Zuckerkorn

XJ: "Hold my beer"...

Rough week for former Texas Tech coaches...

My name is Larry I've got a whistle I like to blow it My name is Larry (for any old time Dr. Demento listeners)

Indeed.

...or the Australian guard etc.. The issue is we have had zero success with attracting foreign players. It's like trying to recruit exclusively in-state H.S. players - you gotta exploit ALL avenues.

Good point about the maturity. The big euro dude just had a business like, been there - done that look and attitude. Nothing like a typical college aged American player and associatiated emotion.

During the first half it felt like we had to play a perfect game to beat them. We didn't, but no IU team in the last many years would would have hung with them like we did.

No problem. Fans do tend to do that. I do have to wonder how much of AZ's current roster may have been drawn in by shady dealings. Maybe none, but things DID happen with that program that makes it a legitimate question.

TL;DR - We're improved and pretty good, but just not there. Woody has us on the right track and knows what he's doing. At the college level all teams are flawed, with very rare exceptions. Arizona is pretty close to being complete - two bigs, one with the power game and the other more finesse. They compliment that with 3-pt snipers, and that combo makes it really hard to match up with them. IMO, their biggest "weakness" may be not having a quick penetrator, but overall that doesn't seem to hurt them much. We, on the other hand, still lack multiple (consistent) threats from outside (and it'd be nice if one or two had some size). Our front court can muscle with 75% of our opponents but dudes like Ballo or Cockburn are major challenges for us. TJD & Reneau can counteract it, to an extent, with quickness & moves on offense. Teams with good frontcourts know they can backoff our other players and neutralize our bigs (see Rutgers game). That's when shot making needs to takeover, sometimes it does but not reliably. We will need some "pieces" added after this season that aren't already on the roster to take the next jump. Optimistically, I really believe Mike Woodson knows this (and more) far better than his predecessors and will work toward his vision. Finally, will we ever take advantage of the talent out there beyond the U.S.? Practically every good program has, at one time or another, had major contributors from other countries. Who have we had - Uwe, Perea, ??? Don't get me wrong, I don't really love the international approach of AZ with the majoity of the roster being foreigners, but dang, our complete rejection of that arena hasn't helped us a bit.

**cough** Sean Miller...

It all goes back to the infamous exhibition game against the Russians! I know, I was in the balcony that evening. 😉

IMO, Galloway has filled in for JHS admirably. He doesn't bring what JHS does by any means, but he's been pretty steady and consistent. He's outstanding as our 6th man and we miss that with needing him in the starting lineup.

Strangely, I feel good after that loss. I like watching this team compete infinitely more than I have for years. It's clear we just don't have the firepower yet to be serious contenders. We've gone from mediocre (at best) to pretty good in a season and a half. Woodson knows what he's got. He knows what he needs. He'll get it done, I'm betting.

Yep. They diplomatically danced around the obvious...

And they're cheaters too.

Definitely an IU crowd.

AZ looks like more of an international club than a college roster.

Lol. Even one of "the best" officiating crews is ignorant of the rules.

Sooner or later we have to have success with a player from there (I hope).

I definitely see your point. I also admire loyalty. Probably best determined on a case by case basis.

Pretty much my thoughts have been posted by others already. As previously noted, RU showed how to stop us by physically pushing us around inside the paint and it will work as long as the b10 allows smashmouth basketball.

That comment stood out to me. I imagined some PU or IL type seething when he said it, lol. One thing about the commentary that I found a bit amusing was the many times Bilas observed how it felt like our lead should be greater, but never delved into why that might be.

Watched the game this morning and haven't read anyone else's comments. Here's my take: 1. That was undoubtedly the most complete game we've played inseveral years. The players played hard, pretty smart and disciplined and showed poise & confidence. 2. That was a 20-point win. Officials called it in UNC's favor almost all night, but especially in the first half. I'm pretty sure if you examinethe refs luggage you'd find all three brought Carolina blue kneepads. Also, the beefy b10 ref that looks like a cop (Larry Serrano?) stinks. 3. I know if it's not broke, don't try to fix it, but Galloway >> Kopp. 4. Our defense was a thing of beauty. 5. JHS picked a good night to shine again. Perhaps he's a PTP'er?

Some good, some bad, and some spectacular. I suspect this game will provide some good teaching points for the coaching staff.

With TJD out you'd hope/expect X, Kopp, and Race to take up the slack - so far, that isn't the case.