Ahzeem {l Wrote}:I was at the game last night and here is my take.
I was at the game tonight and the same thing happens at the end of every game. Guards get selfish, they just refuse to pass. Hanlon had Anderson on the block with a smaller guard on him and decided to take his man off the dribble and he also rarely makes a pass to a cutter or roll guy going to his left.
I'm not blaming them for being freshman, I'm saying that's just bad basketball and th1e issue needs to get fixed. You can't really blame coaching, they have a good scheme, with multiple options; late in the rota tion the guards opt to call there own number instead of giving up the ball. Check the tapes, at the end of each game who ever brought the ball across halfcourt also took the shot. I am convinced Hanlon does not look left. If anyone can show me 10x... heck I'll even go 5x Hanlon has made the pass to the left on that pick and roll I'll buy you a beer at the Wake gam ednesday night.
This is precisely my point. Whoever gets the ball... pounds it into the ground at the 3-point line waiting for the shot clock to dip below 9 seconds. Then, that same player tries to take his guy one-on-one. Only if he is unable to beat him (or if help comes) does he pass the ball. And, that pass... is never in the paint... it is always a kickout (regardless of the player is open or not).
The reason why I blame this on coaching is that it isn't one game. It isn't one season. This is what I recall from Don back when Reggie was here. In Reggie's case, I think you can make a strong argument that this is exactly how you SHOULD play it (given he was such a fantastic 1-on-1 player). Maybe, in 2 years, you can say the same about Hanlan.... but, not now.
They need to find a way to get the ball into Anderson's hands in those situations. They need to get into their offense immediately. BFD if it means giving Duke 5 seconds to try a heave at the buzzer. You are down... you need to score first and foremost. You can't be playing offense and defense at the same time. I want the ball to touch Anderson because (a) he is usually smart with the ball, (b) he is the most experienced, (c) he is very adept at getting his shot off, (d) if they are ever going to call a foul, it is near the basket and (e) getting the ball low causes the D to collapse and opens things up on the perimeter. So, if you like having Hanlon take the last shot, you increase his effectiveness by first getting it to Anderson.