Topic: Herd hoops Strengths/Weaknesses

[herd1990]

With 1/3 of the conference season over, here are 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses I see in our pursuit for a conference title.   Feel free to add your .02.

Strengths:

(1). TK and AT have played as advertised.  For as many accolades and praise as TK deservedly receives, I think AT is under appreciated.  He may be one of the best rebounding guards we've had.  And when he is feeling it, he can change a game.  Kinsey has really improved this year and I once was skeptical of his NBA chances but if he can continue to develop his 15-18 ft jumper, he's got a chance.

(2). Micah.  While nowhere near his potential, he is a presence inside.  We needed it badly.  But staying out of foul trouble is a must in big games. 

(3). Team first play.  Guys share the ball.  Guys play hard for each other.  Bench guys aren't pouting and are into each possession.  That kind of chemistry will help this team during postseason.

Weaknesses:

(1). Free throw shooting.  If you can't knock them down consistently (75%) you're gonna pay in close games.   No lead will be safe and any 6 point lead with 1:30 or less could spell disaster.  Not sure what it takes to fix it, but mark my word......it will haunt us if we don't address it.

(2). Depth.  The first time we run into a Ticky/Tack ref group, this will rear it's ugly head.  I think Goran has been serviceable in his limited time but he's no Micah.  Conner has been good at times and Fricks has been inconsistent.  All the others (Early and Toussaint) haven't really gotten enough minutes to gel with the primary 5 or 6 guys.  Going to be tough come tourney time to win 3/4 games in 6 days with 7 guys.

(3). OAK.  He's been the biggest disappointment to me and his success could be all the difference for this team to be a dangerous mid major come conference tourney and the NCAA tourney.  His FT shooting, his 3 point shot, his ability to finish easy baskets have been woefully lacking.  He won't be able to play at the end of close games because teams will give him the "Shaq treatment" and foul him every time.  Something has to give.  He's better then he's shown.

Overall, a good 19 game start.  Hopeful for a big finish!  Go Herd.

[herdorbust2]

I was looking at stat comparisons for this and last year.

                                   For            Against
Points.     2022-2023     81.6.          68.8
               2021-2022.    74.0.          76.5
 
Fg%.        22-23.           .467.          .414
                21-22.           .436.          .451

3pt%.        22-23.           .323.          .316
                 21-22.           .301.          .346

Reb.           22-23.           42.5.          37.5
                  21-22.           37.2.          38.2

Turnovers.    22-23.          11.8.          14.8
                   21-22.          13.1.           13.3

So as you can see we are better in all these categories over last year.

[herd1990]

 :)

I was looking at stat comparisons for this and last year.

                                   For            Against
Points.     2022-2023     81.6.          68.8
               2021-2022.    74.0.          76.5
 
Fg%.        22-23.           .467.          .414
                21-22.           .436.          .451

3pt%.        22-23.           .323.          .316
                 21-22.           .301.          .346

Reb.           22-23.           42.5.          37.5
                  21-22.           37.2.          38.2

Turnovers.    22-23.          11.8.          14.8
                   21-22.          13.1.           13.3

So as you can see we are better in all these categories over last year.

Defense has definitely picked up and made a difference as well.  Not exactly what DD is known for but the focus and result in undeniable.

[MUther]

Marshall had an SoS of 154 at season's end last year too, though, compared to 314 last I looked this year.  That will skew some of those numbers based on competition.

[herdorbust2]

Marshall had an SoS of 154 at season's end last year too, though, compared to 314 last I looked this year.  That will skew some of those numbers based on competition.

We stand SOS in RPI at 261 at the moment and ranked #65.

[goherd24]

We stand SOS in RPI at 261 at the moment and ranked #65.

He keeps using the worst SOS from somewhere. We are low 229 or so in massey in sos.

212 in Massey

[herdorbust2]

He keeps using the worst SOS from somewhere. We are low 229 or so in massey in sos.

I know. The only real difference is the one or two P5 games. The other 11 games are basically the same. This team is better in virtually every category. And you don't even needs stats because the eyeball test alone backs it up.