Creighton game thread

[pdxmuskie]

I didn't see the game as I was skiing. I am posting simply because Muskieman asked where everyone went that posted concerns about the coach. To that I would say that a win does not indicate good coaching, just like losing doesn't indicate bad coaching. He may have coached an amazing game but since I didn't see, I cannot opine.

I will give Travis props for calling out confidence as a key to winning. Hopefully he and the team understand that confidence is not about believing the next shot will fall regardless of who take it or from where. Confidence is most important on the defensive end. You must believe you can shut down your man and must put forth the effort to do so. Having confidence in teammates minimizes the number of forced shots. Believing you can take your man to the rim anytime you want and either get a good shot at the rim, find an open teammate or pullup to avoid help defense changes the way a player plays (why settle for a 3 when you can get a better shot?).

Rumor has it Free asked to be pulled at some point in the 2nd half. My respect for him has gone up significantly as it is a sign that he wants to win more than he wants stats.

[longliveskip]

I didn't see the game as I was skiing. I am posting simply because Muskieman asked where everyone went that posted concerns about the coach. To that I would say that a win does not indicate good coaching, just like losing doesn't indicate bad coaching. He may have coached an amazing game but since I didn't see, I cannot opine.

I will give Travis props for calling out confidence as a key to winning. Hopefully he and the team understand that confidence is not about believing the next shot will fall regardless of who take it or from where. Confidence is most important on the defensive end. You must believe you can shut down your man and must put forth the effort to do so. Having confidence in teammates minimizes the number of forced shots. Believing you can take your man to the rim anytime you want and either get a good shot at the rim, find an open teammate or pullup to avoid help defense changes the way a player plays (why settle for a 3 when you can get a better shot?).

Rumor has it Free asked to be pulled at some point in the 2nd half. My respect for him has gone up significantly as it is a sign that he wants to win more than he wants stats.

had nothing to do with stats. Steele kept same 5 dudes in for like 13 minutes straight (and rightfully so because they made the huge run to start the half so Steele never subbed) but at some point Free just needed a break.

[pdxmuskie]

Anyone asking for a break is placing team over stats. Playing longer always gives a player increased opportunity for rebounds, points, assists, steals, and blocks. When requesting a break you are saying the team is more important than my individual success. It is always a sign of maturity. Zack should be recognized for being man enough to request a break.