One game in the next 12 days

[LLCoolCY]

I like it better than playing 3 games in 6 days which the team just pulled off. this is a good opportunity to get a schedule Bye to rest both mentally and physically. TCU (home game) and KSU (brutal loss and revenge game) should have the teams full attention and focused from the tip.
I am sure the staff will take advantage and practice some of the minor issues that were presented in the UT and OU, zone offense some shot selection.
As a fan I am not looking forward to 1 game in almost 2 weeks just to my enjoyment of watching this team but overall I think this is good timing going leading into the stretch run and March.

 

[Clonefan32]

Based on Babb missing 3 3-pointers by a combined 14 1/2 feet I'd say their legs could use some rest.

 

[AuH2O]

Praying a long rest reduces the amount of TOs lol

Last night was right at avg. TOs per game. I don't have enough interest to look at TO%, but given ISUs pace and averaging 11 TOs per game, I'd say that has to be top 20 or better in the country. Not saying there aren't some TO issues that can be cleaned up, but some of that just comes with the territory of pushing pace and attacking. Overall this team takes care of the ball really well all things considered.

It's nitpicking a bit, but the only real issues I see that they can address without changing style are 1. too many early shot clock deep threes or contested, off the dribble threes. Low percentage and even worse, they lead to runouts on the other end a lot. 2. There seem to be some second half defensive rebounding lapses. The last couple games ISU did a really good job in the first half, especially vs. UT keeping them off the offensive glass. The last two games in the 2nd half there are a few extra possessions, on pretty run of the mill missed shots (not airballs or long rebounds).

One thing that stood out to me last night was that was the best defense I've seen Wigginton play. He looks like he's getting close to full strength again and he was really locked in. Overall the defense has been good this year. It would be great if LW can continue that and have either him or Halliburton guard some of these ultra quick guards. NWB is better suited playing a bigger guard that isn't so quick.

 

[flynnhicks03]

Seems like a very good time for a little breather. We're winning, but not playing our best. This will give the coaches some time to look at some tape with players and make some adjustments.

 

[Halincandenza]

It is good. That is one benefit of the Monday game. Get a day off and then get lots of practice time. They don't get a ton in conference so getting days to work on some stuff and tweak some stuff with practice time is a good thing.

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

If there is one thing we need to work on during that week off it's our zone offense. We HAVE to get more efficient against the zone or it will end up being our Achilles heel.

 

[Pat]

The best part of this is all the contenders should have at least one more loss prior to 2/16.

Schedule is set up well the rest of the way. 3/6 @ WVa looks like a trap game in between @UT & v.Tech.

The next two weeks have some big-impact games:

2/5 - KU @ KSU
2/9 - KSU @ Baylor
2/16 - Baylor @ Tech
2/16 - ISU @ KSU
2/19 - Baylor @ ISU

I think we’ll know a lot more about both Baylor and KSU. Or, I suppose, things will end up a jumbled mess and there will be a 5-way tie for first.

 

[Sigmapolis]

I think the team could use a little rest right now -- and Nick especially.

 

[Cyclonepride]

They only skip the mid-week game next week. Per Steve last night after the game, great opportunity for both the staff and players to take a short break and then plenty of time to prepare for KSU and prep for the rest of the season. Believe the coaches are also going to head out on a couple of recruiting visits...

Yeah, he definitely sounded like he was pleased to have that extra time coming up. Good time to reset and work on a few things for the final run.

 

[clonebb]

Babb had three air balls last night. He might need rest. Maybe Shayok should only play the last 5 minutes of each half.

 

[ComCY]

Last night was right at avg. TOs per game. I don't have enough interest to look at TO%, but given ISUs pace and averaging 11 TOs per game, I'd say that has to be top 20 or better in the country. Not saying there aren't some TO issues that can be cleaned up, but some of that just comes with the territory of pushing pace and attacking. Overall this team takes care of the ball really well all things considered.

It's nitpicking a bit, but the only real issues I see that they can address without changing style are 1. too many early shot clock deep threes or contested, off the dribble threes. Low percentage and even worse, they lead to runouts on the other end a lot. 2. There seem to be some second half defensive rebounding lapses. The last couple games ISU did a really good job in the first half, especially vs. UT keeping them off the offensive glass. The last two games in the 2nd half there are a few extra possessions, on pretty run of the mill missed shots (not airballs or long rebounds).

One thing that stood out to me last night was that was the best defense I've seen Wigginton play. He looks like he's getting close to full strength again and he was really locked in. Overall the defense has been good this year. It would be great if LW can continue that and have either him or Halliburton guard some of these ultra quick guards. NWB is better suited playing a bigger guard that isn't so quick.

Speaking of good defense... did you also notice Haliburton seemed to be always running after his man (when he had the ball). Not sure what was going on there, maybe tired mind/legs after 3 games in 3 days.

 

[moores2]

Speaking of good defense... did you also notice Haliburton seemed to be always running after his man. Not sure what was going on there, maybe tired mind/legs after 3 games in 3 days.

That, my friend, is called strategy. They were killing us when our guards were going under the high ball screens, either will lobs or just backing into us. Having Haliburton chase over the screens forced them to make quicker decisions, as well as dribble into the lane clogging passing lanes. Also, if they pull up for a jumper, Haliburton has the length to contest even when chasing.

 

[ComCY]

That, my friend, is called strategy. They were killing us when our guards were going under the high ball screens, either will lobs or just backing into us. Having Haliburton chase over the screens forced them to make quicker decisions, as well as dribble into the lane clogging passing lanes. Also, if they pull up for a jumper, Haliburton has the length to contest even when chasing.

I meant when his guy had the ball and was dribbling into the lane.

 

[moores2]

I meant when his guy had the ball and was dribbling into the lane.

Point still stands. High ball screens (for the dribbler). When one of those screens are set, you either have to go over (and chase), or go under (and allow shooters to pull up coming off the screen, or post you up at the free throw line.)

 

[ComCY]

Point still stands. High ball screens (for the dribbler). When one of those screens are set, you either have to go over (and chase), or go under (and allow shooters to pull up coming off the screen, or post you up at the free throw line.)

The plays I'm talking about there were no screens. If you go back and watch, there were several times where his guy just took off and he had to chase after him. He wasn't moving his feet as well as I'm used to seeing him do.

(Also, wasn't angling them towards the outside, he was turned inward for some reason a lot)

 

[Cloneon]

The plays I'm talking about there were no screens. If you go back and watch, there were several times where his guy just took off and he had to chase after him. He wasn't moving his feet as well as I'm used to seeing him do.

(Also, wasn't angling them towards the outside, he was turned inward for some reason a lot)

I noticed the angling, but chalked it up to preparing for a trap.