Morning Buzz
Some fans criticized USC Tim Floyd this season for the Trojans' offense, which ranks eighth in the Pac-10 at 68.9 points per game. But Floyd said nothing's changed from previous years, except the roster.
``It's the same offense that was second in the league in scoring the last two years,'' Floyd said. ``Our players are different. We don't have perimeter shooters. We don't have the amount of shooters and scorers we once did. Oregon's offense doesn't look the same now either.''
Floyd hit the nail on the head. Same offense with different personnel--no shooters. Ah, that's the PROBLEM. If the players don't fit, change what you are doing. It's on the coach to figure out that a square peg does not fit in a round hole.
What an awful admission on his part. If he does not currently have the players for that system, why run it? Why not change things up to take advantage of the size and athleticism. Injuries aside, that answer says it all.
In kids like DeRozan, SC has as athletic a forward as there is. He has two big guards. Use a system that accentuates one's strengths and minimizes one's shortcomings. MJDavidson
I couldn't agree more, MJDavidson. Let's hope the administration doesn't realize this as well. If a new coach comes in then my locker room access will most likely be gone!
I don't think you radically change the system to accommodate the players year after year. You want to build a long-lasting program with consistency. Consistency is key to grooming these young players. And, I'm not sure there is a system that works better for a team with weak outside shooting, no true PG, and a shallow bench. On the bright side, this team is very good defensively, as all Floyd teams are. Defense wins championships.
And, I'm not sure there is a system that works better for a team with weak outside shooting, no true PG, and a shallow bench.
But there is a system to recruiting, and Floyd has no system. Few programs get to pick and choose, but most successful coaches do have an idea of the type of player they want to recruit for their system. Floyd, it seems, takes a shot gum approach: "Hey, you are three star rated or better? Come to my program." With no one on the rooster who can create, and few outside shooters, Floyd has decided that the 2009 class should feature MORE raw but athletic forwards. Next year he's going to start a team of all forwards. We'll play D, but lose every game 42-36.
Yeah, Floyd would go really far if he would only take some coaching advice from "fans" and from ruins. Two weeks ago a legion of ridiculous ruins were ready to throw Howland under the bus because his offense sucked. Funny how a hot hand can suddenly change everything.
memo to Pinky Floyd, RECRUIT PLAYERS THAT CAN SHOOT FROM THE PERIMETER !!!!!!!!!!
Timmeh!!!
Give Lil' Romeo more minutes! Lil' Romeo can shoot from the Perimiter.
Panchito.
Locoweed,
good twist to be able to turn this post and comments which were strickly about U$C basketball and Tim Floyd into a comment about UCLA.
Actually, Rome is a good perimeter shooter. Too bad he's not as tall as his dad. Tougher for him to get open looks at his size, and he's a liability on D. It'd be okay if he was blazing fast like Cal's point guard, but he's not.
And why is Guillory still here? He's been persona non grata at USC for a while.
Do my eyes deceive me? First, a basketball post on the USC blog? And, to my further astonishment, 10 comments? Take cover--the sky is falling!
Also, Floyd was relying on Donte to provide that outside shooting. And so far Donte hasn't panned out. Apparently, Donte was lights out over the summer and is lights out during practice, but he doesn't perform at the same level during games. Now that we've seen Donte isn't much of a gameday shooter, and with Lewis his usual streaky self, and with Marcus Johnson hurt, let's see what if any changes are made to the offense. It's too late in the season for a massive overhaul, but I predict we see more involvement from Vucevic.