If this team continues its play they're going to have real problems. All of the guards are shoot first guards. None of them have a real concept of how to position themselves to find an open forward on the block or an open wing on the perimeter, and Hildago was most egregious in this area. There is no excuse for Cunningham to have only 5 shots for the game and Kennedy Umeh having to settle for 2 from the arc. No one seems to be particularly good outside shooters, either when their feet are set or with their pull ups. Did anyone show an even decent jab step or pull up off the dribble? Did anyone consistently set any good screens? The guards are all good ball handlers, but none are great ball handlers, none have particularly great court vision...and those TO's!
@BobbyJ complained about their defensive fundamentals, but I would argue that their offensive fundamentals are just as poor. There was nothing that screamed team play.
But yes, their fundamentals on defense was clearly lacking. Poor boxing out, combined with poor switching. Rarely did I see players with their hands up, and both forwards and guards were consistently beaten off the dribble. Some players, while not exactly jumping off the screen, were "I see you" worthy. Randolph played smart, hustled, and used her size and used good footwork inside. Williams used her athleticism well as did Donovan. But where was Watkins, Donovan and Cambridge offensively? Booker though worked hard on the boards.
The last U17 team from 2018 would have torched this team. That was a team that crushed what appeared to be a better Mali team 92-39. That USA team was faster, more athletic, stronger, more educated inside, better shooters outside, was unselfish, and well, had Boston, Paige, Azzi, Horston, and Haley Jones. Not to mention that bench of Van Lith, Brink and Belibi. Tough not to get spoiled watching that crew. I had hoped that team would begin a trend of unselfish, highly skilled players.
