Shooting

[clawman1]

If shooting %'s doesn't get better it may be a short post season!
http://goeags.com/sports/m-baskbl/2014-15/boxscores/20150307_fism.xml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[JasonEWU]

If shooting %'s doesn't get better it may be a short post season!
http://goeags.com/sports/m-baskbl/2014-15/boxscores/20150307_fism.xml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Couldn't agree more. To me it still comes down to shot selection. They are forcing some horrible attempts up. They need to slow it down just a little, and be more selective with their shots. Especially Harvey. The first half vs Idaho State, he took in rhythm 3 pointers and was on fire. Then the 2nd half started and it was back to the old issues, step back 24 foot heaves, and pulling up on fast breaks.

The FT shooting % is a HUGE concern also. If you are playing EWU and its a close game at the end, why would you not Hack a Shaq on Venky? He literally might be the worst FT shooter I can remember watching at EWU. When he misses, they are not close, airballs, and barely grazing the front rim. He shouldn't leave a gym until he figures that out. I have a 9 year old nephew who can shoot better FT's then him.

 

[Rafter_Reese]

If shooting %'s doesn't get better it may be a short post season!
http://goeags.com/sports/m-baskbl/2014-15/boxscores/20150307_fism.xml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Couldn't agree more. To me it still comes down to shot selection. They are forcing some horrible attempts up. They need to slow it down just a little, and be more selective with their shots. Especially Harvey. The first half vs Idaho State, he took in rhythm 3 pointers and was on fire. Then the 2nd half started and it was back to the old issues, step back 24 foot heaves, and pulling up on fast breaks.

The FT shooting % is a HUGE concern also. If you are playing EWU and its a close game at the end, why would you not Hack a Shaq on Venky? He literally might be the worst FT shooter I can remember watching at EWU. When he misses, they are not close, airballs, and barely grazing the front rim. He shouldn't leave a gym until he figures that out. I have a 9 year old nephew who can shoot better FT's then him.

I don't think the things we need to do to fix our shooting are overly complicated. I want to see Drew and Tyler getting to the rim more. I think this will automatically increase our shooting percentage. Drew has carried us at times this year with dribble penetration. Seems like he's turned into a jump shooter lately since Tyler came back which isn't necessarily his strength although he does hit some big shots and can get hot at times.

It would be nice if we used Venky and Blizzard as back to the basket players a little bit more but that's not what we ask them to do as much as I would like. Those two guys finish near the hoop at a very high rate. Bliz and Venky are both right at 60% which is great. I know Hayford likes to spread the floor and let his bigs drive which I actually like with our personnel because it creates some serious matchup nightmares for teams. Keep doing that! But, if we could establish a good inside-out game we will start getting better looks on the perimeter and our 3-pt percentage will go back up to where it was when we started the year.

I would agree about keeping the ball out of Venky's hands inside 3 minutes or so. I've wondered myself why he touches it under 3 minutes. I'd let him be more of a scavenger that just hunts offensive rebounds and scores on put backs inside 3 minutes, but not the primary go-to-guy. If we need a post up in a close game, get it to Blizzard who is a much better free-throw shooter. If we're leading with under 3 minutes left, the ball NEEDS to be in Drew, Tyler, or Parker's hands---period!!!. That's just smart data-driven coaching. Players just need to be aware of these things and it starts with coaching.

From the Rafters....
go eags!