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Last night was fun. I think the most impressive thing that I saw from the team was its poise.
These guys came out ready and when Arizona made their run, our guys just handled and went about their business. Personally, I think that shocked Arizona as much as anything. One of the reasons that the Duke’s and UNC-chs of the worlds do so well is that they don’t get flustered.
The impressive thing here is the 90 points on offense and spacing on that end of the floor. Also, Yurtseven is quietly turning into a very solid player, and is showing the kind of potential that made him so highly regarded.
Effort and execution – we did it last night. Even when Gott’s teams were good, they played a slovenly form of basketball. This was evident even when we played Alabama when Gott was there. Magnificent athletes, very capable, but playing slow on offense, and not contesting enough on D. Keatts teams are just the opposite.
I can’t wait to watch us play today.
On another note, can we get a lead radio announcer who actually sounds like he wants NC State to win more than our opponent. Our substitute guy last night sounded just as fired up when Arizona made their run (if not moreso) than when we responded. And truthfully, that’s also my biggest complaint with Hahn.
I can tell you in the 3rd quarter this year – we have absolutely stunk it up in 3 of our 4 losses. (In the 3 losses before Saturday, we were outscored 42-0 in the 3rd – and we had the ball first in all of them.) Even in our wins this year, we’ve been pretty bad. However, we won the 3rd last week. And last year, we were fine in the 3rd quarter. I’m not sure what’s going on this year, but last year wasn’t like it.
Regarding FG’s – we have pretty much been bad at them since Slade left. However, Bambard did his job last week. The FG kicking has been among the worst in the country these last 2 years – and I think that something DD’s obviously going to need to fix. Having read some various perspectives from other Pack fans – I saw one that peaked my interest. He was basically saying that a kicking coach should have been a kicker at some or another since it’s a very unique position. I don’t want to get sidetracked – but I can tell you from personal experience in my golf game that if you can understand what causes the hooks, slices, etc – it goes a long way to fixing them. You’ll still mess up from time and time again, but you can correct it – and understand what you need to do to be effective. Again, I’m not sure that this analysis is even missing, but that’s a hairbrained theory I have developed.
Well, I can’t get hammered because I have folks I church with tailgating and then I gotta church the next night. Oh well, there’s always the next Saturday.
And yes, I am that classic Southerner/Catholic/Episcopalian … don’t take me fishing with a Case of beer unless you are bringing another church member.
I am optimistic too. However, that optimism is tempered by the challenges the team will face this year.
It will be fun to watch when we are playing 1 guard and 3 big wings and a big vs the lineup we have this year.
Hopefully, we see some improved outside shooting in the future, because with this offense relied heavily on it.
Rick – he can’t find the defensive fundamentals in this team overnight.
Like I said, I can already see improvement in how kids are denying the basketball, taking better angles, not doing as many stupid reach fouls.
Regarding pressure, the problem is that this creates opportunities for teams that can handle the pressure. My concern is that pressure doesn’t tend to bother good teams that much. (When I played and coached I loved facing it because I knew lots of easy shots were available if you took care of the ball.
WVA and Louisville do the best job with this type of D abd sustain it in the half court and on the boards.
When a defense with a pretty good DL and experienced linebackers gives up long td runs from the same basic area in the field for 3 consecutive weeks, can we agree there may something going on that at least involves shared responsibility for the coaches?
Yep Bill – I said in the other post that we needed to hot Wolford hard and if necessary a little late – just don’t target. We want him not wanting to run and hearing footsteps when he throws
Yep. I think we may be more physically impressive up front, but they are doing a better job of making the lemonade.
I am probably in the minority – but I don’t hate the wildcat. I think it’s pretty good at what it’s supposed to do most times – which is get us 2-3 yards. I didn’t like the trick play because a good d is going to sniff that out. Like others, I’d like to see McLendon run it more, or Meyers a little here and there – since they are at least a minimal threat to throw.
Heck, I would have rather had us run the wildcat on the 4th and 1 vs. Notre Dame in the 3rd quarter than that Finley hand off to Gallaspy out of 6 yard eye.
I have always thought this style has a Sweet 16 ceiling. Other than one Arkansas team, that has proven to be true. I do think teams with a lot of one and drones may be more vulnerable to this style than experienced teams.
I am tempted to agree. There have been others – Kentucky played this way with Pitino, so did Providence (with Pitino), and Louisville won a championship. I do think, if you are going to play this way, you better be able to score in bunches – because most “good” teams simply aren’t going to give up the ball enough to beat them. As ugly as it is to watch, the UVa/Butler style of defending is more likely to yield solid results (but it also has its own post-season pitfalls because most talented kids don’t want to play this style.)
It’s going to be interesting to see what we do when Abu comes back. We shouldn’t expect too much though for a while – Abu is going to have to get in shape – and these injuries tend to linger.
The biggest thing he does is give us that explosive presence that really can do a lot of damage in Keatts system…and yep, gives us so much more offensive firepower, rebounding, and open ups options for Keatts which are limited right now.
Watching this game I am thinking it will be a long year. A little (a lot) worried about our ability to score.
I do like the hustle and effort. I think we have the right guy (though I am not a big fan of teams that rely on the press.)
Tractor – I was born in that town to 2 native North Carolinians (from brevard). We moved back to NC when I was 3. From those 3 years (and some of their friends) I pull for red Sox, Celtics and bruins. My Dad swears there’s a restaurant there that has (or perhaps now had) the best prime rib in the world.
Cow – the good news is that the really buckled down after that run. Of course, the ease with which they scored after the to highlights another opportunity for growth. (Handling bad breaks.)
Still, again, I repeat for emphasis- we came back in the 4th – and that’s been rare for this staff.
Cow – great breakdown if the big play. I saw that the play occurred from the gap Pratt could not cover based on the angle he took. I wasn’t sure who had the responsibility for that side.
Regarding the wild cat that got poached…that was diagnosed (as you pointed out) DOA.
Wake is good. They did have the benefit of playing the cuse without dungey. Still the QB Wolford is the classic running / passing threat who gives us trouble. We need to hit him real hard early, even if it’s a bit late (just don’t target)…. I know easier said than done.
Bill – the jury is still out on the gameday stuff, but, like I said, the strength is, and I suspect will continue to be talent prep.
OtOH – the gameday Stuff is still a growth opportunity for growth.
McCallum – I think we need to accept the fact that gameday coaching decisions will never be a strength with this group.
They Excel at methodical development of talent (minus fg kickers) and pregame prep.
The 5 game conference wins ties both Amato and TOB for their high water mark and has only been reached three times in the last 20 years.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention…this game was important / special for another reason….2nd p5 win for DD where we trailed in the 4th quarter.
Boy, these 330 games have turned into some stinkers.
Wake Forest will be coming into Winston on a roll offensively.
Finley made what should have been the play of the game the receiver dropped it.
The stupid trick call was awful – and it was blown up without the bad “pitch”
This offense sometimes outsmarts itself.
