Florida has lost 8 of last 9 games decided by 10 or less

[108]

Not a good stat, and one I think Donovan needs to take some responsibility for

[lean_gator]

You want an apology?

[HALLGATOR]

What makes you think he doesn't take responsibility for it?

[108]

What makes you think he doesn't take responsibility for it?

He might, but I at the least am unsure why Kenny is allowed to take several bad shots a game? If he doesn't get disciplined, it shows up in crunch time

[HALLGATOR]

How do you know that play was designed for Kenny? I know I don't for sure. And how do you stop him from shooting during the course of a game. He is a streaky shooter and always has been. But when he gets hot he is lights out. During the course of the first half we had posters calling for the benching of Murphy and then he starts hitting in the 2nd half.

[108]

How do you know that play was designed for Kenny? I know I don't for sure. And how do you stop him from shooting during the course of a game. He is a streaky shooter and always has been. But when he gets hot he is lights out. During the course of the first half we had posters calling for the benching of Murphy and then he starts hitting in the 2nd half.

whens the last time Kenny made a end of half or game 3pt shot?

[HALLGATOR]

I don't know and don't keep up with it but as I said, and you didn't address, I don't know that they play was drawn up for him to take the shot. It could have been drawn up for any 3 players to take it.

[WESGATORS]

Ummm...how many of those are this year?

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

[ufgator4ever]

He was not hot tonight. Has been quite cold all year.
There's good reason to question donnovan on his team's like of O set plays down the stretch of close games the last few seasons. I hope he recalls miller and brewer winning close games going to the hoop.

[BengermanV]

Like I said in another thread, I think it's okay to blame Donovan at least a little bit. We have two of the hottest shooters in the country on our team, three if you count Frazier. None of them even get a touch in the last possession. That's on Billy if you ask me.

[HALLGATOR]

Well you guys just question away if it makes you feel better. As for me I'll continue to rely on Billy's brains on how best to run a basketball team. Seems if we all threw our resumes in a hat with his, ours would all get put in a pile and burned whereas he could land a new job at a major school in a New Your second.

[108]

Well you guys just question away if it makes you feel better. As for me I'll continue to rely on Billy's brains on how best to run a basketball team. Seems if we all threw our resumes in a hat with his, ours would all get put in a pile and burned whereas he could land a new job at a major school in a New Your second.

ok, obviously we have no control over what Billy does, but its a fair question on a message board

[gatormann]

Wes, just wanted to let you know that I think you do make a very good point and that there is a lot to your perspective. I agree with much of it. Still, it would be very nice to see Florida eke out some of the tight ones. Also, I'd agree that this is not the same team as last year, there still is a good deal of carry over in terms of personnel and on an area of important concern and I'd argue that it does have relevance.

[Tebowism0823]

Well you guys just question away if it makes you feel better. As for me I'll continue to rely on Billy's brains on how best to run a basketball team. Seems if we all threw our resumes in a hat with his, ours would all get put in a pile and burned whereas he could land a new job at a major school in a New Your second.

It's a message board for crying out loud. Wth do you expect?

[akaGatorhoops]

How do you know that play was designed for Kenny? I know I don't for sure.

It wasn't. The plan was for Scottie to drive the ball. He passed. Kenny shot.

[gatormann]

One last thought on Boynton's shot. It wasn't a good decision and it wasn't the right choice. On the other hand, and as a matter of degrees and it wasn't a dreadful shot, either. We've all seen much worse. He did have a decent look and it could've gone in.

The game was lost earlier on free throw shooting. That shot would have simply bailed us out.

[GATORAZ]

Not a good stat, and one I think Donovan needs to take some responsibility for

well he is the coach so I bet he does. What would you like for him to say? Do you want him to show up to your house and apologize for the loses?

[regurgigator]

One last thought on Boynton's shot. It wasn't a good decision and it wasn't the right choice. On the other hand, and as a matter of degrees and it wasn't a dreadful shot, either. We've all seen much worse. He did have a decent look and it could've gone in.

The game was lost earlier on free throw shooting. That shot would have simply bailed us out.

That's a pretty fair recap.

I just re-watched the last 5 minutes, and if you could freeze-frame right as the shot is being taken, the only shot I would have taken back for sure in the last 4 minutes was the 3-pointer that Wilbekin made.

The things that bothered me more were the things I view as being more in our control; that is the turnovers and the defense. Rosario really had a case of fumble-fingers tonight and we kept throwing ill-advised wing passes where the defender was overplaying. Hate to rag on Rosario who has been playing great, but why did he throw that ball to Wilbekin on the sideline when Pressey was so clearly overplaying the passing lane - and stole the ball.

And, I'm not sure why Young didn't go out to challenge Bower near right elbow on the last FG he made that put them up 61-60 :huh: That was a costly defensive breakdown.


Oh well, as I thought he might, Pressey played a heckuva game. I think he's the best play-maker in the country and those play-making skills neutralized some of Wilbekin's (and Boynton's et al.) great defense. Larkin's not the passer Pressey is, but with his quickness I think he comes closest to providing the type of challenge Pressey brings. Otherwise, I don't think there's a PG in the country that will put that kind of pressure on our defense.


As some have said, it's just one loss and I for one am still "licking my lips" :nervous smile: in anticipation of seeing this Gator team in the NCAA Tourney - particularly under the assumption that Yeguete will be back. We play very good defense without Yeguete. But, with WY, we play incredible defense. I'm so looking forward to it!!!!!! :yes:

Go Gators!!!

[NoahBeanBizzel]

That was a tough loss, man. Granted Mizzou was dialed in defensively for the last ten minutes or so of that game, but we really shot ourselves in the foot. There was no rhythm offensively, Boynton threw up one bizarre shot after another, poor execution shooting free throws, poor shot selection, even passing up several open looks. Pretty much all the nonsense that goes into losing a game on the road against a decent opponent.

One thing I liked about our team two years ago, was that you could trust them to pull games out when it mattered. They found ways to pull games out. This team has a higher ceiling, but it lacks a go-to guy (like Parsons or Beal) who can single-handedly take a game over when things start to flatline.

I'm not going to deflect criticism to anyone in particular, but you have to show some balls to win a game like that. We didn't.

[klgator]

<I>I'm not going to deflect criticism to anyone in particular, but you have to show some balls to win a game like that. We didn't.<I/>This team lacks leadership. There is no one out on the court who is keeping the rest of the team focused. This game was a carbon copy of Arizona; we have a double digit lead with minutes to go and pi** it away by losing our focus. The other team takes the lead, and we can't answer them. Miami had an answer tonight; we didn't. This is a team that can easily win by 22 but can't win by 2.

[luciaboy]

we are chokers in close games. not all billy d's fault. this team tightens up when the pressure is on and it shows on the free throw line. IMO, this team will not go far in the tournament

[Matthanuf06]

It is inexplicable. We've had two recent final fours choked away in terrible fashion. Two of our recent losses have occurred in the same choking way. And we can't win close games.

Over the last few years we have arguably the top program but the fact that we are this bad in close games has caused us to underachieve.

[SmootyGator]

Those 9 games should have all been blowouts for the other team. Thank god we have Billy and managed to make them all close, and even win one! :D

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Last night, I hate to say it, could've been even worse. We had one late turnover fortunately bounce off the referee right back into Kenny's hands and then another late inbounds pass gets stolen only to have Missouri miss a wide-open layup. Those types of mistakes are killing us late. Here is what I want to see and coming end of the game situations/end of a half situations. I want Kenny to have the ball with Prather or Murphy setting a highball screen and then rolling to the basket. Prathers ability at the rim and Murphys at the free-throw line would lead to much better opportunities to score and nobody would expect it. I would not have Pat on the floor when we need to score on a last possession. You cannot give him the ball because he cannot make free throws and they will foul as soon as possible Also, last night I wish we would have gone man on their last possession when they were down one. I did not understand his own in that situation.

[ncbullgator]

It's really simple. FEED THE POST.

The Butler loss in the elite eight was a harbinger for what ails the Gators.

Macklin was abusing the inside Butler players, but instead of FEEDING THE POST or dribble penetration, Erv and Kenny jacked up 3s. No FINAL FOUR.

Nothing has changed and now we have 108's post about losing close games.

It's up to Billy to design a strategy and demanding it get implemented. KB has no business jacking up 3s unless we NEED a 3.

Take away his green light with a minute to go in the game.

:angry:

[gulfgator]

we are chokers in close games. not all billy d's fault. this team tightens up when the pressure is on and it shows on the free throw line. IMO, this team will not go far in the tournament

Curiously, what did you say last year when UF lost 4-5 going into the tourney?

[108]

well he is the coach so I bet he does. What would you like for him to say? Do you want him to show up to your house and apologize for the loses?

no, just correct the areas that are correctable

[REM08]

I don't know and don't keep up with it but as I said, and you didn't address, I don't know that they play was drawn up for him to take the shot. It could have been drawn up for any 3 players to take it.

Judging from Billy's comments, it appears you're right about it not being the play. I wonder if its still not one of those things that ends up on the coach though - even if in an indirect way.

Here's what bothers me a little bit. After the game, Billy said that the "shot" wasn't what he wanted and that he wanted "action closer to the basket."

But listen to Boynton's quote after the game about that play. "I thought it was a good look, I gave him a shimmy move and had some space."

Huh??? You guys noticing the disconnect?

Boynton's next quote came when he was asked if there were driving lanes open. He responded, "maybe that's something we need to do next time - get it closer to the basket."

Again, I'm lost here. Isn't that what your coach suggested in the first place???

So is Billy's message being lost at some point between the huddle and inbounding the ball? Also, when Billy mentions that he wanted "action closer to the basket," does this mean he's drawing up a specific play to end up getting that, or just kinda throwing out a concept? I'm not saying either is a slight on him. A team as veteran laden as this one is should be able to run with either.

The problem is that he's either not drawing something up, or he is, and the players are disregarding it. Thats why I say, in the end, you kinda have to put this on the coach - even though he can't technically force players to listen to him, he's still the one in charge.

[gator7_5]

Good point Rem, and a fair question.

[gator7_5]

Also, wish we were a clutch team like fsu. They're a lock for a final four run. I mean, they have a half a dozen last second victories this yr. Must be good coaching.

<end sarcasm>

[gogators73]

I don't understand why with 20 seconds left we can't run 3-4 screens for Scottie and worst case he throws up a prayer if nothing ever opens up. Better than Boynton launching that shot.

[GATORAZ]

no, just correct the areas that are correctable

what areas are correctable and how would you correct them?

[WESGATORS]

what areas are correctable and how would you correct them?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo3uxqwTxk0

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

[gatorich]

It is inexplicable. We've had two recent final fours choked away in terrible fashion. Two of our recent losses have occurred in the same choking way. And we can't win close games.

Over the last few years we have arguably the top program but the fact that we are this bad in close games has caused us to underachieve.

Sorry, we were not arguably the top program the last few years....may have been included with a handful of other teams near the top but were not the top.

[phideltdj]

Florida has also won 25 of the last 30 games so that is on BD as well...I guess it all depends on how you want to look at the numbers.

[tommyuf21]

Over the last few years we have arguably the top program but the fact that we are this bad in close games has caused us to underachieve.

I can't agree with that at all.

2009-2010--Ten Seed, barely made the tourney--First round loss

2010-2011--Two Seed, reached Elite 8. Pretty much reached expectations.

2011-2012--Seven Seed, reached Elite 8. Exceeded expectations.

You can argue that we underachieved greatly between 2001-2005 when we had first weekend exits each season, but not the last three years. Not at all.

[tommyuf21]

Sorry, we were not arguably the top program the last few years....may have been included with a handful of other teams near the top but were not the top.

If you go by the NCAA seeding; three years ago we were about #40, two years ago #8 and last year #28.

[Matthanuf06]

By last few seasons I was including this year. So two elite 8s with huge leads blown plus this year.

And when you blow a massive lead in the tournament, when your win probability is probably north of 90% you've underachieved.

[Swampmaster]

letting boynton take an bad, closely guarded 3 with the game on the line? surely, they can come up with a better shot than that. Who authorized it?

[GatorRade]

Florida has also won 25 of the last 30 games so that is on BD as well...I guess it all depends on how you want to look at the numbers.

Agreed. I am not worried by the stat quoted in the OP by 108. We might lost a close game early in the tournament, but we might win six close games in a row. We win more games than we lose. Randomness will play a big role, for better or worse

[ufgator4ever]

Agreed. I am not worried by the stat quoted in the OP by 108. We might lost a close game early in the tournament, but we might win six close games in a row. We win more games than we lose. Randomness will play a big role, for better or worse

There is nothing random about our poor play in closing minutes of close games. Its very consistent and apperently not possible for coach donovan to correct. And poor play will have a much bigger role than randomness in determining how far they go in March.
Its not craps you know.

[jareduf]

Hopefully it means we are due to win some of these close games. Definitelty need to execute better, but better to make these mistakes now.

Of course its an optimistic approach, but there is time to correct these problems. I don't think KB will take that shot next time.

[GATORAZ]

I will continue to say this is not really a coaching problem but a personnel problem. We don't have a big that can post up and demand a double team in the post and we don't have a player who can get his own shot off the dribble. Those are the two things you need to win close games.

[tommyuf21]

By last few seasons I was including this year. So two elite 8s with huge leads blown plus this year.

And when you blow a massive lead in the tournament, when your win probability is probably north of 90% you've underachieved.

I can't speak about Butler. I was on a long plane trip and happy that I was too.

Louisville was a better team than us. They didn't wake up until late, but when they did, they took it to us. I still think 'Ville is better than us at three starting positions, perhaps more. I do not want to see them in the tourney, regardless of how many games they lose in the regular season.

As far as this year, I think we wind up as the second or third two seed. I would equate it similar to two years ago when we were seventh or eighth overall.

We are not the best team in the country this year and we'll need Will's return and some good fortune to make it to the final day of the postseason.