Some perspective on offensive performance (after 3 games)

[EarthIsMan]

I disagree about being a top 50 offensive team. I think last night was an aberration, with the only difference between last night and the first two games is that the same shots they had been taking and missing were actually falling. We're still not moving the ball enough, as evidenced by our assist percentage on made field goals still being below 50% (very similar percentage to the MO game). If this team is going to be good, they are going to have to start on the defensive end, because there is a severe lack of consistent offensive firepower.

Reread my post. I never said anything about being a top 50 offensive team. I do agree with you, however, about this team needing be a top 50 defensive team to win some games.

Also, it gets cited by CW and others, but assist rate isn’t a predictor of offensive success. This is definitely a carry over idea from “Hoiball”. It is usually more indicative of what type of offensive scheme you have and how good are you 3 pt shooters. ISU does not have a lot of great shooters and many players like Wigginton, NWB, and Talley are quite capable of creating their own shot off of the dribble....so we don’t necessarily need to get caught up on assist rates.

 

[SeaClone]

Reread my post. I never said anything about being a top 50 offensive team. I do agree with you, however, about this team needing be a top 50 defensive team to win some games.

Also, it gets cited by CW and others, but assist rate isn’t a predictor of offensive success. This is definitely a carry over idea from “Hoiball”. It is usually more indicative of what type of offensive scheme you have and how good are you 3 pt shooters. ISU does not have a lot of great shooters and many players like Wigginton, NWB, and Talley are quite capable of creating their own shot off of the dribble....so we don’t necessarily need to get caught up on assist rates.

My apologies. I misread what you said about being a top 50 defensive team. And yes, assist rate doesn't necessarily predict offensive success, but we don't have anyone that can consistently create their own shot off of the dribble, so we need to move the ball more. Wigginton and NWB can get their own shots occasionally, in certain circumstances, but they do not have the skill level (yet, with Wigginton) to be consistently successful at it.

 

[SolarGarlic]

Did App State press and how was NWB against it? Just wondering, not sure if I see him as great vs. that but I don't see anyone that would be.

Last year's group was abysmal at times offensively early and a lot of that came down to just having anyone down low to keep defenses honest, which they really didn't have consistently until February.

I think Babb actually excels against the press. He's much more effective when he's attacking and can take advantage of his athleticism.

 

[Bewilderme]

If Babb and Jackson combine for 49, including 8-13 from 3... we need to beat App St. by more than 6 pts. Defense has a long way to go, starting with how to defend without fouling. Unlikely Babb can keep that type of performance going, he was great last night.

Agreed, but let's not forget we allowed ~14 last minute garbage points. Our perimeter defense wasn't horrible last night; App State hit some tough shots.

 

[mjhavlo76]

Solomon isn't losing his starting spot. He was the main reason for the team's turnaround last year. He's much more valuable to the team than Beverly.

Agree. Solomon will still be a beast this year!