[JohnR34231]

UC Davis defense was definitely better than prior opponents. Disappointing to see us struggle against them, even though we have way more talent overall. We looked very formulaic and not very creative. I think the blowouts against WSU and Gonzaga were misleading. WSU is not very good this year. Gonzaga is way down without the Truongs, Maxwell, and Hollingsworth, and they were missing 3 players as well. Those were missed opportunities to "bet the Farm" (get it). 

Our perimeter players are great at catch-and-shoot 3's, but they need to be open. Last night, they weren't as open as the other games. Our guards are still very average at attacking. Lepolo is weak in this area, always has been. Harriel, Heal, and Clardy can get by their initial player, but then they struggle after that. Ogden and Bosgana are the most capable, but still have their moments. No one is really very good at drawing and kicking and we turn it over too much. Where that leaves us is in that same old spot of having to rely on a system to generate shots. We'll be successful against teams with lazy defenses, and there are many. But we will have many nights like the Davis game where it's a struggle. If any of the guards can improve enough to get us through those games, my money would be on Harriel and Ogden. Seems like KP sees it the same way. 

Last note...I know the numbers might not show it, but I'm concerned about our defense. The 3rd quarter against Davis was abysmal. No way should that team drop 26 points against us. We are just so slow at times and we aren't a strong rebounding team. It's been years since we didn't have big strong posts (Cam, Kiki, Fran, Ashten, Lauren, Alanna, etc. etc.) who are relentless on the boards. Agara is the closest we have. I've been so impressed by her, but she isn't like those other posts I listed. When we run into a team with a big strong post or two, it could be ugly.

Don't want to be too much of a Debbie Downer...I actually think it will be a fun year if expectations are in check given the amount of talent we have. Ranked 15th to 25th during the season, 4th in the ACC, and a 6 seed is where my head is at. Of course, always hoping/cheering for better!

If there is any doubt that Gonzaga is down right now, Kal just beat them by 21 points on their home floor last night (breaking a 37-game winning streak there).

[JohnR34231]

UC Davis defense was definitely better than prior opponents. Disappointing to see us struggle against them, even though we have way more talent overall. We looked very formulaic and not very creative. I think the blowouts against WSU and Gonzaga were misleading. WSU is not very good this year. Gonzaga is way down without the Truongs, Maxwell, and Hollingsworth, and they were missing 3 players as well. Those were missed opportunities to "bet the Farm" (get it). 

Our perimeter players are great at catch-and-shoot 3's, but they need to be open. Last night, they weren't as open as the other games. Our guards are still very average at attacking. Lepolo is weak in this area, always has been. Harriel, Heal, and Clardy can get by their initial player, but then they struggle after that. Ogden and Bosgana are the most capable, but still have their moments. No one is really very good at drawing and kicking and we turn it over too much. Where that leaves us is in that same old spot of having to rely on a system to generate shots. We'll be successful against teams with lazy defenses, and there are many. But we will have many nights like the Davis game where it's a struggle. If any of the guards can improve enough to get us through those games, my money would be on Harriel and Ogden. Seems like KP sees it the same way. 

Last note...I know the numbers might not show it, but I'm concerned about our defense. The 3rd quarter against Davis was abysmal. No way should that team drop 26 points against us. We are just so slow at times and we aren't a strong rebounding team. It's been years since we didn't have big strong posts (Cam, Kiki, Fran, Ashten, Lauren, Alanna, etc. etc.) who are relentless on the boards. Agara is the closest we have. I've been so impressed by her, but she isn't like those other posts I listed. When we run into a team with a big strong post or two, it could be ugly.

Don't want to be too much of a Debbie Downer...I actually think it will be a fun year if expectations are in check given the amount of talent we have. Ranked 15th to 25th during the season, 4th in the ACC, and a 6 seed is where my head is at. Of course, always hoping/cheering for better!

If there is any doubt that Gonzaga is down right now, Kal just beat them by 21 points on their home floor last night (breaking a 37-game winning streak there).