Last Possession Defense

[620Linc]

I've watched the last possession of the game several times now. Two key issues killed our defense. The most obvious issue was between Law and Falzon. Law was originally guarding the guy that hit the layup and it looked to me like Law expected Falzon to switch onto his man. Falzon didn't realize a switch was needed until too late and that's why he got beat on the drive. The interesting thing here is that Falzon's man didn't screen Law, which is when you'd normally switch on defense. Law's guy just circled behind Falzon's and Law didn't do much to stay in position. He may have expected Falzon to switch automatically there. Or he didn't call out the switch in time or Falzon didn't react quickly enough. Regardless, a basic communication breakdown -- and not any sort of play design by Tech -- permitted that drive.

The second issue was that Pardon and Ash attempted to pressure and trap Tech's point guard as he was bringing the ball up court but were unsuccessful in meaningfully slowing him down or getting the ball out of his hands. Pardon continued to chase the point all the way to the three point line on the left side of the court before realizing he was too far away from Lammers, who was trailing the play and moving to the three point line on the opposite side. When the point faked a pass to Lammers, Pardon then over compensated back in Lammers' direction and left himself a step late to help cut off a drive to the middle or protect the rim. While I generally like pressuring the ball in that situation, I found it curious that we used Pardon to do it given that he was checking Lammers, Tech's likely #1 option for a last shot.

 

[Medill90]

Looked pretty clear to me that Falzon was positioning himself to defend a three point shot which was the right thing to do.

A 6 2 guard put the ball on the deck and went right past a 6 9 forward which was no surprise. There was no help, very little/late help. GT's positioning pulled NU's entire defense away from the key so the guard had an open lane.

I don't see how Law or Falzon were the problem. They denied the perimeter opportunity which was their job.

 

[620Linc]

Watch the play again. You are right that he's positioning to defend a three point shot, but Falzon's guarding #4, not #1. #1 is Law's man and he's the one who drives and scores.

 

[Trigatos]

I completely understand that Lindsey was having an off night last night. That being said, isn't he a more quality defender than Falzon?

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Scottie would have been better than Falzon

 

[mickbula]

All I know is that I was cursing at my television for virtually the whole two hours the game was on last nite. Very sad. Almost despondent about our basketball team this year! At least we have a good football season.

 

[Sec.112]

... I don't see how Law or Falzon were the problem. They denied the perimeter opportunity which was their job.

You don't see how Falzon is the problem? He didn't move his feet.

I'd bet anybody on the team would have defended that better including Malnati.

I agree the second line of defense could have moved more quickly. But the first line did nothing, and that's on Falzon.

I'm sorry but I'm really down on Falzon, and it has very little to do with that play. His game hasn't changed at all. His defense blows, and I'm willing to accept that.

The problem is he's not much of a rebounder, and his moves to the basket are horrible. I'm tired of hearing about what a good shooter he is when he's shooting 25% from 3. As I said in pre-season, he needs the red carpet laid out for him to make his shot.

I hope he gets it together by the start of the year.

 

[620Linc]

The first time I watched the play I was following the ball and thought Falzon was flat footed and simply got beat. If you re-watch, though, and follow Law and Falzon instead of the ball this isn't the case. Law is guarding #1 (the eventual scorer) and Falzon #4. Law's man circles to the other side of Falzon (no screen involved) and Law doesn't follow, staying closer to Falzon's man, #4. Falzon also initially sticks closer to #4. Either Law expected Falzon to switch automatically on to #1, called out late for a switch, or Falzon was late in actually switching. There was a simple communication error on that play that may have been on Law and may have been on Falzon.

In any event, I agree that a better natural defender might have reacted more quickly even if a switch wasn't clearly communicated. But we need to cut Falzon a bit of slack on the offensive end. He was injured to start the year (let alone missing all of last season). It takes time to get your shot back at game speed.

 

[Medill90]

You don't see how Falzon is the problem? He didn't move his feet.

I'd bet anybody on the team would have defended that better including Malnati.

I agree the second line of defense could have moved more quickly. But the first line did nothing, and that's on Falzon.

Went back and watched it frame by frame. Obviously, we don't know what the players were saying to each other but Falzon was clearly sticking to his man, the taller, slower of the two. As the pass was made, two GT players were immediately in front of Falzon. Law looks like he started to go around Falzon and then stopped. And then too late pushed his hip to tell him to switch. By then the GT player was wide open...he could have shot or driven.

I can buy the argument that Falzon should have switched on his own. Or, because Falzon was not screened, Law should have stayed with his man.

I don't think the breakdown had to do with quickness or ability....it was a communication breakdown.

 

[Sec.112]

I also understand there was a communication issue.

But I think every coach in the western hemisphere would tell you with 5 seconds (or whatever) left, you have to concentrate on the man in front of you with the ball. that has to be your priority.

But as you can see, I also have a Falzon issue right now. I hope he comes out and scores 15 against the stupid Illini to shut me up.