Pledger's shots don't come easy

[OUHoops]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsext...ctid=92&articleid=20121218_92_B4_ULNSka445043

 

[AdaSooner]

"He's got to move more without the ball," Kruger said. "It's just realizing defenses are going to be more aggressive. If someone's driving they're not as likely to leave him. It's a matter of moving more, in a more timely way."

It's also, Kruger said, a matter of helping Pledger by setting better screens. That's something else OU's youngters should figure out.

For those who wonder why Pledger's averages are down this season, here's your answer. While it's true that his minutes have decreased and that defenses scheme to stop him, Steven has to work harder to get open and to rub defenders off of screens. Likewise, his teammates have to do a better job of setting screens. Personally, I would like to see more set plays run for Bird. He's a high percentage shooter when he gets open shots, not so much when he's closely guarded. As our freshmen guards gain more experience, they will have a better understanding of where he wants the ball to maximize his effectiveness.

 

[MNsooner]

We set way too many lazy screens.

 

[AdaSooner]

We set way too many lazy screens.

Agreed. It's like our players are afraid of hurting someone. They're also too eager to release on the pick-and-roll at times, which minimizes the effectiveness of the screens we set. The newbies obviously have a lot to learn. But even the veterans make that mistake sometimes.

 

[MNsooner]

Agreed. It's like our players are afraid of hurting someone. They're also too eager to release on the pick-and-roll at times, which minimizes the effectiveness of the screens we set. The newbies obviously have a lot to learn. But even the veterans make that mistake sometimes.

Fitz is especially bad about it. The new guys need some work too. It is so basic, but so important.

 

[AdaSooner]

Fitz is especially bad about it. The new guys need some work too. It is so basic, but so important.

Exactly what I was thinking, but chose not to bring it up. Fitz is better than he was last year when a number of the fouls he picked up were due to a moving screen. I feel sure setting proper screens have been a point of emphasis in practice, at least I hope that is the case.

 

[sharp1]

Fitz is especially bad about it. The new guys need some work too. It is so basic, but so important.

Fitz set the screens when he scored 38....at IWS...its not Fitz

 

[WTSooner]

Eh.

LK has to be diplomatic, but he and the team aren't really helping Pledger out much. Is Steven really moving less than in prior years? I don't see it. But the young guys aren't patient enough to wait for him, or to get the ball to him in the right spots. And the offense isn't geared to get him the ball, or to run plays for him. We all know Pledger isn't great at creating for himself. An offense that actually had a plan would certainly help.