Re: 1/24: At South Dakota State 7 p.m.
One of the things I always respected about Conor Riley (former OL Coach) was that he put the best 5 on the field. Moved kids around, some kids had to play out of position, but it made us better as a unit. I can think of a bunch of examples. Sometimes kids were really good at one position, and then had to move as it helped the team. Maybe the kid was even slightly worse at that position, but it maybe made the team better.
Having Deng and Rocky SPLIT 40 minutes exactly evenly is maddening. It is SMALL BALL at its worst. we absolutely NEVER go big on anyone...in a small league. This isn't the big ten. We aren't asking someone to guard the Michigan State PF who is a manchild, this it he Summit League, which is down.
In my opinion, we should start Vinny at the PG spot. Tyson is a MASSIVE two, who pounds people in the post. MAKE SOMEONE DEFEND HIM! Then Sam at the 3 (his natural spot) instead of forcing an 18 year old into the post. Deng at the 4....allowing him to dominate against a typically less physical player, and then Rocky at his natural 5.
Do we get weaker off the bench? Maybe. but, we have solid player to come in too. You cannot play those bigs a ton of minutes together, but it beats getting run out of the gym early. This team lacks ANY swagger. No confidence. THey play nervous and slow. GEt out to a big lead. I really think Horn is a good player and I am Cooks biggest fan. Jared should have his minutes cut deeply. If you want any future, you need to build up the young kids. You cannot tell me Jared is THAT much better than those two on defense. Please. I am a huge fan of Jared. Jared is a role player on a good team. Cam, Horn, Cook can rotate in nicely in the guard spot. Tyson should be showcased in the post against 2 guards.
Also, recruit MORE BIG MEN! You cannot be this thin and forced to play small at all times. Small ball can be fun if used in moderation, not 100% of the time. When we were punishing UND on the low block, I was literally begging to go big on them, they were out of fouls.
Finally, I am absolutey done talking about offense, what we run, etc. This team can score just fine. Someone needs to defend. This is the worst team in the country on defense. Defense is a mentality. Lets start talking more defense and less culture. I want someone to get a hard foul, step up and be a leader. can anyone show emotion?? I remember someone saying Jabril Cox should show less emotion after a big hit, I totally disagree. This is a game, these are kids in a stadium. Show respect and have fun! I would die to see more smile and energy, it would make me want to go more.
Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Ron Burgundy knows, it's women.