Some of the teams we've beaten had disappointing losses, thereby affecting our computer data. I have to assume that's the reason. FSU and Wake both won, by the way.
I've noticed that we're good enough now so refs turn their heads on some defensive plays that would in the past be whistled for a foul. The team has made a remarkable improvement on defense by their roster, scheme and effort this year. So has the countenance of the refs.
are you saying we might be the new SC? Those teams got away with murder sometimes, because it was their defensive "style". After all our tournament losses (See: Butler, SC) we've definitely earned our right to be on the right side of officiating for once
I've enjoyed reading the last few pages here after the UNF game. I don't think we have any worry of getting out played physically even in conference play. The one thing we can't control are the refs, like those in the UNC game that allowed the momentum to turn before halftime. Against UNF, the refs let them play and our physicality was a big part of our success. If the refs don't want a physical game then we will have to adjust and out execute, make good shots and defend longer, against the competition. I do have a few other ideas to bring to the table. There is very little to complain about with this team so think of these as constructive improvements. 1. Is Condron about to explode? In the last 3 games he has scored 26 points but only went 8 for 24 on his shot attempts. He's missed many at close range and seems to struggle at finishing with his back to the basket at close range. Obviously he has been working on his 3 point range but if he gets his short game dialed in for SEC play, he's going to be the force inside we need and his scoring average will jump. Last year this team relied on Handlogten and Samuel so the attention was not on him. Now he has to step up his made opportunities without having another inside threat to attract attention. 2. What's our biggest improvement recently on defense? This is not a numbers to prove thing but what I see is our defense extending into 3 point range, by switching on high screens and rotating to cover open shooters. I say it's not a numbers thing, but who we have been playing to help us prepare. UNF was the top ranked 3 pt shooting team. UNC has star players with high rankings from 3. If we keep this up, it will pay off in the SEC against teams like Auburn, Texas and Missouri and allow us to stretch the floor, which improves our chances to jump the passing lanes. You jump the passing lanes, you get easy finishes at the other end. 3. What's my favorite defender to watch? You would think Martin or Aberdeen but it's not. Walter Clayton has shown great patience on D and lets the game come to him. Many times it looks like a player could drive past him to the hoop but Walter uses his body, mainly his chest, to redirect the dribbler back in front of him. He is moving his feet more than his hands. By doing this he still has a burst of speed when needed or can challenge a shot better if the dribbler drives to the net. Because of this Walter hasn't been in foul trouble for the last month, giving him more time on the court. Compared to last year, the last month of the season, Walter ended many games with 3, 4, or 5 fouls. 4. Lastly, our bench only strengthens our team and the deeper it gets, the farther we will go. CTG can always rely on Aberdeen and Haugh to do their part. Alexis does well 2 out of 3 games and adds his own style down low. 8 players is usually enough but CTG needs to keep giving Klavzar and Brown more game appearances when possible. If either one of them step up, they could be like Aberdeen finished last year. If we get a 9th contributor, this team will be crazy to defend.
I agree on UK. Ive said it here a few times and I still believe it: Urban can be a meaningful player in the SEC. I hope he gets 20 mins v Stetson and finds himself.
Okay, NCAA Net Rankings, 12/22/24 edition... Gators are now #4. https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-net-rankings
Seeing today's Torvik and NET rankings, plus UK getting trucked by an Ohio State team fresh off a trucking, has me pretty eager for Rupp. Let's see if we're all that.
Still really hard to win at Rupp, and UK still has wins over Duke and Gonzaga. Nevertheless, I like our chances. And if UT and UF are both still unbeaten when the Vols come to Gainesville... well, it's Katie, bar the door. Hide the women and children.
Turns out we might have the chance to be a REALLY good team. Aside from that 16-0 run at Rupp and that run by UNC at UNC, we have had an amazing start to the season. Now we need to take it to Ark and Calamari
Arkansas lost by 24 at UT Saturday. They have a home game vs Ole Miss tomorrow night on ESPN2 at 6pm.
I never underestimate any SEC team on their home court, but I like our chances....as long as we bring this kind of intensity. We were diving all over for loose balls and were just relentless, on D and on the offensive boards
Interesting stats through the first 15 games. 1. Our average margin of victory in our 14 wins is 24 points. 2. Our closest home game was a 15-point victory in game 1 against USF 3. Our average margin of victory in our 8 home games is 28 points. 4. Our average margin of victory in our 12 games in the state of Florida is 27 points. This is complete dominance. Our two closest games were a road win aganst UNC by 6 and a road loss to Kentucky by 6. We are no longer a good team. We are a great team and a Final Four team. When all is said and done, I think we finish top 1, 2 or 3 in the SEC and with a 1 or 2 seed in the tournament, barring any unforseen circumstances.
