Quick look at Pitt

ZRF

Well-Known Member
Jan 3, 2015
4,392
2,119
113
I think the length of our G/F's will play a factor. Jaz / T. King / Watson / Ward combo will come up big on D - even though it might not show up on the box score. Not to mention Gabe should be able to shut one person down.

That pick and pop action will be key - switching everything and being multiple will help in this aspect as well. Keeping their 6th man from getting out in transition is also a big point.

Its the turny so anything can happen, but outside of them hitting 15+ 3's; i think the no-middle defense will prevail.

Sometimes Otz has just randomly thrown us into zones, which is something I don't particularly like. Often it's come with some bad personell for running it on the floor.

If we are going to use some zone, the above combo you mentioned (Osun should be great for this but he's really not unfortunately) plus Bob is who needs to be on the floor. The length, wingspan, and mobility/athleticism of those defenders allows us to adequately cover the floor and make passing lanes difficult. You could probably also have Gabe out there (as he's a good defender) and have Ward covering the pain. Hasan has played some EXCELLENT defense of late and this is a role he he can. Having another scorer out there (Gabe) would help offset the offensive loss without compromising the zone. Holmes is someone that could thrive with his body type but he's awareness and defensive spacing is too subpar.
 

CydeofFries

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Oct 10, 2017
1,447
1,938
113
33
Pitt last night reminded me a lot of Baylor. They never drove the ball to attack the rim. It was always drive, stop, turn around to try for a 3 rinse repeat. We match up great with that. The concern would be if they attack the rim and force fouls to be called and get to the FT line. That's where we really get in trouble against teams (like KU). My guess is the refs will let them play like we want to but have tight whistles around the rim.

The only concern to me is if they get hot from 3 and if that happens there's only so much we could do anyway.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: SolarGarlic

mjhavlo76

Well-Known Member
Jun 23, 2009
3,327
1,250
113
Shoon looks like a bodybuilder compared to the kid Pitt rolled out last night

Was thinking the same thing. He was lofting questionable three’s that bricked too.. I don’t know, maybe he is a threat from out there but definitely wasn’t last night.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cyclonepride

Cyclonepride

Thought Police
Staff member
Apr 11, 2006
98,846
62,420
113
55
A pineapple under the sea
www.oldschoolradical.com
Sometimes Otz has just randomly thrown us into zones, which is something I don't particularly like. Often it's come with some bad personell for running it on the floor.

If we are going to use some zone, the above combo you mentioned (Osun should be great for this but he's really not unfortunately) plus Bob is who needs to be on the floor. The length, wingspan, and mobility/athleticism of those defenders allows us to adequately cover the floor and make passing lanes difficult. You could probably also have Gabe out there (as he's a good defender) and have Ward covering the pain. Hasan has played some EXCELLENT defense of late and this is a role he he can. Having another scorer out there (Gabe) would help offset the offensive loss without compromising the zone. Holmes is someone that could thrive with his body type but he's awareness and defensive spacing is too subpar.
That strategy has been effective. Usually uses it coming out of timeouts (sometimes showing zone and switching once the other team recognizes and adjusts), which almost always throws off whatever play they called in the huddle.
 

mjhavlo76

Well-Known Member
Jun 23, 2009
3,327
1,250
113
I always thought Jeff Caple is an average coach at best. Being a great college player doesn’t necessarily translate into coaching when it comes to basketball. I think he has a great basketball mind, and is well spoken and has a future in broadcasting. With that said, I think Otz out-coaches him Friday.
 

mjhavlo76

Well-Known Member
Jun 23, 2009
3,327
1,250
113
6/23 (26.1%) on the year

For reference Lipsey is 4/23 on the year...

See. There was one he chucked up there and bricked that I swear had 20 seconds on the shot-clock. I was like, WTF?!

Well, he can continue to brick those again on Friday please!
 

inCyteful

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Feb 28, 2012
12,555
12,632
113
Fort Collins, CO
That strategy has been effective. Usually uses it coming out of timeouts (sometimes showing zone and switching once the other team recognizes and adjusts), which almost always throws off whatever play they called in the huddle.
Yea but it doesn't get us in the flow. While it is true we are winning games, we are losing the flow battle. Stay focused.
 
  • Like
Reactions: isufbcurt

BillBrasky4Cy

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 10, 2013
17,496
31,818
113
This just isn't true. Does anyone actually think the officials are going to risk getting to move on and do bigger games in the tournament by letting stuff go that should be called a foul? No way they give one crap about 'keeping the games on schedule" in their building.

I disagree, the first round they let a lot more go.