Breaking down our Problems

[swagtec]

The problem with our team right now isn't attitude, it isn't effort, it's the wrong combination of players on the court at the same time.

When you have a line up of Jamaal, Winston, Tapley, O'brien, Stephens, you have only 1 guy that can consistently hit a jump shot (Tapley) and 1 guy that can consistently make a layup in traffic (Jamaal).

With Winston and Jamaal on the perimeter at the same time, their collective inability to consistently hit shots cancels out all of their strong points. The fact that they lead us in turnovers is another reason to stay away from that line up. The only real threat away from the ball in that line up is a Tapley Jump shot. Teams clog the lane and hold us to miserable shooting %. O'brien and Stephens further deteriorates the offense because they fail to finish inside even when layups are created for them. The only real answer is to get Jamaal as far way from the ball as possible and make him a finisher as opposed to a creator. The biggest thing missing without X isn't his PG play, it's his ability to score from the perimeter. Bad chemistry leads to Frustration, leads to loss of composure, poorer play, and results like we saw vs Wyoming. The line up that works without X

Perimeter:
O'brien (point)
Tapley (wing)
Rahon (wing)

Post:
Jamaal
Stephens\Spencer

Utilize JJ's ability to play under control on the perimeter and put Jamaal in position to get easy buckets underneath. He'll make layups. Tapley and Rahon are scoring threats at all times. Jamaal can still do his thing in transition when he gets the rebound. Winston can spell JJ at the point but Tapley and Rahon need to be in the backcourt with him, not Jamaal.

Jamaal can play PG also:

Jamaal (point)
Tapley (wing)
Rahon (wing)
Spencer (post)
Stephens (post)

Spencer can finish inside, Jamaal is a willing passer with threats on the perimeter so teams can't just clog the paint.

Your thoughts?

[miners22]

The Aztecs problem is SELFISHNESS! When the coach and players put
a stop to the same, Aztecs will get better.

[aztecfankrishnan]

I really don't like any of the options without Xavier. He needs to get healthy if this team is to have any chance to win the MWC championship.

With that said, lack of player movement and ball movement is the current problem. Too much one-on-one and certain star players are not trusting their teammates and are trying to do too much and certain role players for some reason all of sudden think they are scorers.

I think during the course of a season almost every team goes through similar issues. I think the message has been received.

[swagtec]

Jan 21, 2013 15:02:46 GMT -8 miners22 said:

The Aztecs problem is SELFISHNESS! When the coach and players put
a stop to the same, Aztecs will get better.

I believe that every player genuinely likes their teammates and want to win together, they just have to be put in the best position for success considering their attributes. I'll never call Chase or Jamaal selfish for trying to score 1 on 1 because that's what they do naturally. They just need the right combination of players in the line up to complement their ability and make it easier. I read your post about us needing a motion offense, and in a perfect world, we'd have one asap, but if it isn't already part of the system it isn't going to be polished enough to use over night. The best way to get improvement without X is a line up change and the right player combinations so that the team has sustainable chemistry.

[aztecfankrishnan]

Jan 21, 2013 15:17:29 GMT -8 swagtec said:

Jan 21, 2013 15:02:46 GMT -8 miners22 said:

The Aztecs problem is SELFISHNESS! When the coach and players put
a stop to the same, Aztecs will get better.

I believe that every player genuinely likes their teammates and want to win together, they just have to be put in the best position for success considering their attributes. I'll never call Chase or Jamaal selfish for trying to score 1 on 1 because that's what they do naturally. They just need the right combination of players in the line up to complement their ability and make it easier. I read your post about us needing a motion offense, and in a perfect world, we'd have one asap, but if it isn't already part of the system it isn't going to be polished enough to use over night. The best way to get improvement without X is a line up change and the right player combinations so that the team has sustainable chemistry.

The problem as I see it with your line-up solutions is O'Brien has been a turnover machine when initiating the offense from the point. He also does not have an outside shot that defenses need to defend. I really don't see the problem as different line-ups, but rather the team getting back to playing as a unit no matter who is in the game.

[sdsportfan]

We no longer have Shelton, and NONE of the transfers are living up to the potential they once displayed.

[standiego]

We have at least 10 players. Fisher likes D , so start pressing the other team full court. Play two bigs and the three guards. On offense our strength is taking it to the basket. Instead of a screen dominated offense, with a lot of one on one style . Go to more motion and passing , teach the guys to continue to move without the ball to get open - make the other team chase us and tire them out and cut to the basket , that is what they are doing to us. We use our big too often as the screener at the top of the key, need him down low. We have the potential now go out and use it, instead of just relying on threes. Use the 10-11 players we have to our advantage