has always been, he doesn't let the guys play (run - especially when they're up) and he doesn't use his bench enough. He has been getting more talent recently so there's a good sign. But really, his coaching is strong, his athletes are good, not great.
The last couple of seasons, if he had shooters on the floor who could put away the easy open shots (that includes lay-ups), they would have been final four or even finals and possible winners. They've been missing open crucial shots for years. Brey's coaching has gotten them good shots that they as a team don't connect for a high % which puts them in the losers column more than they should be. Open shots should go down like being in practice.
Not even sure he needs UK's talent top to bottom. Just a big presence inside. A Laimbeer or Woolridge would make the Irish pretty darn good. Haven't always been a Brey fan but I think the last three years he has done a great job.
He has done a better job of coaching this year, but, in addition to the two flaws you point out -- bench and slow-down -- with which I agree, he has never had players (possible exception of Swanagan) who could play post defense. Brey sticks with his formula: lots of good shooters and pass the ball unselfishly. Saturday night was an example of winning despite being out-manned. [He also did a good job of getting FSU to miss their foul shots at a rate that my granddaughter's 7th grade team could match.] When they're on they can literally beat almost anyone, although I would have the team manager lock Brey in the locker room for the last several minutes (Kentucky????).
But the law of averages suggests they cannot stay hot long enough in the Tournament to beat teams with better athletes (and often better coaching) on a consistent basis. Remember -- this is Brey's 18th year, and this is ND.
Recruit in the 40's, finish in the elite 8.
If it has to play the same nobodies it did last year. Statistically improbable for that to happen at all, let alone two years in a row.
2014-15
#19 MSU
#18 NC
#4 Duke
#16 LOU
#2 Duke
#19 NC (ACC Championship)
#12 RPI Wichita State.
Elite 8
Narrow loss to #1 KY
2015-16
#9 Duke
#2 NC
#13 Lou
#19 Duke
Elite 8
2016-17
#9 Lou
#14 FSU
Sidenote, I want the Kentucky game back.
They don't hit the open shot at a high enough percentage and because their D isn't that great, an athletic team could beat at the buzzer. They are inconsistent at best with the open shot and with Brey's system, they see a lot of open shots. Then again, they might be able to beat anyone in the league if they have a good shooting night even if the other team plays their usual game.
I'm happy for them and their record but I don't hold much hope for them in the ACC or the NCAA's as they're just not athletic enough in all positions.
At their best they are really good, but are susceptible to really bad stretches as well. We'll see.
played against us in the second round last year was awesome. He personally beat West Virginia prior to us, and I thought West Virginia was a very dangerous team last year, let alone this year.
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