Bigs on other teams

[chuckb]

It's been pointed out that we don't play zone defense. Seems like if we are exposed on defense we should rethink that. Seems the perimeter would have less open shots and at the same time our 'bigs' would be operating defensively in tighter quarters thus making it easier to defend their position.

It's more difficult to rebound while playing zone. I can't imagine how those (not saying you) who call for the team to play zone would react if they rebounded worse than they do now. I'm sure they'd then start complaining about how poorly the team rebounds.

 

[allday92]

We can't play any two of Lattin, McNeace, or Polla at the same time. The spacing on offense would be atrocious. There wouldn't be any driving lanes for Trae or Odomes. The switch that needs to happen is Doolittle for Manek. Get a bigger body out there and get some scoring off of the bench.

 

[Bk2X]

I would also like to see a big that is heavy enough to move some bodies. But for now, it would be nice if our bigs that are on the floor at the time don't both attempt a low percentage block allowing easy put backs when they whiff.

 

[vbdad]

It partially due to size but Khadeem and Jamuni aren't physical type of players. They are all finesse and it is also their personality.
Doolittle should be giving us toughness and strength and he just isn't at all.
Manek tries to battle but isn't strong enough at this time.

LK recruited Solomon very hard. He plays like Spangler with a little less skill.

 

[sperry]

We can't play any two of Lattin, McNeace, or Polla at the same time. The spacing on offense would be atrocious. There wouldn't be any driving lanes for Trae or Odomes. The switch that needs to happen is Doolittle for Manek. Get a bigger body out there and get some scoring off of the bench.

Doolittle is a career 38% shooter. He doesn't help offensively.

 

[oudna]

It partially due to size but Khadeem and Jamuni aren't physical type of players. They are all finesse and it is also their personality.

Definitely the case with Jamuni.

 

[sheepdogs1]

Lattin was fortunate to play with Spangler, who was a willing banger. We have no such player now so we’re a donut squad. Gotta recruit some larger-bodied fellas.

Spangler played the game as if the ball was his and not the property of others.

 

[oudna]

Spangler played the game as if the ball was his and not the property of others.

I’ve found it’s generally good to have players that other teams fan’s hate!

 

[stormspencer]

Just a couple of days ago, so many here were complaining that Polla had too much beef to play in college basketball. I think there's a place for a guy like Polla but the game has gone away from guys like him. There's nothing wrong with the players we recruit. They just aren't strong and play soft. McNeace is basically the same size as Lard and Lard threw him all over the court.

They've got to get stronger and tougher. That's the bottom line. These guys could do it. They just don't.

That said, I think it's dubious that the new recruit Kuath can compete in the Big 12 at 173 pounds. He'll surely have to red shirt and put on 40+ lbs of muscle.

This is arguably the most frustrating aspect of our team.....physical toughness.

 

[DenverSooner]

You posted that lineup the other day, and I didn't respond.

But that is a terrible lineup. Too big. Two many (see what I did there) guys that can't space the floor on offense. Not sure what you see in Polla, but I certainly don't see a guy that needs to be playing.

As for the original topic of this post, it has amazed me for years that so many teams can recruit and coach up big guys that make ours look so bad. Lattin is not good. He probably doesn't start for but maybe 1 or 2 other Big 12 teams, and that is being generous. These other teams all seem to have guys that can rebound and defend. And score.

Lattin does not seem to have improved much. He was pretty good for a freshman. I was hoping he would develop a go to post move and improve his outside shooting but it doesn’t seem like that has happened.