Obviously did us in. Was it just lazy coaching, lazy players, or some other X factor? Its not like the kids were slow or unathletic, so what was it?
The NBA didn't seem to mind, drafting two of those defenders #3 and #8 in the draft.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Seems like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a competent defensive team . Whose fault is that? And I give some credit to Welch for our improved offense.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Wrong answer.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Obviously, it's Cal's. There's still about 2% of BBN who tries to deflect for Captain Cal, blaming players for a lack of defensive improvement.Seems like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a competent defensive team . Whose fault is that?
Eh, maybe. Though it doesn't take much effort to get some hands up or not go for every single pump fake. Cal said numerous times late in the off season that they hadn't worked on defense yet but they'll get there. Pre 2016 we always had good defensive teams. After that not so much. 2015 threw Cal into a tailspin and he never really recovered except for the Fox/Monk/Bam squad.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
The NBA didn't seem to mind, drafting two of those defenders #3 and #8 in the draft.
Let's cut the BS and call it for what it was: our bad defenders never improved defensively all season. Not even a fraction.
That's ultimately coaching.
If mediocre defending were a 1 or 2 off, I'd be inclined to agree.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Seems like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a competent defensive team . Whose fault is that? And I give some credit to Welch for our improved offense.
That’s probably why Cal stopped caring . It was always about what the nba wanted.The NBA cares about defense? lol
Seems like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a competent defensive team . Whose fault is that? And I give some credit to Welch for our improved offense.
Hell, Gohlke was on a podcast surprised that they kept leaving him open. Zero adjustment and that's just one example. So glad that is in the rearview.Since cal got left to his own devices. Last year was an atrocious display of coaching. Literally 5 guys playing solo defense. That might work if a team follows suit and just has 5 guys play solo offense but it doesn't work that way.
Exactly why the Oakland coach was legitimately happy when they got us. He walked that back a bit before the game then affirmed it after. He knew they could run their stuff no issue and its exactly what they did.
Easy to have a great defense when you had Anthony Davis swatting back every shot.
I'm of the mindset that had a whole hell of a lot more to do with things than Cal's coaching approach.
We had good defense when we had good defensive players. It's funny how that works.
People give way too much credit and way too much blame to coaches.
Hell, Gohlke was on a podcast surprised that they kept leaving him open. Zero adjustment and that's just one example. So glad that is in the rearview.
We ranked 1st in block rate last season.
The 2016 team, infamous for their lack of a traditional center and inside presence, finished the season ranked 39th in defensive efficiency. Last year, we finished in the 100's.
For whatever reason, Cal lost his touch in cobbling together a cohesive and effective defensive approach no matter the physical characteristics of the roster. Pre 2019, we had competent defensive teams with a wide variety of roster makeups. In the 2020's, defensive savants became necessities as the goal posts have to be continuously moved to excuse what has been outputs far below standards set by the first 10 years.
Disagree, defense is all effort which last year lacked. No one wanted to hit defense hard. They definitely had the feel for the game but there wasn’t a large amount of effort.90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Our defense was hot dog water the last 4-5 seasons. That was a bigger issue than an outdated offense.Obviously did us in. Was it just lazy coaching, lazy players, or some other X factor? Its not like the kids were slow or unathletic, so what was it?
Disagree, defense is all effort which last year lacked. No one wanted to hit defense hard. They definitely had the feel for the game but there wasn’t a large amount of effort.
Since cal got left to his own devices. Last year was an atrocious display of coaching. Literally 5 guys playing solo defense. That might work if a team follows suit and just has 5 guys play solo offense but it doesn't work that way.
Exactly why the Oakland coach was legitimately happy when they got us. He walked that back a bit before the game then affirmed it after. He knew they could run their stuff no issue and its exactly what they did.
Honestly he was my guy but Rob might’ve been the worst defender I’ve ever seen of a highly touted player. The combination of his lack of size/strength, disregard for wanting to defend, with incredibly low awareness was something to behold.
They could’ve been better than they were. The players and coaches leaned into the offense, thinking it would be good enough to overcome.
I’m really looking forward to this season. Butler, Williams, etc have proven to be good defensive players. Their experience as a whole team should prevent all the mind numbing self inflicted errors on that side of the ball.
Maybe, while I could go on for days of why I’m glad Cal is gone, I think not building defense up and or not holding them accountable on that side of the ball is enough to get results we saw. There wasn’t a lot of hustle in my opinion or they didn’t take pride in defense. Historically, Cal’s defense got better as the year went but his last 5 years the trajectory on everything went down. I’m not convinced it was all Cal’s fault because the players gotta own their effort as well, but there is definitely enough blame to go around for everyone involved when the defense sucked that bad. Having said that, I do believe Cal could have fixed it if he had really wanted to.Let's say it was that. That was just effort (tho I'm not sure I agree with that as there are several players good on one side of the ball and not on the other).........at what point does one point to the players on the team with that?
I get part of coaching is motivating your players to try hard at all times but one would also need to look at the players and wonder why THEY aren't giving it their all.
I don't think it was lack of effort. I think they were trying. Maybe they prioritized offense over defense but I do think they were trying.
No, they go hand in hand. Cal's philosophy has always been "funnel the guards into the shot blockers" so when we didn't have an Anthony Davis, he should've coached his guards a different way of defense. You're right but doesn't mean we aren't also.But this highlights the problem right here.
If you want to blame Cal for the poor defense, then you have to credit him for what the offense was able to accomplish.
You either take the stance that A) the coaching plays a huge part in this.........or B) it doesn't and it's mainly based on players.
What you can't do is say Cal is to blame for the defense but then not give credit to him for the offense. That's not logical.
You're correct. It's been awhile since we had a good defensive team under Cal. The main reason we have sucked on defense for so long is the lack of interior presence.
Easy to have a great defense when you had Anthony Davis swatting back every shot.
I'm of the mindset that had a whole hell of a lot more to do with things than Cal's coaching approach.
We had good defense when we had good defensive players. It's funny how that works.
People give way too much credit and way too much blame to coaches.
And the year before that, and before that, and the year before that?90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
Part coaching part on the players.Obviously did us in. Was it just lazy coaching, lazy players, or some other X factor? Its not like the kids were slow or unathletic, so what was it?
The NBA didn't seem to mind, drafting two of those defenders #3 and #8 in the draft.
Let's cut the BS and call it for what it was: our bad defenders never improved defensively all season. Not even a fraction.
That's ultimately coaching.
Payne and Robic replaced by guys like Chin and Martin.We don't always agree but I agree 100% with this. I often wonder if this kind of issue can be linked to the assistant coaches in some way. Did we lose an assistant who was great at teaching defense?
Pretty certain Dillingham pretty much said the same thing when asked. Said the team really did not have a plan. They were never on the same page just guys out there kind of doing their own thing. That is 100% coaching..90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
The defense has been bad. Ever since 2018-2019. Did we have bad players then?90% of the people will say coaching.
Truth is, we just had poor defensive players. That's all.
It's the same exact reason we were so efficient on offense. We had a group of insanely talented players on one side of the ball that were not good on defense.
There are many reasons IMO. Defense like all other skills requires fundamental teaching from the start, in today's world that doesn't happen. I coached a 3rd & 5th grade boys team and was criticized by parents, who'd never played, because of teaching how & why defense is important. Now 3 pointers is what they were wanting me to teach. Most young players have a problem getting in the proper D stance and being able to stay there through out a game. Good quality player play travel ball, no de sense played there. AAU ball is all offense and very little defense. Stars are protected by coaches so they can get their offense, so defense isn't important. Therefore it, lack of teaching defense, becomes an issue when they get to college and muscle memory and mental memory about is weak. Isn't it odd that Tyler Ulis was such a great Defensive player, especially at his size. He had to be exceptional in all phases to be a great player. I'll guarantee you he worked hard to become a defensive player from a very young age.Obviously did us in. Was it just lazy coaching, lazy players, or some other X factor? Its not like the kids were slow or unathletic, so what was it?
Reed definitely left him open, not sure why he didn't want to get up in his grill and prevent easy treys.Hell, Gohlke was on a podcast surprised that they kept leaving him open. Zero adjustment and that's just one example. So glad that is in the rearview.
The defense has been bad. Ever since 2018-2019. Did we have bad players then?
That wasn't Reed’s defense. He has extremely quick hands, but isn't great laterally. You can get away with that in eastern Kentucky, but not in the SEC.Reed definitely left him open, not sure why he didn't want to get up in his grill and prevent easy treys.