If I can add to your title a little, its not that we cant defend, its that we cant defend the way Cal is hell bent on trying to. We have to change up HOW we defend to have any chance of making a run with this team.
I watched again the same thing play out last night. We tried to play man the entire game and I watched them all game give space between them and their man so that the other guy could square us up and do what they wanted. And we were playing hard too! We just havent figured out or just cant guard without giving up space. Even one foot of space is enough for todays 3 star guys to break you down and move the defense to get any shot they want. You have to play physical man to man bodying up to turn the man with the ball sideways in order for it to be effective, otherwise you will get broke down. You cant play man by just staying between your man and the basket, they will use the dribble and ball movement to get you out of position.
So if we either cant do it or wont do it, what is the only other answer??????????????????????
You have to change tactics and try something different. Try an extended match up zone that still allows you to pressure without chasing, try some half court trapping, try anything else!
