The "it takes time" argument is a thing of the past in today's world of college basketball. Until the landscape shifts, its reload and go every year. You either get it right, or not. I realize the kind of early returns teams like Drake are getting are more the exception, but I just wish, at long last, finally, it could be SIU again.
I'm not even close to ready to throw in the towel. The Elliott injury sucks, but there's still talent up and down the roster. However, the sheer lack of mental focus and collective effort this group has shown at times does not inspire confidence that they'll somehow find in short order that Kent Williams, Jamaal Tatum, Tony Young-type mental fortitude needed for all 40 minutes to win tough college basketball games.
--Insert something witty here--
To be fair, Drake’s team is mostly made up of players that have played in McCollum’s system the last few years. But you’re right about there not needing to be 4 year rebuilds anymore
My thoughts after this start?
Decent effort against Okie State and Louisiana Tech. Those are two good teams. Should’ve gotten the win against LT.
Completely overwhelmed by Florida.
Can’t judge the NDSU game because the Bison were shorthanded.
EKU was completely unacceptable.
Theres obviously gobs of talent on this team AND they’re long…I’m just not sure this group meshes well as a full roster. Lots of holes.
Losing Elliott is massive. Having Aligbe gone will make it tough to beat anybody in the top 200.
Im giving this guy a full year, but I agree with something Barkeep mentioned: this run, no D style does NOT win in the Valley. I hope he proves me wrong.
I would be stunned if we keep Bradley within 20. It’s gonna be dark for a bit. I’m hoping he can find the right crop of guys for his system next year. This crop is WAY too slow and lazy.
john
Bow Em
Im giving this guy a full year, but I agree with something Barkeep mentioned: this run, no D style does NOT win in the Valley. I hope he proves me wrong.
Indiana State didn't win the Valley but they were able to win with running up and down and playing no D. I think the Valley is going more and more in that direction.
I think the problem with this team is there's not enough scoring to make up for poor defense. This team really doesn't do anything well when you look at the KenPom stats
Im giving this guy a full year, but I agree with something Barkeep mentioned: this run, no D style does NOT win in the Valley. I hope he proves me wrong.
Indiana State didn't win the Valley but they were able to win with running up and down and playing no D. I think the Valley is going more and more in that direction.
I think the problem with this team is there's not enough scoring to make up for poor defense. This team really doesn't do anything well when you look at the KenPom stats
There were stretches against La Tech and EKU (second half) where the D looked good. They need to build on that and make it the norm. I think Sharp can help with turning up the ball pressure.
This team has shown the ability to play outstanding defense at times this year. We are going to give up more points because of the amount of possessions. We have some outstanding defenders on this team including Davis, Dibba and Sharp. Davis is possibly the best defender in the MVC. I'm not sure where folks are getting this team plays no defense. We have had big defensive lapses at times, that's for sure. However, if you are saying this team plays no defense you simply aren't watching the games. Folks saying they have been together since June so there are no excuses are showing a lack of knowledge. Practicing and scrimmaging against each other is a far cry from the experience you get and what you find out about your team when you start playing other teams for real when you have a completely new team and staff. Drake has 4 starters who have played for the same coach and in same system for years. That makes a huge difference. Drake vs SIU is Apples to Oranges. If we are getting throttled by mid level MVC teams in the next 6 weeks I'll concede we are in trouble, until then I have confidence the team is going to put it together. We have talent on both sides of the ball, both defensively and offensively. The one area of deficiency we will continue to struggle with will be outside shooting. If we can at least be average there and start playing better together consistently we will compete with everyone. Let's see how the MVC grind turns out.Im giving this guy a full year, but I agree with something Barkeep mentioned: this run, no D style does NOT win in the Valley. I hope he proves me wrong.
Indiana State didn't win the Valley but they were able to win with running up and down and playing no D. I think the Valley is going more and more in that direction.
I think the problem with this team is there's not enough scoring to make up for poor defense. This team really doesn't do anything well when you look at the KenPom stats
There were stretches against La Tech and EKU (second half) where the D looked good. They need to build on that and make it the norm. I think Sharp can help with turning up the ball pressure.
The defense is soft as they go under screens instead of fighting over this allows other teams to shoot wide open 3s they do not dive for loose balls and lose out on 50/50 balls more times than not they do not shoot well but do hit the glass also all teams scrimmage against each other till games start and all teams improve as time goes on and all teams make adjustments throughout the season i always believe in the Salukis but with injuries and new philosophies i believe this is a transition year and hopefully good things are coming in next years
Im giving this guy a full year, but I agree with something Barkeep mentioned: this run, no D style does NOT win in the Valley. I hope he proves me wrong.
Indiana State didn't win the Valley but they were able to win with running up and down and playing no D. I think the Valley is going more and more in that direction.
I think the problem with this team is there's not enough scoring to make up for poor defense. This team really doesn't do anything well when you look at the KenPom stats
Indiana State won the MVC last year - just got upset in the tournament. Should have won the NIT and they beat tougher teams.
Nothing wrong with run and gun as long as you can gun...You can win in any league playing that way. Check the NBA!
But you also can't take a half off like we did against EKU.
Defense is very hard work - harder than offense IMO, and when you run and gun, D is going to suffer somewhat. You also have to have great conditioning.
As Nagy said, you can tell the kids but they are the ones who have to do it.
The "it takes time" argument is a thing of the past in today's world of college basketball. Until the landscape shifts, its reload and go every year. You either get it right, or not. I realize the kind of early returns teams like Drake are getting are more the exception, but I just wish, at long last, finally, it could be SIU again.
I'm not even close to ready to throw in the towel. The Elliott injury sucks, but there's still talent up and down the roster. However, the sheer lack of mental focus and collective effort this group has shown at times does not inspire confidence that they'll somehow find in short order that Kent Williams, Jamaal Tatum, Tony Young-type mental fortitude needed for all 40 minutes to win tough college basketball games.
It doesn't take years to rebuild, but it does take a number of games for players to gel. It's the ultimate teamwork game, which is why teams with lesser talent but great teamwork can beat more talented opponents. I think this team will be considerably better in January/February.
Losing EE really hurts though, because he was our best O player. Hopefully RA can be back soon.
