(08-18-2014 10:28 PM)TripleA Wrote:  The strategy is, "Keep it simple, Stupid."

(08-18-2014 10:16 AM)mairving Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:00 AM)83msu Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:40 AM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:21 AM)NJ1 Wrote:  Hmm... maybe a lot of the new/young faces need more teaching on the basics right now, so they're prioritizing that?

Did you see any flash cards in action?

No flash cards and the team seems to be playing straight up man all the time. After open threes, players are getting yanked and are being told where they should have been. I have no clue because I haven't talked to the coaches, but I think they seem to be taking the approach to seeing what they have, and stressing defensive principles. There doesn't seem to be much strategy.

I am no side line coach but is this something fans should be concerned about? "There doesn't seem to be much strategy."

We have had 10 practices leading up to this game. We only have 8 scholarship players that have played. Nichols is on the trip but hasn't played. Of those that have played, only one guy, Shaq played significant minutes last year. Iverson and King only averaged around 10 minutes a game. We have Pookie, Avery Woodson, Markel Crawford, Hawkins and Magee who have not played in a Tiger uniform prior to the game on Saturday. We also have 4 guys, Kendren Johnson, Austin Nichols, Trahson Burrell and Godfrey who are expected to be significant pieces to our team this year that aren't playing.

You can worry about it if you want but guys coming out of high school and JUCO ranks generally take some time to learn how to play defense properly. It's really just a glorified summer practice where they keep score.

I hope you aren't using this excuse at the end of the season.

(08-18-2014 10:28 PM)TripleA Wrote:  The strategy is, "Keep it simple, Stupid."

Simple is don't switch back picks and stay on your man...Hell they are switching everything that is why kids get confused and people are wide open for shots...Switching off ball screens is a lazy mans defense.

I could care less if we win or lose in this trip. I just want to know that players are learning their strengths & improving on weaknesses. The Kuran Box gives me hope that JP is placing these young guys in a position to be successful. All to often the last few years players have been out of position & seemed lost. They never improved on easily fixed mistakes, even after years, much less from game to game. Which has been the most consistent complaint I've seen & made myself. So the mere fact that it seems we are working on skills & positioning during this trip & extra practice time is promising.

Maybe TC was right about "The Truth"