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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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