It was better, but we still gave up 43 points. So not sure that’s saying much. Also, UL was getting pretty gassed in the 2nd, so was it as much our D or them running out of energy.
Most teams aren’t going to willingly try to play as fast as possible versus Louisville. That’s why the amount of points is less of a concern than how they got them. Louisville is a lot like we were last year in how they are built, but are better defensively than we were last year and a lot quicker.
JQ is getting way overhyped in regards to expectations. He put up pretty mild numbers aside from blocks last year. His team won like 12 games with him last year, and he didn't get hurt until the season was almost over.
I would say that isn't accurate. More and more teams play the same style now of running and gunning quick shots, shortening possessions but getting more of them.
I agree with you. I think we are far better across the board than last season.
I think it will reduce BG's PT by then. Moreno is clearly stronger than BG.
Sounds just like the old Calipari defenders....just keep those excuses rolling in..we are going to need them!!
I couldn't stand Calipari but to say Pope is not the guy right now is dumber than dirt. Just uneducated drivel.
We got down double digits in multiple games last year and came back to win them, last night we did not so no I don’t believe we are better this year.
holy kool aid
I mean this as more of a question than an argument but, who did we lose from last year's team that was quicker than Aberdine and Lowe?
I think UL has talent enough (mostly Brown, but an elite 5 star wing is enough in the tourney) to make the S16, just see too many better teams (again, w/ high impact freshmen).
well with the current roster its hard to see much more than that
Hahaha yep!
Your breakdown ignored defensive ability. Also leaves out this years best player. Fail
They got gassed at the end of both halves, but that’s what happens when you play with that much tempo on offense and that aggressively on defense. We plugged along more consistently and made the comebacks in each half, just dug ourselves too deep a hole to win it.
Our best player hasn't played yet. I rated the team on what I see. I also DID SAY this years am could improve and end up better
Quaintance should really improve our rim protection, witch has been pretty poor so far. No JQ and Lowe played less than 1/2 a game of real action. We get Kam Williams playing like he did last night... Its going to be a fun season
To be fair, at the end of both halves we also ended up jacking up more 3s that happened to connect. It's not like we were just blowing by and dominating them. The game never felt in question after they got their first decent lead.
Exactly. Anybody making deep dive proclamations on this years team in November also piles into a clown car each morning.
Yeah, I would think they would get a heck of a lot better after their 3rd game of the season and once they get their dude back lol. Which is why all the sky is falling stuff cracks me up
I do believe quick guards are a problem for us as they are for most teams. That said we have strengths too and Pope needs to figure out a way to limit the defensive issues on the perimeter. If we can figure out how to guard the perimeter over the year we will be very tough.
JQ will need to be a Bill Russell type of defensive presence to make a significant impact. Hopefully, that is what he is.
Quicker teams are double-edged. They are hard to guard, but they can also guard on the other end. It is early to know, for sure, but we may need to be more deliberate and dictate pace, rather than try to match the speed of quicker teams. CMP and staff will need to figure out rotations, style and tempo.
