Defense

[StatGeek]

Our defense has been awful. I know many of you feel that missed free throws was the culprit against Mizzou but the real reason we lost was/is the same reason we continue to lose Big 12 games and that is defense.

Consider the following:

• Our FG% defense in the 1st half of Big 12 games is .438
• Our FG% defense in the 2nd half of Big 12 games is .506
• We have allowed our opponent to shoot 50% of greater from the field for a half in 8 of 12 games.
• In those 8 games we are 0-8 .000
• We are 3-1 in the Big 12 when we hold our opponent below 50% from the field in both halves.
• Our FG% defense by half in wins: 1st half .382, 2nd half .376
• Our FG% defense by half in losses: 1st half .455, 2nd half .554

For comparison here are our Offensive numbers:

• Our FG% offense in the 1st half of Big 12 games is .421
• Our FG% offense in the 2nd half of Big 12 games is .410
• We have shot 50% or higher in a half in 4 of 12 games.
• We are 2-2 .500 in those 4 games.
• Our FG% offense by half in wins: 1st half .438, 2nd half .451
• Our FG% defense by half in losses: 1st half .415, 2nd half .399

In wins we have a +7 turnover margin average.
In losses we have a -1.33 turnover margin average.

Defense is our #1 problem. With that said, how do we significantly improve our defense next year when we will be playing with the same cast of characters?

I know everyone is real high M'baye's offensive game, but how do those of you who have seen him feel about his defense?

The way I see it our biggest upgrade next year will be at the 3, but I don't think Clark is our problem on defense, so the upgrade will only be on the offensive end. Further, if Hornbeak & Hield end up being better defenders than Grooms & Pledger (I am not in anyway suggesting I think that the Freshmen will, could, or should replace Grooms or Pledger)then we would have to sacrifice leadership, experience, and offense for defense, which I'm sure won't work.

In the end I guess I am overreacting to a horrible loss, but I have been getting more and more nervous about our defense lately.

 

[OUHoops]

I don't think you're overreacting at all. You raise some of the same questions about some serious issues I've been thinking about since Big 12 play started.

 

[Riseandfire10]

OU will have the same problems next year until this group of juniors graduate. OU seems to lack quickness to close out on shooters and prevent teams from driving to the basket.

 

[j2d2]

We started the year with two things in mind: defense and rebounding. I think everyone knew we wernt very athletic, not quick or good scorers. So defense and rebounding were two things that we could learn to do. The rebounding hasnt been bad - in fact probably better than anyone thought we would do. Defense is good by spruts, even long spurts but not consistent enough to earn victories.

 

[Krugerfan52]

Our defense has been bad in all Big 12 games. KSU just couldnt hit a shot or we'd be right there with Texas Tech.

OSU has had injuries. A&M has had injuries. Texas is mostly freshman. What's our excuse?

 

[WTSooner]

OU will have the same problems next year until this group of juniors graduate. OU seems to lack quickness to close out on shooters and prevent teams from driving to the basket.

It is a quickness problem at the guard spots. Grooms and Cam play A LOT of minutes, and both are plenty quick.

 

[sdcloud9]

It's also a lack of depth.

Sooner bench provides very little in any phase of the game.

 

[sperry]

It's also a lack of depth.

Sooner bench provides very little in any phase of the game.

This is worth noting. We were getting a big contribution from Tyler Neal in the non-conference season. It's a big part of why we beat some solid teams like ORU and Arkanasas. Honore was also contributing. Honore hasn't played at all in like 8 games or so, and Neal gets about two minutes per game. Washington gives some decent minutes, but is an even worse offensive palyer than Johnny Gilbert was, and that's saying something.

Next year, at the very least, our depth will be dramatically improved. Despite what we saw @ Tech yesterday, this team can play. We've lost a lot of games solely because of mental mistakes, including losing to the likely Big XII champs and #1 seed in the dance because we couldn't make free throws.