunities to drive to the basket.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
Most know we won’t be able to dominate in the paint like we did vs MSM
Really? No **** Sherlock. But I'm glad we did bc we have a hell of a post presence in Oscar and he needs work making decisive post moves. I'm glad we took the opportunity this game to feed him and let him dominate.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
"Let's see what works"

Then we see every single team trend towards an iconic Calipari formula.

You know what hasn't worked? A heavy reliance on 2 point jumpers. Guess what? That's still true this year despite a bevy of competent 3 point shooters. We are one of the best 3 point shooting teams by make rate, but among the lowest in attempt rate. Cal encourages his players to pass up wide open threes to take 15-18 footers. It happens every single season. These aren't rogue players. It's a repeating pattern. Cal coaches players to take those horrible shots. We are holding ourselves back by taking so many objectively bad shots.

Let's see if coaching Washington, Wheeler, Brooks and the crew to not pass up wide open 3's to take 15 footers works. Let's see if spreading the court and hunting for 3's works.
I'm sure that what Cal does. I bet he told Grady to pass up on that wide open 3 near the end of the first half. I bet he told Allen to make sure his foot was on the line for his long two.
 

VernHatton52

Heisman
Aug 9, 2005
7,458
10,742
113
-If Oscar continues to be so dominant on the glass, could we not lose much defensively with playing a 4 guard lineup?
No team this century has won a national title with a 4 guard lineup, save Nova in 2016. And that team had a 6-6 Kris Jenkins at the 4. I'm not against going 4 guards if the matchup calls for it but if we want to win a title then 3 guards/wings with 2 "bigs" is historically the better play. As dominant as he has been, Oscar will still need help down low, especially in SEC play.
 
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