DVRed an overnight replay. I hadn't been watching because I was busy with NFL playoffs.
I actually found myself surprised by the feelings of pride in this team and the excitement of the game. Even knowing the outcome, I got really fired up watching Nunn go off in the 2nd half. I had given up on the season and the coaching staff but I found myself checking the schedule and imagining a win streak.
I noticed a couple things that may help down the road. The first is that DJ Williams got some quality minutes to give Hill a breather. I think Hill has been wearing down and needs more rest to be maximally effective.
The second thing is that a healthy Khalid Lewis gave the team a boost. Tate is such a non-factor on offense that he really limits our ability to score.
The third thing is that we need to stop playing Alex Austin. Supposedly he is in for defensive purposes but he isn't any good at it.
The biggest issue with this team is that we are #165 in defensive efficiency. Even a no-talent Kansas State team is #17 in defense. Is there any hope for getting better? Obviously size is the #1 factor for defense and we don't have any. Thorne coming back should help, even if he needs a little bit of SlimFast. I'm really unimpressed with the defense being taught after being spoiled by Self and Weber for so long. I'm hoping for some improvement anyway simply because there is so much room for improvement.
Nunn and Hill are a special duo on offense and it would be a real shame for them never to get to play in the NCAA Tournament. I'm thinking that at least next year we should have a good team. If we could keep Lucas with a coaching change, a real coach could make a big first year splash with the offensive talent we have coming back. If we can be clever about hiring assistants to help with 2017 recruiting, this could turn around fast.
Bottom line is that I think we already hit rock bottom and are working our way back. There are still 4 B10 teams that are dramatically worse than us and several other beatable teams in the middle of the pack. 9-9 Big Ten record is very possible with our schedule. I've seen worse...
I actually found myself surprised by the feelings of pride in this team and the excitement of the game. Even knowing the outcome, I got really fired up watching Nunn go off in the 2nd half. I had given up on the season and the coaching staff but I found myself checking the schedule and imagining a win streak.
I noticed a couple things that may help down the road. The first is that DJ Williams got some quality minutes to give Hill a breather. I think Hill has been wearing down and needs more rest to be maximally effective.
The second thing is that a healthy Khalid Lewis gave the team a boost. Tate is such a non-factor on offense that he really limits our ability to score.
The third thing is that we need to stop playing Alex Austin. Supposedly he is in for defensive purposes but he isn't any good at it.
The biggest issue with this team is that we are #165 in defensive efficiency. Even a no-talent Kansas State team is #17 in defense. Is there any hope for getting better? Obviously size is the #1 factor for defense and we don't have any. Thorne coming back should help, even if he needs a little bit of SlimFast. I'm really unimpressed with the defense being taught after being spoiled by Self and Weber for so long. I'm hoping for some improvement anyway simply because there is so much room for improvement.
Nunn and Hill are a special duo on offense and it would be a real shame for them never to get to play in the NCAA Tournament. I'm thinking that at least next year we should have a good team. If we could keep Lucas with a coaching change, a real coach could make a big first year splash with the offensive talent we have coming back. If we can be clever about hiring assistants to help with 2017 recruiting, this could turn around fast.
Bottom line is that I think we already hit rock bottom and are working our way back. There are still 4 B10 teams that are dramatically worse than us and several other beatable teams in the middle of the pack. 9-9 Big Ten record is very possible with our schedule. I've seen worse...
