Comments on: Sampson talks Gordon, Stemler and Southern Illinois

By: kelin

kelin — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:02:01 +0000

CUtter I couldn’t agree with you more…can’t wait for tonights game….

By: Cutter in Chicago

Cutter in Chicago — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:38:43 +0000

My official explanation for offensive (and heck defensive) issues: Its early. We threw a little zone at GT the other night, that seemed to help “settle” things down. I expect we may have to do that tonight against SIU too (a 2-3 or 2-1-2). I think the man-to-man will improve and so will the defense, once guys do not over commit (DeAndre) or fail to rotate over (Crawford and still sometimes with Bassett).
As for the offense, nobody likes to see us stand around and wait for Bracey to launch a 3 (the vaunted “Orlando 1″ play). The first few games against inferior opponents, we were cutting and driving to the hoop. That made my heart skip a beat. Since we started seeing better competition, we’re now finding out that’s not easy. A few things seem to be necessary: we have to have our guards drive to the basket when possible (Gordon, Bassett and Ellis) that draws fouls and if our big guys are ready for it, an interior pass for a lay-up/short jumper. I’d personally like to see some high post offense with DeAndre/Mike White/Stemler to DJ underneath. DeAndre seems to have good hands and good passing ability, if he can demonstrate the ability to pull his defender to the foul line, that might allow DJ to get a little more room down by the hoop (heck, you could reverse this role as long as DeAndre can finish and DJ is hitting the short jumper) and the high post would allow the guards to remain outside either for the 3 or (preferable) to drive to the hoop.
Just my early AM comments. I reserve the right to disavow any/all of this when I wake up

By: kelin

kelin — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:35:26 +0000

I don’t think anyone wants the motion OHHfense (rick majerus) exactly. A lot people want more movement on offense….I am sick of seeing high ball screens out at the 3pt line. I have not seen very many plays where at least 3 of the guys are moving at the same time….We are so easy to guard cause EVERYONE knows what we are going to do.

By: David

David — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:15:34 +0000

Why the need for motion offense? Is this just something that harks back to the Bob Knight days or is there something more?

And how do we gauge motion offense? Is it less driving? Less foul shooting?

I’m just trying to figure out what people mean when they say IU needs more motion offense.

By: 11DFife11

11DFife11 — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:57:20 +0000

I’m with the people saying we need motion and to run sets on offense.

We played 2-3 and it worked well but still getting beat in transition.

Rotating 6 guys (DT’s 2 min doesnt count) against GT didnt help either.

By: Steve O

Steve O — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:50:30 +0000

I’m just throwing stuff out there… What about some full court man? We have some really quick and athletic guards. Seems like we could possibly get some steals and force turnovers. I guess my only worry would again be our guys being out of position and teams being able to get quick transition buckets. It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow night.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:43:47 +0000

Steve O,

My guess is we can play zone but this does not help when we need to play man to man. We are in the early stages of the year when we still have time to run our man to man in a game situation without sacrificing a big ten game. I believe we will get better at man to man it just takes time and hard work. The hard work I am not sure the young guys like so much.

By: Steve O

Steve O — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:37:07 +0000

Why not try a zone? 2-3? 3-2? 2-1-2? etc… It doesn’t matter. I mean if we can just get back on d, it seems like a zone might be effective. I mean we have a hard time in man coverage because players drift and get out of position. In a zone, everyone pretty much knows where they’re supposed to be. I am no Eric Gordon, but I learned how to play zone defense in 6th grade, so I’m sure our guys could figure it out. I wonder if KS has given it any thought.

By: kelin

kelin — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:27:31 +0000

David if the end result is the final 4 and a banner…then I am fine with that….

Go IU & Ted Kitchel sucks

By: David

David — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:17:18 +0000

Kelin, I understand and respect what you are saying. I think it’s safe to say we probably won’t agree on this one and that’s fine. Mine is just one man’s opinion.