The softness that has permeated the program across two coaches is just a killer.
They had it down to four points, but they can't get defensive stops, can't get in-traffic rebounds, and can't get loose balls. A rebound just rolled out to the arc on defense, and Ryder Frost waited for it to roll to him, rather than rushing to it. Part of it is being physically weaker than good opponents. Part of it is a mindset. I sometimes think that the line that has been uttered by those two coaches that goes something like, "First we look for guys who will fit our culture" is the problem: Maybe they need to find some guys who don't match that culture.
Replies to: The softness that has permeated the program across two coaches is just a killer.
Shrews can’t coach and has alienated the ND students.
Bevacqua must step in.
The frustrating part is that he can coach at a high level in certain areas.
Contrary to what the SBT beat writer wrote last year, you can see Shrews' tactical chops. He can scheme. Unlike Brey, he is also able to manage playing 10-11 players, keeping his guys fresh. He also retains his players in an era where that is almost unheard of. But then you have his initial declaration, at his first news conference as ND coach, that toughness and defense were going to be the program's identities. He hasn't delivered. Maybe he tries like hell to do that in practice. Maybe he isn't bringing in the guys who are ready to give him that. Defense is effort and smarts. I think he recruits smart kids. By the college level, effort should be a given from players. THe worst recent example was the Laszewski/Goodwin senior year team under Brey. It takes a lot, an extremely lot, for Brey to publicly call out his players, but they were so soft and passive, that Brey did. He tried. They chose not to respond with effort and toughness. I have a sinking feeling about the guys Shrews has recruited. Maybe bring in some guys who are different? Right now, the one guy with an edge is a 7th year senior transfer from Northern Arizona, who has to shoot bank shots at the free throw line. I'd love to see Bill Laimbeer, Ben Hansbrough, and Chris Zorich Parts Deux be handed the next scholarships.
Love the bank-in free throws.
Agree on your points about effort and toughness.
Lost hope for him. Likely gets 5…but shouldn’t.
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They're just another soft ACC program.
Wake me up when they're back in the Big East.
would love to see that.
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I thought the move was a mistake from the outset.
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