(12-26-2015 12:14 PM)WMSportsBlog Wrote: Through the first 10 games of the season, we'd say things are going pretty well! We've had a tough out of conference schedule, and have weathered the storm nicely. Can't complain about 7-3 overall and an undefeated home recored. But through it all, who leads us in several key statistical categories--rebounding, minutes played, scoring, etc? Check out our newest article below to check it out!
Roll Tribe.
Article: http://wmsportsblog.com/2015/12/26/stati...asketball/
Good read, thanks. While I agree that the chances of the CAA getting an at-large to the tourney are thin. There is importance to the regular season and OOC schedule beyond setting ourselves up to win the CAA Tourney and go dancing. Assuming we can beat CMU on Tuesday, WM is well positioned for an NIT invite if we finish in the top 3 regular season, but fall short of the ultimate goal. Making the NIT two years in a row would be no small feat for a school that's been to the NIT three times in its entire history.
Coming into the season we all would have taken a 7-3 start giving the SOS. That said we are two narrow loses to Howard and Dayton from being a NCAA bubble team.
No time to look back now though, the CAA has come roaring back this season with a top ten conference RPI and no fewer than 5 teams with legit championship aspirations. Regular season will be highly entertaining and competitive. The edge will go to teams that come to play every night out and can finish out games. Depth and balance could really help the Tribe come the regular season grind.
We've played well, but need to improve to achieve the grand prize. Her are some of my observations:
Cohn - Brings unique athleticism and quickness. However, his shooting percentages are 28% and 7%. He can bring valuable offense, especially in the transition game, but needs to pick his spots better. There's plenty of upside here if he reduces the negative plays. I think Shaver will coach him up and harness the potential.
Tarpey - He has picked-up where he left-off last year...with one exception. His jump shooting and 3-point shooting are down. This is not a criticism, he clearly does so much on the floor, but if the team is to reach its highest potential then having Tarpey on the perimeter keeping defenses honest makes us that much more potent on offense.
Free Throws - Probably should have listed this first. No way a team that shoots as well as WM should be shooting 68% from the charity stripe. Free throws cost us big time in two of three losses and will cost us more games down the line if we don't get this percentage up into the mid-70's (73% last year).
Tot - Hampered by injury early, I think his minutes will increase from here on out and he'll be in the regular rotation. He's a complete player and I think he and Cohn should split the vast majority or all the PG minutes. Having Tot come off the bench and play to his capabilities makes WM a better squad going forward.
Defense - This is a very good offensive team, but there will always be nights where the shots don't fall for a portion or all of the game. Defense will keep you in the game when shots aren't falling. I'd give our defense a B so far. Pretty good in general, very good at times, but not consistent enough. We've got enough size, length, and athletes to be a B+ or A- defense.
So, those are my five priorities for the rest of the season. If most or all of them come to pass then there's a very good chance we go dancing.
Go Tribe!