Currently watching the replay of last years Kentucky game. Probably have watched it 2 or 3 times on replay over the past year, but it has been a while until viewing tonight. The things that stuck out to me a year ago are confirmed after watching it tonight and I think will be key in this game Saturday.
1. We all know the Badgers achilles heel the past few years has been dribble penetration into the lane. Kentucky exploited this the entire game with the Harrisons and Young. But what struck me the most is with how they did it with such brute aggression and almost reckless abandon, and throwing the ball up on the rim most times without as much concern for the make as much as getting it up there for the bigs to pound the glass. They literally crammed us under the boards. It is also noted that most of the time in that game we played 3 guards, not the case this year with Hayes replacing Brust. Would expect Kentucky to continue with this plan Saturday.
2. One of the Badgers strongest traits is their positioning on defense and the ability to not foul. In last years game the tone was set early by the officials and it carried throughout the game. The Badgers were not rewarded for defensive position in the lane, blocking fouls on Jackson especially that were more than questionable in most cases went against us right from the start and definitely hurt us with their size. If that is allowed this year more damage may be done because they have way more big bodies and fouls to give up front, As I have watched the Harrisons this year, they are no different than last year. They put their head down and go full bore to attack the lane. We must establish position. How the refs call this early is a key.
3. Kentucky immediately aggressively doubled Frank on the dribble in the post. Dekker as well when he put it on the floor to drive the paint. We know how well Frank does with the dribble in the paint, but he goes to that spin back to his right quite frequently and it caused him a lot of problems a year ago taking him somewhat out of the game offensively. My feeling is that Kentucky may not double him as mush this year with Cauley-Stein in game. My hope is he would be a little more patient and allow for shooters to set up. Then go with a move with more thought to being a passer off the move.
4. We got nothing from Hayes. As much as he has improved this year he has to show up big Saturday. I believe he and Dekker have an advantage over Towns and Lyles with their ball skills. If we can spread them out making them defend all 5 positions, I would like to see Hayes and Dekker attack off the dribble. Towns should really be a liability for Kentucky in this case.
5. I believe Sam's offensive surge, as well as his overall game, has been fueled mainly by his aggression and confidence in getting to the rim off the dribble strong. I love it when he goes with this rather than settling for the jumper. He seems more free with his jumper after establishing himself on the drive. He just seems way more confident in the last 2 games, to me its very apparent.
Cant wait for this game and believe there is no reason we cant win this. Love this team.
1. We all know the Badgers achilles heel the past few years has been dribble penetration into the lane. Kentucky exploited this the entire game with the Harrisons and Young. But what struck me the most is with how they did it with such brute aggression and almost reckless abandon, and throwing the ball up on the rim most times without as much concern for the make as much as getting it up there for the bigs to pound the glass. They literally crammed us under the boards. It is also noted that most of the time in that game we played 3 guards, not the case this year with Hayes replacing Brust. Would expect Kentucky to continue with this plan Saturday.
2. One of the Badgers strongest traits is their positioning on defense and the ability to not foul. In last years game the tone was set early by the officials and it carried throughout the game. The Badgers were not rewarded for defensive position in the lane, blocking fouls on Jackson especially that were more than questionable in most cases went against us right from the start and definitely hurt us with their size. If that is allowed this year more damage may be done because they have way more big bodies and fouls to give up front, As I have watched the Harrisons this year, they are no different than last year. They put their head down and go full bore to attack the lane. We must establish position. How the refs call this early is a key.
3. Kentucky immediately aggressively doubled Frank on the dribble in the post. Dekker as well when he put it on the floor to drive the paint. We know how well Frank does with the dribble in the paint, but he goes to that spin back to his right quite frequently and it caused him a lot of problems a year ago taking him somewhat out of the game offensively. My feeling is that Kentucky may not double him as mush this year with Cauley-Stein in game. My hope is he would be a little more patient and allow for shooters to set up. Then go with a move with more thought to being a passer off the move.
4. We got nothing from Hayes. As much as he has improved this year he has to show up big Saturday. I believe he and Dekker have an advantage over Towns and Lyles with their ball skills. If we can spread them out making them defend all 5 positions, I would like to see Hayes and Dekker attack off the dribble. Towns should really be a liability for Kentucky in this case.
5. I believe Sam's offensive surge, as well as his overall game, has been fueled mainly by his aggression and confidence in getting to the rim off the dribble strong. I love it when he goes with this rather than settling for the jumper. He seems more free with his jumper after establishing himself on the drive. He just seems way more confident in the last 2 games, to me its very apparent.
Cant wait for this game and believe there is no reason we cant win this. Love this team.
