Everything Good Again...

[bbwvfan]

I can’t see sacrificing any game to get a shooter out of a slump. As a player, he should realize when he is on or when he his off. When you’re off, you get involved in the offense without hurting you team. This isn’t geared towards just West. Esa isn’t a 3 pt shooter and went 0-5 against OU. There are going to be some games, maybe, where he may go 4-5. Beetle shot lights out Saturday night and was clearly in the zone.if the kid can’t figure it out, then the HC needs to give guidance. A pure shooter is like that guy in the casino, the next one is going to be the winner. Meanwhile a 15 point lead is being cut into. The bad thing about all of this, when the game is on the line, everybody freezes up. Monday night was the first time that they didn’t collapse in about 8(?) games.

Are you talking hypothetically? Or specifically to this player?

Even if you're talking hypothetically, I would disagree. These games at this point in the season mean very little in the big picture for a team like WVU. If they lose a game or two... or 3... or 5 of 6... the losses do little but move them down a line or two for NCAA seeding. They're are no dominant teams this year, so the goal should always be... have your team playing its best ball in March. If you lose a few games while one of your deep threats is working through a slump, you don't want him to stop trying his shot. As a shooter, the next one is going in. And, that next one might just put your back on the right side of the slump.

I want West to be a shooter with a shooter's mentality. I don't want him to think any other way. If he loses confidence in his shot, and doesn't shoot the rock because his shot hasn't been falling... I think he's done for the year. And, teams then know his tendencies and defend accordingly.

 

[mad2mc]

Are you talking hypothetically? Or specifically to this player?

Even if you're talking hypothetically, I would disagree. These games at this point in the season mean very little in the big picture for a team like WVU. If they lose a game or two... or 3... or 5 of 6... the losses do little but move them down a line or two for NCAA seeding. They're are no dominant teams this year, so the goal should always be... have your team playing its best ball in March. If you lose a few games while one of your deep threats is working through a slump, you don't want him to stop trying his shot. As a shooter, the next one is going in. And, that next one might just put your back on the right side of the slump.

I want West to be a shooter with a shooter's mentality. I don't want him to think any other way. If he loses confidence in his shot, and doesn't shoot the rock because his shot hasn't been falling... I think he's done for the year. And, teams then know his tendencies and defend accordingly.

Probably a little both. Let’s get the obvious items out of the way. This team presses because they cannot shoot, streaky at best, especially during crunch time. The press helps create more opportunities when teams succumb to it. When teams figure it out, then this team panics.

For me, I would want my team to win every game and be as competitive every night with the understanding that the other team is going to make a run at you when they are down and some you just may lose. I feel the opposite of you when it comes to sacrificing a game for a player’s inability to understand that tonight isn’t his night for launching threes. It doesn’t mean don’t shoot at all, but your shot selection better be on the money. I would be more concern of sacrificing the confidence of the other 4 on the floor and those on the bench in losing another game we had a double digit lead. You work on mechanics and confidence in practice. You shoot at a shorter distance and work your way out to the three during pregame warmups and take 3’s from different spots on the court. Where do you feel comfortable at? A player knows when he feels it. A coach can sense it. He can also destroy it by yanking a player for attempting a three or nurture it with coaching. There is no harm in limiting threes to only wide open shots if the team is cold or even shutting down a cold player from attempting them. It’s all on how the message is delivered and how the shooter interprets it. I feel a pure shooter will evaluate a bad night, make adjustments, and chomp at the bit to get out there again. From what I’ve heard about Teddy Buckets, he has this shooter’s mentality. He also needs coaching.

As far as the tourney, I agree, I want my team to be ready. Part of that is understanding when my actions are hurting the team and finding ways to contribute. There isn’t that luxury of letting a player shoot his way out of a slump during a tournament game. I’m not picking on West, but I believe he has shot around the 50% mark the last couple games (I haven’t done my homework). This would go for anybody on the team. I get frustrated watching these guys work hard in 1st half and seem lost in the 2nd when that double digit leads starts to dwindle. Their solution seems to be to launch 3’s. Teams have caught on and have challenged this team into making there outside shot. It just appears (did’t look at stats) that they launch a lot of 3’s in the second rather than run a set offense.

Maybe I misread your post. This is sure a long reply.

 

[bbwvfan]

Probably a little both. Let’s get the obvious items out of the way. This team presses because they cannot shoot, streaky at best, especially during crunch time. The press helps create more opportunities when teams succumb to it. When teams figure it out, then this team panics.

For me, I would want my team to win every game and be as competitive every night with the understanding that the other team is going to make a run at you when they are down and some you just may lose. I feel the opposite of you when it comes to sacrificing a game for a player’s inability to understand that tonight isn’t his night for launching threes. It doesn’t mean don’t shoot at all, but your shot selection better be on the money. I would be more concern of sacrificing the confidence of the other 4 on the floor and those on the bench in losing another game we had a double digit lead. You work on mechanics and confidence in practice. You shoot at a shorter distance and work your way out to the three during pregame warmups and take 3’s from different spots on the court. Where do you feel comfortable at? A player knows when he feels it. A coach can sense it. He can also destroy it by yanking a player for attempting a three or nurture it with coaching. There is no harm in limiting threes to only wide open shots if the team is cold or even shutting down a cold player from attempting them. It’s all on how the message is delivered and how the shooter interprets it. I feel a pure shooter will evaluate a bad night, make adjustments, and chomp at the bit to get out there again. From what I’ve heard about Teddy Buckets, he has this shooter’s mentality. He also needs coaching.

As far as the tourney, I agree, I want my team to be ready. Part of that is understanding when my actions are hurting the team and finding ways to contribute. There isn’t that luxury of letting a player shoot his way out of a slump during a tournament game. I’m not picking on West, but I believe he has shot around the 50% mark the last couple games (I haven’t done my homework). This would go for anybody on the team. I get frustrated watching these guys work hard in 1st half and seem lost in the 2nd when that double digit leads starts to dwindle. Their solution seems to be to launch 3’s. Teams have caught on and have challenged this team into making there outside shot. It just appears (did’t look at stats) that they launch a lot of 3’s in the second rather than run a set offense.

Maybe I misread your post. This is sure a long reply.

WVU’s press is not going to be a difference maker this year. It looks like everyone associated with the team understands that fact. WVU has some outside threats this year. West, Bolden, Ahmad and JC all can do it. Since we don’t have guards who can take it into the paint and create, we have to be able to hit the 3. This allows the offense to keep defenses from sagging/clogging the lane. This allows Sags to go one on one in the post, allows our cuts in the lane to create easy chippies.

Read an article today where Huggs stated he wants West to shoot it when he’s open. Not to worry about if he misses. JC stated he told West he’s a shooter... so shoot the ball without hesitation.

IMO, West is not going to help contribute to the offense by being a playmaker. He is a 3 pt shooter.

The team isn’t going to lose a game because he’s missing 3 pt shots trying to get out of his slump. They’re going to lose because they aren’t getting offensive rebounds, poor in transition defense... poor in half court defense.

WVU has to be able to spread the court. They are not a good passing club... nor good at penetration of the lane. So, shoot the damn rock... and rebound the misses. They’re one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. That is how they will win games...

 

[mad2mc]

WVU’s press is not going to be a difference maker this year. It looks like everyone associated with the team understands that fact. WVU has some outside threats this year. West, Bolden, Ahmad and JC all can do it. Since we don’t have guards who can take it into the paint and create, we have to be able to hit the 3. This allows the offense to keep defenses from sagging/clogging the lane. This allows Sags to go one on one in the post, allows our cuts in the lane to create easy chippies.

Read an article today where Huggs stated he wants West to shoot it when he’s open. Not to worry about if he misses. JC stated he told West he’s a shooter... so shoot the ball without hesitation.

IMO, West is not going to help contribute to the offense by being a playmaker. He is a 3 pt shooter.

The team isn’t going to lose a game because he’s missing 3 pt shots trying to get out of his slump. They’re going to lose because they aren’t getting offensive rebounds, poor in transition defense... poor in half court defense.

WVU has to be able to spread the court. They are not a good passing club... nor good at penetration of the lane. So, shoot the damn rock... and rebound the misses. They’re one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. That is how they will win games...

My focus was more on your comment of letting a player shoot to get out of a slump and sacrifice a game or 2. Huggs gave West the green light to shoot when he was open and he doesn't have to worry about getting an early hook. I mentioned that a coach should place some type of condition when he realizes a shooter is having an off night or a slump. My dissertation was not solely focused on West and whether he would lose a game all by himself, but even West has to be smart enough to realize when the 3's aren't there. That goes for anyone who is having an off night from the 3 point line. Especially Huggins.

I think we agree on the fundamentals but disagree when it comes to shooting the 3 during a game and how to handle a player in a shooting slump. When the lead is dwindling, I do not think that the 3 is the almighty answer when you are 0 for the game during crunch time. Better decisions need to be made.

 

[bbwvfan]

After the UK game, Slaton and me were texting. He thought West should sit the rest of the year. I disagreed. Instead of Huggs berating him, I thought Huggs needed to do everything he could to boost his psyche.

WVU needs West. They need him to be prolific at what he does best. Now Huggs is saying he’s in favor of West shooting the ball and not worrying about whether he hits or misses.

IMO, that is what he should have been saying all along.

 

[Slaton10]

WVU’s press is not going to be a difference maker this year. It looks like everyone associated with the team understands that fact. WVU has some outside threats this year. West, Bolden, Ahmad and JC all can do it. Since we don’t have guards who can take it into the paint and create, we have to be able to hit the 3. This allows the offense to keep defenses from sagging/clogging the lane. This allows Sags to go one on one in the post, allows our cuts in the lane to create easy chippies.

Read an article today where Huggs stated he wants West to shoot it when he’s open. Not to worry about if he misses. JC stated he told West he’s a shooter... so shoot the ball without hesitation.

IMO, West is not going to help contribute to the offense by being a playmaker. He is a 3 pt shooter.

The team isn’t going to lose a game because he’s missing 3 pt shots trying to get out of his slump. They’re going to lose because they aren’t getting offensive rebounds, poor in transition defense... poor in half court defense.

WVU has to be able to spread the court. They are not a good passing club... nor good at penetration of the lane. So, shoot the damn rock... and rebound the misses. They’re one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. That is how they will win games...

I am not so sure the press is dead...just opinion I think Huggins "MAYBE" trying something to different to save some legs for the stretch run and will save it in games like against an Iowa State or something...I think it comes back full tilt in the NCAA Tourney....

As far as West goes, my take is no matter if its West or whoever is playing the 3 spot if they are on the floor and the ball rotates to them and they are in position to take a shot with a good look at the hoop they should take it...its what the offense is designed to do...

 

[bbwvfan]

I am not so sure the press is dead...just opinion I think Huggins "MAYBE" trying something to different to save some legs for the stretch run and will save it in games like against an Iowa State or something...I think it comes back full tilt in the NCAA Tourney....

As far as West goes, my take is no matter if its West or whoever is playing the 3 spot if they are on the floor and the ball rotates to them and they are in position to take a shot with a good look at the hoop they should take it...its what the offense is designed to do...

I agree, I don't believe the press is dead either. It simply isn't and won't be a difference maker this year in conference play. I'm sure Huggs will use it more come NCAA tournament time.

But, it looks like he's going to shorten his bench. As I mentioned awhile back, he has to keep Sags on the floor. Sags played over 30 min against OU. He has no depth at guard, so he has to save JC's and Beetle's legs. He can no longer afford to be Press VA for 40 minutes.

Huggs stated yesterday something I've been saying about this year's team as well... making shots brings energy to the defense. This year's bunch needs to make shots to maintain energy. It is why we see them look so good in the first half of games, and I believe it is why we see them look so bad in the 2nd half of games. They're tired, and when the shots aren't falling, they don't play with energy. The Final 4 team didn't need to make shots to keep playing lock down defense.

Huggs has to back off of the press to save his kids' legs. They need to stay fresh with a short bench... need to have legs to make shots... to maintain good energy on offense/defense throughout the entire game.

 

[mad2mc]

I agree, I don't believe the press is dead either. It simply isn't and won't be a difference maker this year in conference play. I'm sure Huggs will use it more come NCAA tournament time.

But, it looks like he's going to shorten his bench. As I mentioned awhile back, he has to keep Sags on the floor. Sags played over 30 min against OU. He has no depth at guard, so he has to save JC's and Beetle's legs. He can no longer afford to be Press VA for 40 minutes.

Huggs stated yesterday something I've been saying about this year's team as well... making shots brings energy to the defense. This year's bunch needs to make shots to maintain energy. It is why we see them look so good in the first half of games, and I believe it is why we see them look so bad in the 2nd half of games. They're tired, and when the shots aren't falling, they don't play with energy. The Final 4 team didn't need to make shots to keep playing lock down defense.

Huggs has to back off of the press to save his kids' legs. They need to stay fresh with a short bench... need to have legs to make shots... to maintain good energy on offense/defense throughout the entire game.

We agreed last season that they cannot press full tilt every game without having tired legs at the end of the season. While I agree it affects shots, I still feel that at crunch time, it’s more than tired legs. I don’t get how double digit leads just evaporate. It just seems that when we are up by double digits and the clock hits between the 12-15 minute mark left in the game, I start bracing myself for the collapse. May be coincidental, but that is usually the time Rouff and/or Bender are in there getting dunked on and Teddy Buckets is just running around. My old coach called it crazy hustle (running around like a crazed individual and not doing anything beneficial, just running around). Sure, the other team turns it up but we don’t counter that. In the OU game, Sags and Esa turned up their inside game. They have to maintain this during both halves. Sure, having the outside game clicking opens the inside, but the reverse holds true as well. I think we need to establish an inside game especially in the 2nd half while being judicious with shot selection.

 

[Slaton10]

We agreed last season that they cannot press full tilt every game without having tired legs at the end of the season. While I agree it affects shots, I still feel that at crunch time, it’s more than tired legs. I don’t get how double digit leads just evaporate. It just seems that when we are up by double digits and the clock hits between the 12-15 minute mark left in the game, I start bracing myself for the collapse. May be coincidental, but that is usually the time Rouff and/or Bender are in there getting dunked on and Teddy Buckets is just running around. My old coach called it crazy hustle (running around like a crazed individual and not doing anything beneficial, just running around). Sure, the other team turns it up but we don’t counter that. In the OU game, Sags and Esa turned up their inside game. They have to maintain this during both halves. Sure, having the outside game clicking opens the inside, but the reverse holds true as well. I think we need to establish an inside game especially in the 2nd half while being judicious with shot selection.

I think you can slice it all different ways...again...just my observation ..the defender on the the inbound pass whoever the flavor of the day is , does a horrible job affecting the initial pass...it starts there..it just appears to me teams have a much easier time than in previous years.. if the ball is coming immediately to the middle of the floor instead of a corner..out goes the trap ...and the rest of team seems lethargic at times in getting back especially late in the games...and teams seem like they are trying to speed up that inbound pass a lot more to get the ball to half court in a hurry..and WV seems to do nothing to change the pace of play when things seem to be going in the crapper

 

[bbwvfan]

We agreed last season that they cannot press full tilt every game without having tired legs at the end of the season. While I agree it affects shots, I still feel that at crunch time, it’s more than tired legs. I don’t get how double digit leads just evaporate. It just seems that when we are up by double digits and the clock hits between the 12-15 minute mark left in the game, I start bracing myself for the collapse. May be coincidental, but that is usually the time Rouff and/or Bender are in there getting dunked on and Teddy Buckets is just running around. My old coach called it crazy hustle (running around like a crazed individual and not doing anything beneficial, just running around). Sure, the other team turns it up but we don’t counter that. In the OU game, Sags and Esa turned up their inside game. They have to maintain this during both halves. Sure, having the outside game clicking opens the inside, but the reverse holds true as well. I think we need to establish an inside game especially in the 2nd half while being judicious with shot selection.

IMO, common sense tells you the press is wearing down our guys by season’s end. Huggs relied on it though, and wouldn’t abandon it because he felt he could rotate 10 guys and wear down the opponent. He has a comment he makes... “our 10 are better than your 10.”

This year, he doesn’t have 10. He has 8 if you count Teddy. Ruott and Bender are there to give Sags a break or play when he gets in foul trouble. That is all either of them do. Neither can protect the back end of the press. Neither can score.

How many minutes did both play in the UK game? When did UK overcome their huge deficit? Huggs was sending a message to his kids he sat on the bench. West, Harris, Teddy... all rode the pine. Huggs does not care if it cost his team a loss.

7 kids played major minutes against OU. This was on the heels of a game just 2 days prior. Me thinks this is telling...

 

[bbwvfan]

http://www.dominionpost.com/Mountaineers-urge-La--mont-

Jevon Carter’s words to teammate Lamont West echoed those of the WVU men’s basketball coaches.

They were simple and to the point.

“I told him, ‘Don’t hesitate. Let it go. You’re a shooter, that’s what you do.’ ” Carter said.

“We’ve all been as a staff telling Lamont, ‘Just shoot the ball, man.’ He’s analyzing every shot,” Huggins said. “We told him that if he catches it, just shoot it.”

But West had fallen into some bad habits that shooters sometimes do when shots aren’t falling.

Instead of launching jump shots, West attempted to add more to his game, by driving to the basket and trying to play with contact.

“He’s just got to play,” Huggins said. “Sometimes you can overthink things and I think he was overthinking things.

“You can’t think yourself through a jump shot. It’s got to be neuromuscular integration. Hopefully, he’ll be able to do that.”

Even during WVU’s 75-73 victory against Oklahoma, on Monday, West began with a flurry of 3-pointers — making 5 of 6 in the first half — only to pass one up with 5:32 remaining in the game that caused Huggins to sub out for West.

“We were all upset with him, because he had an open shot and he pump-faked it and dribbled it,” Huggins said. “We end up with a shot-clock violation. He’s got to shoot the ball when he’s open. Make or miss, he’s got to shoot it.”

And how well West shoots it can become a deciding factor in how successful the 19th-ranked Mountaineers (18-6, 7-4 Big 12) can be.

In games when West shoots 50 percent or better from the field, the Mountaineers are a perfect 9-0, including a win against Virginia, two against Kansas State and the Feb. 5 victory against the Sooners.

WVU is 4-4 when West shoots 30 percent from the floor or worse.

 

[bbwvfan]

When West shoots 50% or better... WVU is 9-0.

It don't get any more clearer than that...

 

[mad2mc]

When West shoots 50% or better... WVU is 9-0.

It don't get any more clearer than that...

That doesn’t explain losing double digit leads.

 

[bbwvfan]

West shot 50% today, and WVU lost. Maybe it would have helped had he played a little more in the game?

 

[mad2mc]

West shot 50% today, and WVU lost. Maybe it would have helped had he played a little more in the game?

May have. I noticed when JC sat and Bender & Routt were on the floor at the same time in the second half, the team kind of lost steam. The team played well, overall, just not good enough.

 

[bbwvfan]

Well... the 2nd half defense was terrible. No way to excuse it.

Sags has to stay on the floor. He made some really stupid fouls in the 2nd half which cost the team dearly.

 

[Anotherwvufan]

We did not play WVU basketball today. The stat I look at is how many shots does each team have. Shots were equal the whole game. We had too many turnovers and let up on pressing them in the second half. Making their last 4 3s did not help.

Could not believe that Beetle took that last shot. Too much time was left on the clock. Asa was unstoppable and JC was going to the basket at will. Did Huggs actually call that play?

I think that if every second half wa only 18 minutes we would only have one loss and be ranked #1.

I’ve never seen a team that fails to close out like this one.