Are we predictably bad on offense? (video evidence)

[TDSHOX]

Rough video to watch but most of the guys on the court are our bench players. And yes it is a 4 vs 5 on offense.

[engrshock]

I did not think that was the best example that could be posted with respect to a predictable offense. The shot at the end was not that bad and there was way too much passing for a typical possession recently. The main part that is like our usual offense is the guard dribbling or trying to dribble across the top. They have to know that the second defensive player is going to flash out to the middle top and then we have to dribble around them. Why not a pass to the open guy that is no longer guarded? I would like to blame GM system but the last year of Turgeon when things went south this seemed to happen a lot too.

How to defend predictable WSU. Pressure the ball enough in back court to use up 9 to 10 seconds of the shot clock and maybe get a turnover or two from not getting it across half court soon enough. Sag in and defend inside letting the ball move around the top and sides preventing the interior pass until there is 12 seconds left. WSU will pass up wide open 3 pointers until this time. Now pressure the guards and make them lose the ball or throw up a desperation shot to beat the clock. With these shots it is no wonder that we shoot poorly.

Basically the games against UMKC, Creighton, Bradley and UNI went south when the other team got very aggressive on defense reaching and slapping at everything. This is when we need to pass the ball to stay ahead of the slapping not try and dribble it around. I did not think Bradley played all that well but they did drive and pass very quickly.

The timing of the offense also seems off which may explain why the big men are not as effective. The big men need to move and get to the side and get position just before the ball is passed to the wing. Too often it seems that our big guys fight for position and the ball is not where it needs to be and by the time it is they are no longer open for the easier shot.

Since I believe that HCGM and his assistants know more of basketball than I ever will all of the above is moot if the players do not get it done.
OF course making free throws would also help.

[DUShock]

Just an observation....

I've seen this type of inept action on other teams that have an overzealous coach on the sidelines. When a coach is continuously barking orders from the sideline, an offense often depends on his verbal commands rather than think for themselves on the court. HCGM might be too verbal during the games and might be confusing the players more than doing them good.

I would like to see the coach sit more and stand less during the game. I'm not knocking his coaching ability or his enthusiasm, but only question whether he is confusing the players by barking different commands during a set play.

A most reasonable hypothesis!