What should be the biggest focus for players and coaches this offseason?

[FindEndNow 198]

I know a lot of people will say they need to be focusing on defense. Which is very true. It needs to get so much better. But there is something that doesn't ever get brought up. Paying attention to detail. That's on defense and offense. Close outs on shooters, playing the passing lanes, sliding your feet, crisp passes, hard cuts, great screens etc. The coaches should be constantly in the ears of the players about paying attention to detail. Gotta form those habits in practice so they'll carry over to the game.

[OliviaPope40 6,457]

Not doing shenanigans. 

[Stuhoo 79,787]

Some tasty waves, a cool buzz,

[DawgBawls 712]

Not doing shenanigans. 

What shenanigans? There has been shenanigans?    :scratchhead:

[OliviaPope40 6,457]

Having a top defense.

[drewheck 749]

Holding each other accountable and consistency on the defensive end we showed flashes on occasion last year

[JSHoosier 19,845]

Holding each other accountable and consistency on the defensive end we showed flashes on occasion last year

I wouldn't count playing 5 seconds of defense once every 5 or 6 games as "showing flashes".  I'd call it a team that's just looking to the next offensive possession.

[JSHoosier 19,845]

Spending their time on first learning that defense isn't just that things between neighbors' yards, and then learning basic defensive fundamentals so that maybe they won't be hot garbage when it comes to things like "ball you man".

[drewheck 749]

I wouldn't count playing 5 seconds of defense once every 5 or 6 games as "showing flashes". I'd call it a team that's just looking to the next offensive possession.

when I said flashes I meant the three guys who actually tried on defense emmitt and zeisloft and Hartman

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

What really sticks out to me above all else is strength. I can't remember how many times last year I was beyond frustrated at how we got pushed around and just seemed overall soft on the court. Obviously everyone has their own skill set to work out, but as a team, defense aside, strength definitely needs across the board improvement IMO

[JSHoosier 19,845]

when I said flashes I meant the three guys who actually tried on defense emmitt and zeisloft and Hartman

Sad thing is two of those aren't particularly good defenders.

[drewheck 749]

Sad thing is two of those aren't particularly good defenders.

true that's where the accountability comes in

[JSHoosier 19,845]

What really sticks out to me above all else is strength. I can't remember how many times last year I was beyond frustrated at how we got pushed around and just seemed overall soft on the court. Obviously everyone has their own skill set to work out, but as a team, defense aside, strength definitely needs across the board improvement IMO

Is it just me or does it seem like the word "soft" could be used to describe more teams lately than the word "tough"?

[Old Friend 8,389]

Mental stability and leadership.   With roster turnover and the police blotter, there's way too much chaffe.   This team won't win if it doesn't find a laser-focus on basketball and the mental side of being a high-profile group of student athletes.  They're obviously working hard.   We've obviously had a talent upgrade.   But....this is about the long term health, growth, and excellence of a program, and it is time - right now - to turn the page on all of the "Creaning," drug and alcohol problems, discipline issues, and all of the other BS.    Time to get the priorities straight and get everyone: coaches, players, administration, on the same page pointed toward long term excellence.   Everything else will be a byproduct of that.

[VO5 8,272]

What really sticks out to me above all else is strength. I can't remember how many times last year I was beyond frustrated at how we got pushed around and just seemed overall soft on the court. Obviously everyone has their own skill set to work out, but as a team, defense aside, strength definitely needs across the board improvement IMO

I get what you mean, but strength has little to do with playing defense (granted there are exceptions). Defense is all about tenacity, desire, and hard work. I have played with/seen many players who were "overmatched" physically and more than held there own on the defensive end. This HAS to be instilled in our players if our ultimate goal is a championship. I want to see grit and desire out of our guys, and it just doesn't seem to be there yet. Hopefully we see it this upcoming season.

[VO5 8,272]

To expand on my comment, a great example is Draymond Green defending Dwight Howard in the western conference finals. He's 6'7 and weighs around 30 pounds less, yet more than held his own. That comes from desire, toughness, and an absolute win at any cost attitude. We need some of that on our team

[bnkepner 1,509]

when I said flashes I meant the three guys who actually tried on defense emmitt and zeisloft and Hartman

 

Hartman and Zeisloft aren't really good examples when talking about defense. Hartman was the worst offender when it came to over helping on D last year. If he was guarding a wing he always over helped inside, leaving his man wide open for a bucket. And Zeisloft got beat man his man 9 times out of 10. Although I do think Zeisloft got screwed on calls more than anyone on the team last year. Both tried hard on defense but trying hard will only get you a participation trophy, and those don't count for anything

[drewheck 749]

Hartman and Zeisloft aren't really good examples when talking about defense. Hartman was the worst offender when it came to over helping on D last year. If he was guarding a wing he always over helped inside, leaving his man wide open for a bucket. And Zeisloft got beat man his man 9 times out of 10. Although I do think Zeisloft got screwed on calls more than anyone on the team last year. Both tried hard on defense but trying hard will only get you a participation trophy, and those don't count for anything

if everyone tried that hard we would have won more games

[bnkepner 1,509]

To expand on my comment, a great example is Draymond Green defending Dwight Howard in the western conference finals. He's 6'7 and weighs around 30 pounds less, yet more than held his own. That comes from desire, toughness, and an absolute win at any cost attitude. We need some of that on our team

Draymond is a great player and defender but i don't know if I would use his matchup against Dwight as an example. Dwight averaged 14 and 14 while playing on a bum ankle that entire series. Draymond may have "held his own" but Dwight still pretty much played his game the whole time

[bnkepner 1,509]

if everyone tried that hard we would have won more games

Trying hard doesn't mean you are going to stop your opponent on D. Trying hard is only a part of it. Zeisloft and Hartman both tried hard but consistently got beat by defenders.