Ten points in a half is right pitiful. When you ain't tryin to get nothin in transition, have no ball security, don't create no looks with screening and off ball motion in the half court, then shoot like you got the squirts in church that is the result.
Momma said "if yousens ain't got nuttin nice to say just say nuttin at all." Daddy said, "hush woman, sometimes folks need to hear da truth"... Kids, always listen to yo daddy, you get less whippins that way.
After 9 games, it's clear as mud what the kids are being taught. They often look as confused as a fart in a fan factory. Substitution patterns are crazy. Playing 10-12 kids stops anyone from getting in a flow. How they gonna learn how to play with each other when 5 are only on the court for two minutes at a time? This ain't junior pro. Everybody with snot in their nose don't have to play a quarter. Play 7-8 kids max.
Only got three regular starters back from last year but four played real minutes because Cook was quick off the bench and even started a few. Poss hasn't played yet. Why have the other two returning guards changed positions? If it ain't broke don't fix it; (but now that it is shattered) time to put it back the way it was with the 2 & 3 sliding to the 1 & 2. Norris needs to be back at point and that can't happen soon enough. In interviews, Sanders says he wants to play fast but we look like a herd of turtles looking for a set play after every rebound.
Seven months to identify/develop your core players and put in a new system is plenty. Heck, entire houses are built faster than that. Set plays ain't a system. Learn 3 or 4 perfectly. Call 'em to stop big Mo or when time is out but don't let the defense always get set. The kids from last year don't look comfortable but worse they don't play as hard or look like they have fun playing for the new coach. That is a major problem. Progression is not dictated by talent. Players should know their role. They don't. When your role is defined, players can be held honest, instructed with specifics and grow. The girl's team runs an effective read/react motion. They get good looks and layups regularly. Different players clearly have different responsibilities. They are gettin it. You can see them growing collectively. Momma always said if you don't know the answer borrow one from a neighbor. That got me a B in chemistry and I couldn't tell you a single thang about that mess. Works in sports too.
Defensively, AAU teams are better structured. It looks like we play soft gap man or a spread zone inviting dribble drives with little help no matter what defense we are in. Defense is simple but hard work. Understand about 5 rules and bust yo tail. Seems like we a bunch of lazy rule breakers or the rules have never been taught. Good high school team defense will lead to a contested shot or turnover in 25 seconds or less. Cannon held the ball every possession for 35-45 seconds or until they had a good look because we rested away from the ball without contesting passing lanes. A team of one eyed, club footed, midgets could score if they always have a relief valve and can pass the rock around until they get what they want. Pressure man may not be the style Sanders wants to play and that is fine; but... we have a couple quick guards and a couple rim protectors. He needs to find a style that works with that personnel.
Bottom line is we gotta get mo shots with betta looks. They gotta get less shots on tougher looks. The girls are winning possession count and thus games. The boys aren't. Tough to win any other way.
I was told the coach just had his first baby. Maybe it was a difficult pregnancy and that has been a distraction for him since he got here. By several accounts I hear he is a stand up feller. I don't want to make excuses for him because that never helped nobody. This is probably the most talent we will have for the next couple years and so it's time to quit the piddlin, put on the big boy britches and get to work. Otherwise, we gonna be in for a long multi-year miserable ride. Poss hopefully comes back next week adding talent but lack of progression is the problem.
How is that for thoughts on the game?
Need Less of This First Coaching Image and More of the Second
AND MUCH MUCH MORE OF THIS
