TDR’s value even when not on top of his game, still sorting through some perimeter defensive issues, a different contributor to slow starts, and more:
@Cuts_from_The_Corner What do you feel are some plausible mid-game adjustments that could be made in a March one-and-done situation in which our perimeter players are getting cooked defensively? Just curious.
Would you entertain the idea of going TDR with both bigs if the opponent doesn’t have a 4 or 5 who’s a shooting threat from the outside? If they do have a shooting big, what do you feel the best alternative would be?
Anyone else who wants to offer their opinion is obviously welcome. Just wanted to specifically get Cuts’ two cents.
Mmm. I don’t think I’d jump to playing both bigs after we got away from it early in the season unless there’s a really compelling and unique frontcourt reason to do so.
I did like the idea, against Tech, for example, of Playing TDR and Tillis together, but letting Tillis play the four and putting TDR on Avdalas… some matchup-specific games and opponents where that’s intriguing and TDR is pretty solid against any cover. We saw him switch well onto McCray V late in the game last night.
The problem with switching most things 1-4, though, is that the opponent can really just pick a matchup that they want and screen until they get it, so you really have to rely on everyone.
The best approach, IMO, and one we were doing better in the middle of the year and have gotten away from more recently, is to be more disruptive and proactive with our help defense. Opportunistic and aggressive with help - rely on your Centers to help cover for any breakdowns that may cause around the rim and try to run shooters off the line. When we’ve been at our best this season, I’ve thought there’s been a lot more ad-libbing.
Last night we mostly just kept Ugo home no matter what as the game progressed, which helped a lot when the other team doesn’t have a shooting 5 - so that’s an option in those matchups too.
6 Likes
This topic was automatically closed after 23 hours. New replies are no longer allowed.