One thing I’ve noticed throughout the year in the dozen games I’ve watched, is that this team depends heavily on defense and scoring on up tempo transitions. It’s a great formula for winning, and it’s a great fit for our talent. But, it’s damn near impossible to depend on this at seasons end when tourneys begin. To win championships, you need to be able to play effective half court offense against swarming defenses that put constant pressure on the ball. There have been several periods during our dominant winning streak where teams were successful in forcing us to play half court offense against pressure defense, and we looked vulnerable. This team is used to taking uncontested threes and getting lots of layups, and my concern is whether they have adequately developed the passing and cutting and timing necessary to beat half court pressure defenses.
Completely agree. Playoff basketball baby.
Game gets tighter, more physical, refs lay off the whistle a tad bit more. Scoring in transition becomes tougher for sure .
You will love this:
When you mention the importance of cutting and timing I literal had instant flashbacks of the best ND basketball team of my lifetime. ( I'm 30 )
Pat C, Jerian G, August, Bonzie, the silent assassin Vasturia, demetrius..
I remember them being unbelievable at moving without the ball.
Still think they could of won the national championship if they didn't let kentucky escape at the end in the elite 8. They would of faced Wisconsin in final 4, then Duke, whom the irish already beat in ACC tourney.
Pretty traumatic. Haven't sniffed elite 8 since.
