TheSouseFamily said:
HoopDreams said:
Maybe but it seems the only one who seems to talk about defense much here is me
I always want one guy who you can put on someone who is hurting you, especially when the game is on the line. Dyson proved himself to be that guy this year (much improved defense from past)
Now coach doesn't have that tool in his toolbox.
calumnus said:
HoopDreams said:
this board under values defense
Maybe, but this board values defense more than any other college basketball fanboard I've ever seen.
I'm with you, HD. I've always thought JHD deserves minutes because of his defense. Missed him last night. I don't think Oregon does 10-18 from 3 with JHD out there.
I think your post rings true. A skilled, fast, athletic defender with a nose for the ball, but not a good offensive player, has been a feature of many teams. They have a role to play, and last night, when Pritchard and the Ducks went on that run in the 2nd half, would have been a perfect time to insert JHD, who might have been able to stop the momentum before the Ducks went from being behind to going in front with a 12 point lead. Bernie Simpson, A.J. Diggs, Dennis Gates, Prentice McGruder, and others were examples of defensive specialists at Cal, though McGruder did start one year, I think, and was a good point guard also, offensively speaking. Sam Singer also became a very good defender, better at that than at offense, but he had some offensive skills, penetrating and passing.
These players were all without much offensive skill, and usually could not play for long stretches of time, before they became a liability on offense. In the past, JHD had a lot of trouble handling the ball and not losing it, and he missed most of his shots, whether it was a layup or a jumper. Missing a shot usually leads to a defensive rebound for the opponent, so in that respect, it is almost as bad for the team as a turnover. I would only use JHD off the bench as a defensive specialist, to come in the game and put the clamps on a hot shooter like Pritchard was last night, or come in and try and get some steals and loose balls and break up the opposing team's momentum. And I would only play him about 5 minutes in a stretch, unless he was playing better offensively, not turning the ball over, making bad decisions, or missing several shots.
