Just a couple thoughts: obviously discouraging that this was even a game after the way it started. I disagree with the poster above. We were clearly the more talented and athletic team and yet this was a dog fight in the second half.
Coron Williams is a liability on defense. He can't guard anybody in the open floor. We've been playing him at point a good bit and when they grab a long rebound its just an automatic lay up because he can't stop the ball. His shooting will offset this on some nights, but man, Jones needs to step up. I'd much rather have Coron as an asset off the bench than a regular PG.
In the bizarre world of Bzz tonight was progress. This is exactly the game we would lose the last 3 years. Instead of the traditional 1 step forward two back, this was just one step back. Not a great game but they pulled it together in the end.
We'll find out next week what the truth is about this team. At this point I've been surprised we are scoring so well. The losing CJ was supposed to be the demise of our offense.
Yes the competition is weak, but we've scored 80+ in 3 of 4 games. Last year we scored 80+ 4 times in total. This year 90 twice, last year 90 once.
If, and it's a big if, Coron continues to shoot well from the outside, when you have Devin inside, CMM strong enough to drive the lane and finish and getting consistent play from Travis, we will get our points. The defense might not stop the other team from scoring but we should be able to put up some solid number on the offensive end with an inside and outside game.
Coron Williams is a liability on defense. He can't guard anybody in the open floor. We've been playing him at point a good bit and when they grab a long rebound its just an automatic lay up because he can't stop the ball. His shooting will offset this on some nights, but man, Jones needs to step up. I'd much rather have Coron as an asset off the bench than a regular PG.
Last night I thought Wake should have switched to a 2-3 zone once it became clear we couldn't stop them from driving the lane. I think more zones should be played this year in general because of the new emphasis on calling hand-checks.
It cracks me up that the sunshine brigade is pointing towards this game to show our improvement. We barely beat a sub 250 team at home.
I disagree. I think Coron plays better defense than our other guards, though I realize that's not saying much. For example, against PC, they really only had two guys that could score - Downing and Dillard. Whenever Coron guarded one of those guys, he shut them down, especially on Downing in the second half (and Downing was a tall guard). I haven't seen any of our other guards play better defense than that this year.
Last night I thought Wake should have switched to a 2-3 zone once it became clear we couldn't stop them from driving the lane. I think more zones should be played this year in general because of the new emphasis on calling hand-checks.
It cracks me up that the sunshine brigade is pointing towards this game to show our improvement. We barely beat a sub 250 team at home.
Let's see how Coron does against a D1 sized backcourt, ok? Everybody was pitiful on D against Jacksonville. Every single player. Stats =\= defense.
Nowhere did anyone mention "stats," so I'm not sure I understand the point of reference regarding your assertion that "stats =/= defense." I just said that I thought Coron played better on-the-ball defense than our other guards, particularly in the PC game against their 6'5" guard/forward.
Of course the teams Wake has played so far do not have ACC quality guards, everyone knows that, but compared to the other Wake guards I think Coron has looked the best defensively. Might it look different against ACC guards? It might, and I hope it does especially if it means the other guards are defending better.
I agree that everyone looked pitiful defensively against Jacksonville. That's why I thought a switch to zone was warranted.
Jax was held to 1 point on their last 7 possessions and out rebounded 57 to 40 for the game
Jax was held to 1 point on their last 7 possessions and out rebounded 57 to 40 for the game