Is it time for a true power forward?

[SoonerNorm]

Tango reminded me of something I have been thinking about for a few weeks. Now that Sharane is leaving, is this a good time to abandon the 4-guard offense and go with a traditional power forward to add height and strength to the lineup? What would you do?

 

[Soonercuda]

Yes you would like to have a 6'+ player who can shoot, rebound and defend. But I think in the entire Big 12 there were 2 really skilled true power forwards...Enemkpali and Nina Davis (and she is under 6'..but just such a great athlete she can still play inside). It is a unique and rare athlete that can do everything you ask of a true power forward.

 

[j2d2]

Could Odimgbe play s. f.?

 

[SoonerNorm]

Could Odimgbe play s. f.?

Just based on what I've read, I would say, yes.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

Wasn't she injured? Will she arrive fully healthy?

 

[sybarite]

Wasn't she injured? Will she arrive fully healthy?

When?

 

[Oliver Hardy]

That's why I just asked about Cedar Hill Texas PF Joyner Holmes 6-3 ranked #2 on ESPN Top 60 for 2016.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

When?

Am I mistaken about that? Perhaps I'm thinking of someone else.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Am I mistaken about that? Perhaps I'm thinking of someone else.

I don't think she has been injured. One thing I like about her is she was offered a scholarship to play volleyball which tells me the girl is a good athlete.

 

[sybarite]

Am I mistaken about that? Perhaps I'm thinking of someone else.

Are you having flashbacks to Vivi and Shaya?

 

[35TangoTango]

Tango reminded me of something I have been thinking about for a few weeks. Now that Sharane is leaving, is this a good time to abandon the 4-guard offense and go with a traditional power forward to add height and strength to the lineup? What would you do?

Let's clear up a misconception here. The supposed "4 guard" offense that we're running now is the same offense we ran with Joanna McFarland, or for that matter, Caton Hill. The details can be tailored for the individuals involved, but it's the same 4-out motion offense we've run for years. When we've experimented with going away from it (tried the triangle some with Courtney and Ashley, and mostly set plays with Vegas), the results have not been great.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Let's clear up a misconception here. The supposed "4 guard" offense that we're running now is the same offense we ran with Joanna McFarland, or for that matter, Caton Hill. The details can be tailored for the individuals involved, but it's the same 4-out motion offense we've run for years. When we've experimented with going away from it (tried the triangle some with Courtney and Ashley, and mostly set plays with Vegas), the results have not been great.

The players can make any offense look much differently. When we had players like Caton, Leah, and Joanna, we were tougher inside than we are now. We need to be tougher inside on defense and rebounding.

 

[35TangoTango]

The players can make any offense look much differently. When we had players like Caton, Leah, and Joanna, we were tougher inside than we are now. We need to be tougher inside on defense and rebounding.

Hopefully Odimgbe can be that person. At least until Cox gets here.

 

[sybarite]

When I watch replays of the games to see who is doing what, one thing really stands out. Kay Kay doesn't jump. She is often in position, and she even blocks out sometimes. But, people behind her get the rebound because she doesn't jump. When she blocks out and gets rebounds, we aren't that bad on the boards.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

For years A$M and Baylor beat our brains in with those girls that were 6'2" and could rebound, defend, and score. I've never understood why we don't get girls like that.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

For years A$M and Baylor beat our brains in with those girls that were 6'2" and could rebound, defend, and score. I've never understood why we don't get girls like that.

At least partly because they are very hard to come by.

I think Maddie will be that type - and would have already if not for the injuries.

 

[Oliver Hardy]

I fully expect the starting five to be what Sweet outlined.

However, I do expect Maddie to move to the 4 full time. It's just too crowded. She might, might play at the 3 or at the 2. I would move her to the 4, however.

Carter's consistency is going to be an issue next season. We will likely have guards available who are better than her (and Maddie too) in shooting and defending.

I expect LaNeshia and Edwards' time to diminish significantly. Kornet and Wyatt are unlikely to see the floor more than a minute or two every other game and I don't think Kellog is more than a practice player.

Treece will really have to fight for time.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

I fully expect the starting five to be what Sweet outlined.

However, I do expect Maddie to move to the 4 full time. It's just too crowded. She might, might play at the 3 or at the 2. I would move her to the 4, however.

Carter's consistency is going to be an issue next season. We will likely have guards available who are better than her (and Maddie too) in shooting and defending.

I expect LaNeshia and Edwards' time to diminish significantly. Kornet and Wyatt are unlikely to see the floor more than a minute or two every other game and I don't think Kellog is more than a practice player.

Treece will really have to fight for time.

I have to ask the question, I still wonder who Gioya is?? One play she looks like an All-American, another she looks just out of control- just like she did earlier in the season. Was that 5 game stretch just her going off? Will we ever see that again? I sure hope so... I Think her main issue is she is focusing SO much on scoring the basketball- Clearly leading her to her forcing a lot of shots. Scorers always say, rather than forcing shots- you need to find another way to get yourself going... Crash offensive glass, get to the foul line. If nothing else it gives you something else to focus on. The talent is there, but time will tell. Defenses are definitely playing her tighter and giving her more attention. Its tough to adjust mid season to that, hopefully, at least by next year, she finds a way.

Teams that don't have her scouted as well for the big tourney tho, might catch an overhand right "Left" to the jaw...

 

[YCN]

Gabbi was a youngster who was asked to take on a starring role and she succeeded in that for a while. And she will without question be better next year. The player who has really gotten my respect this year is Gabbi. Four year starting point guards are rare on the type of team that always make the tournament. We might do a lot more than that with Gabbi. She's learning her leadership role, and I think she's done a terrific job.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

At least partly because they are very hard to come by.

I think Maddie will be that type - and would have already if not for the injuries.

Well both those teams I mentioned had them and others have also. And maybe maddie could fill that role. I'm not sure if she fits the get in there and bang around mode.