Kentucky should win this game as Murray really hasn't faced many high-level opponents. I don't see where they will have an answer for our team speed and coaching. After all, Kentucky is being viewed by most experts as a favorite for the Final Four and possibly championship. Plus, Murray does not have the facilities, 5 star athletes, or experience like Kentucky does being in a power conference.
The positive is our coaching. Cal learned from the Wisconsin game to not have a 1-dimensional offense where all focus is trying to deliver a pass into the post for KAT or now Oscar. Furthermore, Cal makes great in-game coaching decisions. For instance, one of Saint Peter's starters shoots foul shots at 48% so we have a deep bench to utilize and fouling that player or certainly tight physical defense works to our advantage. He also has grown to know that if the opponent is scoring easily at the basket to switch to multiple defenses including a packed zone. Like Pitino, Cal now uses his bench to play a full court press defense throughout the game to wear opponents down who again can't match our talent and depth. He also recognizes this defense takes the opponent out of their comfort. In fact, Cal by season's end has sufficient information to instruct his players to their strengths. He will stop Brooks from the dribble drive recognizing his weakness with maintaining control of the ball and that his strength is face up shots in the paint. He knows that Grady requires a screen for a shot where his feet are set facing the basket from 3, and the same on the other side with TyTy needing a screen for his paint jump shot. He knows if we get the ball on the glass often there are second chance points thanks to Oscar and so turn-overs won't be occurring as our offense is best in early shot uptempo. He also learned from the Wisconsin game not to hold the ball in the last 5 minutes when we are ahead and then not get a shot off or a poor one.
So, looking forward to playing Murray State today and moving on. Can't wait!
The positive is our coaching. Cal learned from the Wisconsin game to not have a 1-dimensional offense where all focus is trying to deliver a pass into the post for KAT or now Oscar. Furthermore, Cal makes great in-game coaching decisions. For instance, one of Saint Peter's starters shoots foul shots at 48% so we have a deep bench to utilize and fouling that player or certainly tight physical defense works to our advantage. He also has grown to know that if the opponent is scoring easily at the basket to switch to multiple defenses including a packed zone. Like Pitino, Cal now uses his bench to play a full court press defense throughout the game to wear opponents down who again can't match our talent and depth. He also recognizes this defense takes the opponent out of their comfort. In fact, Cal by season's end has sufficient information to instruct his players to their strengths. He will stop Brooks from the dribble drive recognizing his weakness with maintaining control of the ball and that his strength is face up shots in the paint. He knows that Grady requires a screen for a shot where his feet are set facing the basket from 3, and the same on the other side with TyTy needing a screen for his paint jump shot. He knows if we get the ball on the glass often there are second chance points thanks to Oscar and so turn-overs won't be occurring as our offense is best in early shot uptempo. He also learned from the Wisconsin game not to hold the ball in the last 5 minutes when we are ahead and then not get a shot off or a poor one.
So, looking forward to playing Murray State today and moving on. Can't wait!
