Basketball’s Diary No. 28: FSU-MN Postgame
Posted on November 27th, 2007 – 11:11 PMBy Myron Medcalf
A75-61 lossto a mature, experienced team like Florida State would be understandable if the Gophers had played with 100 percent intensity throughout the game. But it was theireffort in the second half that cost them. They led for a little while in the first half and were down six points going into the second half.
For a team that has always played tougher in the second half this season, it was surprising to see Florida State pull away, as the Gophers appeared to turn down their energy level a notch in the second half. Tubby Smith said he noticed the change and pulled some of the starters in the second half.
I think Florida State has the experience in its backcourt, the size and talent to beat a lot of teams in the Big Ten and the ACC. But the Gophers played them tough for awhile.
Florida State, however, overwhelmed them with very aggressive defense. And Minnesota couldn’t find their shots, so they settled for threes, but they only made seven of them.
This team needs consistent play from its seniors. But they still have the potential to bea good team in the Big Ten. At times tonight, they looked like a very good squad. But they have to work out the kinks in their five-game home stretch in the coming weeks because they’ll face teams in the Big Ten that play like Florida State. But poor shooting (they made 33 percent of their shots) will hurt them against any team.
12 Responses to "Basketball’s Diary No. 28: FSU-MN Postgame"
Effort should NEVER be confused with being tired or lack of skill. You should know better, or ya know, at least have watched a game or two last year so you have something to compare this team to.
excuses, excuses excuses, the rim is still 10 feet high no matter where you play and the higher the skill level the more consistent the performance game in and game out.
Myron I agree with you - the effort was definetly lacking, I don’t know what Jonathan is talking about. I lost count of how many times a lose ball or rebound was up for grabs and FSU came away with it. I think this game illustrates the lack of depth the Gophers have. The second line of peyton, hoffarber, johnson, abu shamala and williams may do ok against the likes of central michigan, but against a good team they are woefully overmatched. I would like to see Tubby shorten his bench a bit - also Tubby needs to go with Hoffarber or Abu and stick with that guy, they are essentially the same player. If abu shamala is not hitting his shots (which he hasn’t been lately) he doesn’t bring much to the table except sweet fist pumps.
I’d also agree with Myron about the effort. To me, a lot of that was demonstrated with all of the threes that were jacked up. All the missed threes just played into FSU’s game of athleticism, speed, quickness and home court advantage. They got to the line too many times because they were able to trigger their break with all the missed threes that the Gophers kept putting up there.
The absence of a big-man with offensive skills in the paint will be a big problem all year. That’s why they were jackin’ up those 3’s. Also, I think the point guards will develop more penetration skills with time. I still am encouraged by the team/coach/outlook. We are on the right track.
They were missing a lot of back door possibilities because they weren’t moving well without the ball. The way FSU was pressuring way to the outside left all kinds of stuff open if they would have even looked for it and would have been making some cuts to the hoop with out the ball. Gotta find a way to get their attention about what is there for the taking when a team plays you that way. Gotta get the kids to recognize AND respond…
I think this was a good learning experience for the young kids and Tuby. Nolen hoff and johnson looked good at times,as did willians. They will learn alot at practice this week and after watching the tape. Tubby WILL get his message accross to the Srs. You can’t be a fair weaather player and stay in the lineup with him!!! You quit and you will sit.
LittleBigBoy has it right, but where does he go. No depth. This team won 9 games last year. There is only so much even a great coach can do with them. They lack speed, strength and point guard experience. The youg kids will improve and mixed with next year’s recruits, we will see progress.
I don’t necessarilly agree on the effort, if we’re broad-brushing the team. I thought Tollackson, for instance, was still battling on the boards in the last 10 minutes of the second half. I thought Abu-Shamala and Hoffarber were battling for loose rebounds down the stretch.
So, I think the effort for those, and some others was high. But Tubby might have a couple individuals in mind. Any insight into who he’s talking about, Myron?
I didn’t see lack a lack of effort as much as I saw a lack of speed. FSU was very fast, and the Gophs couldn’t keep up. There is no depth on this team. The second group was completely over matched. However, the only way to build some depth is to let these guys play in the non-conference games and see who can step up.
Perhaps Tubby didn’t actually mention “effort”?
Has anyone heard of other athletes walking on in response to Tubby’s request a few weeks ago? It evokes memories of Dave Winfield playing basketball for the Gophers in the 70’s!
