Evauating a Good Road Win

[madtownvol]

First off, Vandy is a tough, though undersized team. I agree with commentator Gail G. that they could be very dangerous by the season’s end. So, the LVs beating Vandy at home is a good win.

And it’s a good win when two of our big three were not on their “A” games and Mercedes was limited by a very effective double team strategy, though overall she still had a strong game.

So, some performance assessments:

Mercedes – dominated the paint defensively; was a force on the boards; and made some nice offensive plays. I hope this game provide a teaching moment for her in terms of battling against double teams. Overall, she needs to get a little more active and more physical in the post. I will give the LVs credit for generally not forcing the ball into the double team—Alexis had a few down the stretch but on the whole, they did not fall into the double team trap.

Diamond – loved that she upped the defensive intensity in the 2nd quarter when the LVs fell into another of their inexplicable lulls. She also distributed the ball well and really should have had over 20 points. Again, she used her skills and athleticism to get very makeable shots at the rim and mainly missed. Maybe the thumb is creating some problems with her touch. On some misses, though, it looks like she puts a little extra sauce on the shot; an extra shake and bake; kicking the leg up or something else that may too much flash. But, the defensive effort, despite a subpar shooting effort, is a good sign.

Nared – again she could have easily have had 20+ and made this game a rout. It was just not a sharp night for her but she made some key plays on the offense; including her killer assist to Mercedes and was a strong presence on the defensive side.

Meme – an abysmal first half but played very solidly on both ends during the 2nd half. She made some shots that broke Vandy’s momentum.

Jordan –another very good all round game from Jordan. She held the team together when Vandy made runs. [All starters scored in double figures; I don’t think that has happened that often this season]

Nunn – had a really good stretch in the first half when the LVs needed to turn back a Vandy run. She continues to be a very solid role player.

Middleton – another game against better quality guards where she really has not been able to impact the game.

Overall, I think the LVs earn a B+ on the defensive side; had they been able to make some lay-ups and open jumpers, I think a B+ might have been in the offering for the offensive performance. But given the lack of efficiencies and too many possessions where they got stuck in a stagnant half court offense, I think a B- to C is the relevant range.

But the important grade is that LVs have extended their win streak and are 2-0 in the SEC. Go LVS!

 

[volunator]

LV's are 2-0 in league play. Winners of 6 straight now, but the most important stat, beating Vandy. Good win Ladies.

 

[ladyvosl23]

Middleton didn't score no but her being able to hit shots are huge it makes the defense have to play her honest

 

[Bah Humbug]

Middleton didn't score no but her being able to hit shots are huge it makes the defense have to play her honest

You are too kind, Middleton simply can't play with better competition but bless her heart she tries though...

 

[alexvol]

You are too kind, Middleton simply can't play with better competition but bless her heart she tries though...

Yep.

 

[RollerVol]

good win, no matter what...SEC beware...

GO LADY VOLS!

 

[armchair]

Good analysis, Madtown. We're playing a helluva better than last year, but then last year we were a borderline bad team during the regular season. This year, the defense has been noticeably strong in the last few games--we bother opponents with or size and length--and completely took Vandy out of their game in the first quarter last night. DeShields was especially good defensively in the first half--did not see the second. When she wants to play defense, she is very effective. We're bigger and better than Vandy, more talented, and so this was a game we should have won.

Our problem, and its been a problem for ages, is that we're just too erratic and inconsistent offensively. The consistent execution, the passing, the shooting, it's not there. We've been a mediocre shooting team for many years. The biggest difference between UConn and us over the years has been offensive execution and efficiency: the huskies are almost always an outstanding offensive team, and we are erratic and, often, ugly. I mean, Summitt used to specialize in ugly wins. We won by 13 last night and shot 35 percent. Had UConn played Vandy, they would have played like us defensively but shot 45 percent and won by 25-30.

Our lapses are not inexplicable at all: we have them because our player and ball movement remains too slow, because of inconsistent shooting (sometimes a function of the first point) and our coaches aren't demanding enough. One big problem is the DeShields is far too erratic for a player with her skills. Her shooting is not good enough. She HAS to shoot the ball better. She can get shots anytime she wants, practically--but she doesn't finish: She was 5 for 18 last night, AND she had 6 turnovers. Not acceptable! Loved her first-half defense, but she has got to be better on offense. I don't know what her shooting percentage is this year, but whatever the number it should be higher. She should have games when she's making half her shots--and yet she consistently seems to be around 30-35 percent.

That said, we are BETTER offensively this year--our ball movement is a better (not where it needs to be, but better) and lately we've cut down significantly on turnovers, which has been nice to see. And I think we're shooting the 3 a little better; we had 5 last night--that is pretty good for us. You HAVE to make threes to be a good offensive team these days. And I'd venture to say that 5 is the absolute MINIMUM number needed to beat teams better than Vandy--and there are surely a lot of teams better than Vandy this year. And our individual player is better: DD, for all her inconsistencies, is more motivated, Russell is better, and Reynolds has decided to take her head out of her shorts and start playing decent basketball. Nared is improved--her outside shooting has improve--but there is still a LOT of untapped potential with her. She needs a more aggressive mid-range game, so that we're not overly dependent on DD going 1v1. We're better--but IMO this team could be 15 percent better still.

 

[livefaith]

Thread title made me wonder if this was about Alabama. Then I realized the missing letter was L and not C.

 

[volfanIND]

I think we could of easily had 80 in this game no doubt, just too many missed shots around the basket ... and that's just focus and player mentality !!!!

Vandy beat Duke this year 77-73. Our defense won this game for us, which is nice to see. If we really get these girls focused and dialed in, we could be something!

The focus needs to be, put the ball in the basket. Stop with the behind the back passes, how embarrassing that was, just score the lay-up. Diamond at the very end of the game, charging into Carter, just dumb. Clean up these small mistakes and we will be fine, and bring the same defensive intensity every day!

 

[Coach Jumper]

. . . The focus needs to be, put the ball in the basket. Stop with the behind the back passes, how embarrassing that was, just score the lay-up. . . .

The timing of Jaime’s behind the back pass was not good, as things like that should only be done when the game is in-hand and pretty much out of our opponent’s reach. But to take away the show-passes completely is to step back and hobble these kids again. These newer players are of a higher skillset and to not let them use their skillset is to limit them. What has to be done is to help them to understand that there is a time for this type of play and it IS good at certain times to insight the crowd or take the life out of an opponent. But it is not good to show-pass until the game is in-hand, or the differential is way in your favor and the momentum is fully yours.

Missed layups, uncontested, are fully mental and poor technique and fundamentals. This has to be adressed.

 

[RPAV]

Some of these players are who they are and you just have to live with the mistakes they make and missed shots. It has been a problem for years. This team is missing a true point guard who can control games and even get to the basket when needed. I like Jordan she is the best we got this year due to Tea injury. If the talent is has good as advertised on incoming class next year is a return to Lady Vol Basketball of DOMINANCE.

 

[FrozenLVFan]

Diamond had another erratic, poor shooting night with 6 TO's. We need her to be a lot better focused on the offensive end, although defensively she brought some needed intensity last night. Jaime just had a bad night, she'll shake it off, and do better in the next game. We proved again that we don't have a defensive answer for dribble drives by a quick guard and I hope our staff will finally sort this out or it will cost us some games down the road.

Overall, it was an ugly game in an ugly gym with terrible officiating, but we got the W and nobody got injured.

 

[madtownvol]

You are too kind, Middleton simply can't play with better competition but bless her heart she tries though...

But, on offense, she had a couple of wide open jumpers and clanked them. So, it is not like she could not get open for a decent look. Some of her woes seem to be mental; she seems to press too hard when she knows a tougher defensive match-up awaits.

 

[orangeluvr]

Great win! Our shooting is streaky at times though. :thumbsup:

 

[djtee]

You are too kind, Middleton simply can't play with better competition but bless her heart she tries though...

Well said !

 

[madtownvol]

The timing of Jaime’s behind the back pass was not good, as things like that should only be done when the game is in-hand and pretty much out of our opponent’s reach. But to take away the show-passes completely is to step back and hobble these kids again. These newer players are of a higher skillset and to not let them use their skillset is to limit them. What has to be done is to help them to understand that there is a time for this type of play and it IS good at certain times to insight the crowd or take the life out of an opponent. But it is not good to show-pass until the game is in-hand, or the differential is way in your favor and the momentum is fully yours.

Missed layups, uncontested, are fully mental and poor technique and fundamentals. This has to be adressed.

Agreed, though it that behind the back had worked... and it was the same impulse that led to her impressive no look pass to Mercedes.

To the behind the back pass, the actual problem was that Vandy got back on defense and there was not easy passing lane. That is one situation where nared would have been better served just pulling back, rather than pushing for a fast break score which was not in the offing. But, it is better to err on the side of being too aggressive than too tentative.

I can recall Alexis Hornbuckle having some similar miscues and CPS yelling "that is too much mustard!"

 

[Nute Gunray]

First off, Vandy is a tough, though undersized team. I agree with commentator Gail G. that they could be very dangerous by the season’s end. So, the LVs beating Vandy at home is a good win.

And it’s a good win when two of our big three were not on their “A” games and Mercedes was limited by a very effective double team strategy, though overall she still had a strong game.

So, some performance assessments:

Mercedes – dominated the paint defensively; was a force on the boards; and made some nice offensive plays. I hope this game provide a teaching moment for her in terms of battling against double teams. Overall, she needs to get a little more active and more physical in the post. I will give the LVs credit for generally not forcing the ball into the double team—Alexis had a few down the stretch but on the whole, they did not fall into the double team trap.

Diamond – loved that she upped the defensive intensity in the 2nd quarter when the LVs fell into another of their inexplicable lulls. She also distributed the ball well and really should have had over 20 points. Again, she used her skills and athleticism to get very makeable shots at the rim and mainly missed. Maybe the thumb is creating some problems with her touch. On some misses, though, it looks like she puts a little extra sauce on the shot; an extra shake and bake; kicking the leg up or something else that may too much flash. But, the defensive effort, despite a subpar shooting effort, is a good sign.

Nared – again she could have easily have had 20+ and made this game a rout. It was just not a sharp night for her but she made some key plays on the offense; including her killer assist to Mercedes and was a strong presence on the defensive side.

Meme – an abysmal first half but played very solidly on both ends during the 2nd half. She made some shots that broke Vandy’s momentum.

Jordan –another very good all round game from Jordan. She held the team together when Vandy made runs. [All starters scored in double figures; I don’t think that has happened that often this season]

Nunn – had a really good stretch in the first half when the LVs needed to turn back a Vandy run. She continues to be a very solid role player.

Middleton – another game against better quality guards where she really has not been able to impact the game.

Overall, I think the LVs earn a B+ on the defensive side; had they been able to make some lay-ups and open jumpers, I think a B+ might have been in the offering for the offensive performance. But given the lack of efficiencies and too many possessions where they got stuck in a stagnant half court offense, I think a B- to C is the relevant range.

But the important grade is that LVs have extended their win streak and are 2-0 in the SEC. Go LVS!

MadTownVol, you have some awesome player assessments skills. I wish Holly could see your assessments. You are right on! BTW, what is your assessment of the coaching staff on this win?

 

[Nute Gunray]

Good analysis, Madtown. We're playing a helluva better than last year, but then last year we were a borderline bad team during the regular season. This year, the defense has been noticeably strong in the last few games--we bother opponents with or size and length--and completely took Vandy out of their game in the first quarter last night. DeShields was especially good defensively in the first half--did not see the second. When she wants to play defense, she is very effective. We're bigger and better than Vandy, more talented, and so this was a game we should have won.

Our problem, and its been a problem for ages, is that we're just too erratic and inconsistent offensively. The consistent execution, the passing, the shooting, it's not there. We've been a mediocre shooting team for many years. The biggest difference between UConn and us over the years has been offensive execution and efficiency: the huskies are almost always an outstanding offensive team, and we are erratic and, often, ugly. I mean, Summitt used to specialize in ugly wins. We won by 13 last night and shot 35 percent. Had UConn played Vandy, they would have played like us defensively but shot 45 percent and won by 25-30.

Our lapses are not inexplicable at all: we have them because our player and ball movement remains too slow, because of inconsistent shooting (sometimes a function of the first point) and our coaches aren't demanding enough. One big problem is the DeShields is far too erratic for a player with her skills. Her shooting is not good enough. She HAS to shoot the ball better. She can get shots anytime she wants, practically--but she doesn't finish: She was 5 for 18 last night, AND she had 6 turnovers. Not acceptable! Loved her first-half defense, but she has got to be better on offense. I don't know what her shooting percentage is this year, but whatever the number it should be higher. She should have games when she's making half her shots--and yet she consistently seems to be around 30-35 percent.

That said, we are BETTER offensively this year--our ball movement is a better (not where it needs to be, but better) and lately we've cut down significantly on turnovers, which has been nice to see. And I think we're shooting the 3 a little better; we had 5 last night--that is pretty good for us. You HAVE to make threes to be a good offensive team these days. And I'd venture to say that 5 is the absolute MINIMUM number needed to beat teams better than Vandy--and there are surely a lot of teams better than Vandy this year. And our individual player is better: DD, for all her inconsistencies, is more motivated, Russell is better, and Reynolds has decided to take her head out of her shorts and start playing decent basketball. Nared is improved--her outside shooting has improve--but there is still a LOT of untapped potential with her. She needs a more aggressive mid-range game, so that we're not overly dependent on DD going 1v1. We're better--but IMO this team could be 15 percent better still.

Armchair, you and madtownvol are geniuses at basketball analysis!

 

[armchair]

Middleton came into the game in the first half and looked shaky, and there was no reason to be. It /is/ probably mental with her. We need her to be better. She's got skills, she can shoot the ball, so it's about confidence. Take note of this: She is shooting 47 percent from three-point range--47 percent. Is there any doubt what her offensive/scoring role must be?

We're just not the smartest, most well-coached team--by a long shot. Last night was actually a pretty solid performance by our standards--and that's just the problem: Our standards have fallen quite a bit in recent years, which is why a lot of the diehards are so enthused because we are winning games we should be winning. The team has talent, but it just can't stay focused and confident and active and smart enough on offense from one period to the next.

We still need better, faster ball movement--and we simply have to shoot better.

DeShields is UNDERACHIEVING, significantly. If I had her talent and analyzed my performance last year and this, I'd be embarrassed. At 40 percent, she has the second lowest shooting percentage among the regulars. Only Reynolds is worse--another offensive underachiever. DD has nice form--but she often seems a bit off-balance when she shoots; she's leaning, or just doesn't have the focus. She also leads the team in TURNOVERS by a wide margin. She played good defense last night--at least in the first half--but overall, last year and this, she's been a drag on the team when she should be our turbo-charged engine. She certainly seems more engaged this year, which is nice to see, but still FAR too erratic. She had at least 3 baskets in the first quarter last night--ended the night with 5, on 18 shots.

Individuals need to play to their potential for a team to maximize its potential, and that's not the case with her or Reynolds. Reynolds can get in the lane and has a very nice pull-jumper from 12 feet or so. She's got to do it--and make it. We simply got to keep improving offensively if we hope to start making noise as a program again. Coaching.

 

[bobkitten]

And everyone has got to hit the bunnies. I don't care who is coming at you! Grit your teeth, make the shot, and then worry about it.

 

[madtownvol]

MadTownVol, you have some awesome player assessments skills. I wish Holly could see your assessments. You are right on! BTW, what is your assessment of the coaching staff on this win?

I assume that Holly is the one who called for a press in the 2nd quarter, which was a great move and helped the LVs regain control.

Her half time interview was spot on; she said the LVs need to attack the paint more and cut back on the on forced errors (Fairly obvious but sometimes the game is simple, particularly when you have match-up advantages).

I agree with armchair that the half court offense does not flow as well as it needs to for this team to be contenders. Having said that, the LVs get a lot of open shots but miss too many. Does being a poor shooting team reflect on the coach?

But, the team has come a long, long way from their bottom out against Baylor, so you have to give Holly credit on the positive trend.

For all the criticism that the LVs can't develop players, Russell and Nared have developed considerably (as have Middleton and Jackson). And I think Diamond's all round game is better than last year. So, there are positives to be seen.

But, the LVs are coming up on a tougher game stretch and that is where we will be able to get a better gauge on how the team stacks up.

 

[bobkitten]

Did the LVs recruit LeaLea Carter?

 

[Nute Gunray]

Good analysis, Madtown. We're playing a helluva better than last year, but then last year we were a borderline bad team during the regular season. This year, the defense has been noticeably strong in the last few games--we bother opponents with or size and length--and completely took Vandy out of their game in the first quarter last night. DeShields was especially good defensively in the first half--did not see the second. When she wants to play defense, she is very effective. We're bigger and better than Vandy, more talented, and so this was a game we should have won.

Our problem, and its been a problem for ages, is that we're just too erratic and inconsistent offensively. The consistent execution, the passing, the shooting, it's not there. We've been a mediocre shooting team for many years. The biggest difference between UConn and us over the years has been offensive execution and efficiency: the huskies are almost always an outstanding offensive team, and we are erratic and, often, ugly. I mean, Summitt used to specialize in ugly wins. We won by 13 last night and shot 35 percent. Had UConn played Vandy, they would have played like us defensively but shot 45 percent and won by 25-30.

Our lapses are not inexplicable at all: we have them because our player and ball movement remains too slow, because of inconsistent shooting (sometimes a function of the first point) and our coaches aren't demanding enough. One big problem is the DeShields is far too erratic for a player with her skills. Her shooting is not good enough. She HAS to shoot the ball better. She can get shots anytime she wants, practically--but she doesn't finish: She was 5 for 18 last night, AND she had 6 turnovers. Not acceptable! Loved her first-half defense, but she has got to be better on offense. I don't know what her shooting percentage is this year, but whatever the number it should be higher. She should have games when she's making half her shots--and yet she consistently seems to be around 30-35 percent.

That said, we are BETTER offensively this year--our ball movement is a better (not where it needs to be, but better) and lately we've cut down significantly on turnovers, which has been nice to see. And I think we're shooting the 3 a little better; we had 5 last night--that is pretty good for us. You HAVE to make threes to be a good offensive team these days. And I'd venture to say that 5 is the absolute MINIMUM number needed to beat teams better than Vandy--and there are surely a lot of teams better than Vandy this year. And our individual player is better: DD, for all her inconsistencies, is more motivated, Russell is better, and Reynolds has decided to take her head out of her shorts and start playing decent basketball. Nared is improved--her outside shooting has improve--but there is still a LOT of untapped potential with her. She needs a more aggressive mid-range game, so that we're not overly dependent on DD going 1v1. We're better--but IMO this team could be 15 percent better still.

Armchair, I agree completely with your comparison of UCONN and UT on their respective offensive play. Unfortunately, the blame has to be placed on Pat's tendency to de-emphasize offense as opposed to defense. Holly is copying her mentor.

 

[T.J.]

Did the LVs recruit LeaLea Carter?

Yes

 

[madtownvol]

Middleton came into the game in the first half and looked shaky, and there was no reason to be. It /is/ probably mental with her. We need her to be better. She's got skills, she can shoot the ball, so it's about confidence. Take note of this: She is shooting 47 percent from three-point range--47 percent. Is there any doubt what her offensive/scoring role must be?

We're just not the smartest, most well-coached team--by a long shot. Last night was actually a pretty solid performance by our standards--and that's just the problem: Our standards have fallen quite a bit in recent years, which is why a lot of the diehards are so enthused because we are winning games we should be winning. The team has talent, but it just can't stay focused and confident and active and smart enough on offense from one period to the next.

We still need better, faster ball movement--and we simply have to shoot better.

DeShields is UNDERACHIEVING, significantly. If I had her talent and analyzed my performance last year and this, I'd be embarrassed. At 40 percent, she has the second lowest shooting percentage among the regulars. Only Reynolds is worse--another offensive underachiever. DD has nice form--but she often seems a bit off-balance when she shoots; she's leaning, or just doesn't have the focus. She also leads the team in TURNOVERS by a wide margin. She played good defense last night--at least in the first half--but overall, last year and this, she's been a drag on the team when she should be our turbo-charged engine. She certainly seems more engaged this year, which is nice to see, but still FAR too erratic. She had at least 3 baskets in the first quarter last night--ended the night with 5, on 18 shots.

Individuals need to play to their potential for a team to maximize its potential, and that's not the case with her or Reynolds. Reynolds can get in the lane and has a very nice pull-jumper from 12 feet or so. She's got to do it--and make it. We simply got to keep improving offensively if we hope to start making noise as a program again. Coaching.

The LVs shot 35% from the field and missed a lot of very makeable shots; lay-ups and 10-15 jumpers. So, the offensive sets weren't that bad though we had match-up advantages.

However, a number of half court sets, Vandy was double and even triple teaming Russell and the LVs still could not get a good shot. Those possessions reveal all the foibles of the LVs offense.

Good defense and crashing the boards can compensate to a point but the LVs won't beat the the SC and NDs with 35% shooting and stagnant ball movement in the half court.

What was puzzling is that on a number of half court sets, Vandy was double and even triple teaming Russell and the LVs did not get a good shot. Those possessions comments are really spot-on.