Georgia Tech Game & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** A few games ago, I was going to try to come up with a post-game post about our posters. It would have been something along the lines of a fun look about the typical ways some of our regulars would have looked at the game in front of them.

** With this, I was going to offer a lament regarding the fact that our most stylish poster, the wonderful 17-15, has not yet chimed in on what he has been watching this year.

** I know that 17-15 has seen the Panthers many times this year. I’ve often been wondering was he’s been thinking.

** With this, it was great to read the nice memories 17-15 authored today. But again, these offered none of his typically well-reasoned deep insight on this group.

** For those who have been around on this board long enough, you might recall that it was maybe 17-15 who first saw greatness in the 2001-2002 Panthers, proclaiming long before most others that the team would go “22-7, at least.”

** He was more than right of course, and for the next several years, his posts lead the charge of appreciation, ultimately leading to his own book.

** However, one of the things folks like 17-15 appreciated most wasn’t just that the Panthers played well, but the way that the Panthers played well. Often, he stated that he enjoyed how the Panthers ruled tempo, that they took great shots, that they owned the glass, and that they defended in extraordinary ways.

** None of these things can be said of this year’s edition of the Panthers. In so many ways, they are so different from the Panthers of the early millennium who inspired so many of us.

** Still, these Panthers are finding new ways to inspire, not to mention new ways to win.

** These Panthers seem to have completely changed their Coaches’ definition of what a good shot is.

** These Panthers score points in ways that require other teams to catch up with them.

** These Panthers use the foul line as an undeniably reliable weapon.

** And these Panthers simply cannot defend.

** Last year, I often questioned the desire to defend. I do see that desire this year, at least more than last year. But even when they have the will, they just don’t seem to have the way.

** Nonetheless, in this game of basketball, the method by which your team scores more than the opposition matters not … only that you do.

** That’s what happened tonight and we kept scoring so easily, enough so much that when we kept Georgia Tech at arms length, it almost seemed not to matter that we couldn’t stop them very well either.

** I’ll readily confess that it’s plenty of fun watching this much offense. However, only time will tell as to whether this is a recipe for success that can allow for greater success in March that we have had previously.

** As for this game, the offensive recipe was much the same as it's been this year. James instigated brilliantly, Mike and Jamel scored from inside and out, and the rest of the Panthers filled their roles to a T.

** With each game, Rafael Maia is proving to be more of an indispensable piece. In addition to his 12 rebounds, he fits perfectly well with the other players on the court.

** The same can certainly said of Sterling Smith. Make no mistake that the Panthers really wanted fifth year transfer Damion Lee who of course is now a star at Louisville. But, I’m wondering if Sterling might really be a better fit among the other weapons that we have. After all, only one ball can be shot at a time.

** I also wonder if 15 points is a magic number that the Panthers need to get from their two guard, and Sterling and Chris Jones came up with 17.

** The last piece is Sheldon Jeter who is beginning to demonstrate the consistency the Panthers need. With Mike's first half foul trouble, Sheldon filled the void almost to the point where Mike almost wasn’t missed.

** Maybe the most important piece of this year’s puzzle is their coach. People who know Dixon call him a creature of habit. Those who like him less might call him maddeningly stubborn.

** Still, Dixon somehow seems completely comfortable with this team playing, and succeeding, in a way completely differently than they have in the past.

** But now some bigger tests await the Panthers on the road. First they will face a team who defends even worse that we do, but who can score at a greater rate. After that, we will face another who defend extremely well, and play pretty good offense too.

** Perhaps these two games will offer much deeper insight just what we can hope for this year, be it for better or for worse.

** Knowing our defensive weakness, I know I haven’t fully embraced this team. A win or two in the next week could change my mind.

** And a win or two might also inspire 17-15 to author up some of his own musings about this group of Panthers. Maybe he’ll even offer a prediction of where they can end up. And if he sees reasons to believe in their potential greatness, I know I will too.

 

[freddietee511]

Really don't think our defense was bad tonight. They hit some really tough shots.

 

[DT_PITT]

Really don't think our defense was bad tonight. They hit some really tough shots.

This sort of demonstrates this thought of mine:

** That’s what happened tonight and we kept scoring so easily, enough so much that when we kept Georgia Tech at arms length, it almost seemed not to matter that we couldn’t stop them very well either.

Sure, Ga Tech hit tough shots, but that's always going to happen. It's the sum total of our defense that matters, and we didn't stop much all game long.

Try this on for size. This game dropped our Pomeroy adjusted defensive efficiency from around #115 before the game to #154 afterward.

#154 in defense is just not good, by any stretch.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Really don't think our defense was bad tonight. They hit some really tough shots.

They did, but we have a couple of guys who just seem to "go away" mentally on the defensive end several times a game. There was a stretch in the second half where Sheldon Jeter got a nice rebound/putback on one end, and then he came down to the other end and stood there and watched as his guy got the ball and made a layup without so much as Jeter even trying to make a play. My comment at the time was "Sheldon Jeter gives and Sheldon Jeter takes away".

 

[freddietee511]

They did, but we have a couple of guys who just seem to "go away" mentally on the defensive end several times a game. There was a stretch in the second half where Sheldon Jeter got a nice rebound/putback on one end, and then he came down to the other end and stood there and watched as his guy got the ball and made a layup without so much as Jeter even trying to make a play. My comment at the time was "Sheldon Jeter gives and Sheldon Jeter takes away".

Correct. It seems, more than lack of effort, that it's lack of empathy

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

We have to keep in mind also that some of what we are attributing to bad defense is a function of the new officiating emphasis. No matter the effort we can never play the grinding defense we used to in our best BE days. You just cannot without getting in way too much foul trouble. This means you sometimes back off a little when you think you can't challenge strongly without committing a foul.

As far as adjusted defensive efficiency goes, it is not going to be very good from here on out given the level of talented teams throughout the ACC this year. Teams playing in other less offensively challenging leagues simply are going to have an advantage in that statistic--IMHO--if they exert on defense against their weaker offensive opposition.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

I'm not really sure that when someone like Smith just can't miss you can blame it on lack of defense or effort. You'd gladly let him shoot many of those shots again and take your chances ,they just all went in last nigh. They win that game by 15 w/o Smith ,but kudos to him he had a great night.

 

[phijo]

15 games in, and ranked, and I am still not sure what kind of team we have.

Even coach thought the defense was good, not great and gave credit to Georgia tech. I guess that shows you how the game has changed and the style of physical Pitt defense is not possible any more. Yet I still see some teams play some pretty good d. I wish we could figure that out, because that is the difference between a good and an elite team.

I wish Ododa could learn how to stay out of foul trouble but that probably will not happen. He is a presence that could help make the difference.

I think we will know a lot more about out our Panthers after the next 2 games. I feel like I need to see one win out of those 2, to feel better about how this team measures up.

 

[tuckshop]

On that 3 pt shooting and other things basketball

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/entry/offense_vs._defense_the_summary

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I know....I know....DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.....it has been drilled into Pitt fans like they are players themselves. But the sport has evolved, especially this year. Those running this sport have decided they want more offense. And they are getting it.

I agree defense lends to more consistency, that it should "always be there". But sometimes players score. Players hit shots. We saw Adam Smith last night, even with good defense and guys on him nail shots.

When our teams would come to their end in the tourney, it was always someone else making shots. Now...OUR TEAM CAN MAKE SHOTS. Sure there will be times when it doesn't go down, but it is nice watching a team who can just score anyways. We still protect the ball as well as anyone. We just don't have a great defensive team. But part of that is I think, because maybe we overplay, try and force more turnovers which tends to get guys out of position. The flip side to that, we run the break better than any Panther team in memory.

It is a damn fun and entertaining team to watch. And we are 13-1. The next two games will be really interesting.

 

[DT_PITT]

I know....I know....DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.....it has been drilled into Pitt fans like they are players themselves. But the sport has evolved, especially this year. Those running this sport have decided they want more offense. And they are getting it.

I agree defense lends to more consistency, that it should "always be there". But sometimes players score. Players hit shots. We saw Adam Smith last night, even with good defense and guys on him nail shots.

When our teams would come to their end in the tourney, it was always someone else making shots. Now...OUR TEAM CAN MAKE SHOTS. Sure there will be times when it doesn't go down, but it is nice watching a team who can just score anyways. We still protect the ball as well as anyone. We just don't have a great defensive team. But part of that is I think, because maybe we overplay, try and force more turnovers which tends to get guys out of position. The flip side to that, we run the break better than any Panther team in memory.

It is a damn fun and entertaining team to watch. And we are 13-1. The next two games will be really interesting.

If you have read my comments without bias, you will notice an equal emphasis (and appreciation) on offense and defense.

I believe there should be very real cautions about a team with a defense ranked #154 in the country, regardless of how good their offense is.

 

[Panther Holla]

The "old" defense-first Pitt was pretty darn good for a long period. Up to a point. We never got over that obstacle called the Elite 8. And how many times did we lament a loss that might have been avoided if the Panthers could make their free throws?

This year's team is fun to watch, a bit of a guilty pleasure because their style is so alien to what we have come to expect. The Panthers shoot and score and are money from the free throw line. Yes the defense is leaky but on balance this team is a lot better equipped to win games in March. That is, if Pitt successfully navigates the next two months.

The truncated shot clock might be the best thing ever to happen to Jaime Dixon and Pitt. Shorter possessions have forced Pitt to adapt.

 

[pittizit]

over 25% of the points scored via FT route...new game

 

[PittMan 72]

Adam Smith must just grin from ear-to-ear when he gets to play vs. Pitt. He delivered the daggers in Blacksburg last year when VT beat Pitt 70 - 67 in OT. This is his offensive line in THAT game from Jan. 27, 2015:

Min FG 3Pt FT PTS
A. Smith 42 9-17 6-11 2-2

26

So last night vs. Pitt for GT he scored 30 of his team's 84 (36% of his team's points)

Last year for VT he scored 26 of his team's 70 (37% of his team's points).

Maybe there's a pattern here? But if I recall the game last year, it seemed like he had more clean, wide-open looks from outside the arc in that game; especially on kick-outs. Lots of the bombs he dropped last night appeared to be pretty heavily contested. Despite that, he made probably as many long shots during the game last night than he would have made being on the floor by himself in pre-game practice. But sometimes that happens!

The interior D on Mitchell and some of the off. rebounds surrendered by Pitt were more problematic from my perspective than even the red hot long range shooting by Smith. But the overall Pitt defense does need to improve: inside and outside. Sure hope it does; and that the offensive play continues at the same pace or better. If so, this could be a very fun team to watch. The level of success they achieve could be impressive, too. Probably know at least some more about this group after this upcoming 2 game road trip. A split would meet my expectations. A sweep would exceed them. Won't be easy. Neither ND or Louisville typically "suck" on their home courts, that's for sure.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

If you have read my comments without basis, you will notice an equal emphasis (and appreciation) on offense and defense.

I believe there should be very real cautions about a team with a defense ranked #154 in the country, regardless of how good their offense is.

Yeah I really don't think there's necessarily so much of a preference for defense over offense, more just observations that the offense has consistently been at or near an elite level and the defense has more been in the average-to-terrible range.

If Pitt wants to take that "next step", it's going to have to come from the defense because that's where the room for improvement is (and has been).

 

[QuitCallingMeWanny]

Pitt's defense wasn't good but GT made a hell of a lot of tough shots.....Especailly when their center threw up a left-handed hook shot, actually it was a left handed hook rocket that banked off the backboard and went in and drew a foul.....It was like what do you do?

 

[Pittbaseball11]

Pitt's defense wasn't good but GT made a hell of a lot of tough shots.....Especailly when their center threw up a left-handed hook shot, actually it was a left handed hook rocket that banked off the backboard and went in and drew a foul.....It was like what do you do?

I agree with this, however, I think when your defense is down in the 150ish range this far into the season that it's not really the result of one game and is probably getting close to being a solid indicator that it's still an issue.

Of all the teams ranked ahead of Pitt in the computers (27 of them), the team with the worst defense is Indiana. Their defense is 90th in the country. So, Pitt is once again really being carried by their offense scoring a large amount of points per possession and giving their defense more margin for error on their points allowed per possession.

 

[DT_PITT]

E

Yeah I really don't think there's necessarily so much of a preference for defense over offense, more just observations that the offense has consistently been at or near an elite level and the defense has more been in the average-to-terrible range.

If Pitt wants to take that "next step", it's going to have to come from the defense because that's where the room for improvement is (and has been).

Exactly.

 

[Harve74]

The "old" defense-first Pitt was pretty darn good for a long period. Up to a point. We never got over that obstacle called the Elite 8. And how many times did we lament a loss that might have been avoided if the Panthers could make their free throws?

This year's team is fun to watch, a bit of a guilty pleasure because their style is so alien to what we have come to expect. The Panthers shoot and score and are money from the free throw line. Yes the defense is leaky but on balance this team is a lot better equipped to win games in March. That is, if Pitt successfully navigates the next two months.

The truncated shot clock might be the best thing ever to happen to Jaime Dixon and Pitt. Shorter possessions have forced Pitt to adapt.

I'll preface this by stating I like what Jamie has done with this team. Despite what is often the narrative here, he has always adapted his offense to the strengths of his players. This team is quick and shoots well. It also is not very good at screening or at grinding down low, so the offense runs and spreads the court more. Yes, it does benefit by taking advantage of the new emphass on improving the offensive flow. But, success is fairly dependent on having good shooting nights EVERY night. I'm not convinced scoring more points automatically makes us better. A team which ranks 154 in defensive efficiency is not going to thrive in March.

Until we play and BEAT better teams with regularity playing with this style, it is very premature to assume we are better or more prepared for play in March. Games in March are very rarely high scoring affairs but are usually closely fought battles with scores more likely in the 60's or 70's.

When we earn Number One seeds with the new style and win regular season or tournament titles in the top conference in the country, , I'll conceed we're better prepared for March play. Until then, we're merely playing a faddish higher scoring style. Teams that live or de with their jump shots usually die in the pressure of a 6 game, single- elimination tournament.

 

[JS School]

Great win, fun game. My only concern is, is this indicative of what Pitt's offense is regularly going to look like against ACC opponents, or is it indicative of what ACC opponents' offenses are regularly going to look like against Pitt.

 

[IamHeisenberg]

** A few games ago, I was going to try to come up with a post-game post about our posters. It would have been something along the lines of a fun look about the typical ways some of our regulars would have looked at the game in front of them.

** With this, I was going to offer a lament regarding the fact that our most stylish poster, the wonderful 17-15, has not yet chimed in on what he has been watching this year.

** I know that 17-15 has seen the Panthers many times this year. I’ve often been wondering was he’s been thinking.

** With this, it was great to read the nice memories 17-15 authored today. But again, these offered none of his typically well-reasoned deep insight on this group.

** For those who have been around on this board long enough, you might recall that it was maybe 17-15 who first saw greatness in the 2001-2002 Panthers, proclaiming long before most others that the team would go “22-7, at least.”

** He was more than right of course, and for the next several years, his posts lead the charge of appreciation, ultimately leading to his own book.

** However, one of the things folks like 17-15 appreciated most wasn’t just that the Panthers played well, but the way that the Panthers played well. Often, he stated that he enjoyed how the Panthers ruled tempo, that they took great shots, that they owned the glass, and that they defended in extraordinary ways.

** None of these things can be said of this year’s edition of the Panthers. In so many ways, they are so different from the Panthers of the early millennium who inspired so many of us.

** Still, these Panthers are finding new ways to inspire, not to mention new ways to win.

** These Panthers seem to have completely changed their Coaches’ definition of what a good shot is.

** These Panthers score points in ways that require other teams to catch up with them.

** These Panthers use the foul line as an undeniably reliable weapon.

** And these Panthers simply cannot defend.

** Last year, I often questioned the desire to defend. I do see that desire this year, at least more than last year. But even when they have the will, they just don’t seem to have the way.

** Nonetheless, in this game of basketball, the method by which your team scores more than the opposition matters not … only that you do.

** That’s what happened tonight and we kept scoring so easily, enough so much that when we kept Georgia Tech at arms length, it almost seemed not to matter that we couldn’t stop them very well either.

** I’ll readily confess that it’s plenty of fun watching this much offense. However, only time will tell as to whether this is a recipe for success that can allow for greater success in March that we have had previously.

** As for this game, the offensive recipe was much the same as it's been this year. James instigated brilliantly, Mike and Jamel scored from inside and out, and the rest of the Panthers filled their roles to a T.

** With each game, Rafael Maia is proving to be more of an indispensable piece. In addition to his 12 rebounds, he fits perfectly well with the other players on the court.

** The same can certainly said of Sterling Smith. Make no mistake that the Panthers really wanted fifth year transfer Damion Lee who of course is now a star at Louisville. But, I’m wondering if Sterling might really be a better fit among the other weapons that we have. After all, only one ball can be shot at a time.

** I also wonder if 15 points is a magic number that the Panthers need to get from their two guard, and Sterling and Chris Jones came up with 17.

** The last piece is Sheldon Jeter who is beginning to demonstrate the consistency the Panthers need. With Mike's first half foul trouble, Sheldon filled the void almost to the point where Mike almost wasn’t missed.

** Maybe the most important piece of this year’s puzzle is their coach. People who know Dixon call him a creature of habit. Those who like him less might call him maddeningly stubborn.

** Still, Dixon somehow seems completely comfortable with this team playing, and succeeding, in a way completely differently than they have in the past.

** But now some bigger tests await the Panthers on the road. First they will face a team who defends even worse that we do, but who can score at a greater rate. After that, we will face another who defend extremely well, and play pretty good offense too.

** Perhaps these two games will offer much deeper insight just what we can hope for this year, be it for better or for worse.

** Knowing our defensive weakness, I know I haven’t fully embraced this team. A win or two in the next week could change my mind.

** And a win or two might also inspire 17-15 to author up some of his own musings about this group of Panthers. Maybe he’ll even offer a prediction of where they can end up. And if he sees reasons to believe in their potential greatness, I know I will too.

We have finally adopted to the ACC and become an ACC type team instead of an old Big East Team. I think it benefits us in the long run.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

If you have read my comments without bias, you will notice an equal emphasis (and appreciation) on offense and defense.

I believe there should be very real cautions about a team with a defense ranked #154 in the country, regardless of how good their offense is.

Cautious? Yes, we should be if we are hoping or thinking this is a top ten or 15 team. I think the computers have got things right now that we are 14 games in. We are probably a team deserving of being in the #20-#25 ranking range--but not better than that. Can we improve over this as the season progresses? Perhaps. And, perhaps, that will require better defense. But, I am not convinced that really better defense is possible without a dominating post defender. If we had a Steve Adans clone vs a Maia I would be more optimistic about this team's ceiling. As it is I think we may already be at or close to our ceiling being ranked in the low 20s. Just my opinion.

 

[phijo]

I just don't think you will ever see a Pitt defense the way it used to be. So much of what was previously allowed, is not allowed now. Frankly, trapping, getting into passing lanes, pressing, will probably be the best way to defend. But, then, I look at Virginia and I marvel how they play d.

If someone like Ododa, could stay on the court, the defense might be better, I just don't see that happening at this stage in the season.

I agree with the statement we are playing more like an ACC team. An our offense is a lot of fun to watch.

With the new rules, it will be interesting in March what happens with scores. I think they will probably be significantly higher.

 

[Chairman Moe]

I'll preface this by stating I like what Jamie has done with this team. Despite what is often the narrative here, he has always adapted his offense to the strengths of his players. This team is quick and shoots well. It also is not very good at screening or at grinding down low, so the offense runs and spreads the court more. Yes, it does benefit by taking advantage of the new emphass on improving the offensive flow. But, success is fairly dependent on having good shooting nights EVERY night. I'm not convinced scoring more points automatically makes us better. A team which ranks 154 in defensive efficiency is not going to thrive in March.

Until we play and BEAT better teams with regularity playing with this style, it is very premature to assume we are better or more prepared for play in March. Games in March are very rarely high scoring affairs but are usually closely fought battles with scores more likely in the 60's or 70's.

When we earn Number One seeds with the new style and win regular season or tournament titles in the top conference in the country, , I'll conceed we're better prepared for March play. Until then, we're merely playing a faddish higher scoring style. Teams that live or de with their jump shots usually die in the pressure of a 6 game, single- elimination tournament.

Harve: Happy New Year, my friend!

As you stated, Jamie is definitely letting this year's team create its own "template" for how to run sets on offense. I haven't seen enough games as yet to think that this team is not capable of playing defense; about the only game where it was a glaring "problem" was vs Purdue, but I think that was due more to our lack of size and bulk - and perhaps, teams such as the Boilermakers will give us fits all year as we really don't show a lot of muscle. Maia is good at taking up space and has a good nose and sense for the ball (rebounds) but lacks the size to match up against a player 6'10" or taller

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

This ND team is not as good as us on either end of the court. It will still likely be a tough one, but I think we will beat them.

 

[NC Panther]

The Hell w/ the defense - the players either won't or can't play it - concentrate more on the offense.

We have some really good shooters in Smith, Artis, C Johnson, Jones and Robinson now.

Even Young can hit the mid-range w/ consistency.

I say chuck that ball - live and die by it 'cause we just ain't going to play good D period.

Get Cam Johnson more minutes to get his shot ready for March.

We're a different team and w/ the emphasis on fouls - no grinding anymore for Pitt teams - light it up - keep it lit and outscore teams like we did last night - shoot them out of the gym - it;s our only hope for a long run.

And, the ONLY reason it was only a 5 pt game was that Adam Smith was unconscious.

We had their doors on the verge of being blown completely off and then he goes nuts.

We're a very different Pitt team - let's play to our strengths and....I bet the players are loving the hell out of this.

 

[DT_PITT]

The Hell w/ the defense - the players either won't or can't play it - concentrate more on the offense.

We have some really good shooters in Smith, Artis, C Johnson, Jones and Robinson now.

Even Young can hit the mid-range w/ consistency.

I say chuck that ball - live and die by it 'cause we just ain't going to play good D period.

Get Cam Johnson more minutes to get his shot ready for March.

We're a different team and w/ the emphasis on fouls - no grinding anymore for Pitt teams - light it up - keep it lit and outscore teams like we did last night - shoot them out of the gym - it;s our only hope for a long run.

And, the ONLY reason it was only a 5 pt game was that Adam Smith was unconscious.

We had their doors on the verge of being blown completely off and then he goes nuts.

We're a very different Pitt team - let's play to our strengths and....I bet the players are loving the hell out of this.

I'd also bet the players are loving it!

It's pretty clear the fans are. There's no doubt that it fun watching shots go in.

But it's clearly complete folly to believe defense doesn't matter.

I wouldn't be quite so concerned if our defense was ranked around #50. Heck, I'd even be happy with #75. But our defense currently stands at #155.

A team doesn't slide all the way to #155 because of one very hot shooter.

I'm fascinated by how easily folks can look past that.

It's great that we have a top 10 offense. But to be a team able to compete for the top 4 in the ACC or to play in the 2nd or even 3rd weekend of the NCAA tournament, we cannot continue to be well below average on defense.

And what happens during those games when shots aren't falling? It seems like the Purdue game is a distant memeroy to most, but it really shouldn't be. Purdue is a very good defensive team and we weren't able to break in front of them like we did last night.

So we spent that game trying to catch up and we just couldn't come close to putting enough balls in the basket to catch up.

This team is fun to watch for sure.

But to really believe we can go somewhere, we just have to get better defensively.

 

[DT_PITT]

This ND team is not as good as us on either end of the court. It will still likely be a tough one, but I think we will beat them.

I tend to agree with you but I always worry about playing at their place.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Look at it this way, one thing that was always mentioned about us in the past is that we played hard, played defense, rebounded, grinded, every game! Every game. Whereas a lot of teams during the season would take nights off at this. Because of that, we beat a TON of teams and piled up the wins.

But....come tournament time, these other teams now played better defense, got tougher on the boards, to go along with their shot making. Where we had no next level and teams caught up and passed us.

Maybe that is us this year.

 

[DT_PITT]

Look at it this way, one thing that was always mentioned about us in the past is that we played hard, played defense, rebounded, grinded, every game! Every game. Whereas a lot of teams during the season would take nights off at this. Because of that, we beat a TON of teams and piled up the wins.

But....come tournament time, these other teams now played better defense, got tougher on the boards, to go along with their shot making. Where we had no next level and teams caught up and passed us.

Maybe that is us this year.

My friend who I sit with has long had a similar theory which always seemed certainly possible. Hope so.

 

[MajorMajors]

I'd also bet the players are loving it!

It's pretty clear the fans are. There's no doubt that it fun watching shots go in.

But it's clearly complete folly to believe defense doesn't matter.

I wouldn't be quite so concerned if our defense was ranked around #50. Heck, I'd even be happy with #75. But our defense currently stands at #155.

A team doesn't slide all the way to #155 because of one very hot shooter.

I'm fascinated by how easily folks can look past that.

It's great that we have a top 10 offense. But to be a team able to compete for the top 4 in the ACC or to play in the 2nd or even 3rd weekend of the NCAA tournament, we cannot continue to be well below average on defense.

And what happens during those games when shots aren't falling? It seems like the Purdue game is a distant memeroy to most, but it really shouldn't be. Purdue is a very good defensive team and we weren't able to break in front of them like we did last night.

So we spent that game trying to catch up and we just couldn't come close to putting enough balls in the basket to catch up.

This team is fun to watch for sure.

But to really believe we can go somewhere, we just have to get better defensively.

DT - are you buying that 154th ranking for the Pitt defensive stat? I saw another ranking that had Pitt's defensive efficiency in the 50's. The effective FG percentage we give up seems to be in line with all but a few of the teams that I looked at - and some higher ranked teams are giving up a higher FG percentage than Pitt.

I don' t know anything about these defensive BB stats, but in nearly every game I watch - which isn't likely nearly what you watch -- I see teams unable to defend dribble penetration. Seems to me that opponents are hitting tough shots against Pitt -- making your opponent take tough shots is about all you can ask for - isn't it?

I'd like to hear from anyone who can expound some on the BB defensive stats and rankings -- for example, is there really a ton of difference between a team ranked 50th one ranked 100?.

Go Pitt.

 

[DT_PITT]

DT - are you buying that 154th ranking for the Pitt defensive stat? I saw another ranking that had Pitt's defensive efficiency in the 50's. The effective FG percentage we give up seems to be in line with all but a few of the teams that I looked at - and some higher ranked teams are giving up a higher FG percentage than Pitt.

I don' t know anything about these defensive BB stats, but in nearly every game I watch - which isn't likely nearly what you watch -- I see teams unable to defend dribble penetration. Seems to me that opponents are hitting tough shots against Pitt -- making your opponent take tough shots is about all you can ask for - isn't it?

I'd like to hear from anyone who can expound some on the BB defensive stats and rankings -- for example, is there really a ton of difference between a team ranked 50th one ranked 100?.

Go Pitt.

Yes, we should all completely buy it.

It's from Kempom and it's math, plain and simple. It the number of points given up divided by number of possession, adjusted by the effectiveness of opponents (as giving up a point per possession against Purdue doesn't "hurt you" as much as giving up a 1 points per possession against Maryland Eastern Shore.

Bascially, we are giving up 1.015 points per possession (again adjusted).

The number 50 team gives up .963 points per possession.

Pittbaseball11 and thirteenNINE understand this better than I do.

Still, this is not subjective. It is math

And our math needs to get better.

 

[DT_PITT]

DT - are you buying that 154th ranking for the Pitt defensive stat? I saw another ranking that had Pitt's defensive efficiency in the 50's. The effective FG percentage we give up seems to be in line with all but a few of the teams that I looked at - and some higher ranked teams are giving up a higher FG percentage than Pitt.

I don' t know anything about these defensive BB stats, but in nearly every game I watch - which isn't likely nearly what you watch -- I see teams unable to defend dribble penetration. Seems to me that opponents are hitting tough shots against Pitt -- making your opponent take tough shots is about all you can ask for - isn't it?

I'd like to hear from anyone who can expound some on the BB defensive stats and rankings -- for example, is there really a ton of difference between a team ranked 50th one ranked 100?.

Go Pitt.

Also, for what it's worth, we are #10 in offense, which we should also be buying.

 

[TFloss]

I'll be interested to see where our rebounding ends up this year. No doubt the competition has helped those numbers. We rebounded great against Cuse (zone) and pretty well against GT considering Mike was in foul trouble plus GT had some bodies.

I understand the PPP stat factors in possessions so as math would have it one way to make up for lackluster D is to limit possessions.

 

[DT_PITT]

I'll be interested to see where our rebounding ends up this year. No doubt the competition has helped those numbers. We rebounded great against Cuse (zone) and pretty well against GT considering Mike was in foul trouble plus GT had some bodies.

I understand the PPP stat factors in possessions so as math would have it one way to make up for lackluster D is to limit possessions.

One would think, however since we score well, more possessions help us too.

 

[TFloss]

I'm glad you posted this though because I will admit I am getting a little too positive on this year's team.

One thing that you (DT) and PB11 have helped me with is just enjoying the season more. I admit I was falling into the "only March matters" philosophy which is no fun for anyone outside of 10-15 teams a year.

 

[DT_PITT]

I'm glad you posted this though because I will admit I am getting a little too positive on this year's team.

One thing that you (DT) and PB11 have helped me with is just enjoying the season more. I admit I was falling into the "only March matters" philosophy which is no fun for anyone outside of 10-15 teams a year.

I'm enjoying watching this team though. They are lots of fun.

 

[PHATWOOD]

We're plenty good offensively.

We're not going to beat more complete teams until Jamie can get these guys to play better on the defensive end.

They may never do that this season.

However, we won't go down to a MAC team in the tourney, should we make it there.

So for once my hope is we won't get sent home by a team with a hot shooting point guard or two guard - we'll likely be sent home by a team with a hot shooting guard and a dominant post presence.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

Owt-
I'll simply say this, without defensive improvement we won't have to worry about how deep we go, we'll have to worry about the bubble.

Quickly look what the average defensive efficiency ranking is for final four teams through the years.
See how many are over 100.

It's all important.

 

[NTOP]

I'd also bet the players are loving it!

It's pretty clear the fans are. There's no doubt that it fun watching shots go in.

But it's clearly complete folly to believe defense doesn't matter.

I wouldn't be quite so concerned if our defense was ranked around #50. Heck, I'd even be happy with #75. But our defense currently stands at #155.

A team doesn't slide all the way to #155 because of one very hot shooter.

I'm fascinated by how easily folks can look past that.

It's great that we have a top 10 offense. But to be a team able to compete for the top 4 in the ACC or to play in the 2nd or even 3rd weekend of the NCAA tournament, we cannot continue to be well below average on defense.

And what happens during those games when shots aren't falling? It seems like the Purdue game is a distant memeroy to most, but it really shouldn't be. Purdue is a very good defensive team and we weren't able to break in front of them like we did last night.

So we spent that game trying to catch up and we just couldn't come close to putting enough balls in the basket to catch up.

This team is fun to watch for sure.

But to really believe we can go somewhere, we just have to get better defensively.

I agree that our defense is generally bad. But I'm not sure that'll matter much in ACC play. Shootouts will be common. We scored 89 vs. GT, w/o a big night from the arc. When you can score inside or out, on the break or by great passing in half-court, it puts a lot of pressure on the bad guys. and our depth is really solid.
Geno must REALLY be enjoying this group.