Monthly Archives: November 2010

In his criticism of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade playing together with Miami Heat, Tracy McGrady rebukes Joe Dumars’ positional philosophy

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In case you haven’t heard, Tracy McGrady doesn’t think LeBron James and Dwyane Wade complement each other. Via Keith Langlois of Pistons.com:

“It’s what I expected,” McGrady said. “You’ve got two guys who really don’t mix. They’re the same type of player. If you look at Boston’s big three, they’re traditional guys. You’ve got a true shooting guard, you have a true small forward and you have a true power forward. You have a shooting guard (Ray Allen) that doesn’t need the ball. In their case, both of their guys need the ball. They’re not great outside shooters, so they just can’t stand out there and wait for one to pass the ball and knock down open shots.

“That’s not their game. They have to have the ball to make plays and catch a rhythm that way. I’m the same way. I’m not the type of player who can stand on the perimeter and wait for somebody to pass me the ball and knock down jumpers. That’s just how it is. They just don’t complement each other.”

McGrady certainly isn’t the first person to criticize the Heat stars this season, and it’s certainly a reasonable opinion. I still think LeBron and Wade are versatile enough to play well together. Just because they haven’t so far doesn’t mean they can’t.

But what I found most interesting is McGrady’s comments pretty much contradict what Joe Dumars told Langlois before last season:

If you look around the league and look at rosters, the more you can have versatile guys on your roster, the better off you are. Less and less now, you find guys pigeon-holed into one position.

It’s nice to have guys who can play multiple positions, but I’m mostly with McGrady on this. You need players who a good at certain and things and other players who are good at others. Everyone doing everything is difficult to pull off, evident by this year’s Pistons.

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Game 6: Michigan at Clemson Preview

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Basics
Who: Michigan (3-2) at Clemson (5-1) clemson-logo[1]
Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC
When: Tuesday, November 30th, 9:00 PM
TV: ESPN2
Radio: MGoBlue / 104.3 WOMC

Michigan followed up their disappointing three point loss to Syracuse with an even more disheartening performance versus UTEP. After two quick days of film and practice, Michigan is back on the road and headed to Clemson, South Carolina, in preparation for their first true road game of the season. You might wonder the last time Michigan won a true road non-conference game: December 7th, 2006 at Miami (OH).

It was just 20 odd months ago when these teams faced off at the Spring Center in Kansas City for an NCAA Tournament First Round game. Only three starters from that game remain on their respective teams rosters. Demontez Stitt for Clemson and Stu Douglass and Zack Novak for Michigan. Three other current Tiger starters came off the bench in that game: Tanner Smith, Jerrari Grant, and Andre Young. The greatest difference between then and now is on the end of the bench with the coaching staffs. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell, formerly of Wright State, is in his first season at the helm for the Tigers.

Brownell provides an entirely different style of play than former coach Oliver Purnell. Brownell is still considered a defensive minded coach but he prefers to slow the game down. Michigan fans are all too familiar with the difficulties of implementing new offensive systems – on the hardcourt and gridiron – however the Brownell era has gotten off to a smooth start as Clemson has won five of their first six games.

Littlejohn_coliseum[1]

What The Tigers Do Well

  • Defend: It might not be the same style of defense that Oliver Purnell played, but it gets results.Only Wofford has scored more than 1 point per possession versus Clemson, and they barely surpassed that mark at 1.04 points per trip.
  • Get to the Free Throw Line: Clemson’s free throw rate (FTA/FGA) of 56% is the 5th best in the country and the best in the ACC. In their season opener, the Tigers almost attempted as many free throws (46) as field goals (47).
  • Force Turnovers: Clemson’s opponents are turning the ball over on an alarming 26.7% of their possessions. Only Western Carolina has turned the ball over on less than once per four trips down the court.

Where They Struggle

  • Holding onto the ball: Clemson turns the ball over on 22% of their possessions which ranks 230th nationally. Senior guard Demontez Stitt is one the culprits in theis department averaging just 1.7 assists to 3 turnovers per game.
  • Making Free Throws: Despite frequent trips to the charity stripe, Clemson is far from automatic, shooting 66% from the line. Clemson actually misses 9.5 free throws per game — slightly less than the 10.2 that Michigan makes per game.

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Demontez Stitt leads the Tigers in scoring. (Photo Credit: ClemsonTigers.com)

Players to Watch

  • Demontez Stitt is the Tiger’s leading scorer, averaging 14 points per game and shooting 39% from three point range.
  • A pair of 6-foot-8 big men anchor the middle for Clemson. 230lb senior Jerai Grant, 9 points and 5 rebounds per game, and 245lb sophomore Devin Booker, the younger brother of former Tiger and current Wizard Trevor Booker.
  • 5-foot-9 guard Andre Young is just 5 of 20 on two point attempts but shoots 43% on three point field goals.
  • 6-foot-5 Tanner Smith is the best setup man for the Tigers, averaging 9.5 points, 5 rebounds, and three assists per game, but is shooting just 39% from the field.
  • Sixth man Milton Jennings is a 6-foot-9 former McDonalds All-American and Clemson’s second leading scorer. Despite his length and athleticism he isn’t afraid to attempt a three point shot, hitting 4 of 12 three point attempts this season.

The good news for Michigan is that John Beilein’s schemes are designed to counteract the two things that Clemson does best – forcing turnovers and getting to the free throw line. Beilein’s teams are routinely one of the top 25 teams in the country at keeping opponents off the line and possessing the basketball. The Wolverines will certainly need to do both of these things if they want to have a chance at upsetting Clemson.

My thoughts on Clemson are a bit skewed. Statistically their resume is very sound and on paper they should be very good team. Unfortunately I watched probably the worst stretch of basketball that they played all year – the last 15 minutes of their overtime win over Seton Hall. The game was the epitome of ugly, with Clemson shooting 29% from the field, and left me thoroughly unimpressed – so much so that I was half asleep by the time the game ended. I’m not sure I have much leeway to criticize another team for their offensive woes, considering Michigan scored just 109 points and shot 31% over two games in Atlantic City.

At the end of the day, even that dismal display of basketball isn’t enough to convince me to pick Michigan, who will play at least five freshmen in their first true road game, to pull off the upset. I am hopeful that Michigan will rebound from their disappointment in Atlantic City and at least play a competitive game but I just don’t see how they can come home with a victory. Pomeroy says Clemson prevails by 10, 66-56, giving them a 86% chance at victory. I’ll go with Clemson by a score of 63-50.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Video from Michigan Basketball

Pregame Reading:


UMHoops.com

Ok Von… time to show us something

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No photo available
Von Wafer gets some meaningful action for the C’s

I guess it’s a good thing the C’s didn’t toss Von Wafer into the scrap heap when Delonte West came back. 

With Doc Rivers talking about plan B and the need to change how he substitutes… we’re starting to hear Von’s name tossed around

One player who has suddenly found himself with an unexpected role is Von Wafer, who has seen the court in small doses. Wafer is ahead of rookie Avery Bradley because of his experience, and also his shooting ability. “Obviously we need Von more than Avery in some ways,” Rivers said. “We need the guy to play the 2-spot. Avery can help us.” As for his defense, Rivers said that Wafer is working on it.

So the challenge is laid out.  Von Wafer NEEDS to play well enough for Ray Allen to get some rest.  The last time Ray Allen played this many minutes (38 per game), he’s was wearing a Sonics jersey (06-07, 40.3 per game).  Luckily, Ray is a physical specimen who is doing everything he can to stave off the wear and tear of age.  

But it can’t last forever.  At some point, Ray needs a break.  And Nate Robinson can’t really fill that void because he needs to give Rajon Rondo and his aching feet a rest. Sure, Doc can slide Paul over to the 2 and bring Marquis Daniels in to play the 3… but Paul needs a break too.  

Nope… we need Von Wafer to step up.  I’m willing to overlook the planting of anti-Delonte stories for the time being.  I don’t care what’s going on inside Von’s head.  All I want is one thing:  Von Wafer to understand this is a chance for him to come in and contribute.  His only extended playing time has come when the game was over.  He needs to come in in the first and second quarters… give Ray some time on the bench… and hold the fort until he returns. 

I don’t normally put stock in November and December games… but these games will be critically important if they cost any of the Big 3 time later on.  If Von can’t get the job done… and if Ray gets hurt later on… Von will be the scapegoat.  We’ll all say “if only Wafer could have contributed.”  

I don’t want that.  I know Von doesn’t either.  The time to avoid that is now.




RedsArmy.com – The Voice Of Celtics Fans

Is now the time for Pearl to be cracking jokes?

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Pearl's put himself in the best possible situation right now by winning every game, but that's not going to be enough to hide everything from the offseason. (AP/Frank Franklin II)

I don’t know; if I’m Bruce Pearl, I’m not sure how often I’d be busting out the laughers right about now.

Sure winning is a great deodorant, but it’s not covering up the impending, unprecedented eight-game SEC suspension, which will start in January. And it’s not going to stop the NCAA from delivering its notice of allegations, which should arrive, sans ribbon, before Christmas.

There’s been troubled times past and surely troubled times ahead. In the present, Tennessee is soaking up all it can and trying to remain as positive as possible.

With all that still hangs in the air about the Vols’ basketball program and Pearl’s job, perhaps it’s bad karma that he took a shot at the one-and-done-in-Tennessee Lane Kiffin. I’m not trying to be a stinky sock here. I’m posing the question: Was it tactful, given all we know of Pearl now?

If you missed it, Pearl was the guest speaker at the Knoxville Quarterback Club Monday, and his crack about Kiffin is starting to make the rounds.

Pearl proceeded to be as funny as he was a year ago, when he filled in and spoke to the club after former UT football coach Lane Kiffin backed out on the scheduled speaking engagement.

Pearl mostly targeted himself, but the zinger he delivered on Kiffin before the 100 or so in attendance is sure to be what’s talked about at barber shops and water coolers.

After thanking the UT fans for their support and issuing an apology, stating he “brought embarrassment to our university and I’m humiliated and embarrassed by it,” Pearl asked the cameras be turned off.

“I’ve made mistakes, I clearly did, but what I was hoping for was that some other dumbass would get on the front page and take me off the hook,” Pearl said. “I miss Lane Kiffin.”

It’s a funny line. The fact Pearl wanted the cameras off for it to be delivered says he shouldn’t have delivered it. Of course any knock on Kiffin is going to go well in Knoxville. And it will endear Pearl — but he’s still sweating out a lot here. I’m not saying Pearl can’t be himself. I think he’s got to refrain from killing other coaches’ reputations when his remains as stained as any who are actively still practicing the craft.

Quick background: I’d never met Pearl prior to last Wednesday night at the Preseason NIT in New York. He flew in the day before and took a lot of questions about the incidents over the summer. I wasn’t there for those. He’s not dodged this, mostly, and that’s to be commended. It’s not easy to take question after question, but that’s the situation he’s put himself in. Kudos to not hiding. However, I approached him during halftime of the UCLA-Villanova game he was scouting. We talked how his team played, and I attempted to get him to speak about how his life was in general. If he was a happy man. If he was nervous.

He was deft and deflecting my questions. I asked two of them about his life off the court, and he quickly steered back toward speaking about his players and how well they performed against Virginia Commonwealth 45 minutes prior. Perhaps it’s because I’m still relatively new to the game, and Pearl took advantage of that.

Back to yesterday’s wisecrack. It’s not about time and place. It’s strictly about time, and now’s not a good one. The rest of this season isn’t, really. At least not in public. Be yourself behind closed doors (and Pearl is a likable guy, no doubt, who can be funny in plenty of other ways), but in public, taking shots at former Tennessee coaches isn’t the best of moves when it still remains a possibility you’ll soon be a former Vols coach, too.

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College Hoops Journal

Walker off the window

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All this Antoine Walker talk has some of us Celtics fans nostalgic. What better way to reminisce on ‘Toine’s time in green than this classic moment from 2002. Watch Bob Delaney cover his head in fear of being pelted by beer/objects as he scampers out of Staples Center.


 




RedsArmy.com – The Voice Of Celtics Fans

ITB’s Slate of Eight: Bonus Week Thirteen Edition

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New ITBSo folks, that’s right we’ve got a second edition of the Slate of Eight up for you football junkies on this holiday week. That’s twice as much football to go with the turkey, the greens, the cranberry sauce and everything else that comes with Thanksgiving. On this edition we go to our Bloguin family from The Collision Course we’ve got Mark Ennis on to talk some ball. Although TCC is a Louisville blog we figured we’d grab Mark because he is always dropping Big East and general college football knowledge over the twitter machine.

If you’ve been in a hole then perhaps you’ve missed our Rivalry Week Edition of the Slate of Eight with Bomani Jones that dropped earlier this morning, listen to that too folks. As for this session with Mark we’ve still got plenty of action to talk about so let’s set up the second Slate:

Notre Dame – Southern Cal
Mississippi State – Ole Miss
BYU – Utah
South Florida – Miami
West Virginia – Pitt
Michigan State – Penn State
Boise State – Nevada
Arizona – Oregon

We kick of the second slate with the Trojans and the Irish in a game that will help Lane Kiffin quietly continue his solid season that no one is giving him credit for and could make things get increasingly worse for Brian Kelly. In the Egg Bowl we see the tables turned as Ole Miss assumes the “spoiler” role and in Oxford this improved Rebels offense will test the Bulldogs. The Holy War now features a BYU team on the uptick while Utah hopes to get their feet back underneath them fully after appearing to still be reeling from the TCU lost. We debate whether or not South Florida can score enough to beat Miami, short answer? They can’t.

In the Backyard Brawl we see a sort of Big East statement game where Pitt can tighten their “stranglehold” or West Virginia can muddy the picture and give UConn a shot at a BCS bid. In the Big Ten we’ll likely see Michigan State clinch a Rose Bowl birth while Penn State hopes this isn’t the swan song for Joe-Pa.

The Boise State and Nevada discussion takes us into some though provoking territory as we examine not only the match up but how this game provides a view into the national landscape. Folks who aren’t “Pro Boise State” are viewed as Haters and of course we’ll wonder how many mainstream media guys will stay up for this late Friday night kickoff. Finally we wrap up by talking about this Oregon-Arizona match up that has the Ducks as heavy favorites but neither Mark or myself are going to be surprised if Arizona’s defense is able to keep the Ducks in front of them.

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