I'm Back and Ready to Comment

After finally getting the chance to watch three games in a row, I got the itch to come back to the blog and start posting my thoughts again. Starting with tomorrow's game against NC State, I will do my best to break down the team before and after the game.

Here are my thoughts on the team thus far and I apologize if they are negative as I expect a lot from the team.

1. I like that Kizer and Liles have a jump shot and aren't afraid to use it. I do wish that they wouldn't shoot if the other was away from the basket.
2. I love Liles athleticism but sometimes she needs to slow down and not force a shot.
3. If we play defense like we did against FSU and UNC, it's hard to beat us. If we don't then we will lose. We must hold opponents under 70.
4. I heard the rumors about Strickland wanting out and if she still feels that way, let her go. Except for the two games where she came back from deciding to stay with the team her entire game consists of running down the court, standing in a corner and waiting for a pass. She barely rebounds and isn't a good enough ball handler to make a move towards the rim.
5. I think last year's lack of playing time killed Mingo's confidence as she looks like she goes out there to do something positive so she won't get pulled.
6. KT has regressed as a PG. When we get down in games, she panics and tries to take over (i.e. UVA) instead of running the offense. Against FSU, she had several crucial TOs down the stretch because she was trying to do too much.
7. Coleman needs to assert herself more. That drive to the basket against FSU was a thing of beauty.
8. Our transition defense is terrible. 3 people crash the glass, 1 sits in the corner and thus KT is left alone to often guard the run out. This killed us against UVA.
9. We need better hands. I have seen too many rebounds batted around like a volleyball. They need to be grabbed and held onto tight. Maybe Lang and Harp spoiled us.
10. Kizer and Liles can't be afraid to block a shot. I know that we need them inside but too many times I watch them play decent defense and the ball go through their hands because they are afraid to pick up a foul.
11. I like that when teams hound KT, Coleman gets the ball, but then that limits us on the glass.
12. I would expect to see more triangle and 2 until MD can show that someone other than KT and Coleman will show up routinely.

Overall, I am a little disappointed in the team. The ACC is down this year and it seems on some nights we just don't bring it. We should have beaten Duke, but the UVA loss shouldn't happen with two veteran leaders.

I know it comes off harsh, but judging by the poll on the left some of the expect a deep run into the tournament and I don't see that unless the D is better and we take better control of the ball.