How do we attack the cuse zone? Normally with our bigs in the past it’s easy to put an Isaiah hicks/Brice at the high post and play high/low with Kennedy. With the way we’re playing smaller this year with 4 and sometimes even 5 around the perimeter what works against that zone?
Syracuse Zone
- Thread starter Goheels97
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I feel like we match up well. Our starting lineup has 4 shooters and 2 guys who can be effective in the middle of the floor (Maye as a mid-range shooter, Theo as a passer).
We have to attack the zone, get inside it, fits Theo slashing into gaps or Cam, Kenny shooting 12-15 footers or driving it, but if we play Brooks or Manley (especially) we must not fear the inside pass, it has to be quick as they have some kids that will hit passing lanes to steal the ball if passes are lazy.
Besides, I hate football arenas as basketball venues and I don't care for zone all game.
Besides, I hate football arenas as basketball venues and I don't care for zone all game.
Set Theo up at the elbow and let him wheel and deal.
I saw a video highlighting how we've been doing that quite a bit in recent games but I can't find it at the moment.
But here's an article with GIFs of three straight plays from the state game with Theo operating from the elbow. Hopefully we'll use this effectively tonight against the zone.
I agree, Theo will be a huge key for tonight and he has been very effective out of the elbow/ pinch post sets. I saw this tweet (below) with some clips of it really working well for us. I also think his ability to drive and get into the lane will also be a big key for tonight as he can break down the zone and if he can’t finish at the rim he can kick it to Cam, Joel and Kenny on the perimeter.
Theo in the high post is one of my favorite things I've seen a UNC team do. It mitigates his biggest weakness (shooting) and leverages his biggest strength (passing). When he's that close to the basket, you can't back away from him like you can when he's on the perimeter. Everyone else is a major threat to shoot, and if anyone can find a shooter (or cutter), it's Theo.
We're not going to see Theo player there against Syracuse, though.
We're not going to see Theo player there against Syracuse, though.
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That's the video I was thinking of. It's the same plays from the article, which adds a third play in which Theo spins in and scores himself.
The biggest challenge with this version is Cuse is very long across the top of their Zone, which may call for more drive penetrations as opposed to standard entries. Other than that it's a matter of executing our Zone-O (which is a killer when we take care of the ball) and making shots and hitting the offensive glass.
BTW: The short post is not something that is not as readily available against Zones, but we will likely see Theo working the foul-line inside the circle.
One of the best ways to attack a zone has always been to get the ball into the middle, either via the pass or the dribble. We must rebound ferociously and make open shots.
I also think that ball movement will be key in this one. Having Luke get going early and knock down shots from the high post would certainly start things off well, and force Cuse's to have to adjust and try to close out on him, opening up our outside shooters more. Even if Luke can't get clear looks from the high post, flashing there and receiving an entry will still force some help and allow him to make a decision where he can look for a shooter or driver. Luke has shown that he is a very capable passer and if he can stay under control and find guys on the perimeter, they will get a lot of good looks from 3. Cam has faired very well against Cuse's zone scoring 20+ in 2 of the games and going 6-8 from 3 last year. A performance similar to that would definitely bode well for us. Also, constant movement off the ball is key to filling those gaps for shooters and breaking down the zone as well.
RUN RUN RUN .. ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK .. we need to get above average points from the break .. both primary and secondary to keep them from setting their defense. From the set offense we have to make sharp passes and drive the seams and kick out to the open spots or try to finish at the rim and draw some fouls .. dang ball can travel a lot faster than a player and the more the zone has to react the more opportunities for them to make a mistake. Also really need to come out strong with the intensity on both ends and try and get some defensive turnovers so we can get and keep the lead early to keep the crowd out of the game. jmho
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