WingMan’s 2017 Offseason Homework
Message board user WingMan is a diehard KSU fan and season ticket holder, and he happens to be very insightful, so every so often I like to take his more elaborate posts and share them here. Enjoy!
Part 1 (Part 2 is below): Homework for 2017 off season (Players)
Throughout the years, I have seen a number of basketball players improve significantly in the off season, bringing a much better game to the floor in the subsequent campaign. Since KSU loses 2 starters, Ray and Williams, who have contributed 45% of the scoring and 40% of the rebounds, there will be a need for the younger players to step up.
So, I am giving the returning team members summer assignments. Based on my observations these are things that could be changed or improved in their games. Please don’t take these comments as negative, I am very supportive of the team and players, but in all areas of life there are ample opportunities for improvement and this is one fan’s opinion.
Rising Seniors:
Nick Masterson: Your 3 point percentage was out of this world, but next year without Kendrick Ray, it will be more important for you to score points than the hit the 3 pointers at such a fantastic rate. Practice taking shots under duress; find more ways to make a little space to get your shot off. Your shooting percentage may not be as high, but you will be one of the best options for scoring so you need to put the points up on the board.
Jordan Jones: With Aubrey Williams gone, it’s your turn to own the boards after being the second highest rebounder this year. Work on getting good position and boxing out for the boards, rather than relying too much on your jumping ability.
Next Year’s Juniors:
Kyle Clarke: You showed that you could score effectively by using your height to take advantage of defensive mismatches. To make you much more valuable you must limit the turnovers. Work on your passing and your starts and stops that sometimes result in traveling violations.
Kosta Jankovic: You were pressed into service a bit out of position as an emergency big man when injuries or foul trouble occurred. You did give some solid minutes in the few games you played. Assume that this in the new normal, work on your strength and rebounding so you can fill that role better next year.
Josh Burnett: You played in about one third of the games, and you brought energy and quickness to the floor. You need to find a way to score to make you even more effective.
Soon to be Sophomores:
James Scott: You are the biggest impact freshman the Owls have seen since Markeith Cummings. You have all the skills you need. Just be ready to play 30+ minutes each game.
Tyler Hooker: You will be the team’s best ball handler. That means you will have the ball when the game is on the line, and opponents will foul you. You will need to make your free thows. Practice thousands of free throws in the off season.
Johannes Nielsen: As a big man with a nice shooting touch, you will get a lot of minutes. Work on defending without fouling so you can stay on the court and help the team. Don’t contact a driving player while you are moving, and don’t go for rebounds over-the-back of an opponent.
Anthony Wilson: You have great defensive skills and hustle all the time, but you have the lowest field goal percentage of the regular players. Determine what is in your range and work on converting your shot attempts.
Zack Cameron: You have shown that you have a knack for rebounding and blocking shots. It’s time to fill in your game with some scoring. You passed up many open looks within 15 feet of the hoop. Learn to convert on them and work on your free throw shooting which was only 33%.
Isaac Mbuyamba: I don’t have much of an opinion because I didn’t see you play much. Do what you can to impress the coaches to get some playing time.
Part 2
Yes, as much as I support the coaches in general, I do have some homework for them. As a guy who played only the at the “Recreational League” level and spent a lot of time riding the pines even on bad teams, I feel unqualified to give suggestion to former National Coach of the Year. However I do pay 10 bucks to come to a lot of games and that gives me the right go ahead to voice my opinion.
1. Improve interior defense. I thought about adding improved defense to all the big men on the roster’s to do list. Then I realized, if they all need to improve in this area, perhaps it’s a systematic rather than individual issue. If you are not good at coaching this, enlist some outside consultants or videos.
2. Show more flexibility:
a. In your lineups: if a guy is hot, play him more. If someone has a great first half, let him start the second half.
b. In your defenses: If the defense is getting killed inside, switch to zone, even for a couple of possessions. In the last game against FGCU, the announcers kept calling for a switch to zone defense to stop the bleeding. You did try some zone, but it was way late.
3. Work on special teams (react to particular situations, to prevent losses in close games)
a. Trap press to force turnovers when behind
b. Work the clock and foul to extend a game that is within reach
As a fan who stuck with the Owls during very lean times, I am thrilled that the current staff has made them competitive in the conference in both of their first 2 years. I still think we can do better and win more of those close games at a minimum.
Source: ksuowlhowl.com
Link: WingMan’s 2017 Offseason Homework