The “second team” thing is legitimately weird

[NUCat320]

I know it’s been harped on, but have you ever seen a team that so drastically adjusts its approach based on the presence of one player — a bench player?

This is, of course, a Ryan Young thread.

It seems as if CCC specifically uses Young without other scorers (usually with Greer, almost always with Williams) specifically so that Young can isolate on the blocks. Throw it down low, play like 1992.

Young is a good enough post presence, and I’d love to see him isolated down low from time to time, but he’s also competent on dribble handoffs and generally flowing within the standard offense.

Fact is, it’s a better team when he’s in — when he’s in with the other top guys.

I have no idea if the numbers bear this out — but I do know that a basketball team running a completely different offensive approach on the basis of the presence of a backup center is legitimately weird.

 

[TheC]

I know it’s been harped on, but have you ever seen a team that so drastically adjusts its approach based on the presence of one player — a bench player?

This is, of course, a Ryan Young thread.

It seems as if CCC specifically uses Young without other scorers (usually with Greer, almost always with Williams) specifically so that Young can isolate on the blocks. Throw it down low, play like 1992.

Young is a good enough post presence, and I’d love to see him isolated down low from time to time, but he’s also competent on dribble handoffs and generally flowing within the standard offense.

Fact is, it’s a better team when he’s in — when he’s in with the other top guys.

I have no idea if the numbers bear this out — but I do know that a basketball team running a completely different offensive approach on the basis of the presence of a backup center is legitimately weird.

Last night, it seemed like Penn State was doubling and even tripling down on Young. It wasn't a hard double, but it was enough to disrupt his flow. Yet we never see a pass out to wide open shooter (who can make the shot) or another Cat cutting to the basket. I just don't understand why there never seems to be a plan B when Young is fed the ball in the post.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Last night, it seemed like Penn State was doubling and even tripling down on Young. It wasn't a hard double, but it was enough to disrupt his flow. Yet we never see a pass out to wide open shooter (who can make the shot) or another Cat cutting to the basket. I just don't understand why there never seems to be a plan B when Young is fed the ball in the post.

Yep, doubled most every time and it worked.

 

[CappyNU]

I know it’s been harped on, but have you ever seen a team that so drastically adjusts its approach based on the presence of one player — a bench player?

This is, of course, a Ryan Young thread.

It seems as if CCC specifically uses Young without other scorers (usually with Greer, almost always with Williams) specifically so that Young can isolate on the blocks. Throw it down low, play like 1992.

Young is a good enough post presence, and I’d love to see him isolated down low from time to time, but he’s also competent on dribble handoffs and generally flowing within the standard offense.

Fact is, it’s a better team when he’s in — when he’s in with the other top guys.

I have no idea if the numbers bear this out — but I do know that a basketball team running a completely different offensive approach on the basis of the presence of a backup center is legitimately weird.

So for last night's game, here's how Young performed with:

0 or 1 starter - NU 3-4 PSU, 5 possessions, 3:38

2 starters - 12-12, 8 possessions, 5:29

3 starters - NU 6-16 PSU, 11 O possessions, 13 D, 6:44

4 starters - NU 6-0 PSU, 5 O possessions, 4 D, 2:32

Looking just at the Nance-Young pairing vs all other Young lineups:
N/Y - NU 13-11 PSU, 14 O poss, 13 D, 7:49
others - NU 14-21 PSU, 15 O poss, 17 D, 10:34

The Boo-Berry-Audige-Nance-Young lineup was used to close out the 1st half on that 6-0 run, and then was never used in the 2nd half.

 

[Smokejumper]

So for last night's game, here's how Young performed with:

0 or 1 starter - NU 3-4 PSU, 5 possessions, 3:38

2 starters - 12-12, 8 possessions, 5:29

3 starters - NU 6-16 PSU, 11 O possessions, 13 D, 6:44

4 starters - NU 6-0 PSU, 5 O possessions, 4 D, 2:32

Looking just at the Nance-Young pairing vs all other Young lineups:
N/Y - NU 13-11 PSU, 14 O poss, 13 D, 7:49
others - NU 14-21 PSU, 15 O poss, 17 D, 10:34

The Boo-Berry-Audige-Nance-Young lineup was used to close out the 1st half on that 6-0 run, and then was never used in the 2nd half.

I was curious why we didn't see the BBANY lineup in the second half when it was clear PSU stepped up their defensive pressure and we seemed unable to respond, turning the ball over numerous times without much offensive threat. That lineup gives you 5 legit scoring options and a multitude of plays one could theoretically run with Berry working hard off ball to get some open looks at the 3 pt line while the guards and bigs play the inside out game. I had an out of body experience while i watched in disbelief as the tide changed and we were unable to consistently score in the second half. D seemed OK, as PSU hit some crazy clutch shots in the last 10 minutes.

Anyways, the lineups seemed confused at best... Or maybe it was just me that was confused. LOL

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

I was curious why we didn't see the BBANY lineup in the second half when it was clear PSU stepped up their defensive pressure and we seemed unable to respond, turning the ball over numerous times without much offensive threat. That lineup gives you 5 legit scoring options and a multitude of plays one could theoretically run with Berry working hard off ball to get some open looks at the 3 pt line while the guards and bigs play the inside out game. I had an out of body experience while i watched in disbelief as the tide changed and we were unable to consistently score in the second half. D seemed OK, as PSU hit some crazy clutch shots in the last 10 minutes.

Anyways, the lineups seemed confused at best... Or maybe it was just me that was confused. LOL

This may surprise you, but in most games last year, the 5 man team that performed best for NU in the first half did not play in the 2nd half.

Its a Collins thing.

 

[freewillie07]

Berry has the smoothest 3-point stroke on the team and should be out there with Young to benefit from a kick-out pass. Or Nance, obviously. It seems like too often we end up resorting to a Williams or Greer 3-point attempt. Not ideal when neither of them have made such a shot during a game since 12/5.