...and "No he didn't!".
So, let's start right there: As usual, EC made passes that had me saying that phrase yet. again, but more importantly, we are at a vital Step 1 of long-term success, as this has become Eliot's team. Now, we have to watch the parts mesh. OK, how about what else I wanted to see?
- Tyson getting more run to find a rhythm and role: At least a partial check there
- Converting more cleanly in transition: Much improved
- RJ finding his stroke: Still struggling there, but all he needs is to go off on one of his scoring benders and I suspect the mojo will return --- hopefully that happens in Hawaii.
- Fixing the Secondary --- ok, let's explore that:
There has been a maddening missing element that has effectively killed our trademark Secondary -- not utilizing the dive post. Finally, in the second half it returned (albeit clunkily at first) with predictable results. Check out the video below.
We are still in Secondary action and Withers finds himself almost in the right place but standing around in the "short corner". EC finally directs him to flash for a medium post, and with no help coming, it's easy pickin's:
_premium
makeagif.com
We successfully used this option a couple more times in the second half, and I can only hope it wasn't by accident, as it should be the norm (!!!). Honestly, just surrounding a retreating defense (especially when we're playing two Bigs) is, well, tits on a boar-hog. The dive is Dean's option #1 and stresses the defense by just being there.
Finally, a few more things:
- Great night for JWash.
- EC and Seth are holy terrors on defense out front --- would sure like to see them in actual Scrambles
- Constant "wows' at Powell's athleticism
- 64 pts in the second half --- yeah, that's more like it
Anyway, as usual EC got jacked out of an Assist by our stat guy, but his line was outstanding nonethelss, and it was a joy to watch our transition game operating. Got a gauntlet coming up and we'll need all hands on deck!...