Gibbs' Defense

[mbt0512]

I saw in tcf's Big East stats that Sterling averaged 1.2 spg in conference play, but I did not get to see a lot of SHU last year. Anyone have the chance to see enough of him defensively to comment on what we can expect from him at that end of the floor this year? A hallmark of UConn's program has been defensive tenacity, and as much as we need Gibbs' leadership and scoring, I hope he'll be a pitbull on D too..

 

[mauconnfan]

More like a recliner from what I hear than an actually chair, but decent.

 

[champs99and04]

Definitely a sizable step down from Boatright on that end, but with Miller and Brimah at the four and five we just need our perimeter defense to be passable - Ben Gordon and Rashad Anderson weren't the greatest defenders but we survived.

Really, though, individual defense can be overrated. As a fifth year senior, he should have a firm handle on a variety of defensive schemes which should contribute to a far more in-tune defense than we saw last year.

 

[Matrim55]

Really, though, individual defense can be overrated. As a fifth year senior, he should have a firm handle on a variety of defensive schemes which should contribute to a far more in-tune defense than we saw last year.

This. Miller - if he's as smart and vocal as his reputation suggests - can make everyone around him better.

That said, the advanced numbers don't like Gibbs much on the defensive end, at all: http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/sterling-gibbs-1.html

 

[3rdbass]

Definitely a sizable step down from Boatright on that end, but with Miller and Brimah at the four and five we just need our perimeter defense to be passable - Ben Gordon and Rashad Anderson weren't the greatest defenders but we survived.

Really, though, individual defense can be overrated. As a fifth year senior, he should have a firm handle on a variety of defensive schemes which should contribute to a far more in-tune defense than we saw last year.

Well RP is a good on the ball defender so at least we have one guy who can cover the best guard on the other team.

 

[pnow15]

Hard to believe that the guy has not been a Husky for a day and people are already complaining about his defense.
No sweat. Improving his defense will be a team effort. DHam will teach him how to trail his man around a pick; Nolan will show him how to flop; Brimah will offer "rebounding in a crowd" tips; Purvis will illustrate how to just miss an attempted steal at the three point line; Facey will instruct him on how to turn invisible in the lane; Sam Jr. will emphasize how to keep his man in front of him on the dribble; Unfortunately, the Rock won't be here to pass on the art of serious trash talking.
Miller will tutor him in Physics. Physics?
Ollie has his work cut out for him.
Prediction: 28 wins.

 

[dennismenace]

Hard to believe that the guy has not been a Husky for a day and people are already complaining about his defense.
No sweat. Improving his defense will be a team effort. DHam will teach him how to trail his man around a pick; Nolan will show him how to flop; Brimah will offer "rebounding in a crowd" tips; Purvis will illustrate how to just miss an attempted steal at the three point line; Facey will instruct him on how to turn invisible in the lane; Sam Jr. will emphasize how to keep his man in front of him on the dribble; Unfortunately, the Rock won't be here to pass on the art of serious trash talking.
Miller will tutor him in Physics. Physics?
Ollie has his work cut out for him.
Prediction: 28 wins.

That's pretty funny.

 

[HuskyBballFan]

Seton Hall played a lot of zone.

 

[scrappy2.0]

Its a reasonable question.
The two things I look at now is how the guys will share the ball and perimeter defense.

We wont have that viscous ball defense we have had the last 6 years Kemba Napier Boatright. and part of that is key to us winning. Much of the game depends on it. That being said we have physically bigger players now and I expect us to lean into our men as we can funnel them to the middle(to the shot blockers) Id expect the strategy will be play up and over the 3 point line and force long 2's or drives to the basket.

Offense should work like this--if you have a good shot--take it--if you can facilitate a better shot pass it--very simple. We should not have a need to dribble at the 3 point line for 30 seconds anymore. We should be well spread out and we should get good looks most times down.

 

[CL82]

Hard to believe that the guy has not been a Husky for a day and people are already complaining about his defense.