The House of Blue

I just think Cal doesn't know what to do next. If he thought something would help, he would have already tried it,

So what would you guys do? As much trouble as this team has in half-court offense, and without its top rebounder to better the chance for a outback, I'd be tempted to push the tempo as fast as possible, scoring in transition and launching 3s.

Sit Goodwin,Harrow and Poythress on the end of the bench by the Gatorade and let them bring drinks to the players during the timeouts. When they are ready to listen to Cal then let them play until they do one thing that Cal tells them not to do. Then take them out of the game and sit them down by the Gatorade and let them rot on the bench until they get over being to cool for school.

When they are ready to get down and dirty like Kidd-Gilchrest and hustle, then let them get another taste of playing time. I would let every walk on play the rest of the year before I would let those attitudes on the floor again. Our season is shot anyway!

At the end of the year I would advise Harrow to head to Europe. Goodwin to transfer. Poythress can be the eighth man on next years team

Lets face it this team is not Cals best put together team this is a case were you lose all of your talent and the next recruiting class is very very weak. There is maybe one or two guys from that whole class that will be NBA starters imo.

I would try to run an inside out game by looking to establish a post prescence with Cauley-Stein and Poythress from play #1. Then, once it was established, I would instruct them to start kickinig it out to Wiltjer/mays

I've actually been wondering all year why Cal has not tried to establish some specific offensive sets early on, rather than throwing them out there for a free for all? It may not be how Cal generally likes to coach, but without having the same level of talent, you need to tighten the reins on your players. Use discipline, and establish a post prescence early. Even employ the old "3 passes before you are allowed to shoot" philosophy if neccessary. Whatever it takes to take the decision making out of the hands of the guys that are making poor decisions!

I am giving the up vote on this bro. If they haven't learned by now then probably won't happen!

Well, you could start by telling the kids that free throws count and may determine whether they ever play in the NCAA tournament and have them work on this skill. Second, I would run the offense through Wiltjer on the high post. He is the best passer and most clever on offense. Run a lot of motion across the baseline and set up Goodwin and Mayes for corner shots through screens. Practice these sets and shots. Leave Polythress and WCS down low and teach them to position for the off side rebound. Start with that and then add to it. Wiltjer is the key. We don't have anyone else skilled enough to run the pick and roll/pop. Play an aggressive zone. We don't have the personnel to play pressure man to man in the half court because this team doesn't have enough guards to practice much less press. Focus on drawing charges and rebounding. So I would emphasize free throws, a set half court offense (when you cannot run), zone defense, and rebounding. Just my take.

I agree, that could really help. I swear I do not believe TN has that much more talent even with out Noel... The off ball screens that ended up being lay ups Cal has spoke about goes both ways. I know some may call me crazy but I think Poythress could still turn the corner. Poythress, Wiltjer and even Cauley S can score in the low post.

I do not think we could be a run and gun team, we don't have the back court or depth IMO. Right now we are thin, I believe our only chance is to vary tempo, attack when it's there but look to use the shot clock and get the best possible shot each trip down the court.

I would also like to see Wiltjer get more looks in the high post. One thing is certain Goodwin has to calm down, Harrow has to play harder and Cal has to get Wiltjer more help on defense. His lack of athleticism kills us on that end but right now he's almost all we got. With the lack of speed and quickness on the perimeter does anyone think a little more zone against the poor shooting teams may be in the works?

Its not talent its want to. Look at are top 6 guys without Noel Harrow #18 Goodwin #14 Poythress #8 Wiltjer #21 Stein #38 Hood #46 Mays worst rated and he gives best effort. So thats 4 5 stars and 2 high 4 stars

What's the big secret? He acts like it's a matter of national security.