Truth bomb

[Larry72]

Kruger has done a very average at best job coaching this year...

The switching defense has made us lazy. We are one of the worst blocking out teams. Blocking out is the MOST underrated facet of basketball. And Kruger simply doesnt require effort in that sector..

Offense has been abysmal when we aren't shooting 3s at a record pace, best in the nation. We now all of the sudden have abandoned AK for mcneace after not playing him for 15 Games.. that reeks of desperation.

I would give him a 6 outta 10. I know it sounds crazy because we're still in decent position and have s great record and We've won some big games.. but only when we were stroking from 3. This team is in a tailspin and it's on kruger to stop it.

Scrap the switching D. Demand blockouts and bench those who do not. Have defense practices all week. Make them heated. Get some tustles going.

Offense will come as a result of good defense. There's less demand on shooting lights out every night as a result

I agree. We have not improved while other teams have. TT got easier shots, passed better, played better defense and were smart and got better rebounding position numerous times.

We played the same way... too much one on one.

Mcnease plays defense way too upright. He is actually poor on defense. He does not get proper rebounding position and does not box out.

 

[soonerborn77]

I hate our offense but love our players. I hate all the iso and 1 on 1's that we do, when that doesn't work we just throw it to Buddy and hope he can create and score. I don't get why we can't at least pretend to run some type of offense and especially go down low to Spangler/Lattin. We know they aren't that good underneath but at least this will force the other team to not sit on the perimeter causing us to take contested shots repeatedly.

 

[TINY]

What has AK done to deserve playing time? He's big? Mcnease gives more effort and if you aren't apart of the program then you don't know what's going on internally or in the locker room. He may have been passed up for a number of reasons (effort, attitude, class, etc.). We aren't shooting very well, we beat TT 9/10 when we hold them under 70 with this year's team. Shooting slumps and playing slumps happen throughout the year so when we start winning again I'll enjoy reading y'all's "greatest OU team ever" posts again.

He was one of the top shot blockers in the conference despite limited minutes prior to him going awol.

If he is messing up off the court, that's one thing, but it would be pure speculation at this point.

there are probably some walk-ons who give as much or more effort than anyone on the team, should they get some meaningful PT, too?

The jamuni experiment needs to be scrapped until next season IMO.

 

[TINY]

I hate our offense but love our players. I hate all the iso and 1 on 1's that we do, when that doesn't work we just throw it to Buddy and hope he can create and score. I don't get why we can't at least pretend to run some type of offense and especially go down low to Spangler/Lattin. We know they aren't that good underneath but at least this will force the other team to not sit on the perimeter causing us to take contested shots repeatedly.

+1.

Where's the motion? Why not have some guys slash to the basket and not just post up at the 3-point line?

 

[hoopsaustin]

We fell in love with the 3 too much.. the Team with greater quality of looks usually wins basketball Games, layups being chief among them.. move the ball. Play inside out

 

[sperry]

I hate this nonsense. We go inside to Spangler a decent amount, although he has major limitations due to lack of size and athleticism. We don't go down low to Lattin because Lattin is an absolute disaster on the offensive end of the floor.


Kruger has done a great job coaching. He has us light up the three point line because that's our biggest strength. We have 3 great shooters. We don't have offensively gifted post players. We're working on that with the guys we're recruiting, but McNeace and Lattin are basically energy guys/shot blockers, and offer virtually nothing outside of that. Manyang clearly isn't the answer, or Kruger would be going to him over those guys. We have been using Buford more inside, which I like, but he has major size limitations as well.

 

[hoopsaustin]

I hate this nonsense. We go inside to Spangler a decent amount, although he has major limitations due to lack of size and athleticism. We don't go down low to Lattin because Lattin is an absolute disaster on the offensive end of the floor.


Kruger has done a great job coaching. He has us light up the three point line because that's our biggest strength. We have 3 great shooters. We don't have offensively gifted post players. We're working on that with the guys we're recruiting, but McNeace and Lattin are basically energy guys/shot blockers, and offer virtually nothing outside of that. Manyang clearly isn't the answer, or Kruger would be going to him over those guys. We have been using Buford more inside, which I like, but he has major size limitations as well.

Last night was the most we got it inside to spangs in a while in the second half.. you could tell it was an emphasis..

And there's no reason that spangler could not and should not be a scorer inside.. Ya he's a little shorter than what you'd like. But he is taller than nate carter was. Who dominated in the big 12. So don't give me excuses.

We need to diversify the offense. 3s will always be this teams lifeblood. But geez. Get something else going on

 

[soonerjunky]

Kruger has done a very average at best job coaching this year...

The switching defense has made us lazy. We are one of the worst blocking out teams. Blocking out is the MOST underrated facet of basketball. And Kruger simply doesnt require effort in that sector..

Offense has been abysmal when we aren't shooting 3s at a record pace, best in the nation. We now all of the sudden have abandoned AK for mcneace after not playing him for 15 Games.. that reeks of desperation.

I would give him a 6 outta 10. I know it sounds crazy because we're still in decent position and have s great record and We've won some big games.. but only when we were stroking from 3. This team is in a tailspin and it's on kruger to stop it.

Scrap the switching D. Demand blockouts and bench those who do not. Have defense practices all week. Make them heated. Get some tustles going.

Offense will come as a result of good defense. There's less demand on shooting lights out every night as a result

Here's the problem with your post, IT'S 100% CORRECT. Some fans just can't admit problems. I can, and get crap for it. I'd like to give it up to you for this post.

 

[Sooner04]

And there's no reason that spangler could not and should not be a scorer inside.. Ya he's a little shorter than what you'd like. But he is taller than nate carter was. Who dominated in the big 12. So don't give me excuses.

Dominated? 11.6 points a game on a team that went 6-10 in conference play?

Hyperbole is a foot. And I'm with you in that it was obviously emphasized to get the ball to Spangler underneath the arc. Looking forward to more of that on Saturday.

 

[oudna]

Yeah, Carter averaged 9 points per game in his 2 year career at OU. But he was a great FT shooter!

 

[SilliSooner]

The formula to beat OU is to milk the clock and keep the game in the 60s. It worked for Kansas State, Tech and almost for Texas. We're not built to play that but invariably we go along when the opposition is rolling out that gameplan.

We try to offset that by building up a quick lead with 3s and forcing the other team to keep up and trying to match us. If we're down the court quick enough it works, if we get forced into running a conventional offense we lose our advantage.

When Billy Tubbs faced a team trying to milk the clock he forced the action. He pressed, which he did a lot anyway, and if that didn't work he gave the other team quick buckets or at least quick shot attempts. If there was an average or weak shooting player on the opposition but he couldn't turn down shots, Billy would tell the defender to back off and test the guy, dare him to shoot, anything to make them shoot quicker and abandon their possession game.

We need to speed the game up in similar ways. One way is to take more risks, jump the passing lanes. Dare someone to make the skip pass, yet anticipate it, foul a poor foul shooter early in the clock, etc. Box out, get the rebound, force the break and get to free throw line.

 

[chuckb]

One of the worst things about losing games is the endless parade of ridiculous posts. I certainly have no plans to unwrap this item by item but I will say this:

You are absolutely talking out of your butt when you said, about blocking out, that "Kruger simply requires no effort in that area." That's an ad hominem attack on Coach Kruger based on something you have absolutely no knowledge of. You have absolutely no basis for evaluating whether or not Kruger "requires effort" in any area. Are you seriously trying to convince people that Kruger doesn't expect players to box out, or doesn't care whether they do or not? And even if it was true, as an outside observer, you have no way to know that.

So not only are you calling the players lazy -- a comment, by the way, that contradicts all the available evidence -- but you're also either calling Lon Kruger lazy or saying that he just doesn't give a damn about basketball fundamentals. Comments like that completely undermine your credibility.

 

[hoopsaustin]

One of the worst things about losing games is the endless parade of ridiculous posts. I certainly have no plans to unwrap this item by item but I will say this:

You are absolutely talking out of your butt when you said, about blocking out, that "Kruger simply requires no effort in that area." That's an ad hominem attack on Coach Kruger based on something you have absolutely no knowledge of. You have absolutely no basis for evaluating whether or not Kruger "requires effort" in any area. Are you seriously trying to convince people that Kruger doesn't expect players to box out, or doesn't care whether they do or not? And even if it was true, as an outside observer, you have no way to know that.

So not only are you calling the players lazy -- a comment, by the way, that contradicts all the available evidence -- but you're also either calling Lon Kruger lazy or saying that he just doesn't give a damn about basketball fundamentals. Comments like that completely undermine your credibility.

Watch the Games.. it shows everything.. if it's not being corrected.. then.. yea it leads you there.

This team could do great things

 

[KBaden145]

One of the worst things about losing games is the endless parade of ridiculous posts. I certainly have no plans to unwrap this item by item but I will say this:



You are absolutely talking out of your butt when you said, about blocking out, that "Kruger simply requires no effort in that area." That's an ad hominem attack on Coach Kruger based on something you have absolutely no knowledge of. You have absolutely no basis for evaluating whether or not Kruger "requires effort" in any area. Are you seriously trying to convince people that Kruger doesn't expect players to box out, or doesn't care whether they do or not? And even if it was true, as an outside observer, you have no way to know that.



So not only are you calling the players lazy -- a comment, by the way, that contradicts all the available evidence -- but you're also either calling Lon Kruger lazy or saying that he just doesn't give a damn about basketball fundamentals. Comments like that completely undermine your credibility.

Yup...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Big Old Booger]

One of the worst things about losing games is the endless parade of ridiculous posts. I certainly have no plans to unwrap this item by item but I will say this:

You are absolutely talking out of your butt when you said, about blocking out, that "Kruger simply requires no effort in that area." That's an ad hominem attack on Coach Kruger based on something you have absolutely no knowledge of. You have absolutely no basis for evaluating whether or not Kruger "requires effort" in any area. Are you seriously trying to convince people that Kruger doesn't expect players to box out, or doesn't care whether they do or not? And even if it was true, as an outside observer, you have no way to know that.

So not only are you calling the players lazy -- a comment, by the way, that contradicts all the available evidence -- but you're also either calling Lon Kruger lazy or saying that he just doesn't give a damn about basketball fundamentals. Comments like that completely undermine your credibility.

Agree.

 

[Sooner95]

Just seems to be a lot of over reacting over numerous threads.

Look, I'm just as disappointed in this slump as anyone else. Couple weeks ago we were riding high, #1 overall seed in the tourney, Big12 title in our sights, life was good!

Reality is this. The Big12 is freakin tough. If this Conf doesn't get 7 or 10 into the NCAA and possibly another 1 into the NIT, (2 is Pokes get to .500) then its a travesty. We have 2 teams that have played two of the top 4 toughest schedules. And those are not even the top teams in this conf. I'll put the BIG12 up against anyone, including the all mighty ACC.

Other side of this? Our Defense has been mediocre at best over the past few games. If we do not get back to defending, and I am talking about stretching teams out on offense, making them pass the ball, force turnovers and stop the ball drives to the bucket, then that will be the killer, not our offense.

We thrive on transition basketball. Either fast break layups or the fast break treys. Our guards knock these transitions 3's down at a clip that is hard to comprehend. We are just not getting those opportunities at the pace we had before.

Our post game has disappeared albeit it wasn't' anything that great to scare anyone. The problem is its gotten so dry that teams are putting everything into perimeter D that is hurting our guard and their ability to get open looks.

We win with a simple formula. Driving to the bucket and getting contact. We are an Excellent FT shooting team. Getting offensive rebounds and finding that open 3pt look. These are back breakers especially for teams that we MAKE play defense for 18-20 secs. To many one pass and shoot offensive sets lately.

Our bench play has been spotty, which I am a bit surprised. I thought by now we'd have at least one or two that would be consistent. Still time for that. Buford has shown promise and I like James and walker as well.

We are still in good shape, especially for a #1 seed. Its not like anyone else is winning either. Nova is a joke and everyone knows it, The BIGeast is avg at best and that'll show in the tourney.

I don't think we can win the BIG12, KU has 3 tough roads game left, but they'll have to lose all 3 most likely to open the door. That's OK.

LK needs to regroup the troops over the next couple weeks. Refocus on the bigger picture, this is a great team and is still very capable of making the Final 4.

Steady Sooner fans, Steady..

 

[hoopsaustin]

We actually are not an excellent FT shooting team. Look it up.

We may know that villanova is a joke as we throttled them and they have played a horrific schedule but i guarantee they will get a 1 seed at this point. That's what gonzaga does all the time

 

[campbest]

But he is taller than nate carter was. Who dominated in the big 12.

Revisionist history at its finest.

 

[hoopsaustin]

Revisionist history at its finest.

I didn't mean like poty dominate. But a 6'6 post man getting 12 points a game and i remember he really took it another level up in conference, whereas if he had played the same in OOC he would have probably averaged more around 15. Which is crazy given his physical limitations.

Point is, Spangs can and should be able to score inside. He is a much more gifted player

 

[IndySooner]

We actually are not an excellent FT shooting team. Look it up.

We may know that villanova is a joke as we throttled them and they have played a horrific schedule but i guarantee they will get a 1 seed at this point. That's what gonzaga does all the time

Gonzaga's been a #1 seed once in its history. A 2 twice, a 3 twice, a 4 once and a 6 or higher every other time it's been in the tourney.