We have what we are going to have as a regular season statement of work (SOW). It is time to make decisions. Now everything we do is about winning and the post season.
Watching this team closely, it is clear to Chief we play best when we shoot well. Quite frankly, rock fights may bring back romantic memories to some, but the reality is this team needs to shoot well to win. The record is that we are a 500 team at best in close games, many of which are low scoring. What we did against Auburn should be our template.
Now for the specifics.
Watching this team closely, it is clear to Chief we play best when we shoot well. Quite frankly, rock fights may bring back romantic memories to some, but the reality is this team needs to shoot well to win. The record is that we are a 500 team at best in close games, many of which are low scoring. What we did against Auburn should be our template.
Now for the specifics.
- Granted Polley has had his inconsistencies, but we have had some of our best games when he’s played well. We now have 2 guys who can get him the ball in the right spots/flow. Jackson getting 30 minutes a game now means our rebounding will be just fine. Time to give him some of Tyres minutes and incorporate Tyler more into our offense. I like the fact that he’s shown us some mid range / drive type looks recently, including last night.
- Hawkins Time - Hawkins needs to get 15 to 20 minutes a game. Free of nerves and being hard on himself, he can be a big plus. True, he has freshman defensive lapses, but he gives us another offensive point of attack.
- I think Danny has recognized Akok’s minutes are ideally with Adama on the court. That way Akok getting outmuscled is less of a factor. Akok is also a good corner 3 ball guy, which opens up entry passes for others to pass to Sanogo.
- While Gaffney is the returning guy, who I thought would be further along, it is clear now that he’s are back up point guard with some help from hybrid Jackson. So Gaffney still has the oppportunity to come on like he did the last 5-7 games last season.
- Cole, Sanogo and Jackson have become our Big Three. It is important that they stay out of foul trouble and shoot well from the foul line. See you in the gym guys.
- Whatever precise rotations Danny and his staff go with, Chief can’t emphasize enough the flexibility to go with a hot hand on a given night. Guys have done that to us this season, Seton Hall comes to mind, so let’s return the favor. No matter how much you are married to your rotations, it’s ok to flirt with the hot hand and keep him on the floor.