Illinois-Chicago - 02/01/2023 - 7:00 PM - Marquee

[Bird Friend]

Our FT% Defense has to be one of the best in the nation!

FWIW, we’re shooting 80.0% and giving up 66.2% . . . we’ve allowed more FTs than we’ve taken, but made more than we’ve given up. Must be that high intensity we exude when standing by the lane.

 

[stielowp]

It scares me every time we call a timeout. Not only do we rarely get a good shot, it often ends in a turnover. I propose at this point that Pedon only calls timeouts to "ice" the shooter. This has been a big problem the entire year. Pedon talks about it being a lack of execution, but at some point it has to fall on him. Stallings was one of the BEST out of a timeout, and even under Dan, we would get a good shot. So far, with Pedon, I want to keep my eyes shut.

 

[DaveBird10]

It scares me every time we call a timeout. Not only do we rarely get a good shot, it often ends in a turnover. I propose at this point that Pedon only calls timeouts to "ice" the shooter. This has been a big problem the entire year. Pedon talks about it being a lack of execution, but at some point it has to fall on him. Stallings was one of the BEST out of a timeout, and even under Dan, we would get a good shot. So far, with Pedon, I want to keep my eyes shut.

I agree with this, idk if its execution or not but at some point it goes to the coaches. When we called a timeout with just over a minute left and 25 seconds on the shot clock to just stand there and hold the ball and then to turn it over was so frustrating.

 

[Manchester Matt]

I agree with this, idk if its execution or not but at some point it goes to the coaches. When we called a timeout with just over a minute left and 25 seconds on the shot clock to just stand there and hold the ball and then to turn it over was so frustrating.

Apparently RP told a few of the fans postgame that the team was not executing the stuff he drew up out of timeouts last night. His hands on his head moment at one point kinda showed his frustration. Take it for what you will.

 

[Redbird222]

 

[Redbird222]

 

[Redbird222]

 

[stielowp]

I agree with this, idk if its execution or not but at some point it goes to the coaches. When we called a timeout with just over a minute left and 25 seconds on the shot clock to just stand there and hold the ball and then to turn it over was so frustrating.

I was hoping for that same result when we called the timeout for the last shot of regulation, and we come on out and turn it over. We were lucky they didn't make one at the end.

 

[Redbird60451]

Apparently RP told a few of the fans postgame that the team was not executing the stuff he drew up out of timeouts last night. His hands on his head moment at one point kinda showed his frustration. Take it for what you will.

I thought they were just executing like a pro team. The Bulls can't inbound the ball in a close game with under a min left. All these guys want to be pros, so they were just trying to act like it.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

I agree with this, idk if its execution or not but at some point it goes to the coaches. When we called a timeout with just over a minute left and 25 seconds on the shot clock to just stand there and hold the ball and then to turn it over was so frustrating.

Something happened on that one. Kendall was ready to make a move and Malachi waved him off. Some miscommunication somewhere. Then Pedon can’t control DB falling near the sideline.

 

[Scipio]

Glad we won but Circle sucks. Gotta get Sandage back. We need that one more extra body. Belmont and Bradley coming up. That'll say a lot. Damn, I wish the Bradley game was on a

It scares me every time we call a timeout. Not only do we rarely get a good shot, it often ends in a turnover. I propose at this point that Pedon only calls timeouts to "ice" the shooter. This has been a big problem the entire year. Pedon talks about it being a lack of execution, but at some point it has to fall on him. Stallings was one of the BEST out of a timeout, and even under Dan, we would get a good shot. So far, with Pedon, I want to keep my eyes shut.

I understand your frustration. But I disagree. My perception of Coaches strategy is that he manages the game based on the players and their capabilities. Last night we were:
- Not hitting our 3 point shots.
- Were prone to stupid fouls, and turnovers.
- Not shooting well from the charity stripe.
- UIC was smothering our attempts to get in the paint.
- I thought his timeouts were well taken and predicted by the flow of the game.

I’ll say it again. I have developed a strong confidence in this Coach and his Staff. I believe they read the game, understand what they have available in players and direct the team accordingly.

We won! UIC is tough, physical and well coached. In the end, our coaching staff made the necessary adjustments and our players executed.

 

[Redbird222]

I understand your frustration. But I disagree. My perception of Coaches strategy is that he manages the game based on the players and their capabilities. Last night we were:
- Not hitting our 3 point shots.
- Were prone to stupid fouls, and turnovers.
- Not shooting well from the charity stripe.
- UIC was smothering our attempts to get in the paint.
- I thought his timeouts were well taken and predicted by the flow of the game.

I’ll say it again. I have developed a strong confidence in this Coach and his Staff. I believe they read the game, understand what they have available in players and direct the team accordingly.

We won! UIC is tough, physical and well coached. In the end, our coaching staff made the necessary adjustments and our players executed.

I actually thought UIC made the better adjustments last night. We scored 10 points the first 4 1/2 minutes. They adjusted to the dribble drive and back cuts. They knew who was struggling and left that person open.

We scored 23 points the last 15 minutes of the first half and 21 points the second half. Not exactly riveting.

I am also aligned with many on this board and don't see great plays/execution out of time outs. It might be the players or it might be the plays/calls themselves. I don't know what play was being run the second to last possession but once again it resulted in a last second shot that was blocked and a shot clock violation. There's a pattern there that needs correcting.

We were fine yesterday but we also look lost defensively out of timeouts especially on inbounds plays.

 

[Redbird222]

I think teams are adjusting to Knight's penetration and his inability to spot open players. Here are his TOs last 5 games

4, 4, 6, 4, 4 or 4.4 per game

Here are his assists

1, 0, 0, 2, 0 or .6 per game

Seneca is generally efficient shooting from 2s and streaky from 3. If he could hit some open players when driving it sure would help this offense and him. The best 3 pt shot % wise is comes from the inside - out pass. If we start hitting threes when he penetrates that will open the lanes more for him too.

Don't misinterprete this ... we need his scoring and driving to the basket is one of his strengths. Other teams know it and step in front of him or clog the lane to force TOs. 2 or 3 assists would go a long way.

Burford passes better than Knight but he could improve in this area too.

They are our best option for taking someone off the dribble and the most efficient scorers off penetration (assuming they don't Commit a TO). If they could get others involved off that penetration. we could take another step forward this year offensively.

 

[CB2K]

I wanted to give some props to Red Alert because they were loud and effective from the get go. It kind of surprised me to hear them from the tip-off and they stayed engaged throughout the game. The chanting and chatter with the opposing players was nice to see and hear. They were getting under Anderson’s skin. I know they have been active in other games but for some reason it seemed to me a notch higher than the status quo.

Another strong performance by Mal. He is playing out of position but growing in this role. He did pass up some shots that I felt he needs to take especially when they are prone to run the shot clock down to a Lloyd Phillips-crossing-mid-court-level where a tenth of a second is left before we try to throw a prayer up. We have to stop doing that - it’s like a turnover and lost possession.

DB is hard to contain when he is in rhythm and not forcing shots or trying to join the dribbling dynasty club. He is extremely quick and can get his own shot and penetrate which this team needs.

I agree others that if SK can look up once in awhile and kick it out this team would be much more effective across the board. And honestly, this applies to the entire team.

I was hoping the two missed technical free-throws and the steal from DB and put back as the clock was expiring in the first half would not come back and bite us. Almost did.

Glad we got the W. They gutted it out and earned the victory in spite of some 2nd half breakdowns.

 

[Adunk33]

Another strong performance by Mal. He is playing out of position but growing in this role. He did pass up some shots that I felt he needs to take especially when they are prone to run the shot clock down to a Lloyd Phillips-crossing-mid-court-level where a tenth of a second is left before we try to throw a prayer up. We have to stop doing that - it’s like a turnover and lost possession.

With how frequent the squad is getting up late shots in the clock, I'm wondering if it might be a part of Pedon's offensive strategy. Perhaps at times, Pedon thinks it better to wear down the defense and get a shot up with 5 sec or less, and control the tempo. By doing so, it's also how teams tend to play the Packers (this year excluded). Rodgers can't hurt you if he's on the sideline. The other team can't score if they don't have the ball. So, I'm wondering if eating some clock is strategic but then they don't tend to execute down the stretch.

 

[Hamdonger]

With how frequent the squad is getting up late shots in the clock, I'm wondering if it might be a part of Pedon's offensive strategy. Perhaps at times, Pedon thinks it better to wear down the defense and get a shot up with 5 sec or less, and control the tempo.

What I notice, often, certainly the UIC game, is sometimes we are 10-15 seconds (and even more!) into an offensive possession before we start running a play! Oftentimes 10 seconds-plus AFTER we've crossed half court! I don't believe it's a strategy. I find this incredibly frustrating and if we're not leading the Valley (and perhaps amongst the top in the country) in combined shot clock violations - and last second awful shots - I'd be amazed. There's a couple of guys who do NOT stay continually aware of the shot clock. This has been a consistent wart on our offense all...year...long. I can't believe we're still struggling with this at this point in the year.

 

[Hamdonger]

Man it's even gotten to the point that our student section knows our shot-clock defective condition and they'll start chanting the countdown at the 10 second mark...just so our team is aware!

 

[Adunk33]

What I notice, often, certainly the UIC game, is sometimes we are 10-15 seconds (and even more!) into an offensive possession before we start running a play! Oftentimes 10 seconds-plus AFTER we've crossed half court! I don't believe it's a strategy. I find this incredibly frustrating and if we're not leading the Valley (and perhaps amongst the top in the country) in combined shot clock violations - and last second awful shots - I'd be amazed. There's a couple of guys who do NOT stay continually aware of the shot clock. This has been a consistent wart on our offense all...year...long. I can't believe we're still struggling with this at this point in the year.

The fact that it's still going on is what suggests to be that it is a part of the plan, just not being executed well. Because that is something that is very fixable.

Man it's even gotten to the point that our student section knows our shot-clock defective condition and they'll start chanting the countdown at the 10 second mark...just so our team is aware!

I mean...they should.

When I was in school, we would always count down. On the flip side, when the other team had the ball we would change it up- start counting at 10 when there were 15 seconds left, start counting at 10 when there were 7 seconds left, we caused several bad shots/shot clock violations by doing that. Trevor, if you're reading this...start the tradition back up. You gotta make sure to do the same thing 3 or 4 possessions in a row and then change it up. You'll make a difference.

 

[DaveBird10]

I do want to say hats off to Trevor and the student section for yelling "GET OFF THE COURT" at Yak and then Yak jumps back/off the court. That was one of the best/funniest moments that I have seen in a while.

 

[Birdfriend72]

FWIW, we’re shooting 80.0% and giving up 66.2% . . . we’ve allowed more FTs than we’ve taken, but made more than we’ve given up. Must be that high intensity we exude when standing by the lane.

This is why we shouldn't be settling for 3's and instead driving to the hoop, or getting the ball to the bigs on the block. There isn't many fouls that occur when you are standing 21 feet from the hoop.