First off, I feel like I'm becoming a Gates apologists, which is definitely not the case. With that being said, great effort by the guys tonight. I've seen posts about why the freshmen didn't play, why did Majak get playing time, why they never fight over the screen, why did he have that weird ass lineup out there. Well, I'll tackle those questions for y'all tonight.
Regarding the freshmen playing time tonight. Over the last few games Butler and Pierce have shown they're too light in the ass. Also, they've been horrible defensively, getting punked for rebounds, letting the opponents just bully them. The lack of production on offense hurts their chances of playing time because they're liabilities on defense as well. They have to be at least adequate on either end.
The reason Majak received playing time was because he has Gates trust. He knows exactly where to be at all times. Also, he doesn't get pushed around down on the block. He may not give you anything offensively, but he's pretty reliable on the defensive end. Majak, Tonje and Lewis were pretty solid defensively. They knew there assignment and didn't try to do too much. That was the tradeoff, better defense, below average offense, pick your poison.
Coach Gates defensive philosophy of switching everything is actually a NBA concept. He's running a drop coverage on the pick and roll because he doesn't have the athletes to commit to the ball-handler. Also, the weak side defender isn't rotating consistently to help with the roller. Therefore, it leaves Honor and East guarding the opposing team's big in the lane. This is where Ant Robinson comes into play. He's the one guard who can pressure the ball, make them uncomfortable and dictate where the opponent starts their offensive set.
Why would he run a defense that doesn't fit his personnel? Simple answer, it's his system. He'll continue to recruit his type of players for his system and it'll all make sense on the back end. But right now though, we have to deal with the bumps in the road and wait for better days. They're coming sooner rather than later. MIZ...
Regarding the freshmen playing time tonight. Over the last few games Butler and Pierce have shown they're too light in the ass. Also, they've been horrible defensively, getting punked for rebounds, letting the opponents just bully them. The lack of production on offense hurts their chances of playing time because they're liabilities on defense as well. They have to be at least adequate on either end.
The reason Majak received playing time was because he has Gates trust. He knows exactly where to be at all times. Also, he doesn't get pushed around down on the block. He may not give you anything offensively, but he's pretty reliable on the defensive end. Majak, Tonje and Lewis were pretty solid defensively. They knew there assignment and didn't try to do too much. That was the tradeoff, better defense, below average offense, pick your poison.
Coach Gates defensive philosophy of switching everything is actually a NBA concept. He's running a drop coverage on the pick and roll because he doesn't have the athletes to commit to the ball-handler. Also, the weak side defender isn't rotating consistently to help with the roller. Therefore, it leaves Honor and East guarding the opposing team's big in the lane. This is where Ant Robinson comes into play. He's the one guard who can pressure the ball, make them uncomfortable and dictate where the opponent starts their offensive set.
Why would he run a defense that doesn't fit his personnel? Simple answer, it's his system. He'll continue to recruit his type of players for his system and it'll all make sense on the back end. But right now though, we have to deal with the bumps in the road and wait for better days. They're coming sooner rather than later. MIZ...
