Balanced Scoring

[wgt]

A significant factor in the Bonnies 11-6 (2-2) record is the fact that we have 5 players averaging double figures (between 10 to 13.9 points per game). Last year we relied on 3 guys to put up 64% of our points. This year’s balanced attack includes Blackburn off the bench for 10.2ppg.

Our win over the Spiders without Ray in the lineup may have, in the minds of some, minimized the impact of his loss. Suggestions that, in fact, we may be better without him are bolstered with that great road win. Over the next 3-5 weeks I believe we will miss him in the lineup. Granted he has played out of control too often causing too many TOs. However against Richmond we turned it over 19 times without Ray in the lineup. Grease’s career night of 25 (15 more than his average) points was huge in the victory. But how many times can we rely on that # of points from him to make up for the loss of Ray’s scoring?

The Richmond win was the first game all season that our bench was outscored & by a significant #. Ray is the guy that has provided the bulk of those points. So we have to get increased points & who will provide it? Elelby has really struggled at 5.5ppg on .375 FGs, .167 from trey & rarely gets to the line & when he does is terrible at 3-18. Michael, with his increased minutes, will need to start hitting some shots along with playing his strong D & rebounding. That will be a challenge as he is presently scoring 2.8 ppg on .368 FGs & .250 treys. He has been very solid from the stripe at 13-15. Will it be Benson hitting treys, more point production from everyone or Grease having career games each time out? So for at least the next 5 games or more the team will have to some how pick up the 10 points Ray has provided.

Ray’s TOs, rightfully so, gain lots of negative attention. Other attributes of his game have made an impact but go less noticed. He led the team in getting to the line & makes them when he gets there. This is a strong facet of his game & not as eye-catching as the turnovers. Some players have been criticized for their inability to play D or for lack of intensity. Having seen 5 games in person & most of the others on video streaming I would say that Ray is one of the most intense defenders on the team & had gotten his fouls under control. I have seen him as a spark plug & feel his absence will be felt more than some think. I hope for a speedy recovery.

[therc]

Another great post wgt. Always enjoy reading your insight.

I agree with you that we are going to have to find additional scoring off the bench with Ray out. I think the result of Blackburn's injury will ultimately mean much more playing time for Benson and Davenport, with the latter receiving more than the first.

With all that we lose with Ray, there are actually some things that I believe we gain with Davenport playing more. First and foremost, I've been extremely impressed with his rebounding. Michael has a knack for getting to the ball off of an opposition's miss. Ray did this well too, but I believe Davenport is slightly better. That will be much needed in the next few games because, as you well know, if we don't play defense and rebound, we don't have much of a chance.

As you point out, we lose a lot defensively with Ray being out. This concerns me, and leads me to believe that we'll be playing much more zone until his return.

However, as harsh as it is to say, I really do believe there is one very large benefit to Ray being out. And that benefit would be the execution of the offense.

To me, it's no mistake that Grease had a career night at Richmond, and that Andrew added another double-figure performance. When Ray is in the game, he oftentimes disrupts the flow of the offense. What do I mean by that? Well, from what I've seen, Coach Schmidt's offense is predicated on quick ball movement. Anytime Ray gets the ball, he dribbles for about seven seconds before deciding either to a: drive the lane or shoot, or b: pass. Even Eleby understands that the ball always has to be moving in order to get open shots, and - more importantly - open looks inside.

Obviously nobody knows what's going to happen, but my guess is that the offense will become even more focused on the post game, which isn't necessarily a bad thing for us at this point.

[tomangelone]

Jan 20, 2009 14:10:02 GMT -5 therc said:

To me, it's no mistake that Grease had a career night at Richmond, and that Andrew added another double-figure performance. When Ray is in the game, he oftentimes disrupts the flow of the offense. What do I mean by that? Well, from what I've seen, Coach Schmidt's offense is predicated on quick ball movement. Anytime Ray gets the ball, he dribbles for about seven seconds before deciding either to a: drive the lane or shoot, or b: pass. Even Eleby understands that the ball always has to be moving in order to get open shots, and - more importantly - open looks inside.

You nailed it with that paragraph.

[bonamaniac]

Jan 20, 2009 10:55:17 GMT -5 wgt said:

A significant factor in the Bonnies 11-6 (2-2) record is the fact that we have 5 players averaging double figures (between 10 to 13.9 points per game). Last year we relied on 3 guys to put up 64% of our points. This year’s balanced attack includes Blackburn off the bench for 10.2ppg.

Our win over the Spiders without Ray in the lineup may have, in the minds of some, minimized the impact of his loss. Suggestions that, in fact, we may be better without him are bolstered with that great road win. Over the next 3-5 weeks I believe we will miss him in the lineup. Granted he has played out of control too often causing too many TOs. However against Richmond we turned it over 19 times without Ray in the lineup. Grease’s career night of 25 (15 more than his average) points was huge in the victory. But how many times can we rely on that # of points from him to make up for the loss of Ray’s scoring?

The Richmond win was the first game all season that our bench was outscored & by a significant #. Ray is the guy that has provided the bulk of those points. So we have to get increased points & who will provide it? Elelby has really struggled at 5.5ppg on .375 FGs, .167 from trey & rarely gets to the line & when he does is terrible at 3-18. Michael, with his increased minutes, will need to start hitting some shots along with playing his strong D & rebounding. That will be a challenge as he is presently scoring 2.8 ppg on .368 FGs & .250 treys. He has been very solid from the stripe at 13-15. Will it be Benson hitting treys, more point production from everyone or Grease having career games each time out? So for at least the next 5 games or more the team will have to some how pick up the 10 points Ray has provided.

Ray’s TOs, rightfully so, gain lots of negative attention. Other attributes of his game have made an impact but go less noticed. He led the team in getting to the line & makes them when he gets there. This is a strong facet of his game & not as eye-catching as the turnovers. Some players have been criticized for their inability to play D or for lack of intensity. Having seen 5 games in person & most of the others on video streaming I would say that Ray is one of the most intense defenders on the team & had gotten his fouls under control. I have seen him as a spark plug & feel his absence will be felt more than some think. I hope for a speedy recovery.

What happned to Ray?

[wgt]

Ray injured his knee in practice prior to the Richmond game. Initial report was he would miss 3-5 weeks.