Going Big

[tom in salem]

It's pretty clear right now that Jordan/Harrison in the backcourt and Sampson/Obekpa in the frontcourt are the core of our rotation. And it's been a very productive core for over 6 weeks now.

Where we just aren't getting enough - especially in the context of getting over the hump against a Villanova or Xavier - is from that 5th spot. We are getting production from other players, particularly Sanchez of late, but also Branch, Greene, and Pointer (the latter three in inconsistent fashion). However that production is often with one of the core 4 out of the game and thus we haven't been able to develop a "go-to" lineup, even during the winning streak. I think the lack of this go-to 5 is part of what has held us back in close games this year against top competition.

We tried going big earlier in the year with Sampson/Sanchez/Obekpa at the same time, and I don't blame Lavin for going away from it because it clearly wasn't working. However, one, at that time all three players were somewhat out of sync individually, let alone trying to gel collectively. Two, there was still plenty of mixing and matching left to experiment with. Now, on the whole, these 3 guys are playing their best basketball of the season and we have experimented with every lineup under the sun, and I don't think we have anything better right now than attempting to go big again.

I'm not suggesting that this become a 30 MPG lineup, but I also think it has to be more than 0 MPG at this point. At the very least it should reduce the minutes Greene/Pointer spend filling that 5th spot from 50-60 minutes to closer to 40-45. Especially situationally - yesterday was a perfect opportunity, with as weak as DePaul is up front, to go big and make them adjust to us; instead we went small in reaction to DePaul all game.

We are approaching our most important games of the season that are going to get won and lost in the details, and this is a detail we need to tighten up.

Can't do it. If you start Obekpa, Sampson, Sanchez who do you bring in when 2 of them need a breather after 10mins or pickup a quick two fouls? Then you are FORCED to go small with your second lineup. If you start a balanced lineup, you can bring in Sanchez and stay balanced.. or bring in Dom and go small, or bring in Sanchez and Gift and stay "Big". You have options.

If you start all 3 and any of them get a little banged up or pickup quick fouls, it throws off the gameplan for the rest of the night. Plus - Sampson and Obekpa are used to their roles as the 4. Sampson knows where he should be getting the ball in that baseline extended area. They know who they are supposed to rotate to guard when we play zone etc.
You make Jakarr or Sanchez play the 3 and then their spacing is going to go to shit.

Their spacing is already in the toilet.
In case of foul trouble, you still have Gift, who scares me less than Pointer.
Put Sanchez on the foul line in a 1-3-1.
Can't put Sampson there, he's black hole.
Best part of this lineup is no Greene and better rebounding.

 

[RedStormRising]

You can see the difficult decisions Lavin must face when all the coaches on this board can't even agree on a line-up.

 

[simplyred]

You can see the difficult decisions Lavin must face when all the coaches on this board can't even agree on a line-up.

These geniuses can't even agree on who should be on the team, let alone what their playing time should be.

 

[JackofVirginia]

It's pretty clear right now that Jordan/Harrison in the backcourt and Sampson/Obekpa in the frontcourt are the core of our rotation. And it's been a very productive core for over 6 weeks now.

Where we just aren't getting enough - especially in the context of getting over the hump against a Villanova or Xavier - is from that 5th spot. We are getting production from other players, particularly Sanchez of late, but also Branch, Greene, and Pointer (the latter three in inconsistent fashion). However that production is often with one of the core 4 out of the game and thus we haven't been able to develop a "go-to" lineup, even during the winning streak. I think the lack of this go-to 5 is part of what has held us back in close games this year against top competition.

We tried going big earlier in the year with Sampson/Sanchez/Obekpa at the same time, and I don't blame Lavin for going away from it because it clearly wasn't working. However, one, at that time all three players were somewhat out of sync individually, let alone trying to gel collectively. Two, there was still plenty of mixing and matching left to experiment with. Now, on the whole, these 3 guys are playing their best basketball of the season and we have experimented with every lineup under the sun, and I don't think we have anything better right now than attempting to go big again.

I'm not suggesting that this become a 30 MPG lineup, but I also think it has to be more than 0 MPG at this point. At the very least it should reduce the minutes Greene/Pointer spend filling that 5th spot from 50-60 minutes to closer to 40-45. Especially situationally - yesterday was a perfect opportunity, with as weak as DePaul is up front, to go big and make them adjust to us; instead we went small in reaction to DePaul all game.

We are approaching our most important games of the season that are going to get won and lost in the details, and this is a detail we need to tighten up.

Can't do it. If you start Obekpa, Sampson, Sanchez who do you bring in when 2 of them need a breather after 10mins or pickup a quick two fouls? Then you are FORCED to go small with your second lineup. If you start a balanced lineup, you can bring in Sanchez and stay balanced.. or bring in Dom and go small, or bring in Sanchez and Gift and stay "Big". You have options.

If you start all 3 and any of them get a little banged up or pickup quick fouls, it throws off the gameplan for the rest of the night. Plus - Sampson and Obekpa are used to their roles as the 4. Sampson knows where he should be getting the ball in that baseline extended area. They know who they are supposed to rotate to guard when we play zone etc.
You make Jakarr or Sanchez play the 3 and then their spacing is going to go to shit.

If my memory serves me right didn't we consistently beat Marquette with our fastbreak? Therefore, I prefer a smaller starting lineup against them.
Again we should concentrate on driving to the basket, let Marquette have to go to their weak bench.
Never could understand O'tule starting over Gardner. If we run Saturday that should tire these lumbering centers.

 

[Joeche]

I'm most annoyed at the way Harrison plays defense (or doesn't play). He never seems to be in a defensive crouch and he is slow to move his feet. So often gets caught for reaching in. Also, he rarely fights through screens. I don't know if you guys remember Al Lobalbo. He must be turning in his grave!

 

[simplyred]

I'm most annoyed at the way Harrison plays defense (or doesn't play). He never seems to be in a defensive crouch and he is slow to move his feet. So often gets caught for reaching in. Also, he rarely fights through screens. I don't know if you guys remember Al Lobalbo. He must be turning in his grave!

I totally disagree. Last year, Dlo made no effort to play defense. This year, he has been terrific. If you want him to slap the floor like Duke, I'll take a pass.

In case no one has noticed, we have become a terrific defensive team. Complain about the offense as much as you want, but there is little to complain about on the defensive side of the ball.

 

[Moose]

I'm most annoyed at the way Harrison plays defense (or doesn't play). He never seems to be in a defensive crouch and he is slow to move his feet. So often gets caught for reaching in. Also, he rarely fights through screens. I don't know if you guys remember Al Lobalbo. He must be turning in his grave!

Trevor Cooney doesn't agree.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

I'm most annoyed at the way Harrison plays defense (or doesn't play). He never seems to be in a defensive crouch and he is slow to move his feet. So often gets caught for reaching in. Also, he rarely fights through screens. I don't know if you guys remember Al Lobalbo. He must be turning in his grave!

Trevor Cooney doesn't agree.

Nor does James Bell. D lo has been one of our better defenders this year.

 

[Marillac]

I'm most annoyed at the way Harrison plays defense (or doesn't play). He never seems to be in a defensive crouch and he is slow to move his feet. So often gets caught for reaching in. Also, he rarely fights through screens. I don't know if you guys remember Al Lobalbo. He must be turning in his grave!

Harrison is in his defensive stance more than anyone on this roster not named Jordan. He is one of the most physically limited players on this team, but he tries harder than just about everyone on the boards and on defense. How does a 6'2 kid with no length or athletic ability get 10 rebounds?

 

[Joeche]

Well, maybe (not maybe-definitely) I'm getting old, but I remember clearly some of the teams of the mid and late 60's and the way they switched and hustled and closed off lanes, etc. This team as a whole doesn't play this way, and Harrison is at least when I've had my eye on him doesn't play what I consider tough defense. I can remember guys who were much more slow footed than this bunch playing tough tough D. You may argue that those teams were playing other slow footed teams and we can debate this ad infinitum, but I think it's coaching that makes the difference.