High Point (12/6/24)

[GrandGreen]

Most that follow college bb knew that playing at High Point would be a big challenge. They are undefeated 7-0 this year and last year's home record was 16-1.  Not against great teams, because those type teams are not going to play them.

I didn't see the loss to them as a big surprise or a particularly bad defeat. 

As far as Sissoko starting, he is a big presence around the basket and plays better defense than NT's other bigs.  Maybe he will be replaced if the other frontcourt players improve their defense.

[meaniegreenie]

9 hours ago, GrandGreen said:

Most that follow college bb knew that playing at High Point would be a big challenge. They are undefeated 7-0 this year and last year's home record was 16-1.  Not against great teams, because those type teams are not going to play them.

I didn't see the loss to them as a big surprise or a particularly bad defeat. 

As far as Sissoko starting, he is a big presence around the basket and plays better defense than NT's other bigs.  Maybe he will be replaced if the other frontcourt players improve their defense.

I like Sissoko but recognize he makes some bad mistakes.

However, given the size that HP had (even though they aren't big scorers), I think we needed to play him as much as possible.

[Matt from A700]

Our losses this year confirm my worries that we didn't sign a big enough scorer this past offseason. Even if it's at the JUCO level, I'd like to get someone who averaged 18+ PPG and is used to being relied on for points late.

[greenminer]

1 hour ago, Matt from A700 said:

Our losses this year confirm my worries that we didn't sign a big enough scorer this past offseason. Even if it's at the JUCO level, I'd like to get someone who averaged 18+ PPG and is used to being relied on for points late.

I think we signed one or two with that intent, and it hasn’t panned out? @Censored by Laurie?

[Matt from A700]

4 minutes ago, greenminer said:

I think we signed one or two with that intent, and it hasn’t panned out? @Censored by Laurie?

IIRC Atin was the highest scoring transfer, but I think he only averaged around 14 a game last season.

[meaniegreenie]

4 hours ago, Matt from A700 said:

IIRC Atin was the highest scoring transfer, but I think he only averaged around 14 a game last season.

Atin only getting 10pts (5 from FT) was a factor.  Don't know if it was the defense or what but he played his most minutes of the year but had his lowest point total other than scoring 5 in the games against Minn and OrState. However, both of those were low scoring games in the 50s.

[BigWillie]

6 hours ago, Matt from A700 said:

Our losses this year confirm my worries that we didn't sign a big enough scorer this past offseason. Even if it's at the JUCO level, I'd like to get someone who averaged 18+ PPG and is used to being relied on for points late.

I think this is true, however, I think we have signed more consistent and scoring throughout the team. In other words, instead of one JE who scores 20pts a game, we have 4 others that avg 10-14 each.

[Matt from A700]

12 minutes ago, BigWillie said:

I think this is true, however, I think we have signed more consistent and scoring throughout the team. In other words, instead of one JE who scores 20pts a game, we have 4 others that avg 10-14 each.

Agree, I think Wright, Jossell, Lorient, and Massie/Floyd are all guys that could lead us in scoring any night, but in close games having a clear #1 who can create and wants to take that last shot would help us be a clear Top 3 in the conference imo.

[BigWillie]

1 hour ago, Matt from A700 said:

Agree, I think Wright, Jossell, Lorient, and Massie/Floyd are all guys that could lead us in scoring any night, but in close games having a clear #1 who can create and wants to take that last shot would help us be a clear Top 3 in the conference imo.

Completely agree, Atin is the closest thing. Another aspect to this would be running plays that are getting high percentage shots in the paint. Honestly, I don't feel like we have always had that. We run a play, but it's usually shooting a 3 or mid range.

[NT80]

5 hours ago, BigWillie said:

Completely agree, Atin is the closest thing. Another aspect to this would be running plays that are getting high percentage shots in the paint. Honestly, I don't feel like we have always had that. We run a play, but it's usually shooting a 3 or mid range.

The offense has been stagnant against the decent teams recently.  Our defense keeps the games close but missed FTs and 30% shooting won't win many competitive games.  We pass around the perimeter then try to get a one-on-one drive toward the basket to draw a foul.  Except usually we are out of control (turnover) and/or can't make the layup.

[cousin oliver]

10 hours ago, NT80 said:

The offense has been stagnant against the decent teams recently.  Our defense keeps the games close but missed FTs and 30% shooting won't win many competitive games.  We pass around the perimeter then try to get a one-on-one drive toward the basket to draw a foul.  Except usually we are out of control (turnover) and/or can't make the layup.

It seems like against High Point we got ourselves in quick foul trouble which was very hard to pull out of on the road.  There is a reason many teams won't come to Denton to play us anymore and the same thing applies to High Point these days.

[cousin oliver]

On 12/12/2024 at 9:15 AM, Matt from A700 said:

Our losses this year confirm my worries that we didn't sign a big enough scorer this past offseason. Even if it's at the JUCO level, I'd like to get someone who averaged 18+ PPG and is used to being relied on for points late.

I think Tinman is that guy but he has shown flashes but not consistently.