Up Next: Creighton

[TonyinFairfield]

Here is a link to an interesting article by an Omaha beat writer:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20140129/BLUEJAYS/140139937

Interesting article. The Blue Jays and their coach sound a lot more optimistic about our team than some posters on this fan forum! :huh:

 

[ras]

Any way you slice it.He was wide open when everybody knew he would be taking the shot.

 

[T6K0E6]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

 

[beast of the east]

There must be 50 messages re the Creighton game , all of them negative.Let me add one positive note. SJU went out to Omaha to play a top 20 team who have the player of the year. They were 12 point underdogs.
The coaching staff devised a defense to play McDermott one on one without double teaming allowing him more opportunities to score but preventing him from passing to open men for easier baskets. Did it work perfectly? No. He torched us but the rest of the team did very little. McDermott is considered a very good passer which makes him very difficult to defend.
The outcome was a tough loss but is there any critic who can honestly say that prior to the game that they wouldn't have accepted holding Creighton to 63?

Yes, he's a very good passer, but EVERYONE knew he was taking the last shot. My problem is who is guarding him, or should have been guarding him. Watch the play develop.

Look at Harrison...He is guarding no one. Look at Jakarr...he is on the line blocking the passer. If the wizard (if I only had a brain) had doubled McDermott with Jarkarr leaving the passer looking to inbound, the ending should have been overtime. No one was guarding the best player and shooter in college ball and I say it again....epic fail!!!!

BTW, both Sampson and Harrison were under the basket alone when that shot went off!!! With those two guys it was 3 against 5 on defense.

HUH? Harrison was guarding the guy who set the pick. Obekpa curled in near the foul line leaving McDermott wide WIDE W-I-D-E open. IT was a set play for the guard to set the pick on Obekpa, and Obekpa was so far away (about 10-12 feet) that he had no chance of challenging the shot. Harrison should have called out the pick AND fought through it, but instead he curled towards the basket as Obekpa came out to challenge, in case it was a pick and roll. All in all, I'd agree - bad defense on that sequence, ESPECIALLY given who got the shot off.

Beast, Harrison strolled down court, glanced at his man and inexplicably turned toward the basket leaving his man to set the pick but my emphasis was denyiing the ball and Lavin should have doubled up on one of the guards or McDermott at the very least. Hope these guys are learning from the countless mistakes near end of game situations.
I just watched the game again and cannot figure out why Rico Hines did so much talking during time outs. Lavin uses his least experienced assistant as a strategizer during time outs and we have Absolutley SUCKED after time outs! Whitehead was a head coach for a quarter century and his role appears marginalized. WTF?

I certainly respect your opinion, and our difference of opinion underscores that even season ticket holders watching the same game, even in slow motion on replay sometimes see something very different. Of course we both think we are correct, and we both know one of us isn't One thing we agree on is that the defense was horrific and the assignments poor at best. I would have given Sampson another crack especially since McDermott forced one against him on the previous possession.

 

[SJUISBACK]

Any way you slice it.He was wide open when everybody knew he would be taking the shot.

To me that could have been a moving pick on the Creighton preventing Obekpa from getting to Doug, but the damn refs didn`t call it.

 

[Marillac]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

 

[beast of the east]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

 

[Marillac]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

Obekpa was definitely assigned to him, there is no disputing that. McDermott got the ball with less than five seconds on the clock, so it would not have been wise for him to even attempt to drive by Obekpa from that distance. I understand the logic behind putting Obekpa on McDermott there because of his length and timing, but I'll never understand why the poor kid was so worried about helping in the lane when he was man-to-man with the best scorer in the country. He should have kept a hand on him and he could have easily went over that screen--moving or not. He's obviously never been in that situation before, so hopefully he's learned from it and will be better because of it.

 

[Class of 72]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

Obekpa was definitely assigned to him, there is no disputing that. McDermott got the ball with less than five seconds on the clock, so it would not have been wise for him to even attempt to drive by Obekpa from that distance. I understand the logic behind putting Obekpa on McDermott there because of his length and timing, but I'll never understand why the poor kid was so worried about helping in the lane when he was man-to-man with the best scorer in the country. He should have kept a hand on him and he could have easily went over that screen--moving or not. He's obviously never been in that situation before, so hopefully he's learned from it and will be better because of it.

Thanks for confirming that it was a coaching blunder assigning CO instead of putting in Gift who would have matched up better or understood his role better.

 

[redmannorth]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

Obekpa was definitely assigned to him, there is no disputing that. McDermott got the ball with less than five seconds on the clock, so it would not have been wise for him to even attempt to drive by Obekpa from that distance. I understand the logic behind putting Obekpa on McDermott there because of his length and timing, but I'll never understand why the poor kid was so worried about helping in the lane when he was man-to-man with the best scorer in the country. He should have kept a hand on him and he could have easily went over that screen--moving or not. He's obviously never been in that situation before, so hopefully he's learned from it and will be better because of it.

Thanks for confirming that it was a coaching blunder assigning CO instead of putting in Gift who would have matched up better or understood his role better.

Exactly CO was put in a position he was completely unfamiliar with and which went against his instincts. Very poor coaching decision.

 

[westchesterjoe]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

Obekpa was definitely assigned to him, there is no disputing that. McDermott got the ball with less than five seconds on the clock, so it would not have been wise for him to even attempt to drive by Obekpa from that distance. I understand the logic behind putting Obekpa on McDermott there because of his length and timing, but I'll never understand why the poor kid was so worried about helping in the lane when he was man-to-man with the best scorer in the country. He should have kept a hand on him and he could have easily went over that screen--moving or not. He's obviously never been in that situation before, so hopefully he's learned from it and will be better because of it.

Thanks for confirming that it was a coaching blunder assigning CO instead of putting in Gift who would have matched up better or understood his role better.

Exactly CO was put in a position he was completely unfamiliar with and which went against his instincts. Very poor coaching decision.

Among the many this season.. Anyone know who drew this one up on the sideline? Let's see, it wasn't Keady, he's required to remain mute on the bench.. Chiles? Hines? Whitsell?

Anyone think STEVE actually drew this defensive scheme? Think anyone told the players, don't let McDERMOTT touch the ball? It also struck me as puzzling why GREENE, i think allowed the Creighton guard to dribble to the frontcourt so easily.. With 11 sec left, a little defensive contesting might have been wise. Like try and turnover the dribbler? Creighton guards struggled all night with the ball.

 

[westchesterjoe]

Beast, you can always add extra time to the recording. I always add an extra hour in case the game goes to quadruple overtime.

And if that is too complicated for you just record the show that follow. Actually agree with Ray Morgan-11 seconds left, still in the one and one, foul their worse ft shooter and they probably miss or make one and you have last possession to win game (would have Sheed drive to rim).

But if they make the free throws (even one) and you come down and miss your shot, everyone will scream about why you would give them easy points rather than trust your defense. I would have had a more agile player stick with McDermott and try to deny him the ball. When they screened, I would double him and let the screener get the ball. Make sure anyone else takes the shot. While I understand why coach put CO on him, it's not how I would have played it. Also, throughout the game, I would have harassed him so much and never let him feel comfortable taking a shot. Try to deny him the pass as much as possible. I would have used 15 fouls on him.

Kinda like Mullin for us..Throw in Berry too.

Creighton's five starters shoot between 72 and 89% from the FT line. Giving a foul in that situation has a high percentage of giving them a 2 point lead. Since only Sampson approaches 50% from the field, it's a bad risk for us to do that.

I agree with your strategy on McDermott. They needed a more agile big man to guard him - only Pointer (shorter) or Sampson (not a great defender) could have matched up. Sampson did come up big on the previous play. I do agree that you try to double him early and make someone else beat you, but on that team, almost anyone left wide open can make a 16 ft shot. In that situation, I think you do your best for McDermott not to get the ball in the first place, and then either force him into a bad shot, or make him give it up. With 4 seconds left, he probably isn't giving it up since you lose a sense of time, and as their best player, was taking it on his shoulders.

Interesting stat: McDermott is averaging 25 pts per game. The next 4 leading scorers combined are averaging 35.6 points per game. He's their leading rebounder at 7.1, and shoots 44% from three, and 50% overall. A program like that gets a player of his caliber once in 20 or 30 years.

 

[westchesterjoe]

kinda like Mullin for us. Berry too.

 

[Andrew]

I have been very critical of the team's play at times but we got beat by the Player of the Year. It happens. We lost the game by falling 18 points behind in the second half. The recurring pattern this season is, fall beyond a lot, catch up furiously and then lose.

 

[beast of the east]

It angers me that I have replayed the video several times and the miscue was on Harrison at half court. He should have stepped up and been in McDs face while obepka was doing the right thing and moving down to block the paint, if anything Obepka could have moved to the left wing to cover the other guy.

Why is Obekpa not paying attention to McDermott? The guy had 2/3's of Creighton's points, they were in man to man, and Creighton was clearly going to him every possession. Why is he 10 feet away and not paying attention? That (moving) screen could have been easily avoided. Harrison has got to play that better as well. He wasn't in a position to defend either of those guys. That is a lethal play, man. Either way you are getting a three from a 40%+ shooter.

It's tough to blame Obekpa too much, guarding a kid that could easily be considered an NBA three on the perimeter. Honestly, I would have fouled their worst shooter after going for a steal first. I know that's not text book, but on the road with a kid like McDermott I'd rather have the ball down than them have it tied.

There is no question that if Obekpa was assigned to McDermott, he had to be playing him close. I don't think Obekpa was capable of denying him the ball, and I also think had Obekpa come up that high, McDermott would have blown right by him. Bad assignment. If Lavin wanted him on the court to guard the interior, he should have been guarding a big man not likely to see the ball

Obekpa was definitely assigned to him, there is no disputing that. McDermott got the ball with less than five seconds on the clock, so it would not have been wise for him to even attempt to drive by Obekpa from that distance. I understand the logic behind putting Obekpa on McDermott there because of his length and timing, but I'll never understand why the poor kid was so worried about helping in the lane when he was man-to-man with the best scorer in the country. He should have kept a hand on him and he could have easily went over that screen--moving or not. He's obviously never been in that situation before, so hopefully he's learned from it and will be better because of it.

5 seconds is a ton of time. To go end to end on a basketball court take 2.5 seconds. I do think if Obekpa was in his face, one head or ball fake and McDermott is gone. We are so pathetic. We are running this play over and over for 3 days now. It's over, time to move on I guess.