The loss isn’t a big deal... we weren’t running the table. And considering how poorly we shot- some credit deserved for still staying in the game. But a disconcerting component emerged.... shrinking our bench to 7 players. That will be unsustainable - especially the way these kids play. Unless he is sick- I can’t figure out why Kennedy didn’t play. And White has to find some minutes among Reeves, JJ and/or Lane.
This one was tough to watch for 2 reasons. 1. We couldnt make shots we normally make (Fleming was good though) 2. Our D looked really bad falling for the same cuts over and over. If we would have executed and played well and just got beat I can live with that. That being said I never questioned their effort and determination in this game. Proud of that. I am curious on how they respond.
Yeah if he’s gonna expect them to play intense defense all game he’s gonna have to go deep into the bench to keep fresh legs. Tired players also miss a lot of shots that usually come up short. He’s got the bench and some talent so he should take advantage of it.
One game, so no reason to panic, but a ton of troubling signs tonight. I think 6-8 times Appleby took the ball over half court and never even passed it, just decided he was the offense. We had 24 three attempts and he had 10 of them, he was 2-11 from the field, two assists and three turnovers. White never sat him and reminded what a point guard actually does. I was having Kevaughn Allen flashbacks. They put their big man up high to get CC out of the lane and then took us off the dribble or on back cuts all night, we did exactly zero to counter it. And by the way, that’s the gonna be the book on us now, Goss saw that work against us in our last game and had the players to execute it. And one fun stat, we were 20-33 from two point range, and we still chucked up 24 threes. Many of them early in the clock or contested. Or from CC, who has made maybe one outside shot all year. so yeah, one game and just a blip resume wise, just the way we lost bothers me.
That’s why I made the KA reference though, this has been an issue with MW for years. He almost never holds people accountable for the selfishness we saw tonight. Absolutely drives me crazy. And on the defensive end our adjustments are generally close to zero. If straight man isn’t working, White just basically waits for the clock to count down and goes to shake the other coaches hand. The only adjustment we made all night was coming out of the press, which hasn’t worked lately either. And yeah had we shot better we might have won, but it only would have been papering over the problems that are starting to show, because many of these have been around a few games now. glas half full, maybe it refocuses them a bit. We have two cake games to work on some things, we will see. But the scouting report against us is starting to show some holes. anyway, on to the next game.
Let’s see how they respond. This was a humbling experience showing them they need more than hustle to win a game. Appleby didn’t look good, but at least Marr some shots late to make it a game. Our guys just forgot it was a team game for whatever reason. Credit to OU’s defense.
Not only that but it's 2021. If you don't play the young guys they're gonna transfer out. So if you think they're worth a shit you kind of have to play them, at least early in the season. Like half this team is gone next year, so unless White is gonna bring in 8 more transfers you need to play some young guys.
That’s exactly right. Lack of adjustment to this was disappointing. But there aren’t many teams that can do it effectively. You need a big man that can pass and shoot well. Fortunately not many of those around.
CC imo should give up on the long range shot unless the clock is winding down. It's just not a high % shot for him and the team. CC is best when he's attacking the rim and hitting his ft's. Jones played 40 minutes tonight, his 3rd game this season with at least 36 minutes played, which were also our 3 hardest games. Imo, I think its effecting his shot. He's a 40% 3-pt shooter but tough to shoot well when you're grinding the entire game. Get to the NCAA tournament and let him play 40, but haven't even played a game in the SEC yet. I get why White wants him on the floor. He's an incredibly efficient player. Jones has 14 assists on the season, but only 10 TO's (1.4/game) averaging 31.8 m/gm. It would be even higher if we didn't have a few blowouts. 2 games coming up to get some other guys some playing time. Hopefully 1 or 2 can play well, get some confidence and get into the rotation. Then on Dec 12th is a big game vs Maryland. Need to win that for another big non conference win. Get our swagger back for the SEC.
Some credit where credit is due. Porter Moser's oklahoma team is eerily similar to his Loyola Chicago/Team Sister Jean squads. In your face defense, they out hustle you, they simply play with a burning desire to win. That defense turns everyone over. To top it all off, bad shooting nights do happen. The Gators lost to a team that wanted it more in a tough road environment.
