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Having read everyone's thoughts after the ISUb game, which obviously grates on everyone, I know I was personally miserable for a few days. We need to let it go and get on to reality.
I watched the MSU/ UNI game and reviewed the non con/ conference stats on LU.
LU offense in conference play has definitely slowed down. Longer possessions, less assists, less offensive rebounds, fewer shots taken. So we are being more deliberate. Without Custer, we are using Satterwhite and Townes at the point, which means they are the two primarily bringing the ball up the court. I see both playing cautiously, which seems to restrict their options, especially Satterwhite, who seems to not push his own offense, but to pass it by, likely by plan from the staff. Am I the only one who sees more athleticism in Satterwhite's game than is being used on the court? He and Williamson seem to be in competition for time, but they are two different players. Good problem to have once figured out how to use them. This is putting more pressure on half court offense and ending up with the ball in a bad spot as the clock runs down. It is also great to have a talented big in Krutwig, but we need to give him room to adapt to the Valley big talent level. Time will do that and as fans we need to show more patience. Having a talented big, which we have been wanting for a long time, changes the path of the offense as more plays run thru that big and plays take time to develop. Still the movement around that should be constant and not just standing around. It must be extremely difficult to adapt to players coming in and players graduating. I know I was psyched for everything this season, and still think it will end well. Almost all Valley games will be close and contested. KenPom ratings show predicted outcomes routinely 2-5 point differentials. Our expressed frustrations show the enthusiasm we have for LU ball. Mine particularly are there only because I am onboard with the program, coaches and players.
I can't imagine how difficult it is for a coach to recruit kids, then have confrontations afterwards about roles on a team, time on the court , etc.
UNI, losing at MSU still had much more movement on offense than we have been showing. They did not shoot very well and MSU defense was intense. BUT, they did not walk it up, nor did they just do one and done offense.
UNI is not deep and only played 7-8 guys.
We have more talent, I believe, but less chemistry in conference than we showed in non-con, and roles are not yet well defined. I wish we played more quickly in the transition from defense to offense and with more movement once in the half court. Certainly Custer was that guy...
OK, so I have emptied my emotional bag here and look forward to the real review and the next game. Certainly being in the Valley is way better than where we were a few years back, and should be enjoyed by us.
PS, Milton Doyle is a very good story happening also. Nice to see it, and know that his path passed thru LU. I follow as much as I can, and actually popped for the NBA package so I could follow BK Nets..... Only while under the influence of two glasses of a really nice bottle of red. Watching his progress is very uplifting. Go Ramblers....
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