Big East Coaches Scout Us with Brutal Honesty

[SHUSource]

Nice piece by Seth Davis, who got rival coaches talking about us, anonymously, as well as other top Big East contenders, in addition to programs from other, less significant conferences. I think they've got us down (it's not negative, actually, which is good), and I think they've got the other teams pegged fairly, too. Have a look.

 

[Bud Boomer]

Cool article. Wonder who the Big East coach was. One of the lower tier guys maybe? Doubtful Mullin knows the other teams players, tendencies, plays, etc. so it probably wasn't him.

 

[Piratefan2009]

I agree with their points on us. It's clear we are tough and emotional, and love playing together. Love the toughness of this team and they have (mostly) brought it to each contest. This coach definitely recognized our frontcourt weaknesses.

I also agree that it comes down to Whitehead on most games. Sometimes he shoots too much. This is usually because either he gets frustrated by their defense, or because distribution is leading to a lot of missed shots by others. Once the volume shooting happens, it's only a matter of time before you miss 3 or 4 in a row. As climactic as it is, I don't like his shots from 6 feet behind the 3 point line. 3 point shots should come at the line after a good play to open space, or simply because your defender is sagging you on purpose (or as a result of a great pick).

More than anything the supporting cast needs to hit shots. When KC, DR, or Gordon are on it relaxes Whitehead and usually gets him hyped to make redonculous passes for alley oops and dunks. I just hope we can adjust to people packing the paint on us. If KC and IW can work a 15 foot jumper, they will solve the problem of defenses just collapsing the minute our guard gets by his defender.

 

[hbkmyr]

My guess is Wojo...and I'm basing that off of this quote, lol:

"I think it knocked us back quite a bit," Marquette head coach Steve Wojciechowski said of Seton Hall's physical play. "We're not the most physical team and they are. I think they're as physical as anyone in our league.

"They're athletic one through five and they're power athletes....Both games I thought their physicality just wore us down. We've got to get a lot stronger and tougher

 

[hallgrad80]

Fair assessment of what we are.

 

[Halldan1]

I also agree that it comes down to Whitehead on most games. Sometimes he shoots too much.

Doubt many coaches don't know this. SHU needs the PG Whitehead to show up not the 2G one.

That's the difference between being OK at best or being very good on offense.

 

[Burnsly]

Doubtful Mullin knows the other teams players, tendencies, plays, etc. so it probably wasn't him.

Either Mullin or one of his assistant's did a masterful job scouting Whitehead. They forced him to drive to his left last Sunday & he really struggled.

 

[radecicco]

Great article. Thanks for posting.

 

[Piratefan2009]

Doubt many coaches don't know this. SHU needs the PG Whitehead to show up not the 2G one.

I'll admit that wasn't the wisdom of the century. Other than saying "he should make better decisions", what is the alternative to volume shooting? Especially if the other team has a great defensive guard.

I would think one answer is post game, and getting bigs in the middle to help handle the ball distribution. We seem to focus on just weaving the ball or setting picks and keeping it at the top of the key. Not sure what other ways to take pressure off of IW if he gets out of rhythm.

 

[Bud Boomer]

I'm fine with Whitehead shooting a lot, as long as he's not settling. He's at his best when he's attacking the basket, not shooting contested 3s (though, honestly, he's pretty good at that too). The kid can get/create almost any shot he wants. Settling for early shot clock jumpers always seems like a waste.

 

[Halldan1]

Likely won't win if Whitehead is taking a ton of shots. Especially if they're not quality ones.

I have no issue with his taking more than any other player, but he has to get others involved as well.

PGs have to run the offense. When he does that well and trusts his teammates the Pirates are at their best.

 

[JuniorJinx]

I'm fine with Whitehead shooting a lot, as long as he's not settling. He's at his best when he's attacking the basket, not shooting contested 3s (though, honestly, he's pretty good at that too). The kid can get/create almost any shot he wants. Settling for early shot clock jumpers always seems like a waste.

Agree with this. Too often Whitehead just decides to go for a dagger 3. It has paid off a good deal. And other times (Wichita St. & St. John's come to mind), he heaves a deep ball and we give up a possession without even attempting a pass.

 

[Piratz]

Agreed. Fair assessment. Better defensively than mentioned.

 

[mjs428]

IW has really risen his game during BE play. The one area where Gibbs was absolutely better than whitehead was in the clutch. Gibbs - Villanova x2, Creighton, etc

IW - terrible last min against nova, too often tries to go 1 on 1