Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="auror, post: 4875949, member: 1329"] The keys to beating us in my mind: Defense - You gotta be able to switch 1-4. We don't attack mismatches much, so it's less about physical profile and more about team communication and discipline. You need to be able to team rebound and probably have at least one bigger body to not get overwhelmed by Clingan. It doe help if your guards can play aggressive and physical D as well, especially against Spencer. Offense - Strong and athletic 4 man and center that can stretch the floor help. More shooters to stretch us out and then strong or skilled players capable of driving. 4 or 5-out offense (Nova, Creighton) has killed us for years. We got a little fortunate last year that we played all teams with traditional centers in March. Nova has a terrible coach and still almost beat us this year. Marquette beat us 2/3 last year because they had a 4 who could shoot and attack the paint and a mobile 5. A 5 that can get DC in foul trouble also makes things easier for opponents. Houston has the D, but 2 non-shooters isn't getting it done against us. I think we match up pretty well with Purdue. I'm not sure Arizona's guards are good enough to make us pay, though this year's Keshad Johnson who can make 3s is a tough matchup. Against Tennessee, I think we attack Knecht and have Newton drive and score over Zeigler. North Carolina didn't have the defensive chops, I doubt Illinois does either. Iowa St can't keep us off the boards or score enough. Duke's D probably not up to snuff. Auburn is the team I don't want to see. We'll see how our games go with Marquette this year, but I don't love the matchup. Kansas is still a tough matchup on paper, especially with the Furphy emergence (though he's bad on D). Everyone else is going to have a tough time keeping up with our talent. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach