Shocker defense

[Dan]

maybe it has been mentioned, but I think the biggest problem with our defense is the lack of an eraser in the middle. We can’t afford to take chances on the perimeter because our interior guys are more likely to foul the driver than block the shot. We can’t afford to have Shaq, Darral, etc. sitting on the bench. That guy for OU is a prime example (mcnease?)

I’m hoping AM can start getting up to speed as is size could be the missing piece we need come March.

[im4wsu]

maybe it has been mentioned, but I think the biggest problem with our defense is the lack of an eraser in the middle. We can’t afford to take chances on the perimeter because our interior guys are more likely to foul the driver than block the shot. We can’t afford to have Shaq, Darral, etc. sitting on the bench. That guy for OU is a prime example (mcnease?)

I’m hoping AM can start getting up to speed as is size could be the missing piece we need come March.

I have noticed that the team is not nearly as disruptive in the passing lanes. Not near the number of deflections. Opponents turnovers through 10 games last year was 158; this year 115. With the number of returning players we have, I cannot explain the result of 28% fewer turnovers created.

Through 10 games last year, WSU had blocked 29 nshots; this year 42 shots. This is an increase of 44%!

[Stickboy46]

I have noticed that the team is not nearly as disruptive in the passing lanes. Not near the number of deflections. Opponents turnovers through 10 games last year was 158; this year 115. With the number of returning players we have, I cannot explain the result of 28% fewer turnovers created.

Through 10 games last year, WSU had blocked 29 nshots; this year 42 shots. This is an increase of 44%!

According to KenPom, we have the 327th ranked Turnover percentage on defense. So that lines up.

Last year, 119th, 2016 = 5th, 2015 = 39th.

So definitely have regressed in causing turnovers.

[Dan]

we're one of the worst teams in D1 at steals (ranked 329). Tekele would be embarrassed.

[Shaqness]

maybe it has been mentioned, but I think the biggest problem with our defense is the lack of an eraser in the middle (mcnease?)

I’m hoping AM can start getting up to speed as is size could be the missing piece we need come March.

Our defense thus far, has looked like a game plan problem. More so than anything. Personnel wise, we aren't perfect, but we are more than good enough. Effort wise, I feel like we've busted our tail. Like I said in another thread, I'm not going to claim to be a coach, but there are quite of few things that are easy to see. Easier to see, when Trae Young is pointing them out. Here's a few I noticed.

1. We get burnt the worst on pick and pop with our 5's. It was straight cash homie. (Think back to Daum)
2. When we let Landry follow Trae, the helpside never came.
3. When the helpside did come, Trae Young was skilled enough to get the ball to the corner man.
4. Our press was utterly demolished as Trae knew exactly where to get the ball. Sometimes it was if he didn't even look for the guy, he just knew he was there.

That was the entire offense for OU. It happened the whole game. It mostly ended with either a Trae 3, or whoever their center was 3.

All 4 of these things seem like a gameplan issue. Maybe #2 is the players fault. More likely though, it was because the 3's and 4's were supposed to stay home.

I guess this could all be fixed if Shaq was faster and fouled a little less. But the guy has worked on his fouling and is in the shape of his life.

[Shockm]

It's difficult to compare this year to last year. We are playing a much tougher schedule. Not a good analysis to compare.

[Stickboy46]

While true .. the drastic change in steals can't 100% be due to competition.

[OregonShocker]

Lots of things in play here, IMO. We got spoiled with excellent defenders in the past (Cotton and FVV, to be exact) and are missing a great defender in MM. Bigs are still learning how to defend without fouling, but perimeter pressure seems less. I'm not sure I EVER viewed CF as a great defender (not quick enough) and SHJ hasn't really focused on the defensive end of the court to date, but he could be quick enough to be that guy if he chooses.

[SB Shock]

I have noticed that the team is not nearly as disruptive in the passing lanes. Not near the number of deflections. Opponents turnovers through 10 games last year was 158; this year 115. With the number of returning players we have, I cannot explain the result of 28% fewer turnovers created.

Through 10 games last year, WSU had blocked 29 nshots; this year 42 shots. This is an increase of 44%!

i agree with your assessment. It clear in the Kenpom numbers that there is something going on defensively with this team. I’m hoping part of that is MM and his length. He accounted for 17% of their steals last year. Second was D. Smith with 15%.

WSU is missing a 1/3 of their turnover. There has been nobody who stepped up and replaced them. Keyser has been hyped as the next next cotton, but that has not happened. So if MM comes back healthy, they should get some of that disruption of the passing lanes back.

[asiseeit]

Here are my thoughts. At the end of last season ZB was playing absolutely superb defense and could
be counted on to shut down an opposing teams' best perimeter scorer. Not putting all the blame on
him but he hasn't quite been that guy so far this year and the offense suffers when he is in there
because teams can sag off of him to help elsewhere. When both he and RK are in together teams can
sag even more as we don't have a reliable three point threat from a wing and/or stretch corner. This is
where MM is going to help us as he gives us that other wing threat offensively AND plays good D. When
MM returns I see him eventually starting in ZB's spot UNLESS ZB regains his value as the defensive
specialist he was last season. All in all though, I am not as disturbed by our team defense as some of
you are. OU was a very good offensive team and must be given credit. MM's return will help a lot on both offense
and defense. Also am not too worried by our interior defense. We have size, depth and physicality.

[BOBB]

Sincere question for those that are students of the game: do we have a scheme problem that leaves 3 point shooters open, or do we have an execution problem? Seems like you can't just run at a good shooter, you have to be there when he catches.

I'll take my answer off the air <burp>

[ShockCrazy]

Sincere question for those that are students of the game: do we have a scheme problem that leaves 3 point shooters open, or do we have an execution problem? Seems like you can't just run at a good shooter, you have to be there when he catches.

I'll take my answer off the air <burp>

To me it comes down to a couple things. We only have one 4/5 right now who can reliably switch on ball screens, Rashard, although Nurger does alright. But Shaq and Darral cannot switch at all. Also we don't have ANYONE who is all that good a hedging(think Chadrack Lufile or even Anton Grady was solid). It's creating too much space on the perimeter for shooters. It also doesn't help that Landry and Connor aren't excellent at chasing around screens, though Zach still is great at it. You can't limit how well someone shoots from 3 but you can certainly limit attempts, but we've had a few games this year where teams are getting as many looks as they want. I think almost our entire defensive struggles come down to PNR and Pick and Pop situations. See SDSU and OU.

[OregonShocker]

Not considering myself an expert (I have a different day job than coach) but initially we went under ball screens which doesn't work with quick shooters. Going over requires the one guarding the screener to flash out AND defend against a roll pass. This got us into trouble. Flashing often left the screener open for a pass requiring another defender to slide over. Someone's open in that scenario. Perhaps seems too simplistic, but we didn't flash with our hands up, but down frequently. Admittedly, Young is both an excellent shooter and passer. May be we just ran into an NBA caliber buzz saw.
I'm open to other analysis.

[SB Shock]

It's difficult to compare this year to last year. We are playing a much tougher schedule. Not a good analysis to compare.

I don’t agree. WSU is well below the D1 average. If u start breaking it down by quality of opponent, u see there is no difference.

turnover ratio by opponent: D1 average is 19.3%

Top 100 ( which is really Top 54): 15.6%
Top 100-150: 15.4%
150+: 14.7%

Regardless of their opponent, WSU should be at least D1 average.

[ShockAzs]

No McDuffie. It's a big deal.

Look, having McDuffie back not only increases production on his own at both ends of the floor, his additional added value is taking pressure off the rest of the team so they can become more efficient on both ends of the floor, individually and collectively, so it's really a triplicate effect type of boost.

1. McDuffie is better on both ends than his fill in.
2. Everybody else individually will be better with McDuffie back
3. Collectively the team will be better on both ends due to added efficiency individually, thanks to McDuffie's contribution.

[Windiwu]

I think you will see a lot of things right themselves when Markis returns. He is a much bigger part of the puzzle I think than ever against good teams. We really don't have another player who can do what he does. The team has really done a remarkable job to go through this tough ooc with only 2 losses without an integral part of the *whole* and I think you all have to admit that. The team can do really well without him most of the time but there are some teams and some coaches which can really expose the problems.