WMTRIBE75
1st String
Posts: 1,472
Joined: Sep 2014
Reputation: 51
I Root For: WILLIAM & MARY
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
Sectiion 208 for us.
So who else is staying at the Renaissance? I know that Tribe4SF is because he is the one who told me about getting it on Priceline.com.
(This post was last modified: 02-29-2016 09:01 PM by WMTRIBE75.)
|
|
02-29-2016 08:58 PM |
|
WMtribe17
All American
Posts: 3,809
Joined: Jan 2015
Reputation: 10
I Root For: W&M
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(02-29-2016 10:14 AM)tribemike09 Wrote: (02-28-2016 10:59 PM)tribeinexile Wrote: This end-of-season experience is starting to look too much like March, 2013, including playing JMU back-to-back to end the regular season and, alas, the Tournament. Hopefully this year one win begets another which begets …
I think only those truly inside the program can know the true cause of our current funk. From the outside we can only make inferences. And those inferences are by nature influenced by physical performance and not intangibles such as team chemistry or unknown injuries, etc.
To these eyes the breakdowns are in the half-court game, both offense and defense.
On offense, whether due to injuries, shooting slumps or defenses adjusting to our game, we have suffered a severe drop in production in the two-spot. If you buy into the theory that any offense needs three go-to players, and if you remember that up until a few weeks ago Dixon was our number two threat, that is a real problem. This puts extra pressure on other players and I don’t think it is a coincidence that Tarpey and Malinowski are now in shooting slumps. It is perhaps significant that our best win lately (over UNC-W) was triggered by a short stretch where Dixon and Tarpey went bonkers.
On defense, our interior defense is getting over-powered. This creates a problem where opponents are hitting threes at an excellent clip because our perimeter defenders are trying to help out down low. One example is the killer three-pointer JMU hit at the end of Saturday’s game. It resulted from Cohn (who is not the most disciplined defender to begin with) leaving his man and going all the way below the basket to help on interior defense. That one example is a mere snippet compared to what happened to us in the Towson game.
If our issues are injuries, fatigue or simply shooting slumps I suspect we won’t see significant changes this weekend. I am inclined to think, however, that Shaver will change something up, if only to try to light a spark. My guess is that he might try to go to some form of pressure defense, not to force turnovers but to reduce the possessions that devolve into half-court possessions, either on offense or defense. I personally don't think we can win three straight games that are predominantly walk the ball up the court, run the clock half-court games but I like our odds in a full-court game against anyone, including UNC-W.
Our teams of 5-10 years ago, much like this year's Elon team, could only realistically hope to win by having three consecutive nights of lights-out shooting. We need to shoot well from the three-point line, particularly early to gain back some confidence but we are a little too talented so say that all we can do is hope for a Curry-like shooting explosion.
(I assume compensation on this board based on words per post, correct?)
You bring up an interesting point about how our perimeter defenders are helping out down low because our interior defense is weak - it's been something I've noticed as well (it's hard not to when teams are getting so many open/non-contested looks from three). Do you think Tony should look into playing two true forwards in the future rather than 4 guards/1 forward? I think it's too late this year, but maybe next year it's possible using a rotation of Whitman/Seacat/Knight. It would probably require somewhat of an offensive overhaul though.
With the motion offense that Shaver uses with the Center passing it out of the high post to shooters/cutters, it will be difficult to play a true big man at the 4. Having 2 bigs on the court will force W&M to change up their scheme on the offensive end. Not sure we could make it work unless we had a 4 who could shoot from the perimeter.
(This post was last modified: 02-29-2016 09:13 PM by WMtribe17.)
|
|
02-29-2016 09:09 PM |
|
tribeinexile
1st String
Posts: 1,261
Joined: Nov 2014
Reputation: 24
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Johns Island, SC
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
The irony is that I would argue that Rusthoven and Sheldon, as effective as they have been, have been missing one element to their game that would absolutely make the offense sizzle. That is the ability to catch the ball at the high post, pivot and put up a 15-footer. So essentially they have been severely undersized 4s playing at the 5-spot but not giving us a jump shooting scoring threat. (This is not to deny that they, and it would seem Whitman and Seacat as well, are outstanding ball distributors.)
I agree that Shaver is not going to put in two immobile bigs and clog up the middle for the defense. I believe that one reason we play the offense we do is that we have never been able to recruit athletic big men. And, in fact, only a few true 5s come to mind (Courage and Vail from the mid-70s, Weidner from the early 80s and maybe Kitts from the late 2000s though I thought he was a true forward).
|
|
02-29-2016 09:25 PM |
|
WM Beancounter
Special Teams
Posts: 801
Joined: Aug 2014
Reputation: 18
I Root For: William & Mary
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
The big redhead shot-blocker in the late 90s was a true 5... Cully?
|
|
02-29-2016 09:33 PM |
|
tribeinexile
1st String
Posts: 1,261
Joined: Nov 2014
Reputation: 24
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Johns Island, SC
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
As I think more about it, I guess I mean strong bulky guys (like half of Towson's team) who can push their way into the lane when on offense and keep others out of the lane when on defense. I think Kitts and Cully were leaner and while they could block shots I am not sure they had the bulk of which I am thinking.
|
|
02-29-2016 09:41 PM |
|
NC Tribe
1st String
Posts: 1,096
Joined: Oct 2014
Reputation: 20
I Root For: W&M, JMU
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
My wife got dumped by Petey (her event horse) today. I just got her medicated and in bed. Thank god she had her vest and helmet on and didn't break any bones. She has already said that I should still go to the tournament, since everything is paid for, and narcotics work wonders. I just hope the horse sitter is in town this weekend in case my wife needs help. It isn't easy to handle those 3 beasts with one arm, of course she could be buying a Tribe ticket to the Big Dance if I can't go......
My wife always says you didn't know what you were getting yourself into when She bought that horse between junior and senior year at W&M. Of course I didn't, I would have run like .......
34 years later all I can say is, Go Tribe!
(This post was last modified: 02-29-2016 10:14 PM by NC Tribe.)
|
|
02-29-2016 09:55 PM |
|
LeadBolt
All American
Posts: 3,406
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 75
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Botetourt
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(02-29-2016 08:58 PM)WMTRIBE75 Wrote: Sectiion 208 for us.
So who else is staying at the Renaissance? I know that Tribe4SF is because he is the one who told me about getting it on Priceline.com.
Staying at the Red Lion (RL). Recently remodeled office building that opened as a hotel this year. $79/night + tax including valet parking and breakfast.
|
|
02-29-2016 09:57 PM |
|
NC Tribe
1st String
Posts: 1,096
Joined: Oct 2014
Reputation: 20
I Root For: W&M, JMU
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(02-29-2016 09:57 PM)LeadBolt Wrote: (02-29-2016 08:58 PM)WMTRIBE75 Wrote: Sectiion 208 for us.
So who else is staying at the Renaissance? I know that Tribe4SF is because he is the one who told me about getting it on Priceline.com.
Staying at the Red Lion (RL). Recently remodeled office building that opened as a hotel this year. $79/night + tax including valet parking and breakfast.
Staying at the Renaissance, assuming my wife sucks it up and feed her own damn horses, I mean "feels better"
Room is paid for, I bet I will be in it, as long as the horse sitter is available...
Go Tribe!
Also in 208, which is another way of saying I will sit where ever I feel like sitting.
(This post was last modified: 02-29-2016 10:15 PM by NC Tribe.)
|
|
02-29-2016 10:12 PM |
|
Tribeheart
Heisman
Posts: 6,842
Joined: Oct 2013
Reputation: 53
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Richmond
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
Three capable teams in this years' tournament have played in the last three finals with their core returning players. William and Mary (twice), Northeastern (twice) and JMU (once). That tournament experience shouldn't be overlooked, despite the regular season results. It's, also, what's going to make this year's tournament a whale of a weekend. The top three teams have got to go through three teams whose core players have already been there. It's a shame that JMU or W&M will be out after Saturday.
If it was only one game, I would rate Hofstra a heavy favorite, and still probably would regardless, but it's 3 games in 3 days, or in a rare outcome, 4 games in 4 days.
If I was setting the Vegas odds, I would give that tournament experience heavy weight. I don't think the Tribe has to play perfect to do this, but we have to play well enough in that opening game to find our legs again and continue to believe they can do this, as a team. They've been there two years running. They know what it takes. Tony certainly knows what it takes.
(This post was last modified: 02-29-2016 10:16 PM by Tribeheart.)
|
|
02-29-2016 10:14 PM |
|
Rocco
All American
Posts: 3,218
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation: 42
I Root For: William and Mar
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(02-29-2016 09:33 PM)WM Beancounter Wrote: The big redhead shot-blocker in the late 90s was a true 5... Cully?
Adam Duggins was a true 5. Then he got hurt and ate a lot.
|
|
02-29-2016 11:02 PM |
|
Rocco
All American
Posts: 3,218
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation: 42
I Root For: William and Mar
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(02-29-2016 10:14 PM)Tribeheart Wrote: Three capable teams in this years' tournament have played in the last three finals with their core returning players. William and Mary (twice), Northeastern (twice) and JMU (once). That tournament experience shouldn't be overlooked, despite the regular season results. It's, also, what's going to make this year's tournament a whale of a weekend. The top three teams have got to go through three teams whose core players have already been there. It's a shame that JMU or W&M will be out after Saturday.
If it was only one game, I would rate Hofstra a heavy favorite, and still probably would regardless, but it's 3 games in 3 days, or in a rare outcome, 4 games in 4 days.
If I was setting the Vegas odds, I would give that tournament experience heavy weight. I don't think the Tribe has to play perfect to do this, but we have to play well enough in that opening game to find our legs again and continue to believe they can do this, as a team. They've been there two years running. They know what it takes. Tony certainly knows what it takes.
|
|
02-29-2016 11:03 PM |
|
Tribeheart
Heisman
Posts: 6,842
Joined: Oct 2013
Reputation: 53
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Richmond
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
I'm outta gun powder, Rocco.
(This post was last modified: 03-01-2016 12:18 AM by Tribeheart.)
|
|
02-29-2016 11:25 PM |
|
wmmii
1st String
Posts: 2,187
Joined: Sep 2014
Reputation: 21
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Williamsburg, VA
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
I think we will either lose against JMU or run the table and break our jinx. I will be there until either the bitter end or the sweet joy!
|
|
03-01-2016 08:04 AM |
|
wml33t
1st String
Posts: 1,896
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation: 39
I Root For: William and Mar
Location:
|
End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
|
|
03-01-2016 08:47 AM |
|
Rocco
All American
Posts: 3,218
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation: 42
I Root For: William and Mar
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 08:47 AM)wml33t Wrote: I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
Hope is a dangerous thing.
|
|
03-01-2016 12:14 PM |
|
Tribe4SF
1st String
Posts: 1,763
Joined: Nov 2012
Reputation: 55
I Root For: W&M
Location: Jamestown!
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 12:14 PM)Rocco Wrote: (03-01-2016 08:47 AM)wml33t Wrote: I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
Hope is a dangerous thing.
|
|
03-01-2016 12:38 PM |
|
LeadBolt
All American
Posts: 3,406
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 75
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Botetourt
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 12:14 PM)Rocco Wrote: (03-01-2016 08:47 AM)wml33t Wrote: I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
Hope is a dangerous thing.
Better to have loved and lost (along with the heartbreak that goes with the losing), than never to have loved at all.
|
|
03-01-2016 02:29 PM |
|
Rocco
All American
Posts: 3,218
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation: 42
I Root For: William and Mar
Location:
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 02:29 PM)LeadBolt Wrote: (03-01-2016 12:14 PM)Rocco Wrote: (03-01-2016 08:47 AM)wml33t Wrote: I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
Hope is a dangerous thing.
Better to have loved and lost (along with the heartbreak that goes with the losing), than never to have loved at all.
I just felt like quoting Shawshank.
|
|
03-01-2016 02:37 PM |
|
LeadBolt
All American
Posts: 3,406
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 75
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Botetourt
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 02:37 PM)Rocco Wrote: (03-01-2016 02:29 PM)LeadBolt Wrote: (03-01-2016 12:14 PM)Rocco Wrote: (03-01-2016 08:47 AM)wml33t Wrote: I choose to head into my trip to Baltimore with an optimistic view. The tournament is a fun weekend for me every year of non-stop basketball and has gotten dramatically better in recent years as I get to see a lot more Tribe basketball.
I have to think that the odds are I will get to see at least 2 Tribe basketball games. Shaver has a history of making these guys ready for the tournament and I think he'll do the same this year. I don't have facts or analysis on how this will happen, just deep down gut hope, heart and instinct. We have a core of 4 players that have been through it time after time in the tournament and succeeded and I think they will do it again!
Let's go Tribe!
Hope is a dangerous thing.
Better to have loved and lost (along with the heartbreak that goes with the losing), than never to have loved at all.
I just felt like quoting Shawshank.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
|
|
03-01-2016 02:54 PM |
|
zablenoise
Heisman
Posts: 5,249
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 53
I Root For: William & Mary
Location: Washington, DC
|
RE: End of Season & Tournament Thoughts
(03-01-2016 12:38 PM)Tribe4SF Wrote:
I look at that picture and see a trip to the clinic and a prescription for penicillin
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
|
|
03-01-2016 04:01 PM |
|