[Husker] NU seeded 6th in Big XII Tournament

[nickchevance at netscape.net]

dryter at inebraska.com wrote:

>But right now, I haven't heard anyone saying that his
>offensive scheme is terrible, his team discipline is terrible, or that 
his
>recruiting is terrible.  These are my top three factors that a coach 
can
>control.

I guess this year I've swung from cut him loose to let's give him a bit 
more time.  I don't think Collier is a bad coach, but results haven't 
been there.  And he's had some time to improve.

Like Derek says, the recruits from the last two years had some 
reasonable credentials, and the one's coming in look reasonable too.  
But I think what disappoints me the most, what makes watching the games 
almost painful, is the execution; game to game, it has been spotty, 
sometimes downright absent.  Passes aimed at big men's feet, passes 
aimed at the fifth row of seats.  An offensive scheme that at times 
looks like the intent is to avoid scoring.  Guards dribbling too much, 
and into heavy traffic.  And turnovers on top of turnovers.

Then there's games like tonight in the first half.  Working for the 
open man, looking inside for Maric.  Hitting Wilkinson for an open 
jumper.  Passing that appears crisp, to places where the man can 
actually catch it.  An offensive scheme that seems to recognize the 
defense in front of it and taking advantage.  Good guard play.  
Shooting with accuracy and confidence.  And some pretty impressive 
defense.

But consistency for this team is illusive.  Maric and Wilkinson go out 
for a rest with about 3 minutes in the half, both with 2 fouls.  
Maric's replacement (Ledsome #34) picks up 4 fouls, scores zero points, 
and looks pretty lost out there, and Mizzou cuts a double digit lead to 
4.  Bronson comes in, picks up one or two fouls, looks like he's at 
least seen a basketball before, but isn't terribly effective otherwise, 
missing his only two shots at the basket (free throws).

The second half is more of the same.  Some good play interspersed with 
some deep sleeping on defense.  1 for 6 from the charity stripe.  Its 
just the consistency that bothers me.  Sometimes they look like they 
know what they're doing, other times, you just shake your head and 
wonder what they might be thinking about.  For me, I don't mind the 
losing as much as I mind the lack of basketball knowledge on the court.

But this one's getting painful again.  Leaving guys open for shots on 
defense, missing free throws, missing open shots, passes getting a 
little high, or wide, or both.  And with Maric out for a rest, Mizzou 
goes right after his replacement, foul.

Can you lay all these problems on the coach?  I think to some extent, 
yes.  But the players have to execute, and I don't think its the "Joe 
Daily" syndrome - a scheme too difficult to learn.  Depth is a problem 
- once the two big guys go out, there's a long drop off to the next 
player.  Depth may be a coach problem - recruiting a couple of big 
names without anything to back them up.

Now Mizzou is up by one, after down by 12, with 6 minutes to go.  I 
don't like our chances when its close.
Its Maalox time again.

Nick
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