Something needs to change...

[LeeForThree]

After the game tonight, it is clear to see that this team still needs a PG and Boynton is not it. Playing PG is hurting Boynton offensively and the team as well. The starting lineup needs to be

PG: Wilbekin
SG: Boynton
SF: Yeguete
PF: Murphy
C: Young

Rosario needs to come off the bench and provide an offensive spark. I know he has played well lately but he pretty much cost us the Arizona game tonight with the two inbounds plays and i think it was his man who scored the last basket.

Billy needs to change how the offense is run. Most of the time when we had the 3 guard lineup, Boynton was still running the point and that needs to change. Also, Frazier and Prather should play a lot more than what they did tonight. They bring an added dimension to this team that needs to be utilized.

This team has the potential to win it all....but there needs to be improvement on how this team is put together. (End rant)

[HALLGATOR]

You do know that Scottie was playing with a broken finger.......don't you?

[tommyuf21]

Boynton can give us minutes at the one, but I agree that Scottie has to be worked in more. He played well tonight, especially when you take the broken finger into consideration.

I don't see a problem with Mike. He really lifted us offensively and his ability to improvise and score late in the shot clock was big. Now, when Boynton gets back on track and his production gets back to where it should, I can see Mike losing a few minutes.

[LeeForThree]

Yeah, what is your point? If you can shoot you can pass. This idea/suggestion comes from the whole season not just the Arizona game.

[HALLGATOR]

Yeah, what is your point? If you can shoot you can pass. This idea/suggestion comes from the whole season not just the Arizona game.

My point is it may well have affected his ability to run point tonight so we really don't know what Billy had planned.

[Gatuar]

Agree completely...it was clear eat in the game Scottie's finger was just fine

He handles the ball naturally...so does Rosario

KB doesn't have a "continuous dribble" rather hops and skips to a spot and bounce passes have no zip at all

[tommyuf21]

Scottie has really made a big jump in both his ball handling and his shooting. I was skeptical of him, with the exception of his defense, for his first two years, but he has really developed.

I'm sure Billy has noticed this as well.

[mac4lyfe]

I sure missed Taurean Green tonight. He would have broken down that weak press and shot FT's to an easy victory. This loss sucked...

[Jonas]

Scottie is pretty bad at handling the press. He also isn't quite the offensive threat that a Billy D PG needs to be. I agree that the PG responsibilities have been hurting KB (just like they hurt Walker his first year as a PG), and I think Billy will get Scottie and Rosario more involved at the point.

[tommyuf21]

Scottie is pretty bad at handling the press. He also isn't quite the offensive threat that a Billy D PG needs to be. I agree that the PG responsibilities have been hurting KB (just like they hurt Walker his first year as a PG), and I think Billy will get Scottie and Rosario more involved at the point.

I don't see any problems with Scottie's ability to finish or knock down the three. He's not a scorer, like Rosario and Boynton, but he's dangerous enough and if he's left open, he'll make defenses pay.

[LeeForThree]

My point is it may well have affected his ability to run point tonight so we really don't know what Billy had planned.

It may have impacted his ability in tonights game, but this has been the format all year long. Boynton has been running the point when he is in the game.

[Gatuar]

KB at the point reminds me of trying to make Tebow a pocket passer

Looks forced and is frustrating a great player

[HALLGATOR]

Scottie also handles the ball depending on who is in the game.

[fubar1]

My concerns aren't Kenny playing the point, even though I understand where the OP is going.

My biggest issue is lack of a go-to guy outside of Murphy. Losing Beal was a dagger to the long-term success of this squad. It is what it is though.

I'm not too upset over this one, even though I hate to lose like that. On the road, they fed off the crowd and went to the line almost three times as much as we did. That was the difference.

We play them at home and they're lucky to keep it within 15. We beat them by 7-10 on a neutral court as well.

[akaGatorhoops]

After the game Billy said he attributes Kenny's shooting slump to too many minutes at the point and that he needs to give him more time off the ball.

[HALLGATOR]

After the game Billy said he attributes Kenny's shooting slump to too many minutes at the point and that he needs to give him more time off the ball.

I doubt this was something that came as a revelation to Billy after the game. He has probably saw this coming, and again, may have had something different planned tonight but Scottie's finger could have hampered his plans.

[InstiGATOR1]

I sure missed Taurean Green tonight. He would have broken down that weak press and shot FT's to an easy victory. This loss sucked...

In the 2005-2006 at UAR Taurean Green let a guy who was seemingly out of the play catch him and steal the ball which led to a loss. Green learned from that and was always careful about guys lagging behind the play after UF got the ball from a team.

Ultimately that is the question from this game. Will UF learn from it. Will UF play better end of half and end of games? If you take away the last minute of each half, UF outscored Zona by 14 points.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

After the game tonight, it is clear to see that this team still needs a PG and Boynton is not it. Playing PG is hurting Boynton offensively and the team as well. The starting lineup needs to be

PG: Wilbekin
SG: Boynton
SF: Yeguete
PF: Murphy
C: Young

Rosario needs to come off the bench and provide an offensive spark. I know he has played well lately but he pretty much cost us the Arizona game tonight with the two inbounds plays and i think it was his man who scored the last basket.

Billy needs to change how the offense is run. Most of the time when we had the 3 guard lineup, Boynton was still running the point and that needs to change. Also, Frazier and Prather should play a lot more than what they did tonight. They bring an added dimension to this team that needs to be utilized.

This team has the potential to win it all....but there needs to be improvement on how this team is put together. (End rant)

Billy knows what he's doing. Everyone felt great about this team going in to the game and now we're all a bit disappointed. I am aggravated just like everyone else.

The title of the thread, though, makes it seem as if we are on a 3 game losing streak and lost by 10+ on the road to UCF.

I'm sure Billy would love it if BO could play some meaningful minutes at PG so that Kenny only had to play 5 minutes a game there. Unfortunately he isn't and it is what it is. Billy said post game he wants to play Kenny less at the PG. As another poster said, this is not something exclusive to this game.

We'll be fine. Huge learning experience and losing a 10 est game on the road with our miscues and some very questionable calls....if we learn from it and improve, that's all we can ask for.

Sometimes I think we, as UF fans, are in too much of a football mentality when it comes to hoops.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

One other thought. UF pays BD a lot of money to know who should be playing/starting. We are all entitled to our opinions of who should play and start but he sees these guys practice and knows them a lot better than we as fans do. I trust him to play the right guys at the right tine. Period. That's just one man's opinion.

[og8trz]

This game epitomizes why I can't take basketball seriously. The officiating in the last few minutes made it very clear the home team was supposed to win. Just like strike zone preferences in baseball, officials call games based on home teams.

Just as a strike should be the same regardless of locale, a foul at home should be a foul, home or away.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

This game epitomizes why I can't take basketball seriously. The officiating in the last few minutes made it very clear the home team was supposed to win. Just like strike zone preferences in baseball, officials call games based on home teams.

Just as a strike should be the same regardless of locale, a foul at home should be a foul, home or away.

I don't think that's unique to any sport, is it? I've seen it in football too, ie Bama and "holding".

[themistocles]

Also, Frazier and Prather should play a lot more than what they did tonight. They bring an added dimension to this team that needs to be utilized.

This, I think was the key point you made.

This has been Billy D's tendency in comparatively close games, to underutilize his bench. In 11 minutes, Prather had 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 TO and 1 Steal.

Frazier only played 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, Boynton had 2 assists and 3 TOs, Rosario was 3 & 3, Murphy was 1 & 5 (TOs),.

Although it was true that 2 of the Arizona players were on the floor for 37 minutes, whereas Gators were only 35 for Wilbekin & Boynton and 33 for Rosario, I really think that the fact that all of your guards are at least somewhat tire reduces their efficiency at the end of games. Sometimes this doesn't hurt (like when the opponents don't get hot), but the fact that Billy D has historically had a very poor record in games that are close at the end can, I think, since about 2001 or so, be attributable to fatigue among key Gators. Prior to 2001, Billy D rotated frequently, even when he had inferior players coming off the bench (I mean, look at his first year, when he had a walk-on white guy starting at Power Forward, and his reserves didn't exist, yet he rotated regularly).

[fox]

We have everything except the team leader that will keep everything together at the end of games. We need a guy with fire who wants the ball. Who will take it and get fouled and make the shots.

It's either KB or MR. BD has spent a year converting MR into a role player - a team player first. And he needed to do that. I think KB has to be the guy. The refuse to lose guy.

[bullish]

Themiscoles, I agree, Billy's tendency is to tighten up and the bench hardly ever plays meaningful minutes. He knows who can do what but this tendency doesn't allow a team to grow up until we lose a few then panic steps in and he goes radically different in line-up and playing time. Just use the young guys with Prather, allow them to grow and help this team prosper. We have a lot of talent. Would Frazier have made two awful passes in the last minute, could he get open to help the break the press, we didn't find out last night. Oh well, I knew this was going to be a tough game, we barely beat them last year and this year they had a lot more young talent. Add this to playing at home and a sold out crowd and the officials being homerized. Ha.

It is evident Kenny needs to play shooting guard and rest Rosario, begin developing Ogbueze and Frazier at their positions allow Rosario to come off the bench and give us a spark, when he plays too long he gets careless with the ball as evident last night. Can he score no doubt. The development of this team starts with playing the bench more and moving Kenny back. I kinda expected this outcome but we almost did them in.

Here's for making the needed changes!:santa:

[phideltdj]

Let's not get too carried away..we have been dominant all year with this team and they really had a double digit lead on the road against a top ten team with some tough officiating and breaks. Sure they made some mistakes to blow the game but radical changes are not needed...this team can play with anyone in the country. It's not like they lost by 20 and were never in the game...then you make radical changes. I'm sure Billy realized he should have subbed more and we need to execute better with in-bounds and end of game situations.

[grizgator]

What a meltdown last night! Yes, the officiating was poor and the difference in the number of fouls/free throw attempts was telling. However, it is all on the Gators at the end. They had a lead and blew it. Boynton, a 91% FT shooter, misses the front end of a 1-on-1. Obviously we don't know how to inbound very well against a press. The last two minutes were a nightmare, with no organization at all, let alone execution. The players did finish and I can't say that I give high marks to the coaching staff either for the play I saw at the end (players execute what they are taught and the play at the end represents some pretty poor planning). I guess there's something to be said about blowing away too many opponents......these guys were not "battle tested" and it showed down the stretch. Hopefully they can learn from this and can get better in some of the areas where they were exposed by a less-talented Arizona team. What a way to lose. Ugh.

[HALLGATOR]

While Billy is not one to make excuses I wonder if the guys didn't lose their focus due to be fatigued. I mentioned in the game thread that I was concerned the trip out and the late start may factor into the outcome and I still think it could have played a part. Still doesn't mean the guys shouldn't have won the game but I think it is something to take into consideration when looking at the overall picture.

[G8RNTN]

While Billy is not one to make excuses I wonder if the guys didn't lose their focus due to be fatigued. I mentioned in the game thread that I was concerned the trip out and the late start may factor into the outcome and I still think it could have played a part. Still doesn't mean the guys shouldn't have won the game but I think it is something to take into consideration when looking at the overall picture.

When did the team get to Arizona? Didn't really think about that until u just mentioned it. Not a excuse but the way we play defense and the start with the trip.... Had to take some toll at some point. But still shoulda had the win at the end.

[samit23]

The issue isn't who starts or who gets minutes, Billy has that worked out. The issue with the program the last 2.1 years ha been closing out games. That is likely a by product of not have a true dominant point guard on the roster. I am optimistic that this team has what it takes to figure out the answers.

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

[gatorman_07732]

This game epitomizes why I can't take basketball seriously. The officiating in the last few minutes made it very clear the home team was supposed to win. Just like strike zone preferences in baseball, officials call games based on home teams.

Just as a strike should be the same regardless of locale, a foul at home should be a foul, home or away.

The officiating complaint is a cop out. The game was completely blown in the last minute have pretty much dominated the game despite the foul disparity.

[Swampmaster]

last 5 UF possessions (6 point lead, with the ball):

turnover
turnover
turnover
miss free throw
wild, off balance shot

That's the reason for the loss, not the officiating.

[HALLGATOR]

When did the team get to Arizona? Didn't really think about that until u just mentioned it. Not a excuse but the way we play defense and the start with the trip.... Had to take some toll at some point. But still shoulda had the win at the end.

I'm not really sure when they took the flight, I just read about it somewhere. Was looking around to see if I could find it, but didn't. Again, I am not saying that was the reason we lost but it could have been a contributing factor which, in a close game, can be a difference maker.

[DrewGator15]

Line up needs to be

PG- Wilbekin
SG- Boynton
SF- Rosario
PF- Murphy
C- Young

[madgator]

Billy has to stop calling timeouts on the oppositions made basket. All we had to do was inbound and they were forced to foul. When you call timeout you stop the inbounders ability to run the baseline, thus limiting the play.

Then you have the 6'0 wilbekin inbounding the ball when the other team is putting their 6'8 PF on the defensive point.


The players still need to be able to execute a simple inbounds play, however the coach's decision to call timeout with 54 seconds left did not put the players in an opitimal situation.

We played an almost perfect game for 37 1/2 minutes and an absolutely horrible game for the last 2 1/2. This was a game where we were expecting to see exactly what we are and what we are capable of. I think both points were certainly accomplished. I am not going to over-react to this loss.

[PIMking]

They were up by 10 with a few mins to go but kept turning the ball over and over.

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

[akaGatorhoops]

Billy has to stop calling timeouts on the oppositions made basket. All we had to do was inbound and they were forced to foul. When you call timeout you stop the inbounders ability to run the baseline, thus limiting the play.

Then you have the 6'0 wilbekin inbounding the ball when the other team is putting their 6'8 PF on the defensive point.


The players still need to be able to execute a simple inbounds play, however the coach's decision to call timeout with 54 seconds left did not put the players in an opitimal situation.

We played an almost perfect game for 37 1/2 minutes and an absolutely horrible game for the last 2 1/2. This was a game where we were expecting to see exactly what we are and what we are capable of. I think both points were certainly accomplished. I am not going to over-react to this loss.

I hate to rehash this, but can not help but point it out. If Erv had the game KB did, you would have posted only on the subject and suggested you that you have been validated.
While i am certainly not meaning to invite you to dump on boynton, i do find it a bit interesting that you are "not going to over-react to this loss".
I agree!!!!!!!
But I wish you had the same reasonable approach across the board, and during the past couple of seasons.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

I hate to rehash this, but can not help but point it out. If Erv had the game KB did, you would have posted only on the subject and suggested you that you have been validated.
While i am certainly not meaning to invite you to dump on boynton, i do find it a bit interesting that you are "not going to over-react to this loss".
I agree!!!!!!!
But I wish you had the same reasonable approach across the board, and during the past couple of seasons.

Exactly, against Louisville in the elite 8 our #3 pick in the draft has two turnovers in the last two mins and tonight Murph turns it over up 8 on back to back possessions followed by two absolutely awful 3 attempts by Boynton not to mention wilbeken, Rosario and Murphy all kicking it off their feet on inbounds plays - maybe Erv wasn't the problem

[SmootyGator]

When you call timeout you stop the inbounders ability to run the baseline, thus limiting the play.


Is this true? Has this changed recently? I always thought that even after a timeout that the inbounder could still run the base-line as if the basket was just scored.

[jmoliver]

yes he could have still run the baseline.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

yes he could have still run the baseline.

The announcer said otherwise, was he wrong?

[LoboGator]

Refs don't cause turnovers! We lost our focus and composurer at several points in that game and it cost us. Learn from it correct mistakes and move forward. Last week we were headed for final four and unbeaten season. Don't think we are in the toilet yet!

[TampaGatorFan]

I guess there's something to be said about blowing away too many opponents......these guys were not "battle tested" and it showed down the stretch. Hopefully they can learn from this and can get better in some of the areas where they were exposed by a less-talented Arizona team. What a way to lose. Ugh.

^ this

The Zona game was their first real test this season, and they clearly weren't ready for it. Fortunately, this isn't the BCS...one loss does not end your title hopes...even the '04s lost 5 or 6 games in both seasons where they won the title. There is still plenty of time to fix the issues and be ready for the dance. If the Gators take care of business in the SEC, this loss will mean nothing come March.

[madgator]

^ this

The Zona game was their first real test this season, and they clearly weren't ready for it. Fortunately, this isn't the BCS...one loss does not end your title hopes...even the '04s lost 5 or 6 games in both seasons where they won the title. There is still plenty of time to fix the issues and be ready for the dance. If the Gators take care of business in the SEC, this loss will mean nothing come March.

Really?

[Colin]

Let's not get too carried away..we have been dominant all year with this team and they really had a double digit lead on the road against a top ten team with some tough officiating and breaks. Sure they made some mistakes to blow the game but radical changes are not needed...this team can play with anyone in the country. It's not like they lost by 20 and were never in the game...then you make radical changes. I'm sure Billy realized he should have subbed more and we need to execute better with in-bounds and end of game situations.

Agree with you completely. We've dominated every team we've played except for four minutes again Arizona, and this means we need to make big changes? Come on, folks. We're really good this year, especially for December. Billy knows what to do. Enjoy the ride.

[lifetimeg8r]

Can only run baseline after a made basket. The TO negates that advantage.

[Brewski]

Can only run baseline after a made basket. The TO negates that advantage.

I think you are wrong. That wouldn't seem to make much sense if a TO changed the rules of an inbound play. See the link below:

http://www.bcboaonline.org/files/12_of_the_Most_Confusing_Basketball_Rules.doc

[TampaGatorFan]

Really?

Yes, really...they were in control most of the game, but choked at the end of the first half and the end of the game. There's no nice way to put it...they folded under the pressure on the road.

The good thing is, now that they've had a serious weakness exposed, they can fix it in time for the big dance. Better to find out now than in a Sweet 16 game in March.

Billy D will have them ready for the Tourney, and they'll be a #1 or #2 seed easily.

[lean_gator]

Lol. They were more than ready for it. Arizona came back numerous times, not just @ the half and and@ the end of the game. Besides those two times, the Gators answered. How many times did Zona cut the lead down to 3 only to have one of our guys make a big shot or play in that game? Man comeon. They were ready. Held the lead for 39 minutes in a hostile enviroment. Just coughed it up at the end.

[madgator]

I think you are wrong. That wouldn't seem to make much sense if a TO changed the rules of an inbound play. See the link below:

http://www.bcboaonline.org/files/12_of_the_Most_Confusing_Basketball_Rules.doc


I'm pretty sure that once you call timeout, you lose that.

however

even if you don't, our inbounder didn't move a step anyways