Next year would be the perfect pressing and trapping team.

[~Keyser Soze~]

Especially if Diallo comes back. Our size, athleticism, and depth would be devastating. Cal presses from time to time, but its just picking fullcourt with ball pressure, he rarely utilizes the trap. To add to that, we could possibly have 2 rim protectors in Richards and Bamba.

I don't want to be one of those guys living in the 90's, demanding Air Raid and the press, but this team would be so good at it.

 

[~Keyser Soze~]

I must add that this is just my opinion for the folks who get really mad.

 

[CatPhight]

Our length is going to be crushing...like anacondas.

 

[kev69]

Cal really doesn't like to press much, but I do agree that this would be the roster to do it.

 

[uk78]

See this same post every year. Not going to happen other than on the occasional basis. History seems very clear with the way Cal coaches defense.

 

[kev69]

See this same post every year. Not going to happen other than on the occasional basis. History seems very clear with the way Cal coaches defense.

Yeah, it's hard to argue with you.

It's pretty much like saying we're going to play zone next season.

 

[Smashcat]

Good zone team too.

 

[AFSTALLION13]

 

[railroadkat_1]

Especially if Diallo comes back. Our size, athleticism, and depth would be devastating. Cal presses from time to time, but its just picking fullcourt with ball pressure, he rarely utilizes the trap. To add to that, we could possibly have 2 rim protectors in Richards and Bamba.

I don't want to be one of those guys living in the 90's, demanding Air Raid and the press, but this team would be so good at it.

Who gets mad? Man I feel the same way. I have watched Washington and Vanderbilt with Green and SKA all play good defense and all are not selfish. My biggest disappointment has been with Diallo. Who knows , I think he stays in . Opens the door wider for Cam Johnson. Bamba I think everything is right for him, How do you feel? I know I left some great players out Like Knox. Richards ,Gabriel ,andSKJ +Baker.

 

[~Keyser Soze~]

Our length is going to be crushing...like anacondas.

Is that a Wenyen Gabriel reference?

 

[mrdavisanddd]

Old Tripod

 

[weatherbird]

This is probably why Cal has faired pretty well in march, because he refuses to use gimmicks on offense or defense. The team is suited to be a good pressing team. The problem is pressing a good team like you will face from the sweet sixteen on, will likely get you beat. Cal has a philosophy, play straight up, and you don't have to worry whether your gimmick gets figured out, and let the chips fall where they may.

With good teams, trapping will just negate the size you have, as when they break the press, they're shooting wide open shots.

 

[katwest]

Kentucky has the ability to trap and press whenever they want to, but like someone said earlier, I don't think Cal likes to press that much. When we did this year it was very effective and seemed to get the offense out of the funk they were in too.

 

[Newcattitudes]

Length and quickness can be just as deadly in the half court as it is full court. Long arms and quick twitch muscles work wonders in the passing lanes. Diallo, Vanderbilt, and Knox are super quick and built to fill the lanes on the break.

 

[dstroya]

I think main reason Calipari does not press much is because it takes time away from teaching defense the way he wants it played. Put to much on the plate and you stymie the players. He would rather be very good to great at man to man than just good at 3 or 4 different defenses.

 

[Cat Ballou]

I think they could be vulnerable to a press as well. Green is our only really elite ball handler.

 

[UKcatXXXL]

we'll have tremendous length, athleticism, and team depth to rotate players in and out as needed

tremendous upside indeed

 

[kyjeff1]

I think main reason Calipari does not press much is because it takes time away from teaching defense the way he wants it played. Put to much on the plate and you stymie the players. He would rather be very good to great at man to man than just good at 3 or 4 different defenses.

That's not it at all. I've heard him on his call in show, on multiple occasions, state that it's too much of a gimmick defense and you will not sustain success with it.
Plus, every time he springs the press on, the other team gets an easy bucket.
Kinda like the zone. Drives Cal nuts. Every time he goes zone, someone nails a 3.

 

[2Dope15]

Especially if Diallo comes back. Our size, athleticism, and depth would be devastating. Cal presses from time to time, but its just picking fullcourt with ball pressure, he rarely utilizes the trap. To add to that, we could possibly have 2 rim protectors in Richards and Bamba.

I don't want to be one of those guys living in the 90's, demanding Air Raid and the press, but this team would be so good at it.

We will run more and play faster... Wait Tubby used to say that every year.

 

[kornucopia]

Our length is going to be crushing...like anacondas.

Well I don't think any team will want none of that.

 

[Cychologist]

I think they could be vulnerable to a press as well. Green is our only really elite ball handler.

They won't dribble through the press, which is generally a bad way to attack it, but pass over it. There are several good passers on the team.

 

[EclipsingYou]

Green is an excellent ball handler for sure, but Shai Alexander can hold his own as well. I'd consider both if them to be elite FR PGs.

We could really use Diallo to help as a true guard. If not, Cam Johnson's shooting might help just as much.

Beyond both of those, Bamba is the key, though. He is the superstar big that all the best Coach Cal teams have.

All in my completely worthless opinion as always.