Dr. V
PhD Student
Posts: 1539
Reg: 11-21-04
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12-23-23 06:59 PM - Post#360855
From last year, we have improved both offensively and defensively (we are 141 in O efficiency and 137 in D efficiency).
Defense: we are pretty solid and can play both decent man and decent zone. Although we mostly play man, neither Temple nor FDU could quite figure out our second half zone defenses, leading to Ws for us. We can get better at both and there appears to be enough buy in by the players to realistically anticipate continuing improvement.
Rebounding: after the Albany game, which was a rebounding disaster for us, something seems to have clicked and we are rebounding much better, such that we have not been out rebounded by anyone since Albany. Last year we were outrebounded 39.5 to 34.4. This year thus far, we are out rebounding opponents 36.5 to 33.2. One of the biggest difference makers has been Blair Thoompson. Last year in 23 minutes per game, he was pulling down 3.3 rebounds a game. This year in the same number of minutes, he's pulling down 6.2 rebounds a game.
Passing: we have improved our passing. There have been several instances this season when three consecutive passes led to a wide open 3. Last year we had 340 assists to 410 TOs. This year it is 190 to 137.
D, rebounding and passing can be and should be constants. Our trajectories for each are positive; with continued commitment and hard work, we can continue along those trajectories.
As everyone knows, shooting is a variable, as it can go up and down. Perhaps because of having one year under their belts, our shooting % are all up: FG% from last year's .403% to this year's .470%; 3 point % from last year's .317% to this year's .366%; FT% from .715% to this year's .796%. Perhaps the most amazing improvement in FT% is Josh Odunowo's improvement from .463% to this year's .762%. Whatever someone is putting into his water should keep on doing it.
In addition to the positive trajectories noted above, our greatest positive may turn out to be our depth/balance/versatility . We have actually had 12 players who have at least in one game whose outcome was not determined in advance (i.e., in a non-DIII game) made a contribution. We have 9 players who have played more than 150 minutes.
There can and no doubt will be various bumps along the road, as there always are. But if our players continue working hard and improving, there is a rational basis for cautious optimism.
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12-26-23 05:00 PM - 
