Weak Points

[The Falcon]

We have been playing very sloppy basketball.

In my opinion our weak points are 1) turnovers, 2) lousy passing, and 3) failure to
finish on layups.

All of these can be corrected. We are currently averaging about 15+ turnovers per game for
a total TO mark of 180. We throw too many lazy passes when we are in half court sets and
too many long passes downcourt when we are on fast breaks. Manuel and B Moore, in
particular, need to finish on layups.

If those could be cut in half I believe we would be blowing people away instead of winning
by 9 points (our average for 12 games.)

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Yeah.

Throw in terrible three-point defense and a decent amount of missed key free pitches and you pretty much nailed our non-conference deficiencies.

I am optimistic we will play better in conference, but realistically these major issues should have been corrected already.

We will start finding out tomorrow.

Go Ponies!

[PoconoPony]

My biggest concern is that they are not continually moving on offense without the ball. Last year everyone was in motion allowing good passes to open up shots. This year everyone is standing around watching the ball as it is passed around. No one moves until the pass is made then movement only until the next pass when everyone stops and then the movement sequence continues. Last year the continual movement created the excitement and opportunities. This year it is stand and look then respond and look then move and stop ...etc.

[sadderbudweiser]

Good points made by all. We can be better.

[Terry Webster]

Someone needs to tell LB.

[gostangs]

i don't think we are poor on FT's for the year. I wouldn't call that a weak spot. I think both the passing and the turn overs are on our guards - Nic tries to do too much - and the others don't have the handles. I think both can be greatly helped when MK gets in mid season form - so there is a better target to get the pass to - and less pressure on the guard play.

This team can for sure come together. Cinn on the road in the am (dead arena) will be an interesting game as a measuring stick.

[JasonB]

Keep in mind that last year, LB almost kept us from running any FB because we had such a problem turning it over in the open court. Halfway through the season, we started to do better and opened it up, but then struggled again at the end of conference.

Slowing things down last year and not taking advantage of the fast break was fine because he had such a strong half court defense.

This year, we don't have that great defense. Losing NR outside and SW/MK inside really hurts. We aren't as strong on the perimeter or on the glass this season because of it. Which means we have to run more, which leads to us turning it over.

The Cincy game will be really, really interesting. They don't shoot well, but they play great defense, turn teams over, and get their athleticism out on the break. The defense is good enough that if they get one run, you are done. But their offense is bad enough that if they have to play behind, they are in trouble. We should be able to beat them if we take care of the ball. If not, they could run us out.

[Zippy79]

All the points above are great. We need to find consistency in all aspects of our game and put halfs together. Right now we are having a problem just putting consistent positive minutes together. I think a lot of this has to do with injuries, academic issues, etc... I don't think LB has figured out his rotation because of this. If Justin Martin can ever get healthy he will be a huge asset to the team. I still think Ryan Manuel is playing way too much. Sure he is a decent defender but his turnovers, complete lack of offense, and boneheaded plays...Stat of the year during Midwestern State game: he scored two points for the opponent with a horrible gold tend and scored 0 pts for us. When is the last time that has happened. Not trying to hate on jim but I just don't get it either way. I think it will start to come together in the next few weeks, but LB may have to suck it up and shorten the rotation which we know he hates to do and please already sit Manuel a lot more!!

[The Falcon]

Someone needs to tell LB.

Good idea Mr. Webster!

I'll send him a copy of this thread just before game time tomorrow.

[ponyte]

As to three point defense, it is a SMU tradition to be crummy on 3 pointer defense. The MBB has declared that as their tradition.

Now the turnovers are way out of line. That needs to change if SMU wants to make the NCAA tournament.

[gostangs]

zippy - who do you suggest LB gives those minutes to? Sterling hasn't proven to give us anything more on either end then Ryan does, and occasionally Ryan's natural athleticism does some pretty great stuff. I don't disagree with you - I just don't see what the option is there.

Ryan needs to just look for his slash opportunities - and then dish off to MK or Yanick. That would be the best way he get produce points for us. He has proven to be a pretty solid defender which we desperately need.

[hoopmanx]

You're missing the big point, though, which is Ryan allowing Nic to move off the ball and get shots. Manuel doesn't need to score, Moore does and its a helluva lot more difficult when he's strictly facilitating

[Zippy79]

I really believe the minutes should go to either Martin or Brown.Once justin is healthy he will break out. Hoop I hear what you are saying about having Nic off the ball and agree with you. However lets be honest Manuel is not a great ball handler and there are other options to bring the ball up and literally just make a ball reversal pass. While his defense is decent not great we literally are playing a man down on offense.

[hoopmanx]

I really believe the minutes should go to either Martin or Brown.Once justin is healthy he will break out. Hoop I hear what you are saying about having Nic off the ball and agree with you. However lets be honest Manuel is not a great ball handler and there are other options to bring the ball up and literally just make a ball reversal pass. While his defense is decent not great we literally are playing a man down on offense.

There is no one on the roster other than Nic, better suited to bring the ball up, than Ryan. He's been doing it for 3 years for us and is competent. He's playing a homeless mans Mudiay, which is how Larry wants to play, otherwise he wouldn't have brought in Sedrick/Shake next year. Two lead guards are our future.

Now, I love Sterling and thought he'd be a slightly more skilled junkyard dog, but he's a non-factor this year. Hell, based off what I saw of Ben E last year, no way I saw his performance this year coming. I don't even know what to say for Martin. In short, those 3 guys were supposed to be part of core toughness and efficient on O. So far nothing from any on them. It's all very weird

[GiddyUp]

It's all about a bit strange to me the way things have played out. Based on the hype, I would have thought Ben E and Martin would be an equal to Nick and Shawn, then you basically have the same team. Hopefully MK gets warmed up in the next few weeks. Against Michigan he looked amp'd up but the other night he was asleep.

I hope LB can figure things out and we get back on track soon.