I took a close look at the DePaul game, and an even closer look at the Nova game defense. We all realize that there are deficiencies present. The good news? I believe that they can be fixed heading into next season.
Problem: Defensive rebounding
I'd love to see the stats on offensive rebounds surrendered, especially in relation to the rest of the conference. Two obvious problems stand out here, and they are each interrelated. Number one, a lack of boxing out. Too often opponents rebound simply because our guys have not put a body on them. Unfortunately it's not just one culprit. It's the entire front line, starters and reserves. Fortunately, this skill can be corrected through specific drills.
Part of this issue is not physical, but mental. Through high school and/or JC, players develop a nasty habit of using superior athleticism to rebound. Literally jumping higher than an opponent. That does not work on this level.
The second issue is generally a lack of help from the guards. Too often they look to leak out, seeking an easy basket.They need to work on assisting with rebounding.
Problem: Stopping penetration
This one is somewhat of a mystery. We have guards that are capable of being terrific on ball defenders. Especially Posh and Greg, and Dunn to a lesser extent. The issue is they press well, play great defense for 60 feet, then as the opponent runs an offensive set, they give up penetration easily. Two problems here. One is a scheme issue. If a team runs exterior picks, or a weave, the Storm guards switch on everything. Better defensive communication would help in calling out impending picks, as well as alleviating the need to constantly switch.
The second issue involves defensive positioning. Too often players are playing defense standing straight up. Greater care in using an appropriate defensive pose needs to occur.
Once penetration is surrendered, its ball game over with opponents driving to the basket, or if the lane is blocked, defeating our scramble defense, passing to wide open shooters.
The good news? All of this is correctable. It will take experience for the younger players, and coaching for all players. I'm very confident that CMA and staff will make the proper adjustments and teach them well. It's a journey but we will get there.
Problem: Defensive rebounding
I'd love to see the stats on offensive rebounds surrendered, especially in relation to the rest of the conference. Two obvious problems stand out here, and they are each interrelated. Number one, a lack of boxing out. Too often opponents rebound simply because our guys have not put a body on them. Unfortunately it's not just one culprit. It's the entire front line, starters and reserves. Fortunately, this skill can be corrected through specific drills.
Part of this issue is not physical, but mental. Through high school and/or JC, players develop a nasty habit of using superior athleticism to rebound. Literally jumping higher than an opponent. That does not work on this level.
The second issue is generally a lack of help from the guards. Too often they look to leak out, seeking an easy basket.They need to work on assisting with rebounding.
Problem: Stopping penetration
This one is somewhat of a mystery. We have guards that are capable of being terrific on ball defenders. Especially Posh and Greg, and Dunn to a lesser extent. The issue is they press well, play great defense for 60 feet, then as the opponent runs an offensive set, they give up penetration easily. Two problems here. One is a scheme issue. If a team runs exterior picks, or a weave, the Storm guards switch on everything. Better defensive communication would help in calling out impending picks, as well as alleviating the need to constantly switch.
The second issue involves defensive positioning. Too often players are playing defense standing straight up. Greater care in using an appropriate defensive pose needs to occur.
Once penetration is surrendered, its ball game over with opponents driving to the basket, or if the lane is blocked, defeating our scramble defense, passing to wide open shooters.
The good news? All of this is correctable. It will take experience for the younger players, and coaching for all players. I'm very confident that CMA and staff will make the proper adjustments and teach them well. It's a journey but we will get there.
