A few things that stood out to me from the game tonight:
1) This offense absolutely has to be drive first. The past two nights we've seen the defenses hunker down into zone since Xavier had so much success with it. In the 2nd half NW got into foul trouble and everything opened up. For the rest of the half there were a lot of open shots from either pull up jumpers or slash-and-kicks, because NW had to give them space. It looked like a completely different team than last night.
2) Defense needs to work on communication. Mizzou botched a lot of switches, which lead to easy open shots. I don't think it's a coaching thing. It's most likely just a matter of everyone getting game experience together and getting the instinct of where they need to be. Otherwise, the guards need to work on shuffling their feet. Too many of those stupid hand fouls the NCAA wants called.
3) One coaching gripe. NW was pretty cold in the 2nd half when Mizzou was making a run. They don't shoot very well in general. I really would have liked to see Anderson tell the guys to give an extra step of cushion on the perimeter and make NW beat them over the top. It would have lead to less free throws and put more pressure on NW.
4) Man, these freshman. Philips and Puryear kept us alive. It's crazy to me that Mizzou's two best players were freshman, and the game was so close against a veteran team. If the height coming in next year lives up to the talent of the current freshmen, I see the potential to be a legit tourney team within 2 years. It was a little heartbreaking to see all the effort come up short, but you have to be encouraged after watching that game.
5) Seriously though, those fouls. It's almost like the NCAA sat down in the offseason and said "What can we do to make basketball less enjoyable for the fans?" and then did it. Woof.
Lastly, for everyone who was back to #FireAnderson after one, albeit REALLY bad, showing last night- screw you. I have no idea how this season will shake out or if KA can run a legit program or not. I do know that KA was left with the cupboard as bear as imaginable and had to try to polish a turd last season. I know that in the first 3 games, and now tonight, Mizzou has looked vastly better than I ever saw them play last year. I know that a guy needs more than 1 season to turn around a burning ship of the order that Haith left us with. Lastly, I know that watching basketball is fun again. So watch, or don't, but don't complain that KA can't coach when he has already tangibly improved the product year-over-year.
1) This offense absolutely has to be drive first. The past two nights we've seen the defenses hunker down into zone since Xavier had so much success with it. In the 2nd half NW got into foul trouble and everything opened up. For the rest of the half there were a lot of open shots from either pull up jumpers or slash-and-kicks, because NW had to give them space. It looked like a completely different team than last night.
2) Defense needs to work on communication. Mizzou botched a lot of switches, which lead to easy open shots. I don't think it's a coaching thing. It's most likely just a matter of everyone getting game experience together and getting the instinct of where they need to be. Otherwise, the guards need to work on shuffling their feet. Too many of those stupid hand fouls the NCAA wants called.
3) One coaching gripe. NW was pretty cold in the 2nd half when Mizzou was making a run. They don't shoot very well in general. I really would have liked to see Anderson tell the guys to give an extra step of cushion on the perimeter and make NW beat them over the top. It would have lead to less free throws and put more pressure on NW.
4) Man, these freshman. Philips and Puryear kept us alive. It's crazy to me that Mizzou's two best players were freshman, and the game was so close against a veteran team. If the height coming in next year lives up to the talent of the current freshmen, I see the potential to be a legit tourney team within 2 years. It was a little heartbreaking to see all the effort come up short, but you have to be encouraged after watching that game.
5) Seriously though, those fouls. It's almost like the NCAA sat down in the offseason and said "What can we do to make basketball less enjoyable for the fans?" and then did it. Woof.
Lastly, for everyone who was back to #FireAnderson after one, albeit REALLY bad, showing last night- screw you. I have no idea how this season will shake out or if KA can run a legit program or not. I do know that KA was left with the cupboard as bear as imaginable and had to try to polish a turd last season. I know that in the first 3 games, and now tonight, Mizzou has looked vastly better than I ever saw them play last year. I know that a guy needs more than 1 season to turn around a burning ship of the order that Haith left us with. Lastly, I know that watching basketball is fun again. So watch, or don't, but don't complain that KA can't coach when he has already tangibly improved the product year-over-year.
