Ragin' Cajuns analysis by K.Tripucka
Originally Posted by K.Tripucka
Team
Pro's- We have a talented, deep, hard working, young, athletic team who seem to have the character we have been looking for with a sprinkle of experience with Dees and Milsap, along with some big men in our future. I have posted before that whenever Coach Lee was able to get players that could match his intensity (which if you had not noticed is very intense) he would be able to succeed and it seems this group can and has.
Con's- All of these guys are of about the same importance and talent to our team. It seemed at the beginning of the year it was Dees who was out of place and he had a choice to either change or conform. He conformed and his attitude has been one of leadership and experience. But in doing so, along with the emergence of Bureau it has taken minutes away from Gradnigo and Milsap. And now it appears that Gradnigo and Milsap are at a crossroads and have to make the decision on what their attitude will be going forward. Gradnigo struggled the last few games, with the exception of last night, and because of that he will not (nor can we afford) get the minutes he needs to work out of it. I hope that does not discourage the young man because he seems to have a star quality we will need in years to come. Milsap seems to be on his own on offense most times and out of sync with the team which will cause him to get down quicker than normal, and again with others able to fill his position and he will not get the time to work out those issues. All others will be fighting for minutes, and as they grow it will become more difficult for each to accept their role. Bballlegend said that on most teams there are a couple of stars built in with role players such as 3pt-shooters, defense specialist, rebounders, leaders etc… I agree with that and I don’t see this team emerging like that. It will be a group with very similar talent fighting for minutes, which can create animosity amongst a young team (which has already happened to some extent according to reliable sources). I am glad to see the building Coach Lee is doing, but I hope in does not translate into players leaving in the future because I only see it getting worse IF the players cannot handle it. The new additions coming in will just facilitate the potential problem. Of the new comers only Ferguson seems he can be a Brian Hamilton type. Barr and Adeife have had their issues and for Adeife it seemed to be playing time. Barr is average at best right now but with a big body so the 3 of them will have to split more time. Does anyone else see this as a potential problem? Also I truly do not know if the “I rather have too many than not enough” argument is the answer here.
Defense
Pro’s- I think our team has matched Coach Lee’s intensity and scheme here. I think we are very good defensively. I see flashes of Bobby Knight’s defenses, and I think that is a positive. We make other teams look bad, unlike last year.
Con’s- The only con is size on defense but we seem to be overcoming that. The coaches and the players have shown that we will be a defensive force to be reckoned with.
Offense
Pro’s- We have been better outside shooters this year and seem to have shooters for the future. We are very athletic and quick.
Con’s- I don’t know if Coach Lee has worked on offense as much as he needs due to being a defensive team, but we either do not listen or we are not taught how to run an offense. Milsap, Dees, and Gradnigo just do what they want with no patience and that may be because no one else moves when they have the ball. Wallace has stepped up at times but it seems no one wants to give him the ball because they know it will not come back out. He will shoot it! We have no movement or continuity on offense. We run no screens for Dees, Gradnigo, or Bureau like WKU does for Lee, and that’s not to say we do it by design. The players just may not listen or the coaches are just not drawing it up properly. Although Gradnigo may not be the best defensive player, I think you need to get him off offensively by running sets for him. Also with Bureau and Dees. But that leaves Milsap and Gary’s athletic ability out. I have no solution here because I believe in making a couple of people the offensive focus and building around them. But everyone on this team can be the focus. Does anyone know our offensive schemes?
Our out of bounds plays have to be the worst designed or worst executed in the country. We never seem to come out of a time out and execute. Any thoughts or disagreements on this?
Coaching
Pro’s-I still believe in Coach Lee and I like the loyalty he has for the University. I also like that he has gotten character guys to build a program around, and that is what we are all looking for is a “program.” His academic record has been good so far and hasn’t had any off the court problems (knock on wood). I like his passion and I think he genuinely cares for his players, university, and fans.
Con’s- I think sometimes Coach Lee is too intense. I have been to practices and have seen him throw players out of practice. I personally like that way of coaching but I do not think it works anymore (See Bob Knight). The players want to feel security for their effort and I think this team is giving effort and they do not feel secure about their future, due to too many similar talented players on the team. I am torn on his x’s and o’s because I see it on defense but not on offense. Again that may not be him but lack of execution, which ultimately falls on him.
Just my opinion and thoughts. I told you it would be long! I really am interested to see your analysis of my analysis because as we all know it is easy to coach from a message board.
Quote
Re: Ragin' Cajuns analysis by K.Tripucka
