Take a ride in the way back machine to the days long ago when MB was our coach, and DZ/Lindy were the main producers of offense. We all complained that our team had no scoring in the lane, and our guards never tried to enter the ball into the post, just passing it around the perimeter until the shot clock was winding down, and shooting a contested 3 point shot.
Fast forward to where we are now. How refreshing has it been to see our guards looking for Cisse on the P&R or lob pass? To a lesser degree, they are trying it when Smith is at center. When Kalib is in the game, they will often wait for him to establish himself 1 on 1, outside the lane, and pass it to him, allowing him to try to take his man off the dribble.
Now, on the one hand, this team doesn't have much choice but to try to force the ball inside, because no one can shoot consistently from the perimeter. Additionally, the current interior offense has evolved as Cisse has become more comfortable, and gained experience this season.
However, back when Lindy and DZ were jacking 3's, the refrain from our fans was "MB can't coach offense" and, "this offense sucks". Now, we are hearing the same thing, despite the system/strategy being completely different and adapted to fit the strengths of the current roster.
I'm not claiming that MB is Roy Williams or Bill Self. However, I think some of you expect a coach to be able to work miracles despite significant limitations of the guys on his roster. He's responsible for the roster, so I am not trying to let him off the hook. I just think he would look pretty good as far as X's and O's, as long as he would figure out how to combine a good group of jimmies and joes.
Fast forward to where we are now. How refreshing has it been to see our guards looking for Cisse on the P&R or lob pass? To a lesser degree, they are trying it when Smith is at center. When Kalib is in the game, they will often wait for him to establish himself 1 on 1, outside the lane, and pass it to him, allowing him to try to take his man off the dribble.
Now, on the one hand, this team doesn't have much choice but to try to force the ball inside, because no one can shoot consistently from the perimeter. Additionally, the current interior offense has evolved as Cisse has become more comfortable, and gained experience this season.
However, back when Lindy and DZ were jacking 3's, the refrain from our fans was "MB can't coach offense" and, "this offense sucks". Now, we are hearing the same thing, despite the system/strategy being completely different and adapted to fit the strengths of the current roster.
I'm not claiming that MB is Roy Williams or Bill Self. However, I think some of you expect a coach to be able to work miracles despite significant limitations of the guys on his roster. He's responsible for the roster, so I am not trying to let him off the hook. I just think he would look pretty good as far as X's and O's, as long as he would figure out how to combine a good group of jimmies and joes.
