A few more observations re: WBB
I really want our WBB team to succeed. I like all these young ladies. I always assume our athletes are doing the best they can, but that each player needs help in maximizing the results of their efforts. I tend not to comment on recruiting, because I don’t feel qualified. But if a coach recruited a player, the coach must have felt the player had the ability to succeed in his/her system. Consequently, the coach owns the results of his/her recruitments.
We had trouble with pressure under BD, and that problem continues. There are a number of ways to defeat full court pressure, depending on the type of press. However, once you break a press, you should immediately take advantage. Under BD, and now DW, it seems beating a press is considered a success unto itself. We then set up, and wait for the other team to regroup. I have to assume this is a result of the coaching.
We don’t rebound, and we don’t block out. There are multiple drills to teach rebounding. I was really pleased (and surprised) last night, when HY repeatedly followed her shots, and got the rebounds. Additionally, long shots usually mean long rebounds. Our players seemingly don’t know to position themselves for rebounds. I have to assume this is a result of the coaching.
As a team, we are “soft.” I think a lot of our players are “tough,” but as a team, we are “soft.” Physical and mental toughness has to be instilled, nourished and repeatedly reinforced. Several times in the last few years, DW has commented that we got “manhandled” and/or “pushed around.” Since entering ACC play, I have repeatedly observed direct the not to attack or aggressively defend. I have to assume this is a result of coaching.
Some of our players seem weary—not out of shape—weary. I think DW has not paced his playersfor the grind of a complete season, and his early rotations involved too few players, especially OOC. This results in players being unable to respond in ACC play, and the infrequently used players being incapable of responding because of lack of previous playing time. CH and VP, in particular, seem done. VP’s shots are short. CH has been overused, especially for a true freshman who is still trying to acclimate herself to a long college schedule against bigger, stronger competition. I have to assume this is a result of coaching.
When we press, we don’t do it effectively. In most instances, the purpose of a press or trap is not to take the ball from the ball handler. The purpose is to force an unconsidered pass, anticipate the pass, and the players off the trap intercept the pass. Our players off the trap play timidly, don’t anticipate well, and seem to want to avoid making a mistake rather than making a play. It does appear that DW has as quick a hook as BD, and the players perceived timidity is justified if they don’t want to get pulled. I have to assume this is a result of coaching.
I think RC is playing out of position. I’ve read that RC played center in HS, albeit at a small enrollment HS. She rebounds beyond her measurables. RC is a driver/slasher (much like Fenyn). DW seems to want RC to play guard and shoot jumpers. Given our seeming lack of rebounding, why not let RC play in a position that accentuates her strengths. RC surprised me a couple of games ago, when she demonstrated an ability to dribble behind her back under pressure, ala CH. That stunned me. However, I still think she would be more valuable using her rebound-driving skills vice playing out front. I have to assume this is a result of coaching.
I think I’m exceeding my post limit again. Talk to ya’ll later.

[Post edited by saret at 02/19/2016 9:01PM]