Major flaws with this team. No excuses to lose to an unranked team. It wasnt even that close for much of the 2nd half.
1). This team is undersized and has very little physical presence and athleticism. NC State could do whatever it wanted in the post. Meanwhile, we do everything on the perimeter, and if the shot doesn't drop, it's often one-and-done. The only reliable offense is when AE uses her body and skill inside. Paige also started to get her shot back throughout the game. But, that's it! We continue to be a finesse, perimeter team and that recipe often wont work against good teams, as we've seen seen the last few years.
2). Not only are we are undersized, but we are slow, slow, slow. So, we can't run fast-break on offense. And, we cant cover on defense. NC State had wide-open 3's all game, because our guards can't recover and move quickly. I'm sorry, but Fudd is becoming more and more of a liability. If her shots aren't dropping (they weren't today), and she is a bad defender, then how is she contributing? Time after time, she let her player beat her 1-on-1. It wasnt just her. C'mon Geno - send a message. Team defense is all about effort and intensity and it has been lacking of late.
3). This team needs to be more vocal and show more energy. They are too "nice". Again, I go back to a lack of physical presence.
4). I dont see any short-term fixes. It looks like it will be a slow ramp for Brady, which is disappointing. Losing Jana was crippling as she had physical size and presence and was very active in her games before her injury. Recruits for next year again seem to be more undersized guards and wings.