We have a 3 guard lineup, but only two of them can shoot at all from outside. That means, as opposed to the best Villanova teams using that concept, that Briscoe's man can always help when Briscoe is off the ball. We have only one player who is a threat to score in the post (Alex). Because of the spacing created by Ullis, Murray and Willis, Alex has a chance to shine at the beginning of every game. He does, typically scoring our first baskets. He then commits a couple of silly fouls (see below), goes out of the game, and the other team extends their defense even further because we have no inside presence. Our offense is limited because of this. It would be different if Briscoe could shoot -- but he can't. We are left with starting the game well with Alex scoring and Tyler making things happen. Once Alex is out, we become very static.
On defense, other teams have learned that they can drive at will. Cal's defensive philosophy has been to challenge players on the perimeter and then have shot blockers protecting the rim. It can be a devastating philosophy, with the right players However, when your defenders over pressure and your shot blockers either foul or don't get there in time, you can see the other team drive a lot, put our limited offensive resources in foul jeopardy, and have success. It would help if Marcus Lee didn't continually jump before the offensive player actually shoots.
We are a limited team. We have talent and we have a point guard giving his ever-loving best to win. However, we are not a great team or a really, really good team. There are too many holes for that.
Cal is a great coach. He is also currently a frustrated coach. I have the image of Alex coming back in, sealing his man on the block, getting the ball, making a great move that is going to result in a score and putting us back in control...only to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds. Cal knows that the team executed the play, that Alex was doing everything he could do to win, and just couldn't pull it off. Cal didn't yell at Alex --- he's too fragile --- and just covered up his face. That is this team.
On defense, other teams have learned that they can drive at will. Cal's defensive philosophy has been to challenge players on the perimeter and then have shot blockers protecting the rim. It can be a devastating philosophy, with the right players However, when your defenders over pressure and your shot blockers either foul or don't get there in time, you can see the other team drive a lot, put our limited offensive resources in foul jeopardy, and have success. It would help if Marcus Lee didn't continually jump before the offensive player actually shoots.
We are a limited team. We have talent and we have a point guard giving his ever-loving best to win. However, we are not a great team or a really, really good team. There are too many holes for that.
Cal is a great coach. He is also currently a frustrated coach. I have the image of Alex coming back in, sealing his man on the block, getting the ball, making a great move that is going to result in a score and putting us back in control...only to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds. Cal knows that the team executed the play, that Alex was doing everything he could do to win, and just couldn't pull it off. Cal didn't yell at Alex --- he's too fragile --- and just covered up his face. That is this team.
