Auburn, Wed., Nov. 26, 8:00p, TruTV / 880 AM

3 losses to 3 ranked teams. All of which we had leads later part of second half in. That is both a huge red flag and a big reason for optimism.

Worries of guard play are valid. As well as concerns of roster fit and pieces being greater than its sum.

I think a lot of our issues defensively and on the boards relate to missing wing length in the form of an RJ or similar. Our guard/wings do not fit the mold. I think Coach Pitino looks at Sanon and sees the potential to play that 3. Size, length and athleticism fit the mold. So he’s trying to cram him into that role in hopes he develops outside of just a gunner. I think he looks at Jackson and is unsure of what he sees, but he’s certain he’s not a 3 or a 1 at the moment. Thats leaves him at the 2 which is unfortunately the spot Pitino feels most sure about with Sellers. That means either Jackson’s getting squeezed or Sellers gets asked to do something that takes away from his strength. Darling is
happy Thanksgiving guys!
but he’s certainly not a sure fire answer. Still believe in 18-25 minutes there.

For the front court crunch I’d like to see Pitino commit to 10 minutes of Mitchell as the actual designated pg. Find a zone that works for that and some other lineups and build around that added size, with rebounding and transition points. This roster can be so much better rebounding than it’s showed. This will free up more space for Hopkins and Zuby and more time for Prey. Our bigs have got to commit to running, that’s Zuby and Hopkins included, because our guard/wings most certainly are. But no rebound = no run.

Have we looked like a top 5 team so far? No sir 100% not. Have we looked like a team that can compete neck and neck with top teams? 100% yes.

Consistently put yourself in good chances and figure out what works best for your team and the potential is still there. Challenges acknowledged.
Mitchell in traffic is a recipe for disaster. He’s a big but under-skilled 3 that is athletic enough to defend anyone so he defaults to a 4.

You want him and Hopkins to get the ball and go every single time, but you don’t want those guys handling consistently in half court situations. They need to pick their spots very carefully.

I do not want the ball in their hands creating in key spots. I want Jackson driving or Sanon creating his own jumper with 4 guys crashing.
Those are superior options.
 
Mitchell in traffic is a recipe for disaster. He’s a big but under-skilled 3 that is athletic enough to defend anyone so he defaults to a 4.

You want him and Hopkins to get the ball and go every single time, but you don’t want those guys handling consistently in half court situations. They need to pick their spots very carefully.

I do not want the ball in their hands creating in key spots. I want Jackson driving or Sanon creating his own jumper with 4 guys crashing.
Those are superior options.
The problem with those two options is it leaves the other 4 defenders with 0 things to worry about. Shots going up.
 
3 losses to 3 ranked teams. All of which we had leads later part of second half in. That is both a huge red flag and a big reason for optimism.

Worries of guard play are valid. As well as concerns of roster fit and pieces being greater than its sum.

I think a lot of our issues defensively and on the boards relate to missing wing length in the form of an RJ or similar. Our guard/wings do not fit the mold. I think Coach Pitino looks at Sanon and sees the potential to play that 3. Size, length and athleticism fit the mold. So he’s trying to cram him into that role in hopes he develops outside of just a gunner. I think he looks at Jackson and is unsure of what he sees, but he’s certain he’s not a 3 or a 1 at the moment. Thats leaves him at the 2 which is unfortunately the spot Pitino feels most sure about with Sellers. That means either Jackson’s getting squeezed or Sellers gets asked to do something that takes away from his strength. Darling is
happy Thanksgiving guys!
but he’s certainly not a sure fire answer. Still believe in 18-25 minutes there.

For the front court crunch I’d like to see Pitino commit to 10 minutes of Mitchell as the actual designated pg. Find a zone that works for that and some other lineups and build around that added size, with rebounding and transition points. This roster can be so much better rebounding than it’s showed. This will free up more space for Hopkins and Zuby and more time for Prey. Our bigs have got to commit to running, that’s Zuby and Hopkins included, because our guard/wings most certainly are. But no rebound = no run.

Ayo needs 10+ consistent minutes all year.

Have we looked like a top 5 team so far? No sir 100% not. Have we looked like a team that can compete neck and neck with top teams? 100% yes.

Consistently put yourself in good chances and figure out what works best for your team and the potential is still there. Challenges acknowledged.
No optimism for me.

I'd rather get blown out then lose like that, just s knowing we had these games, but blow it at the end of games.
It sticks with you longer.
 
What this team is missing is a Posh Alexander-type player. An absolute dog on defense who can handle the rock. I would kill to have him back right now (yes I know he's out of eligibility) but that kind of player is exactly what this team is missing. Jackson and Sanon need to grow up fast!
 
I agree with what you are saying about Richmond and smith. And all the guys. And yes they were point guards and this years team technically only has 1 point guard officially.

But they all needed to learn the system and gel as the year went on. And they were hammered on this board about how they played etc. They weren’t good early on as a group.
We have to give this years team a chance.
Agree 100% about a chance, as always commenting on what I see, not trying to project. But, very clearly last years group “got it” much quicker than year one’s. Unfortunately, with a heavy front loaded schedule, as the saying goes, “it’s getting late early” this year.
 
The problem with those two options is it leaves the other 4 defenders with 0 things to worry about. Shots going up.
I didn’t put the roster together🤣 The only thing Sanon does well is shoot. He’d never be a guy I’d target, but if he’s going to be on the floor then he has to shoot 15x a game.

Jackson is just a bad passer at this point of his career. Kind of reminds me of Alonso throwing to first. I do think that can be remedied or at least mitigated by March.


IMG_5305.jpeg
 
Excluding the gloom and doomers, it didn’t take long for the enjoy the ride sentiment to fade away. Obviously not living up to our preseason billing but to fold up the tents is a bit premature.
Year 3 buddy, we all know what Rick has done at the other school, but now the awe of having him here is fading away.
It's time to see results here.

I know you're going to say well look at what we accomplished last year, and that was all great but in the NCAA Tournament we got bounced in the 2nd rnd, thought we'd atleast make the 2nd week.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
 
Year 3 buddy, we all know what Rick has done at the other school, but now the awe of having him here is fading away.
It's time to see results here.

I know you're going to say well look at what we accomplished last year, and that was all great but in the NCAA Tournament we got bounced in the 2nd rnd, thought we'd atleast make the 2nd week.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Season 3 is not over buddy
 
1-3 vs. the P-5

Let's see if there's any improvement vs ole miss.
That's all I'm going to say.
Ole Miss the first Peacock of several Peacock only games. Doesn't look like Peacock is having the kind of great Black Friday deal they had last year. Best I've seen so far is $7.99 per month unless they release something better tomorrow.
 
IMHO it’s not just the defense. Their offense is slow to get started. Many players pick up their dribble way too soon and I see a lot of players standing still. Granted they new players adjusting but the ball has to keep moving, whether driving of passing.
 
IMHO it’s not just the defense. Their offense is slow to get started. Many players pick up their dribble way too soon and I see a lot of players standing still. Granted they new players adjusting but the ball has to keep moving, whether driving of passing.
They were playing well until they decided to go to Zuby every possession in order to foul out their 2 big men . The offense just stopped moving
 
Did someone post a video of Coachs post
Game presser? I’ve been trying to find that post unsuccessfully. Thanks in advance.
 
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