We’ve digested our spiral and organic Christmas hams, Happy Holidays and all that stuff. Unfortunately, three days removed from December 23, Hoopraker can’t shake the nausea attributable to the collective efforts of Ohio State and Michigan. These brutal games tempt me like a beautiful pint of Guinness on a winter night to wax on the fundamental deficiencies in the head basketball coaches for Ohio State and Michigan.
For the second time in as many outings against a quality top-tier opponent, the Buckeyes’ defensive effort was abysmal. After letting North Carolina drop 98 points on them, Florida poured in 86 while shooting over 60% from the floor, most of the damage being done by the perimeter players. This is not an aberration but a symptom of defensive breakdowns, the inability to stop the ball, failure to get back on defense, and just plain old effort. While Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris won’t make anyone forget Carter Scott or Todd Penn, this year’s model can do better. If Ohio State is to finish atop the Big Ten, they better defend.
On offense, when Ohio State really needs a bucket, they can’t get one. When they need to run some clock, make the defense work and earn a high percentage look, they chuck up a 22 footer. For example, in the midst of a Florida run, down 10 with 12 minutes left, rather than run a decent half-court set, Ivan Harris jacked a three pointer with 25 seconds on the shot clock. Harris badly missed and Florida promptly turned Ohio State’s impatience into a three point play on their end. At this point in the season and after watching Thad Matta coach this team for three years, it’s safe to assume this is how the Buckeye’s are taught to play. In fact, Ohio State rewarded Matta for this offensive scheme (notwithstanding the reality of last season’s collapse) with a needless fat contract extension.
While it’s apparent he teaches jump shooting, it’s also apparent Matta is uncomfortable coaching a big man. Again, no surprise here as Ohio State failed to fully utilize Terence Dials down the stretch last season. As the loss to Florida demonstrates, Ohio State remains at an offensive impasse between its many guards and Oden. Daeqaun Cook and Jamar Butler exemplify the difficulty as their games have suffered since Oden joined the lineup. Perhaps Oden will redeem Matta once his wrist feels better. Perhaps Matta will integrate Oden into the offense without affecting the confidence of his shooters. But, based on four games and Matta’s track record, perhaps not. On the eve of the Conference Play, it’s clear Ohio State is not ready for national television in March let alone remotely worthy of a Number 6 ranking in December.
And Michigan. Now in his sixth season at Michigan, Tommy Amaker displayed to a National audience the program he has built in Ann Arbor in what can be described as nothing but a disgusting 92-55 loss against UCLA on Saturday. With a roster full of Big Ten veterans, Michigan looked inexplicably and utterly horrible. Simply put, there are no excuses Tommy Amaker can muster to explain the humiliation bestowed upon Michigan in its two games against decent competition this month. Yesterday’s effort against UCLA exposed Michigan as an incoherent team, sloppy and lazy.
After last season’s stiff arm by the NCAA, Amaker has scheduled everyone but the Oberlin Yeoman in an effort to chalk up as many wins and puff up a Tourney resume before Big Ten play kicks in. It may not be enough. Entering Conference play last year, Michigan was 10-1 before the league took them under. Today, Michigan stands at 11-2 with non-conference games against Army and Georgetown. At this point in the season, it’s safe to say the December 30 game against the Hoyas is a must win for Amaker. If they lose that one, Amaker will have little shelter from the harsh Midwestern Winter.
[…] I love Alando Tucker and Neitzel’s performance in Columbus on Saturday was remarkable, however, Carl Landry may still be the best player in the conference. He’s averaging 19 points on just 9 shots a game. Against Ohio State tonight, if Landry takes a few more shots and manages to find some room in the post, Greg Oden could easliy find himself on the bench in foul trouble. Lutz and Teague will be counted on to balance Landry’s interior game. For Purdue, this is a huge game in Mackey and one they could really use on their resume. Matt Painter is proving to be an innovative coach, demonstrated recently by his crafty defense against Wisconsin and Illinois. Thad Matta is slowly proving to be the benefactor of great talent yet unable to integrate it into a cohesive team. Here’s Hoopraker’s take on Matta from December. Lost in Neitzel’s effort in the Buckeye’s win on Saturday was Matta’s obliviousness to the ommission of Oden from the offense. The philosphy of a coach can be seen in what plays he calls out of a timeout, and in Matta’s case the philosphy is quick three pointers. I’m betting Matt Painter has recognized the same tendency. Let’s see how he handles it. […]
Left by Hoopraker · Loose Balls on January 31st, 2007