I don't think we were "un-physical" or necessarily soft last night. I think Miami was mentally soft last night. Got down and didn't show composure or mental fortitude down the stretch. Physically? We had players play thru some discomfort. Although we may not have played well, but don't think Louisville punked us or out-toughed us. I'd have to go back and check but I can't recall the last time we had 9 more offensive rebounds in a game vs a P5 opponent.
It may be mental but if u rewatch, take a look at how Omier elevates and snatches the rebound off a missed shot by Louisville when we were down 71-66. Around the 4 minute mark. He went up in a crowd, grabbed and secured that freakin' ball -- with authority!
Do agree with you that there seems to be a "defensive malaise" at times. I think with the team in general, it's a few things. I think you make a valid point on Omier and others being cognizant of not getting into foul trouble. Also think at times we're just being lazy on D. No way around it. Not to pick on Omier neither, but a prime example of this is with about 2 minutes to go in the game last night, he allows one of their guards an uncontested finish at the rim while standing in front of the basket with his hands in his pocket and 3 fouls to give. Left me flabbergasted. Lastly, I also think we have guys on the team who are incapable of defending. Whether it's poor technique or slow feet, we've got our fair share of ineptitude on that side of the ball.
This Miami team pretty much runs man-to-man, 95% of the time. Our perimeter guys have done a **** poor job of protecting their yard and keeping guys out the paint. At some point, ability has to translate on the court. Aside from Bens, none of the other perimeter players have shown they can consistently stay in front of their man. You'd think Wooga being so athletic wouldn't struggle in doing so, but he does. Cleveland is versatile, but he too has had his fair share of troubles on that end. And Pack? God bless him, but he can't defend a cone. George is showing progress but he still got a ways to go. Watson might be the second best on-ball defender, but that's not saying too much considering. As for post play, Omier has struggled against size. Case in point, last night Louisville's big man had a career night vs Norchad. For the most part, Omier plays hard and has a willingness to defend, but having a size disadvantage is tough for him to overcome some times. Casey has done a little better past couple of games, but he too is undersized and many times overwhelmed. I think Nwoko isn't seeing much action because he's shown to be completely lost defensively the few times he's been on the floor.
We don't have the leadership, just like I told you after the loss to WF. Nor do we have the length.
There are a myriad of reasons why a team will play zone, but depending on the zone your run many times it's done to neutralize a size disadvantage in hopes that the zone will minimize scoring in the paint and offensive rebounds. You'll also find teams go zone when opponents aren't particularly a good shooting team but are having their way with you on blow-byes. Someone mentioned it earlier. Coach L is set in his ways, but no question that there have been games this season where it would've probably benefited us if we played some zone.
If I'm not mistaken, we went some zone in the half court vs. Kentucky & Colorado. Also, showed some full court zone presses in other games.
I watched a replay of the UNC-NC State game from last nite. Last season, UNC was horrific defensively. They didn't guard anyone. Last nite, gotta say this years UNC squad does defend. Like night and day from last season. So ... it can be done -- if you have players who have the desire and some ability.
No question, it can be done but again at some point one of either "can" or "will" has to give. Effort is a big part in it, but it I'm pretty sure it won't be the sole reason if/when Miami improves on that end. Pack may be our worse on-ball defender from the guys in the rotation. From my couch it looks like it's for many reasons. One reason is it looks like he's got slow lateral movement. Just doesn't seem to have the foot speed to stay in front of some the guards he's faced. Another part of the reason is he takes bad angles. But the biggest reason is it just doesn't look like he's engaged on that end of the floor as he is when he has the ball in his hands, which goes to confirm your point of having players with desire. And it's not to pick on Pack, because the same engaged/desire comment can be said for most of the other players as well.
There is no doubt that B Joseph is an active able defender, creating issues for the opponent. Certainly our best defender, although thats not saying much from team efforts we have seen. (His rebounding is so-so, even Cleveland easily outshines him there.)
