Why don't we ever play a zone D? Should we? Could we, effectively?
I think this is a good question, but considering KenPom has our Adj Defense as the 14th best in the country I'm not sure we should change too much.
identity...too change it up a little bit defensively. We have the athletes, depth and shot blockers at the rear to trap, or press, or double the ball when the point turns his back. The other team has a preparation advantage if they always know what we are going to do.
I'd concur. Our length messes with shooters and passing lanes. Our lack of depth in bulk makes us vulnerable in the post. Curry, Konate and Murphy are undersized and/or lack strength. Mich St, Purdue, Wiscy and Indy exposed us there, not to mention Rutgers and PSU, as well.There is no way to effectively prepare for an effective man-to-man defense. I really like that it is the staple and foundation of what we are doing. There is always a time and place to change it up, but only if you can effectively press. Our defensive metrics by any analysis have been excellent this year and I wouldn't change a thing. We are top 20 in overall defensive efficiency and opponents floor %. Please don't change anything.
I'd love to see the Gophers play a zone 5-6 possessions per game. Especially with Coffey, Curry and Lynch on the floor. A lot of length and athleticism to challenge corner 3s. Man to man defense has been good/great most of the year but nice to mix it up. Make a team practice against a 1-3-1 or 2-3 knowing they will see it a bit, but don't rely on it for long stretches.
There is no way to effectively prepare for an effective man-to-man defense. I really like that it is the staple and foundation of what we are doing. There is always a time and place to change it up, but only if you can effectively press. Our defensive metrics by any analysis have been excellent this year and I wouldn't change a thing. We are top 20 in overall defensive efficiency and opponents floor %. Please don't change anything.
I would have loved to have seen something different at least tried down the stretch against Wisconsin and Maryland. Haap/Hayes repeatedly in the post and Melo repeatedly driving and dishing was exhausting to watch.
This is almost comical. How about with effective offense. Such as Wisconsin played with Happ? To change the look occasionally puts more pressure on the offense to adjust.
We are not getting enough easy baskets out of our athleticism. Too many of our home games are coming down to the wire. Our defense is good but I think could be better with more situational aggresivness
They finally did it (for three possessions). Did give up a three, but also had a nice possession where they forced a brick up against the shot clock. Most importantly, It gave Maryland something to think about and broke their rhythm (which they were certainly in). I guarantee they addressed what to do against the zone during that TV timeout, only to have us come back in man to man. Kudos.
Liked seeing the zone last night not because I think we need to play it more but because it made Maryland do something other than pick and role and get dunks. Way to switch things up Pitino!
They finally did it (for three possessions). Did give up a three, but also had a nice possession where they forced a brick up against the shot clock. Most importantly, It gave Maryland something to think about and broke their rhythm (which they were certainly in). I guarantee they addressed what to do against the zone during that TV timeout, only to have us come back in man to man. Kudos.