Post by pdlglm on Dec 9, 2024 22:43:44 GMT -5
Miami 3-6 (0-1) #100 KP
The #1 Vols move on to Madison Square Garden Tuesday night for what looked like a pretty good non-conference tilt when the schedule was released. Picked anywhere from 6th to 8th in the ACC it looked like the Canes would at least be a bubble team that could provide a quad 2 win. As it turns out, Miami is a mess. After winning three games against KP #300 teams to a start the season, they have lost 6 straight including an embarrassing home loss to Charleston Southern back on November 30th. Miami hasn’t won a game since November 17th.
The problem has been defense. This is from a couple games back, but it sets the tone quite nicely.
They don’t turn you over, get shredded inside, get torched worse outside. They don’t get steals, they don’t block shots. In the 6 game losing streak four teams have gone over 1.20 pts per possession. They are outside the top 100 in rebounding % on both ends of the floor. Historically Larranaga’s Miami teams don’t send teams to the line, but this squad is nothing special in that regard so far. Communication and discipline have been problems on the defensive end so far in the nonconference schedule. Here are the Arkansas game highlights.
and their defensive shot chart.
Well, alrighty then.
The offense has been good enough to keep them dangerous, top 10 in the country in 2pt%, average from three. That coupled with good ball security on offense has been enough for this offense to rank in the top 30 in the country. Here are their four factors.
Four Hurricanes averaging double digits, led by Nijel Pack (6-0, 185lb 5th yr Sr) 16.1pts, 4.9 assists. More threes than twos, plus shooter from both areas of the floor. I would give you his shot splits but it seems that Hoop-Math has shut down the site – which sucks, because I have already mentioned that Synergy has gone to a high dollar model that is cost prohibitive for just a fan – anyway, if you know of any other sites that have that kind of data…. Love to know.
Anyway, Pack doesn’t foul or turn it over and is over 40% from three for his career. Small guard, but a good player. Quick, creative passer, can finish inside despite his size. Defense isn’t great at anytime but it gets 8pts per 100 possessions worse with him on the bench.
Jalen Blackmon (6-2, 180lb Sr) comes over from Stetson where he was a two time All Atlantic Sun 1st team selection, averaging 21pts a game last season. He put up 43pts in the A Sun championship game against Austin Peay last season before ending his season with 14pts on 17 shots against eventual national champ, U Conn. His usage has been down some so far this year, and he has been slightly more 3PA heavy – he has been pretty close to a 50/50 split inside and out the past two years at Stetson – but his efficiency has been better; 39% from three, 63% inside the arc. Offense is putting up 1.31 pts/poss with him on the floor and drops down to 1.056 without. Last year he was in the 96 percentile on C&S jumpers and remains a guy who will pull up from waaay downtown. I suggest guarding him.
I also suspect he doesn’t spend much time guarding anyone else – in the top 25 in Fouls Called on him per 40 minutes each of the last two years.
Couple of big guys average 10.6pts a game; Brandon Johnson (6-8, 223lb Sr) and Lynn Kidd (6-10, 241lb Sr). Johnson also chips in 8 boards a game on a 22% DR%. He is a middling 3pt shooter but will put up outside shots, hits 65% inside the arc and has a solid 40% FTR. Kidd was 4th in that nation in overall FG% last year at Virginia Tech and so far this yr he is at 70% 2pt%. Neither guy fouls a bunch. Kidd is slightly built but fast for a 6-10 guy, good lateral quickness, good second jump, has a spin move. Does shoot outside.
Matthew Cleveland (6-7, 210 Sr) is a 9pt 5 rebound a game guy, 35% from three the last two years and over 50% inside the arc as well. Decent low usage guy who will rebound and doesn’t turn it over. Was 6th man of the year in the ACC in 2022 (at Florida State) but hasn’t been able to take that next step at Miami.
I mean, this game could be entertaining. Miami can score points, couple of guys who can hit threes, multiple threats inside the arc. At least one certified ‘bucket’.
But they do not play any defense at all. I mean, none – 2 spots above Ut Martin in the KP defensive ratings – the Canes have given up 1.112 pts per on the season. They have played 1 top 50 offense (Clemson). I know we give Deacon a hard time around here for the Vols philosophy - and I was a huge fan of Pearl's fast paced, chuck up a three, try and create chaos on the defensive end - style, but now I have just gotten so used to playing suffocating defense that I, honestly, get a little irritated if our opponents score - say - three possessions in a row. I can't imagine rooting for the Canes and just knowing that your opponents are gonna get whatever shot they want whenever they want it. It would suck.
Vols are favored by 16pts in the KP, and 13 per Torvik. Miami should have enough offense to keep it interesting and their forgiving defense should make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Got to believe the Vols TCB in this one.
GBO.
The #1 Vols move on to Madison Square Garden Tuesday night for what looked like a pretty good non-conference tilt when the schedule was released. Picked anywhere from 6th to 8th in the ACC it looked like the Canes would at least be a bubble team that could provide a quad 2 win. As it turns out, Miami is a mess. After winning three games against KP #300 teams to a start the season, they have lost 6 straight including an embarrassing home loss to Charleston Southern back on November 30th. Miami hasn’t won a game since November 17th.
The problem has been defense. This is from a couple games back, but it sets the tone quite nicely.
They don’t turn you over, get shredded inside, get torched worse outside. They don’t get steals, they don’t block shots. In the 6 game losing streak four teams have gone over 1.20 pts per possession. They are outside the top 100 in rebounding % on both ends of the floor. Historically Larranaga’s Miami teams don’t send teams to the line, but this squad is nothing special in that regard so far. Communication and discipline have been problems on the defensive end so far in the nonconference schedule. Here are the Arkansas game highlights.
and their defensive shot chart.
Well, alrighty then.
The offense has been good enough to keep them dangerous, top 10 in the country in 2pt%, average from three. That coupled with good ball security on offense has been enough for this offense to rank in the top 30 in the country. Here are their four factors.
Four Hurricanes averaging double digits, led by Nijel Pack (6-0, 185lb 5th yr Sr) 16.1pts, 4.9 assists. More threes than twos, plus shooter from both areas of the floor. I would give you his shot splits but it seems that Hoop-Math has shut down the site – which sucks, because I have already mentioned that Synergy has gone to a high dollar model that is cost prohibitive for just a fan – anyway, if you know of any other sites that have that kind of data…. Love to know.
Anyway, Pack doesn’t foul or turn it over and is over 40% from three for his career. Small guard, but a good player. Quick, creative passer, can finish inside despite his size. Defense isn’t great at anytime but it gets 8pts per 100 possessions worse with him on the bench.
Jalen Blackmon (6-2, 180lb Sr) comes over from Stetson where he was a two time All Atlantic Sun 1st team selection, averaging 21pts a game last season. He put up 43pts in the A Sun championship game against Austin Peay last season before ending his season with 14pts on 17 shots against eventual national champ, U Conn. His usage has been down some so far this year, and he has been slightly more 3PA heavy – he has been pretty close to a 50/50 split inside and out the past two years at Stetson – but his efficiency has been better; 39% from three, 63% inside the arc. Offense is putting up 1.31 pts/poss with him on the floor and drops down to 1.056 without. Last year he was in the 96 percentile on C&S jumpers and remains a guy who will pull up from waaay downtown. I suggest guarding him.
I also suspect he doesn’t spend much time guarding anyone else – in the top 25 in Fouls Called on him per 40 minutes each of the last two years.
Couple of big guys average 10.6pts a game; Brandon Johnson (6-8, 223lb Sr) and Lynn Kidd (6-10, 241lb Sr). Johnson also chips in 8 boards a game on a 22% DR%. He is a middling 3pt shooter but will put up outside shots, hits 65% inside the arc and has a solid 40% FTR. Kidd was 4th in that nation in overall FG% last year at Virginia Tech and so far this yr he is at 70% 2pt%. Neither guy fouls a bunch. Kidd is slightly built but fast for a 6-10 guy, good lateral quickness, good second jump, has a spin move. Does shoot outside.
Matthew Cleveland (6-7, 210 Sr) is a 9pt 5 rebound a game guy, 35% from three the last two years and over 50% inside the arc as well. Decent low usage guy who will rebound and doesn’t turn it over. Was 6th man of the year in the ACC in 2022 (at Florida State) but hasn’t been able to take that next step at Miami.
I mean, this game could be entertaining. Miami can score points, couple of guys who can hit threes, multiple threats inside the arc. At least one certified ‘bucket’.
But they do not play any defense at all. I mean, none – 2 spots above Ut Martin in the KP defensive ratings – the Canes have given up 1.112 pts per on the season. They have played 1 top 50 offense (Clemson). I know we give Deacon a hard time around here for the Vols philosophy - and I was a huge fan of Pearl's fast paced, chuck up a three, try and create chaos on the defensive end - style, but now I have just gotten so used to playing suffocating defense that I, honestly, get a little irritated if our opponents score - say - three possessions in a row. I can't imagine rooting for the Canes and just knowing that your opponents are gonna get whatever shot they want whenever they want it. It would suck.
Vols are favored by 16pts in the KP, and 13 per Torvik. Miami should have enough offense to keep it interesting and their forgiving defense should make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Got to believe the Vols TCB in this one.
GBO.
