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Around SBN: Please, Someone Make Bob Sapp Stop Already

Inside The Numbers: Texas Hoops

Perusing the Texas hoops team stats today, several things jumped out at me that are worthy of discussion. We'll try to do this periodically - both with Texas' offensive and defensive numbers. First up, a look at the Horns' season stat totals.

Kevin Durant A couple things stand out in Durant's line. First, about a third of his shots are coming from beyond the three point line, and while his 40% success rate is solid, he's got to do more of what he did last night and score closer to the hoop. He seemed to get that last night, so hopefully we're seeing some development.

The other stat is the assist to turnover ratio - currently a lousy 16:32. One of the benefits Durant will see if he brings his offensive game closer to the hoop is double and, perhaps, triple teams. That should leave teammates open to score, bringing up his assist totals. AW's right that the offense needs to run through Durant quite a bit more. Giving him touches near or in the paint will force defenses to collapse on him, leaving openings for others. If the opposition decides to guard him one-on-one near the hoop, Durant's more than capable of scorig or getting to the line.

Jay Mason He's got the team's best assist-to-turnover ratio, which I think is a direct reflection of his willingness to penetrate the lane, while looking for open teammates. The one area of concern is the three point shot; note the disparity between Mason's three point field goal percentage (35%) and two point field goal percentage (54%). Keep getting to the rim, Jay.

JD Lewis I'd like to point out that JD Lewis is 3-for-14 from beyond the arc. You could also translate that as: "useless." Keep him on the bench, Rick.

Damion James How does Connor Atchley lead James in blocks, 16 to 9? That's a mystery to me. Well, not totally - James, as athletic as he is, has shown pretty poor coordination early this season. He's got terrible hands and - watch him rebound sometime - has so many balls bounce in and out of his grasp. I don't know that there's a lot you can do to improve that, but here's to hoping Rick's got him working overtime on concentration and coordination drills. The guy's all over the place.

Big Dex If it weren't so discouraging, it'd be funny: Dexter has 15 fouls in just 50 minutes of play. At that pace, if Rick played him to start the game and left him in, he'd foul out with four minutes remaining in the first half. Big guy's got to work on that body control.

AJ Abrams Little man's only shooting 35% from two point range, but 44% from beyond the arc. Some pure three shooters are like that, though Rick insists Abrams has a good mid-range game. I'd guess that's true, but he seems to aim the shots more when he's inside the arc. That, and when he's shooting from inside the three point line, he's frequently doing so off the dribble. That's not his strong suit - from anywhere on the court. Abrams is a lethal, quick as a hiccup, catch and release shooter, but he's far less effective when he's coming off the dribble.

--PB--

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I've been thinking the same thing
about Damion too, but was afraid to say anything. I thought maybe he does something really well I'm not seeing.

He lacks the ability to sense his position in relation to the basket. He often drives to the hoop, gets excited and bunny hops too far away from the basket. Its not quite a jump shot, but just shy from an effective lay-up. His shots are almost spastic looking, like an energetic child.
His rebounding is the same way. He has great size and really tries hard, but doesn't position himself under the rim.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Dec 21, 2006 1:47 PM CST reply actions  

Great analysis PB
The degree says TCU, but the heart says "Hook 'em"

by TCU Horn Fan on Dec 21, 2006 2:34 PM CST reply actions  

"The 1 area of concern is the 3-pt shot"
Umm, how about 12-19 from the charity stripe??

Including 2-5 last night.  If he had made just two more of those shots at the end of the game, we wouldn't have had a nail-biter.  In fact, if Mase hadn't made that amazing drive to the basket - and then MADE the FT to complete the 3-point play - what do you want to bet that Texas loses the game and Mase is the goat?

Don't get me wrong, I agree with AW, this guy has come out of nowhere to become one of the top 4 players on the team - supplanting Damion James in my book - but his FT% has to be closer to top 3 (85%) than the next 3 (50-ish%) in order to be considered a real game-changer.

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Dec 21, 2006 2:58 PM CST reply actions  

AJ
I think AJ's poor midrange percentage is due more to his height than his "aiming" of the ball.  It's not easy to shoot over guys 7 inches taller than you.

by whoopspat on Dec 21, 2006 3:28 PM CST reply actions  

Durant and Abrams
Durant told Craig Way after the game last night that he made a concious effort to not shoot from behind the three point line. I think we will see him continue to try and work with his back to the basket. I think it is fine for him to shoot 3's, but just limit them to open looks that are not NBA range. Gotta keep the other team honest.

Out opponents are focusing a lot of attention on not letting AJ get the ball and they generally put their best defensive player on him. I think once we come together as a team, our opponents will not be able to focus all that attention on him. Also, he seemed to be stuck in the corner on a lot of possesions last night, continually running the baseline to either corner. If we can give him opportunities to get inside and score then our opponents will have to respect the drive. Right now, the drive has been designated to J. Mason.

by jimmer on Dec 21, 2006 6:03 PM CST reply actions  

Get this clown outta here PB
But I don't need to tell you that.

by boomhauer25 on Dec 22, 2006 8:58 AM CST reply actions  

Thanks
Spam comments erased and user banned.

--AW--

by awiggo on Dec 22, 2006 9:20 AM CST up reply actions  

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