BYU may have gotten the win tonight against Utah State (barely) but it's apparent that they cannot defend worth a crap. Winder and Delgado are liabilities on offense, that is for sure (though I would argue that they don't take as many bad shots or have as many turnovers as Carlino). But they are solid perimeter defenders, which is exactly what BYU has needed in games against St. Mary's, Gonzaga, and San Francisco. Davies, Austin, and Kaufusi can't stay out of foul trouble because there is so much dribble penetration and so many wide-open threes (when missed, they lead to long rebounds and fouls). Without the big bodies able to log normal minutes and stay in rhythm BYU is getting killed on the boards, which leads to more second chance points, more wide open threes, and more fouls. I don't know what Delgado did to fall out of the good graces of the coaching staff, but BYU's D absolutely needs him right now.
The second problem is that BYU just doesn't have any poise. Seniors Brandon Davies, Craig Cusick, and Brock Zylstra and experienced under-classmen Matt Carlino, Anson Winder, and Nate Austin all play like freshmen when the going gets tough. When BYU needed to step up offensively or defensively, these guys picked up frustration fouls, took poor shots, or turned it over.
The final issue: consistency on offense. There are too many role players on the team. There are too many guys on O that just can't score unless they are wide open under the basket. Winder can only score in transition or when wide open at the three-point line. Kaufusi and Sharp only get the ball when they are alone next to the hoop. Austin can occasionally hit a jumper. Carlino is shooting 40% on the year: 80% in 1/3 of the games and 20% in the other 2/3. Zylstra is 0-fer on shots that actually meant something this season...
Honestly, I think the addition of Delgado would do a lot defensively. I don't know how BYU solves problem #2. Carlino is miles behind where Lee Cummard or Jimmer Fredette were mentally in their sophomore seasons. The third issue: perhaps some better defense would atone for some lack of consistency on the offensive end. At least it would prevent some of the big runs they've given up as they have struggled the past few weeks...
Either way, crazy win. Nice win. Unfortunately, now they have Thursday night at St. Mary's, then the following Thursday against Gonzaga. Need both. Anyone think they'll get EITHER?
BYU sure doesn't get the calls in the WCC like they used to in the MWC. I don't think they are as good as they have been the last few years, but I think they got homered a bit tonight.
ReplyDeleteAt least with basketball, the future is bright with all the good recruits coming in. Interesting that you didn't mention Haws, and actually, you hardly ever do...how do you think his career will end up?
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