Coaching Strategy to Maximize NCAA Tourney Performance.

[Allikat]

Three factors are entering into my decision:

Do our guys need a rest before the NCAA push?

How much does our Big 12 performance impact NCAA seeding?

How much as a fan do I want the revenge tour and Big 12 Tourney Title?

 

[RonBurgundy]

If there was proof that a long Big 12 tourney run was detrimental to our NCAA tourney prospects, I would be fine employing some kind of load management strategy. Anecdotal evidence to me suggests there is little to no correlation. Not just for ISU, but for any Final Four team the last ten years. Some win their conference tournament, some flame out.

Therefore, I want us to go all out for the conference tournament. This is one event that ISU fans look forward to, one event that ISU fans are revered for our support. Not everyone can afford to travel to follow the team next week at the NCAA, or travel to a bowl game, or Ireland. This tournament is special.

ISU fans "deserve" that the team try as hard as possible for a good showing. Just MHO.

 

[tim_redd]

Maybe rest Gilbert the first game, but that's it.

 

[CycloneErik]

Insert "you play to win the game" gifs here.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Maybe extend the bench a bit to cut down on minutes/game, but there aren't that many games left for the year. If they aren't hurt, play 'em. The reality is that the Big XII tourney is a much bigger grind on the body than the NCAA tourney.

 

[CoachHines3]

You play who you've been playing.

Time off can hurt you more, IMO.

It's all about playing together and getting in flow.

 

[BCClone]

We’ve already lost the Oklahoma State so resting specific players The whole game would be a concern. I would say run an extended bench for the first game. Try to win the second game and call that good. That should get us a solid seed.

 

[nhclone]

Nice try, I only give my opinions with the benefit of hindsight.

 

[AllInForISU]

If NC State can make a run like they did last year with the amount of games they played in their conference tourney, I think that proves it doesn’t necessarily hurt you. The NCAA tourney is dependent on matchups, as we all know.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I'd add the option: "Rest anyone who would benefit from resting". Meaning mainly Gilbert, if playing risks the chance of aggravating the injury. He's going to go full bore if you put him out there, so if that's a bad idea, I'd rather sit him.

 

[aeroclone]

I guess I would be open to resting Gilbert only if the staff believes he could benefit from it. Other than that, agree with the sentiment that conference tourney performance doesn't seem to correlate to NCAA consistently, so might as well try to win them both.

 

[CycloneErik]

Nice try, I only give my opinions with the benefit of hindsight.

You played and won the game.

 

[MeanDean]

I like the idea of winning as much as possible for the fans in attendance and for player confidence. And it is a Big XII championship, much as we wish we had a regular season at some point instead (or in addition).

That said, after winning last year and blowing Houston out of the water in the final - I seem to remember, the committee kind of said (in Soup Nazi voice), "Meh - you had a ****** out of conference schedule... LOWEST 2 SEED FOR YOU!"

 

[FerShizzle]

I would bet $100 CF bucks that TJ will do the exact same thing he did last season and play everyone. All the bench guys get a rotation.

 

[GusMcCrae]

Best hope is a fast start against the Pokes/Cincy and either team is just checked out on the season. Put that one away early. Sit who you can and play them as needed. BYU been playing with house money. Reality hits. Overly cocky BYU team is rattled by the Hilton South energy, shooting frenzy is flat, Cyclones at full strength with on all hands on deck, able to put it on cruise control last 7-10 mins of the game and we sit who can within reason making sure legs are fresh but not rusty for Friday. Friday against the red Cougars it's full go time with a team at full strength and feeling the flow. Hammer down and repeat last year on Saturday. In this case, the extra time works against our opponents, too much time off court before hitting a neutral/hostile environment with us hitting our stride.

 

[jsb]

One of the benefits of winning the conference tournament so many times in the last 15 years is that we have a track record. And that track record indicates that it really doesn't matter. Win and you could flame out. Lose and you could go far. Or Win and you could go far or lose and you could flame out.

This team DOES SEEM a bit tired. But listening to TJ talk, he certainly doesn't act like with the whole hard practices after the losses and the questioning of effort after those losses.

 

[TinsleyFan11]

IMO the only way we make a run is if Gilbert is playing like he did in November. He significantly raises the ceiling of this team. We need him to get his mojo back. I feel like a few good games in KC could help right the ship for him

 

[Cyclonepride]

I would bet $100 CF bucks that TJ will do the exact same thing he did last season and play everyone. All the bench guys get a rotation.

Would be very cool if he did. And good for experience and team cohesion.

 

[iowastatefan1929]

I would bet $100 CF bucks that TJ will do the exact same thing he did last season and play everyone. All the bench guys get a rotation.

They really only played 8 but had 2 blowouts which allowed the bench to clear.

 

[Gibbon]

If Gilbert isn't 100%, he sits. And you extend the bench. Keep key players at or under 30 minutes.