Weak Points

[EastStang]

Brown is old school. You win games in the paint. If the other team wants to bomb away with 3's all day, Brown's team will win. That's the odds. So, he packs us in. Turnovers are the fault of not moving on offense, not making crisp passes, trying to rush the play, and not recognizing the defense.

[ojaipony]

I think our weakest point is consistency and toughness ("1A and 1B"). I never know which team will show up - generally we haven't hit on all cylinders for a full game against a quality opponent. Michigan was the closest (I don't count the Lamars of the world -- those should be easy blowouts). The good news is that we are now getting back to full strength and hopefully JMart and MK are getting very close to 100% (well, MK will probably need a couple more weeks . . . we want to peak in March in the AAC tourney, so I'm going to be patient . . . which doesn't mean I can't throw stuff at the TV from time to time while the women, children, and pets run for cover).

[smusic 00]

If we can start converting the long breakaways watch out. I think we will see less of them in conference though.

Also, as stated above, LB will never shift to a strong perimeter first defense. Contradicts his whole game philosophy.

[jimhagle]

There is something amiss with our coaching this year. Very odd to say the least.

[Stallion]

One reason SMU has more turnovers is that Larry Brown actually likes to work the ball inside rather than throw the ball around the perimeter all day like 60% of the teams we play.

[SC Pony]

Another reason for turnovers is Nic being very cavalier on breakaway passes and on alley-oop attempts. This probably accounts for 4 +/- turnovers per game. I think (or, at least I hope) he becomes more careful with those passes against the better teams in conference.

[Charleston Pony]

Another reason for turnovers is Nic being very cavalier on breakaway passes and on alley-oop attempts. This probably accounts for 4 +/- turnovers per game. I think (or, at least I hope) he becomes more careful with those passes against the better teams in conference.

agree Nic was overly aggressive with some of those lobs in the non-conference games; hopefully yesterday's 7 assists to 0 turnovers was an indication he's turning up his game

[MustangIcon]

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

Commenting on the 3 players you mentioned here:

- To me, Sterling is what he is. A hustle role player who is performing just like he did last year, in fewer minutes, but hasn't seemed to progress at all from where he was as a frosh.

- Ben E has been *putrid*. I had never seen the guy play before at VaTech but I am absolutely astounded at the fact he averaged double digits as a Frosh in the ACC. Does not compute for me.

- Martin has gotten a bad rap from ponyfans IMO. He has shot somewhat poorly from 3pt (30%) but attacks the basket quite a bit and is shooting 50% overall scoring 6 a game in super limited burn. He also has very nice size and plays pretty smart. To lump him in with Ben E and his stinker of a season thus far is kind of insulting/unfair if you ask me.

[No Quarter]

There is something amiss with our coaching this year. Very odd to say the least.

Mudiay going to China, the limited production to date of some of the transfers, and MK not being available from the start all reduced expectations, but what else is going on? I have wondered myself if those who completed their eligibility last season added some intangible so far not identified. How is the chemistry different?

[The Falcon]

There is something amiss with our coaching this year. Very odd to say the least.

Mudiay going to China, the limited production to date of some of the transfers, and MK not being available from the start all reduced expectations, but what else is going on? I have wondered myself if those who completed their eligibility last season added some intangible so far not identified. How is the chemistry different?

I think all of what you said above has had a bearing on us this year; however, I think we
are beginning to see a better team starting with the USF game. Markus will get in better shape.
BenE and JMart are beginning to come around and Ben M played one of his best games. Our
starting 5 had only 1 turnover in the game even though they were playing uptempo. I realize
USF is not a good team and that we should not read too much into that thrashing. All I am
saying is that I think we have turned the corner. Time will tell.

The chemistry is different in that the new players have to learn how to blend in and Larry
is learning how to use the new players and also starting players who didn't start before.
I still wish he would play more up tempo but still keep the turnovers down. Don't know if
that is possible.