With the disclaimer that we have played 6 very weak teams , some of the statistics from the NCAA.com website , reflect what we have seen from our defense and rebounding.
1)We are Number 1 in the country in scoring defense with a significant 4 point lead over Miami and Virginia giving up 47 per game to their 51;
2) We are Number 1 in the country in field goal % defense at 32% per game;
3) We are Number 4 in Total Rebounds at 49 per game ;
4) We are in the Top Ten in Offensive Rebounding ;
5) We are in the Top Ten in Defensive Rebounding ;
6) We are Number 6 in Total Blocks at 6.6 per game;
7) We are Number 11 in Turnover Margin ;
8) We are Number 5 in the country in scoring Margin at 29 per game.
What does it all mean? I do not believe these are totally irrelevant stats because of the weak competition but these stats reinforce what we now know is our teams identity built by Coach Pike. If you play defense and rebound , you have a chance even against more talented teams . You also create some offense with steals and blocks turning into fast breaks for points we desperately need.
What is even more impressive to me is how good Coach Pike and Coach Young are at watching film, and devising a game plan to take away the other team's best offensive players, or to take them out of their sets. Our guards know the plays the other teams are running and using their experience to force teams into uncomfortable positions. We have trapped and caused an incredible amount of travel calls from the opposition as a result.
Now the competition ratchets up big time, with Fla State , At Minnesota, Michigan State and then Seton Hall 11 days latter. All teams with more talent, athleticism, ranked teams with a real pulse but if we continue to play defense and rebound , we should compete quick well . Just absolutely love Coach Pike as one of the best coaches we have ever had and love his staff, which could be the best ever.
1)We are Number 1 in the country in scoring defense with a significant 4 point lead over Miami and Virginia giving up 47 per game to their 51;
2) We are Number 1 in the country in field goal % defense at 32% per game;
3) We are Number 4 in Total Rebounds at 49 per game ;
4) We are in the Top Ten in Offensive Rebounding ;
5) We are in the Top Ten in Defensive Rebounding ;
6) We are Number 6 in Total Blocks at 6.6 per game;
7) We are Number 11 in Turnover Margin ;
8) We are Number 5 in the country in scoring Margin at 29 per game.
What does it all mean? I do not believe these are totally irrelevant stats because of the weak competition but these stats reinforce what we now know is our teams identity built by Coach Pike. If you play defense and rebound , you have a chance even against more talented teams . You also create some offense with steals and blocks turning into fast breaks for points we desperately need.
What is even more impressive to me is how good Coach Pike and Coach Young are at watching film, and devising a game plan to take away the other team's best offensive players, or to take them out of their sets. Our guards know the plays the other teams are running and using their experience to force teams into uncomfortable positions. We have trapped and caused an incredible amount of travel calls from the opposition as a result.
Now the competition ratchets up big time, with Fla State , At Minnesota, Michigan State and then Seton Hall 11 days latter. All teams with more talent, athleticism, ranked teams with a real pulse but if we continue to play defense and rebound , we should compete quick well . Just absolutely love Coach Pike as one of the best coaches we have ever had and love his staff, which could be the best ever.
