Mike, I’m not one to second guess HCBS but I feel like the way we are defending ball screens (mostly switching) is not allowing us to play a more traditional big like Zuby or Ernie. I get a feeling that the staff is so worried about guarding the 3 point line that we have to switch. Rightfully so, the way Baylor shot it the other night I don’t know how you can feel comfortable icing ball screens or hedging like they always used to back when we played with two post players. Offensively, I don’t think KJ is hurting as as much as Juan & Kevin not demanding much attention from other teams. Juan has got to be more assertive offensively. They will all figure it out & will be playing a higher level sooner than later.
Agree, if Juan (and/or Yesufu) can create more offense, this frees up KJ to do his thing. He can't simply post up and do it on his own. I don't see any of the other bigs providing meaningful offense at this point, and the team needs that production from that spot, it's non-negotiable.
Switching screens is a great point to bring up, but KU's been getting torched from deep with their current setup. Part of this is because other teams are comfortable running offense against KU. The Jayhawks don't have enough bench to cause or create stress for their opponents. It's a huge difference this year. Maybe Zuby or Ern could help SOME, but it won't mean everything.
Playing Yesufu more may speed the game up, allowing KU to run a bit more instead of trying to run sets as much with bigs who aren't as capable of doing so? What I'd really like to see is Harris playing 30 minutes a game, and Yesufu playing around 20-25 (split as a solo PG with Harris on the bench and as a SG with Harris at the same time).
I think a lot of KU's problems come from minute management and turnovers. Someone from the bench has to start taking an actual reliable sixth man role so Juan gets a break and in general there's a bit more margin for error in terms of scoring.
I think you're right. KU has to trust one of the backup PGs. The starters are so tired they can't force turnovers or win 50/50 balls right now, all hallmarks of a Bill Self team.
I understand the doubt in Cam Martin, but as someone who witnessed him play several times in D2 against the toughest competition. I can tell you if he could get healthy and comfortable within the system, he is exactly what this team needs. He is a really good rebounder and a very good shooter around the basket and from deep. Now maybe that ship has passed because of injury but I do think of given a chance he could provide some stability at the 5 Atleast off the bench
Nothings going to change this year. We’re going to continue to play how we are positionally. Either Ernest or Zuby are going to rapidly (improve à la Silvio in 2018) or they aren’t. Either way I have zero doubt in my mind that Adams will rebuild his confidence, McCullar will find his shot again, and Harris will find his mojo.
This is unlike any Bill Self team we’ve seen. I’m enjoying the heck out of it. Watching Adams worked down low has been a ball in my opinion. it doesn’t look like any offense we’ve seen in the past, but it still has been pretty darn effective.
Honestly I appreciate your perspective here. We have a lot of young guys developing and a few studs going through a slump at the same time. The team will regress to the mean. But also, I agree in that nothing will change. There are no tricks up KU's sleeve. Let the guys develop and see what happens.
Mike, I’m not one to second guess HCBS but I feel like the way we are defending ball screens (mostly switching) is not allowing us to play a more traditional big like Zuby or Ernie. I get a feeling that the staff is so worried about guarding the 3 point line that we have to switch. Rightfully so, the way Baylor shot it the other night I don’t know how you can feel comfortable icing ball screens or hedging like they always used to back when we played with two post players. Offensively, I don’t think KJ is hurting as as much as Juan & Kevin not demanding much attention from other teams. Juan has got to be more assertive offensively. They will all figure it out & will be playing a higher level sooner than later.
Agree, if Juan (and/or Yesufu) can create more offense, this frees up KJ to do his thing. He can't simply post up and do it on his own. I don't see any of the other bigs providing meaningful offense at this point, and the team needs that production from that spot, it's non-negotiable.
They've got to pick one guard/wing off the bench and give them the green light. I think it would also help quite a bit.
Switching screens is a great point to bring up, but KU's been getting torched from deep with their current setup. Part of this is because other teams are comfortable running offense against KU. The Jayhawks don't have enough bench to cause or create stress for their opponents. It's a huge difference this year. Maybe Zuby or Ern could help SOME, but it won't mean everything.
Playing Yesufu more may speed the game up, allowing KU to run a bit more instead of trying to run sets as much with bigs who aren't as capable of doing so? What I'd really like to see is Harris playing 30 minutes a game, and Yesufu playing around 20-25 (split as a solo PG with Harris on the bench and as a SG with Harris at the same time).
I think a lot of KU's problems come from minute management and turnovers. Someone from the bench has to start taking an actual reliable sixth man role so Juan gets a break and in general there's a bit more margin for error in terms of scoring.
I think you're right. KU has to trust one of the backup PGs. The starters are so tired they can't force turnovers or win 50/50 balls right now, all hallmarks of a Bill Self team.
Last night on Hawk Talk, Self was saying Yesufu "has the most potential to help Kansas offensively off the bench," and that "he's going to break out."
Does The Hearings™ have any deets on more playing time for Joe or a solidified role?
YUP. Sure do. It'll be a post Friday or Saturday AM.
Would love to write a follow up post based on suggestions we get in the comments. Thank you!!
I understand the doubt in Cam Martin, but as someone who witnessed him play several times in D2 against the toughest competition. I can tell you if he could get healthy and comfortable within the system, he is exactly what this team needs. He is a really good rebounder and a very good shooter around the basket and from deep. Now maybe that ship has passed because of injury but I do think of given a chance he could provide some stability at the 5 Atleast off the bench
Nothings going to change this year. We’re going to continue to play how we are positionally. Either Ernest or Zuby are going to rapidly (improve à la Silvio in 2018) or they aren’t. Either way I have zero doubt in my mind that Adams will rebuild his confidence, McCullar will find his shot again, and Harris will find his mojo.
This is unlike any Bill Self team we’ve seen. I’m enjoying the heck out of it. Watching Adams worked down low has been a ball in my opinion. it doesn’t look like any offense we’ve seen in the past, but it still has been pretty darn effective.
Honestly I appreciate your perspective here. We have a lot of young guys developing and a few studs going through a slump at the same time. The team will regress to the mean. But also, I agree in that nothing will change. There are no tricks up KU's sleeve. Let the guys develop and see what happens.