I don't know how to diagram a basketball play but after decades of watching games I do feel like I have a feel for good shots vs. bad shots. Underwood clearly sees that our offense has bogged down a bit in recent games. The culprit is a lack of 3-point shooting, with not enough 3PA and also a lower 3PT%. Apart from an open layup or dunk, an open 3-pointer in the flow of the offense is the best shot in the game. That much is fairly obvious.
The secondary effect of the threat of a 3-point shot is that it opens up space for drives and "booty ball." Some of our guys have lost confidence in their 3-point shot and that has allowed teams to clog up the interior on defense. Shannon has been in a huge shooting slump since his return. Guerrier has had a couple shooting slumps after hurting and aggravating his wrist but he seems on track now. Hawkins turns down a lot of 3's even though he's been shooting well. Domask gets a ton of open looks but is only shooting 23.5% on the year (10% below his career average.) Goode and Harmon are still north of 40% and seem to be willing to shoot. The three culprits are Shannon, Domask, and Hawkins.
Hawkins should take the 3 every time he catches it with his feet set. Way too many fakes and drives. Not his game. Every 3 he makes is impactful.
Shannon needs to be a threat from the outside. We know he can do it and it's just a matter of time before that clicks. I think he should just keep shooting them until they start going in as this is probably more in his head than anything else. It's more important to get this right by March 1st for him because that's what takes him up to the All-American level.
Domask can be a little more selective but if he has a catch-and-shoot wide open 3 then he has to take it. He is getting semi-dorked and he can't let teams stay off him too far inside the arc. Right now they fear the bootyball game and are daring him to shoot from 3. He doesn't need to be hunting 3-point shots but he needs to make enough to force the defense to react. He should be capable of it as his shot is pure.
Fans often get mad at the team for "taking too many 3's" when the % is low. It's not about the number of 3's, but about the proper flow and rhythm of the offense. When the offense generates an open 3 you must take it. I think if Underwood gets that through to the team then we'll see the OER ratings bounce back soon.
The secondary effect of the threat of a 3-point shot is that it opens up space for drives and "booty ball." Some of our guys have lost confidence in their 3-point shot and that has allowed teams to clog up the interior on defense. Shannon has been in a huge shooting slump since his return. Guerrier has had a couple shooting slumps after hurting and aggravating his wrist but he seems on track now. Hawkins turns down a lot of 3's even though he's been shooting well. Domask gets a ton of open looks but is only shooting 23.5% on the year (10% below his career average.) Goode and Harmon are still north of 40% and seem to be willing to shoot. The three culprits are Shannon, Domask, and Hawkins.
Hawkins should take the 3 every time he catches it with his feet set. Way too many fakes and drives. Not his game. Every 3 he makes is impactful.
Shannon needs to be a threat from the outside. We know he can do it and it's just a matter of time before that clicks. I think he should just keep shooting them until they start going in as this is probably more in his head than anything else. It's more important to get this right by March 1st for him because that's what takes him up to the All-American level.
Domask can be a little more selective but if he has a catch-and-shoot wide open 3 then he has to take it. He is getting semi-dorked and he can't let teams stay off him too far inside the arc. Right now they fear the bootyball game and are daring him to shoot from 3. He doesn't need to be hunting 3-point shots but he needs to make enough to force the defense to react. He should be capable of it as his shot is pure.
Fans often get mad at the team for "taking too many 3's" when the % is low. It's not about the number of 3's, but about the proper flow and rhythm of the offense. When the offense generates an open 3 you must take it. I think if Underwood gets that through to the team then we'll see the OER ratings bounce back soon.
