If we can't execute a clamp down D when needed we are not going to win many games particularly against better teams.
There was a reason why the spread was 3, these guys are good.






GO BOBCATS

With the following observation, I could well be setting myself up for a Sunday morning smackdown from Dragon - and possibly other b-catattackers.  But, heck, the morning paper was delivered early, breakfast was tasty, I've finished inscribing some books and I guess I am braced for an all-out assault.  Here we go...

In nearly 3+ seasons Coach Groce has failed  - yes, failed - to instill in his troops the will to consistently play lock-down defense.  By contrast, two progams that we all "love" have been winning largely because of their more consistent D.  Yes, Coaches Dambrot and Ford both have instilled in their troops the will to play "I dare you to score" D.

I've seen their teams play numerous times, most recently yesterday.  Akron, despite a dropoff in talent, still has a chance for its 6th consecutive 20-win season.  Akron clearly is not as athletic as either Kent or Ohio.  Kent?  With Geno in his 3rd season, Kent has a chance for, what?, its 10th or 11th 20-win season in the last dozen or so years.  D has been and remains the key. 

I'm guessing that both Dambrot and Ford wish there were moments when their Os were more potent but, on balance, I'm guessing they place more importance on tough D than more potent O.

There was a moment in yesterday's Akron-Ball State game that was one for the ages.  As the clock expired to end the first half, an Akron player executed a tremendous followup move to score.  He was understandably thrilled as were his teammates and fans.  And yet, as he exited the court, Dambrot was in his face, forcefully voicing his displeasure.  Moments later, when a TV man asked Dambrot what he was telling the player, the coach replied that he was informing his player that he should have prevented a Ball State player from making a good offensive move at the other end of the court.  In Dambrot's thinking, D rules.

So, how reasonable is it to conclude the following:
* That Coach Groce has concentrated on teaching O to the detriment of teaching D?

* That Coach Groce, nearing the end of his 3rd season as HC and after studying under Coach Matta, should have developed the ability to instill in his troops the will required to consistently play tough D? 

Mike: Nope, I take no issue with what you posted.  The hope I have is that the defense problems have been related mostly roster turnover.  As a Spurs fan, I've heard many times it takes a new player about a full year to get the defensive system down.  Groce is no Popovich, but perhaps with a relatively departure-free summer, we can develop the cohesiveness necessary to get stops on a consistent basis.  The players, of course, have to buy in as well.

Pete: All I was saying was that earlier in the season the team did not look like they wanted do what it takes to earn a win.  That has changed, I think.

The problem with your argument is that I wasn't making an argument but blindly wishing.

A year to learn a defensive system?  I'll grant you that the pros are such fabulous athletes that it is probably difficult to coordinate defensively to stop pro offense.  (Though wouldn't that be offset by pro athletic ability enabling them to be better defenders?)

But in college ball it cannot be that difficult to instill defense.  It shouldn't take more than a few weeks it would seem.  If the coach is a good teacher.  If the players are dedicated.  Those are not huge 'ifs.'  I understand; there may be player limitations.  Some guys will never be great defenders.  But it kills me to think that a dedicated team cannot quite rapidly improve its defense.  It's just basketball.

I have been away from my PC and could not respond to your little flame...

I get that you're not happy...neither am I - but I am encouraged...

I am encouraged...but not satisfied.   This is a young team that is learning.  Yeah, they got schooled at 3 again - but they were strong on the boards vs. a good rebounding team.  More importantly - They never gave up.  While many of their followers were likely turning off the broadcast  these Bobcats kept their heads in the game... heck, even Russ kept saying, 'well that's it"  - WAY before the last second near heroics.  I love a team that has the kind of spirit and grit to continually work to put themselves into a position to win, no matter how remote the possibility.   I am not ready to throw the coaches under the bus quite yet.   You can keep your pitchfork and torch for yourself - but don't look for me to join your mob.

I think we should all respect bobcat dragons opinion on all topics.  Anyone that has been in college for 9 years and seen as many Ohio games as he has must know more than the rest of us about Ohio basketball. 

I got that.  You recruit two big men who'll make their mark.  Who'll make us legit when paired with our talent at the 1,2, and 3.  It don't matter where or how you get 'em.  For the 4 think Terren Harbut style.

I think Dragon and others made some good points in this thread, most of which I think I agree with.  We are improving.

The reason I say I think is because my brain is fried and I am dumber for having read anything written by 9704.  I keep trying to digest all the intelligent words that were penned and the only thing my brain can see is '12-13, 5-6, rose colored glasses'.

No doubt a fair question.  The changes I've seen seem like thought out fundamental changes on the offensive side though, not just a result of poor opponents.  But I'm excited to see if it continues against some stronger opponents.

I would suggest that you are at much bigger risk at getting a smackdown from Love than Dragon for having the audacity to suggest that Geno is anything but the Anti-Christ.

Well, I'm pretty simple minded. But would you agree with me that we have a shot to go to back to back NCAAs? That is a pretty good thing. Would you say that any team at this point could be considered a prohibitive favorite?