Post
by jrdupe » Wed Feb 17, 2010 4:52 pm
Sorry - wasn't able to post a link directly to this preview...pretty interesting to read a GW fan perspective.
I particulary like the Prediction part of this.
Next: UMassBY: herve2/17/2010 2:25:00 PMOVERVIEW:
Coach Kellogg has forced his young team to focus on rebounding in order to hide some of their liabilities. The ploy has created an improved Minutemen squad with all the hallmarks of team starting mostly frosh and sophs: flashes of great potential and glaring, game-changing gaffes. UMass has been trending towards better play and there’s reason to believe they’re starting to gel, despite a 2-8 road record.
OFFENSE: Even
UMass runs a dribble-drive, motion offense which has sputtered at times this year, often leaning too heavily on the scoring charms of Harris. The loss of Gibbs has shifted even more of the ball-handling duties to Harris and he has responded in a huge way. But, the Minutemen too often struggle to cut and move off of screens, settling for jumpers instead of driving to the open spot. UMass frontline scoring is not dependable and their assist totals are modest, but they fortunately feast on second-chance points.
GAMEPLAN:
Make Harris work hard with every dribble and get the ball out of his hands after he cross the mid-court stripe.
DEFENSE: Edge: GW
The Minutemen rely heavy on defensive switching, a trait which has burned them too often this season. When everyone is focused, they do a great job of closing out on jump-shooters and forcing up tough shots their rebounding machine can gobble up. UMass’ problems occur when they mis-communicate and/or are slow to move to their man, causing bad fouls on reaches and quick swings by the offense which leave open looks littered all over the floor.
GAMEPLAN:
One extra pass will reveal wide-open ‘3s which must be hit.
REBOUNDING: Edge: UMass
The Minutemen are simply awesome on the glass. UMass ranks sixth in the NCAA in offensive rebounds per game (15.4) and they’ve outrebounded 17 opponents this year including a crazy 60 rebound game recently against Duquesne. Carter is a beast on the boards, but Vinson and Farrell can also do lots of damage. It’s not so much their size or physicality, but rather their relentless pursuit of the ball. They are rarely out-hustled.
FRONTCOURT: Even
Carter is a sensational offensive rebounder, but has a tendency to lose control on defense, has almost no offensive game whatsoever and, occasionally, untimely hands of stone. Vinson is a very good rebounder with a modest mid-range game and some turnover problems when he tries to do too much. Farrell can hit the boards, but commits plenty of fouls along the way and has an undefined position on the court making his points sporadic. Foul trouble has plagued the entire front-line.
BACKCOURT: Edge: UMass
Harris has led the team in scoring 15 times this year and is on a crazy offensive tear since taking over PG duties averaging 24ppg over the last 6 games. He has become a complete offensive player who is a daunting threat from everywhere on the floor. He can carry the Minutemen to victory all by himself and very often there’s little opposing defenses can do about it. Riley was playing better as a reserve than as a starter, shooting too many ‘3s and ignoring his teammates. PG depth has been a problem for UMass since Gibbs’ injury.
BENCH: Edge: GW
Gurley is a strong, but very inconsistent scorer who has been relegated to the bench for the moniker of “instant offensive spark”. When Gurley is on, it makes Harris even more deadly. Correia is a good passer who never met a shot he couldn’t take or make. Carter provides consistent, but unremarkable production spelling the big men, while Bailey is a very good rebounder with a gigantic foul and turnover problem. Bench production outside of rebounds, is a weakness for the Minutemen.
PREDICTION:
This should be about as pleasant as the 3-D IMAX of Adam Richman’s colonoscopy. GW by 2.
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