A weakness in TY's game.

[sooner8693]

Granted this is a bit nit picky, but, if there is 1 part of his game that needs improvement, it is this. When he drives to the rack on the left side, he puts the ball up on the glass with his right hand. Some of those now are getting slapped back in his face. You would think someone with his skills would have mastered shooting/laying it up on the glass with the left hand by now. And maybe he has, it is just more comfortable for him to automatically go up with the right hand. I know, being picky. But, I'm looking for any reason for him to come back next year to work on something in his game.

 

[CoachTalk]

I see what you're saying. I know a lot of guys are using that right hand to shield guys from blocking from the outside. Of course, he can use his left hand.

 

[MsProudSooner]

My daughter's elementary and middle school coach had one rule kids had to follow to get a suit. They had to shoot layups on the right side of the basket with their right hand and layups on the left side of the basket with their left hand.

 

[BCSooners]

If you're trying to fend a helping defender off or using a finishing move with a defender on your hip, then yes you use your left hand. But if you are trying to beat the ball to the glass before the defender gets there then it is actually faster to use your opposite hand since it's closer to the goal.

I had a kid in HS you usually finished with the "wrong hand" but it was because it was quicker (and we don't have too many great shot blockers on our schedule).

 

[coolm]

all good points. I think he has some work to do on his finishing. Whether that keeps him from declaring is unknown. I would suspect it wont. Westbrook also needs to work on his finishing. But his talents otherwise let you gloss over that - same as with Trae.

But it's certainly worth the thought.

 

[opsooner]

Yep. Depends where the defenders are. Using opposite hand is similar to going other side of rim when defender is on your outside. I think Trae also does this as previously said because it is quick and can surprise defense before they are ready to block. The ball is going almost straight up to the rim as well. He will adjust as teams adjust to him. Too talented to do more than slow him down.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sooner8693]

If you're trying to fend a helping defender off or using a finishing move with a defender on your hip, then yes you use your left hand. But if you are trying to beat the ball to the glass before the defender gets there then it is actually faster to use your opposite hand since it's closer to the goal.

I had a kid in HS you usually finished with the "wrong hand" but it was because it was quicker (and we don't have too many great shot blockers on our schedule).

Valid point on getting the ball on the glass quicker.

 

[tmeyer3307]

Would like to see more floaters from him... seems like he’s gone away from those lately. At the rim it will probably always be his biggest weakness or defense of course.

 

[Kswhitetail]

When he does get swatted or misses he lays on the floor complaining bout a foul. Thats what i dont like.

 

[DenverSooner]

Would like to see more floaters from him... seems like he’s gone away from those lately. At the rim it will probably always be his biggest weakness or defense of course.

How is his defense bad? Lady couple of games I have paid attention to his defense because the media criticizes it. I don't see the glaring problems. I see rebounds, steals and even an occasional lock without fouling.

 

[Soonerinkc]

How is his defense bad? Lady couple of games I have paid attention to his defense because the media criticizes it. I don't see the glaring problems. I see rebounds, steals and even an occasional lock without fouling.

I've seen him def lay off his guy..even when his guy has the ball. He's let guard get past him, he tries the "reach around"...I would say D is prob a "weakness" as well.

AGAIN...being VERY NIT PICKY...lol.

 

[TheGimper]

I've seen him def lay off his guy..even when his guy has the ball. He's let guard get past him, he tries the "reach around"...I would say D is prob a "weakness" as well.

AGAIN...being VERY NIT PICKY...lol.

Trae's defense isn't really bad at all. I recommend any interested Sooner fans read this:
https://big12basketblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/12/big-12-power-rankings-january-12th-2018-edition/

This person breaks down Trae's defense using several clips from the Tech game and using advanced metrics from places like Synergy Sports.

They've been putting out rankings every week for the Big XII. It's a great read and you get a solid breakdown of OU each week with several examples.

 

[tmeyer3307]

I agree that his defense has been better the last 3-4 games, but it was really hard to watch to start. He's a type of guy that will always get long rebounds and a few steals a game..doesn't mean he can play defense. I just don't know if he will be able to guard elite point guards at the next level.. More space in the NBA though so maybe he does get to the rim and finish more.

 

[MercedeSooner]

We need to watch wearing Trae out - he has a huge burden with this team and if he continues at this rate he likely will start getting tired legs by the end of conf play. It’s not a coincidence that the more worn out you get the more turnovers you ll have.

 

[Soonerinkc]

I agree that his defense has been better the last 3-4 games, but it was really hard to watch to start. He's a type of guy that will always get long rebounds and a few steals a game..doesn't mean he can play defense. I just don't know if he will be able to guard elite point guards at the next level.. More space in the NBA though so maybe he does get to the rim and finish more.

He's def saving his energy for offense...(IMHO)..lol. He seems to pick and choose when to play decent D..several times today he just laid off. Again, not a big deal...NBA is all offense anyway..:ez-roll: