Recruiting Needs and Various Other Questions

UNTLifer · February 27, 2003

Just wondering whatever happened to Kathy Ireland's kicking career?...

What should be our emphasis in recruiting for 04'?

What kind of team does JJ want to build?

What is JJ's style? Running team, half-court, pressing, etc...

Why can't UNT recruit the Metroplex better?

Does JJ have any connections/good relationships with area coaches?

Buford and Cooley seem to be our resident Bball experts, so what do ya'll think?

EagleD · February 27, 2003

I've been wanting Cooley's assesment of our team and JJ's coaching. But I haven't seen him post in a while. Of course there hasn't been much to write home about lately.

So Cooley, if you get a free minute or ten I'd really like to have your opinion.

GO MEAN GREEN !!!!!!!!!

Buford_Julep · February 27, 2003

About JJ's coaching style and philosophy:

He likes man to man but will use zone if he thinks it is appropriate. On offense, he likes the UCLA offense, but is flexible. He adjusts his system to fit the ability of his players. At an early practice in November, 2001, JJ blew the whistle when Chris Davis posted up. He told Chris the 3 never posts up. In 2002 he put in a whole new offensive set. Sort of a 1-4 that seemed to be designed with the idea of getting Chris a chance to work one on one in the paint.

JJ has said offense comes and goes but defense should be a constant. You should always be able to play good defense. His practices show that wasn't just talk. The first hour of every practice I saw was devoted to defensive fundamentals. The practices started like this:

1. Assuming the basic defensive position and moving forward,backwards and laterally.

2. Defending a man who has used his dribble and is out of shooting range.

3. Double teaming the same situation as above.

4. The squad then splits into guards and forwards. One on one defense against passes, dribbling and shooting is worked on.

5. Next, three on three defense and sometimes 4 on 4.

6. Lastly, 5 on 5 defense.

Why can't he recruit the Metroplex better? It seems every high school player wants to go to the highest profile school that will have him. Right now NT is behind TCU, SMU and Baylor.

It is too early to say Ty Thomas and Ron Harris will not become good players.

Thomas made a lot of progress this season. I think he plays well defensively right now. He plays defense with his feet. He has spent one complete season guarding CD. That has to have helped him. On offense he still needs to get his game under better controll.

Harris has some very quick and effective offensive moves. He can take it to the hoop, which is what JJ is looking for. He still has not got out of his high school habits of overcommitting on defense and trying to block every single shot.