Our famous lock down defense

[zappaa]

We are known for as a bit lacking compared to the last two years.
As good as we are, if we play defense like we played for the most part of last year, the sky’s the limit.
We only lost one starter?

 

[Loyal_2RU]

We are known for as a bit lacking compared to the last two years.
As good as we are, if we play defense like we played for the most part of last year, the sky’s the limit.
We only lost one starter?

I think we have traded some defensive focus and energy expenditure for offense. Defense is still good, just more possessions per game (eye test, I haven't looked at the stats). My perspective any way.

 

[ouchmyknee]

I've noticed the same thing. We're getting great D from Tez, JY, and Ron. We were getting great D from Myles, but with Cliff out, I've noticed that Myles is playing not to foul, so we're losing some of his interior presence. D from Geo and Paul is just ok IMO.

 

[RU_03]

We're also missing the RAC energy. It's gotta be worth something!

 

[Shell21]

When Cliff is back our defense will be better , but as others have said , our offensive efficiency is way up and we are getting our on the break which increases pace and possessions

 

[rufancoe00]

Geo is also slowed by the ankle.. Jacob(back) too since the OSU game

 

[brad1218]

I've noticed the same thing. We're getting great D from Tez, JY, and Ron. We were getting great D from Myles, but with Cliff out, I've noticed that Myles is playing not to foul, so we're losing some of his interior presence. D from Geo and Paul is just ok IMO.

This is exactly correct.

 

[zappaa]

We had to lead the nation in 5 minute runs of not allowing a bucket, but not scoring ourselves the last two years.
The way we score now, it would be something to watch.
Unlike a few of you guys, I like Cliff and Myles on the floor at the same time once in a while...you think we give up as many points in the paint last night with them in there together?

 

[RUKnights86]

You have to remember last year we finished the season 6th in KenPom in adjusted defense efficiency which is out of this world. So far we are 26th which might not look it based on the eye test so still very good. Once the depth returns I think the defense picks up. Only concerning thing so far that will get cleaned up is some backdoor cuts and miscommunications that happen a couple more times per game early on.

Additionally offense is much better 17th so far compared to 72nd at the end of last season.

 

[RU 286]

We do not have the same length that we had last year, which was our calling card. When able to play Ron at the 3, you have a very imposing interior defense. With Ron at the 4, we have an undersized 4 (who plays bigger than his size) and an average 3. Last year, we would have all this length with Ron, Yeboah, and Caleb as a guard, who all played terrific interior defense cutting off lanes to the basket and terrific help defense and they were also beasts on the boards.

 

[SirPerceval]

The defense (when Myles isn't fouled out) seems to toughen at the end of the game.

 

[Night Man]

Sometimes I wonder if we're starting to see the effect of year 2 without Jay Young.

Not saying we're struggling or it's all going to crap, just don't seem to look quite as sharp.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Let’s be careful to note that when cliff comes back...I think the equation changes

having said that

keep in mind that we are still only letting teams shoot 30% from three and 42% overall on the floor. Very good numbers. Would like the turnover number to be a little higher (12.3)...but the scoring defense is down because we are player faster with more possessions and more shots....the defensive efficicny is very good

looking for improvement ...but I feel good about the D ...and it still has a chance to be elite in March when it counts most

 

[RUich]

The stats showed that Purdue was living on points in the paint. You would think we would be better at slowing that down.

 

[BillyC80]

All good points made above, plus we’re missing Caleb who gave us some good D and rebounds from the guard spot.

 

[Mr_Twister]

How do the rebounding stats this season compare with last season’s?

 

[rudad02]

We are known for as a bit lacking compared to the last two years.
As good as we are, if we play defense like we played for the most part of last year, the sky’s the limit.
We only lost one starter?

I don't think our D is as good this year either.