Did some research with on Gopher board. This was a post after the scrimmage with Creighton early in the year, so this is a bit dated but:
Below is a breakdown of where I think we stand after our Creighton and Maroon/Gold scrimmage. Lots of positives and negatives of
course. We have a long way to go but I still see a lot of good things! Keep in mind both the Creighton and
Maroon/Gold scrimmages aren't truly an indicator but we can still get some good information and data from it. The one thing I always try to do when evaluating our team is be truthful. My grades are pretty low right now. That's okay, we will get better. Seven new guys and another surgery to Eric Curry means it's going to take some time.
Offense: C-
Half court execution has been pretty good at times. We are
moving the ball well but still need to flow better. I have put an emphasis on getting the ball up the court quickly and trying to feed to post early. We still have a long way to go in that category. Our shot selection won't cut it. We tend to take a lot of shots that we want our opponents to take. We are 3-for-29 on challenged shots in our first two games. That's 10 percent! That's a losing formula. 33 missed screens vs. Creighton and 52 total missed screens in the
Maroon/Gold scrimmage. 13 assists and 15 turnovers is no good vs. Creighton.
Defense: D-
The goal is always 35-plus deflections per game. Creighton we had 29 and Maroon/Gold we had 22. To our defense the Maroon/Gold scrimmage wasn't the total length of a real game but still we are not active and disruptive enough. Transition defense has been a big point of emphasis in the preseason. We have to communicate better. We also allowed the ball into the post way too much. 3-point field goal defense has been solid but we still have to get out there quicker and take away the attempt.
Rebounding: C-
Too many missed blockouts for the defense. We chart offensive rebounding opportunities every game. We went 70 percent of the time vs. Creighton and 59 percent of the time in our
Maroon/Gold scrimmage. Rebounding is a mentality. We know we can't win in the Big Ten if we don't control the boards.
95%: C-
What's 95%? This percentage is something we talk often about as it pertains to what goes into winning. These are all the little things that have nothing to do with what most players care about. The ball. Most players have the ball in their
hands 5 percent of the game. What you do with the other 95 percent is vital in winning. We aren't huddling often enough on the court when we get the opportunity to do so. Our attitude is good but we can still fuel each other more on the court with positive body language and energy. We need to tighten up big time in this area. This is probably more important than any of the other categories!
I Practice Harder Than You Jersey Update
We chart stats in every practice and do a plus/minus system at the end of every day. It's really helped our guys compete and stay engaged. The winner gets a
grey jersey every week that has the words "I practice harder than you" on it. The bottom four does extra conditioning at the end of the week. Below are the winners. I'll keep the bottom four in house. It's amazing how consistent the winners and losers are.
Week 1 - Amir Coffey
Week 2 - Payton Willis, Jordan Murphy
Week 3 - Jordan Murphy
Week 4 - Amir Coffey
Week 5 - Jordan Murphy
Injury Update
Unfortunately Eric Curry had to have another surgery and will be out four to six weeks. I can't stress how important Eric is to our team. We need him back healthy and better than ever! It's going to be a very challenging November without him. Everyone else is going to have to step up.
Roster Breakdown
Dupree McBrayer - Missed the
Maroon/Gold scrimmage due to a family emergency back home. Rebounded the ball well vs. Creighton with six rebounds. Zero assists, two turnovers is no good. He's playing hard and showing great leadership. He's primed for a big senior year.
Jordan Murphy - Murph is playing at a high level and has been really productive on both ends. Needs to block out better on defense and screen better on offense. Becoming unstoppable down low.
Amir Coffey - Was very good in the Maroon/Gold scrimmage. Have played him multiple positions and he has transitioned smoothly. Everyone talks about how underrated Jordan Murphy is all the time. He is but what about Amir??? Big season ahead!
Gabe Kalscheur - Has been a pleasant surprise. Gabe is all business on the court and it shows. Was terrific vs. Creighton. Very physical for a freshman. Has to stay out of foul trouble. More than just a shooter.
Eric Curry - Unfortunately had to have surgery again and will miss the next four to six weeks. Huge blow for our team. We will eagerly await his return. Feel so bad for Eric because he worked so hard to get back. He has to keep the faith and
stay positive. We will stay on him!
Isaiah Washington - Improving on offense. Really advances the ball well up the court. Has to work on turnovers and shot selection. Love when he's attacking downhill to the rim. I can definitely see progress. Defensively he still has a long way to go.
Jarvis Omersa - Plays so hard! Love how physical he is. Jarvis has amazing leadership qualities on the court. He can really make a difference in that category. Future is very bright.
Daniel Oturu - Very good in both games. Very efficient on the block. Has to sprint the court more. Love his timing when he blocks shots. Going to be thrust into a bigger role while Eric is out. We need him to be ready!
Brock Stull - Still getting back in game shape and learning the system. Every rep in practice is important for Brock. Very good shot fake and passer. Smart player! Has to be patient offensively and trust it will come.
Matz Stockman - Had an impressive
Maroon/Gold scrimmage. Eight for 12 for 19 points is obviously good. Still has to get in better shape and sprint the court better. He can help us!
Michael Hurt - Has really improved. Doing all the little things and hitting shots. Love how hard he is competing. He's playing like a veteran. We need that!
Marcus Carr - Still waiting to hear word on his waiver from the NCAA. Hopefully we will hear something before the season starts. We are optimistic that we will receive good news. Marcus is a game changer. Competes on both ends and is very confident on the court.
Battle tested. Winner!
Payton Willis - Payton, along with Marcus, wasn't allowed to travel with us to Creighton. Payton has been very impressive in practice! Love his shot making ability and overall skill.
Brady Rudrud - Missed some time due to illness but back feeling better. Can provide great leadership on our team.
Hunt Conroy - Obnoxious New Orleans Saints fan.