Topic: Men's hoops trends

[herd1990]

A couple trends to follow as the season progresses.  And this post isn't meant to blame any one player.  Just a couple obvious things that jumped out to me when I dove into some of the numbers.

In our 12 wins, our Free throw percentage is 66% (107/163). 
In our 4 losses, our Free throw percentage is 48% (26/54).

In our 12 wins, Curfman is shooting an impressive 44% ( 47/106...not bad for a perimeter player).
In our 4 losses, Curfman is shooting a dismal 27%. (12/44)

Kinsey and Taylor are gonna get theirs night in and night out.  So it appears a cold Curfman doesn't bode well for a Win.  And our free throw shooting woes in close games and games we are losing could be a sign of player's not handling pressure very well.  It's odd to have an 18% swing in FT percentage in games won vs. games lost. 

Oh, and in 3 of the 4 losses we were out rebounded by an average of 7 boards a game.

Everyone can see the deficiencies.  It's up to the coaches and senior leaders to fix this mid season slump.  No reason these guys shouldn't be 16-0, 15-1 or even 14-2.

[Big City]

Great info 90. Thanks for posting.

[HoPPy785]

Losing Fricks maybe hurt more than it appears.

[herd2win]

Losing Fricks maybe have hurt more than it appears.

He played 11 minutes a game.  Not the reason for our bad play.

[HoPPy785]

He played 11 minutes a game.  Not the reason for our bad play.

I agree it's not the overall reason at all. I just think he was a much better fit off the bench than anyone getting those minutes now. It also makes us go one player deeper than before and we know the drop off after our main contributors is big.

The main reason for the bad play is coaching/mental focus.

[herdorbust2]

He played 11 minutes a game.  Not the reason for our bad play.

It affects more than you think. Even if he didn't play it's about mindset and realizing the rotation is different. Players start doing different things knowing the bench isn't going to be as good. It's not as clear cut as you want to make it seem. But your agenda is obvious when you jump in these threads. Yes others are to blame but when you lose your rotation it can create more problems than you think. Since the rotation changed a few games ago it looks like last year. And not only losing Fricks but for some reason Conner has went into hiding and playing like he doesn't want to be involved. Those 2 were giving us good minutes and now one is out and the other is MIA. If Danny can't get Conner playing aggressive and confident and also get Fricks back soon then we may as well stick a fork in it. We aren't going to get it done using last years bench.

[MicDrass1]

I think Connor minutes starting going sporadic awhile ago for some reason.  He probably started questioning himself and his worth to the team.  He is a True FR

[Garbanjo]

I agree it's not the overall reason at all. I just think he was a much better fit off the bench than anyone getting those minutes now. It also makes us go one player deeper than before and we know the drop off after our main contributors is big.

The main reason for the bad play is coaching/mental focus.

And the biggest issue for DD: lazy, terrible recruiting

Can he overcome that self-inflicted problem and finish the season strong?

I hope so as I love DD, and would like to see another great season in BBall

Go Herd!

[Herdmeister]

I agree it's not the overall reason at all. I just think he was a much better fit off the bench than anyone getting those minutes now. It also makes us go one player deeper than before and we know the drop off after our main contributors is big.

The main reason for the bad play is coaching/mental focus.

In talking to Danny the day after Fricks injury, he was concerned about how the rotation would be affected.

Wyatt seems to be coming along well. No longer wearing a sling. He was doing quite a bit of therapy at practice yesterday.

[HoPPy785]

And the biggest issue for DD: lazy, terrible recruiting

Can he overcome that self-inflicted problem and finish the season strong?

I hope so as I love DD, and would like to see another great season in BBall

Go Herd!

It's a shame we have had so many recruiting duds. Wonder what we'd be like with consecutive years of classes more like the current freshman group. The vast majority of time Dan has recruited below the talent level we are capable of bringing in.

[Garbanjo]

It's a shame we have had so many recruiting duds. Wonder what we'd be like with connective years of classes more like the current freshman group. The vast majority of time Dan has recruited below the talent level we are capable of bringing in.

It's so frustrating but it is what it is

[HoPPy785]

Oops. Double post.

[jdonaccbus]

If losing Fricks and his 11 minutes is the issue, then how did JMU beat us at home without their top player???

I guess JMU had other players step up. I guess we don't have guys that don't have the ability to step up and replace an injured player?

Some of these excuses are getting weak.

[herdorbust2]

If losing Fricks and his 11 minutes is the issue, then how did JMU beat us at home without their top player???

I guess JMU had other players step up. I guess we don't have guys that don't have the ability to step up and replace an injured player?

Some of these excuses are getting weak.

You are right we don't have the guys to step up after about 7-8. And no doubt that is on Danny. Imo we are a really good athletic scoring guard with great handles away from being very good. We can still win the conference but they have to get their crap together. Competition isn't why we lost the last 2. We need to man up and play smart basketball and stick to the system. Next 3 games imo is must wins. We do that and we will be fine.

[coalherd]

Bust is right in one respect.  To have any chance in the regular season, to be at or near the top of the League come tourney time, we CANNOT afford any more faux pas, or slip-ups, at the CAM this season!