** Let’s start with a most positive vibe! Congrats to our 2-0 Panther Hoopers!!
** Accordingly, a 15 point win against a legit foe from the Missouri Valley Conference is indeed a notable accomplishment.
** But we all know there is still room to grow from the team we are to the team we want to be.
** During the first half of tonight’s game, I feared that we may have been watching a troubling version of the team we are. But in the second half, we were able to enjoy a better look of the team we want to be.
** So what was the difference between the two? Mostly it was defense.
** Offensively, we scored 41 points in the first half and 42 in the other. But the change in the second half was notable on the other end.
** I’ll take a step further. Could it have even been the defense of Zach Austin?
** Zach was certainly a big part of it. His help defense and blocks, followed by clearing the defensive glass were at the center of it, in all of his work playing the four spot.
** The four spot is still the part of this team that needs to be figured out. GDiaz hasn’t yet settled into the spot effectively, while his brother didn’t fare much better there.
** But even if Zach led the way, everyone started to step up defensively in the last 20 minutes and the Racers who blistered their way to 55% shooting in the first half could only manage 31% in the second.
** It’s easy to shoot 55% in a half when your shots aren’t tough ones. Too many of the shots surrendered by our Panthers in earlier parts of the game fit that bill.
** One of the biggest culprits was secondary transition defense. While we weren't giving up basic fast break points, the Racers were often able to get into a good shot just a pass or two following the break.
** I don’t want to suggest that our Panthers aren’t putting forth needed defensive effort. But they are often lacking in needed defensive discipline. I’d rather not use the word lazy, because I don’t believe that’s fair, nor accurate. But we certainly aren’t crisp on defending balls screens, and it’s leading our Panthers too often into being behind drives to the rim. Well, that was the case in the first half anyway.
** In the second half, we tightened our work against ball screens and eventually started pushing the Racers into taking an assortment of questionable shots. When that started, so did the deciding Panther run to take control.
** It’s sure is a good thing we can score.
** What’s been most impressive about the Panthers offense thus far is that we’ve been able to produce points without playing particularly great offense.
** I don’t wish to complain about another 50+% shooting performance, but early on it’s still an offense a bit too reliant on winning one on one battles.
** The good news is that we have a quatrain of Panthers capable of winning one on one battles. Those four totaled 71 Panther points.
** Among that group, they (particularly Jaland) missed a couple of good shots we have probably become accustomed to them putting in the basket,
** It should also be noted that winning one on one battles on mismatches is something Coach Capel is looking for. But moving forward, there will likely be games when we will need to move the ball better to get shots.
** Think back to Clemson on the road last year when we only garnered 4 assists in a tough defeat. And tonight we had only 9.
** On the plus side, Cam’s shot selection tonight was excellent, not to mention his rebounding. His presence alone is a clear step forward from last year.
** Last year is another important piece of perspective when deciding what this game means to our Panther prospects for the coming year.
** Our first test game in game three last year against Florida Gulf Coast which was a 12 point win. If you recall, that one was just a 5 point game at the final TV timeout.
** To my eye, the Racers are a far better foe and we won this one going away.
** Therefore, early on, using last year as that perspective, we are further ahead even if we acknowledge that there are still many ways we can get better.
** Even more, last year in game three, we also weren’t awaiting the arrival of a newcomer who might be able to make the offense significantly better.
** On the other hand, we don’t know yet what Amsal can do to improve our team defense.
** Nonetheless, it’s hard not to think we can be much better with him. Hopefully we will get our first look next week.
** So with that, and this nice win tonight, and the chance for the Football team to go 8-1, following a big win for the Volleyball team over #25 UNC to go 22-1, there are indeed plenty of reasons for a positive Panther vibe! I’m looking forward to learning how it all ends up!
** HTP!
