Defense to be our strength

[Marc1996]

That was the message from Willard & company prior to the season.

Don't think that anyone could have predicted how true that prognosis was.

We are chewing up all-BE players (Ellenson, Dunn, DSR, etc...).

It wasn't too long ago when it seemed every game resulted in a career-high for an opponent.

Go Pirates.

 

[Piratz]

Defense and rebounding win. We have both this year.

 

[Pirate Russ]

The defense has been great, and it certainly helps when you have 2 elite defenders in Sanogo and Gordon that can completely neutralize the oppposing teams best player.

I am not sure if they keep stats for this, but I would have to think Gordon has taken more charges than just about anyone in the country.

 

[Halldan1]

Gave up offense for defense with the Gibbs/Gordon trade off.

Same with Mobley vs Ish.

I always thought that Carrington and Whitehead were good defenders. Especially when they now replace Sina's minutes.

And finally, Angel is starting to play good D. That is the biggest surprise to me.

Readers laughed at me when I noted that Willard was a high end defensive coach. Now he has the horses to prove it.

Next up is offense. His acumen there is not the same as the other side of the ball but it's improving.

 

[GSD118]

The defense has been great, and it certainly helps when you have 2 elite defenders in Sanogo and Gordon that can completely neutralize the oppposing teams best player.

I am not sure if they keep stats for this, but I would have to think Gordon has taken more charges than just about anyone in the country.

Yes I agree. And he had another one last night that was somehow called a blocking foul. 9000 fans saw it but the ref didn't.

 

[Piratz]

We just won a game by 8 points where we shot 37% for the game, 3/15 from behind the arc, and only 60% from the line. One of our top players only played 12 minutes. We'd lose that game by 10 in previous years.

Defense and rebounding are with you night in and night out. We also have much better depth this year, especially with the emergence of Ish/Nzei.

 

[Merge]

Yes I agree. And he had another one last night that was somehow called a blocking foul. 9000 fans saw it but the ref didn't.

Was clearly a charge. Offensive player was out of control and dropped his shoulder.