Posted by ScooterDevil on January 30, 10 at 09:03:04:
In Reply to: Why the funk? posted by devildoescare on January 29, 10 at 15:38:54:
I vote "10". Player for player this team is really not that good. If you compare this team to the hated rats player for player we do not match up well at all. Wise is a way better PG than Glasser. We have no one inside that can match up with Williams. He's is a lot better than Boateng. While Kuksiks is a better shooter than Horne, Horne is better at just about everything else. Abbott is clearly better than Fogg. I would say that Hill versus McMillan/Lockett is a wash. When McMillan is in the game I favor him, but Hill and Lockett are about even.
So for us to be really good, we need to do it on defense. That's where the funk is clearly. We were leading the nation in ppg defense at 54 and change before the 2 game skid. We've given up 75+ in both games since. Teams with a low post threat are going to give us problems. Williams and Boykin inside gets the zone rotating and moving in and out versus side to side. This opens up wide open 3's or one on one post plays. Either we need more energy on defense, or these teams are starting to figure out our zone and we need to show some different looks.
I think the answer is a little of both.
: I am worried! The first half against Otergin was perfect. Since then we have been sliding. Why? I have the following POSSIBLE reasons. Please vote or add your own - no players names are mentioned. I believe this to be a team problem.
: 1). The pressure to advance to the very top of the Pac10 and NCAA was too overpowering for the team.
: 2). Seniors not used to leadership roles.
: 3). Lack of confidence in not performing to expectations.
: 4). Some younger players pushing too hard.
: 5). Everybody at once realized that basketball at ASU is REALLY serious.
: 6). Reading too much in the press about own talents.
: 7). Too much comparison with opponent players thereby forgetting own abilities to play better.
: 8). All of the above.
: 9). Some of the above.
: 10). None of the above.
: Whatever is going on - I hope the team can get over it and move forward. There is much to play for yet and it is time to take control.
: GO SUN DEVILS!!!!!!!!!! ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!