Just wanted to put out my version of Kong’s “Random Thoughts”

Regarding Newman and his evolution throughout the year
1. A few days ago, AZhawk87 wrote, “…Newman being pushed to succeed (and being allowed to fail as part of his learning process)…”
www.rockchalk.com/index.php/forum/basket...n-of-bill-self#18075
I wonder about if we had more depth this year, if Malik might not have had the opportunity to grow as a player. I say this b/c as we know, HCBS often doesn’t allow his younger players to play through mistakes. Just a thought that entered my mind.

From the Duke game
2. When the final buzzer sounded and HCBS exulted in victory (including the double fist pump), I found myself smiling and feeling so good for him. It was such a visceral reaction – one that we also saw when KU won the Big 12 tournament against WVU this year as well as after the last game at Allen Fieldhouse against Missouri (where we came back from 19 down in the second half).

3. It’s been pointed out a ton already, but it bears repeating: We outrebounded Duke by 15…15! That’s just amazing. Villanova is going to play good defense against us, but if we can get our share of offensive boards, that will help us tremendously. On the other hand, Villanova likes to run when they can. Question for everyone, how much does an emphasis on offensive rebounding result in giving up more fast-break points?

Strategy stuff vs. Villanova
4. Because Newman has the hot hand right now, I wonder if Jay Wright will do everything in his power to stop him (get the ball out of his hands through double teams, faceguard, etc). I picture it potentially being similar to what he did against Perry in the Elite 8 game in 2016. Obviously it would be harder to do on Newman b/c he’s a different kind of player than Perry, i.e. not a close-to-the-basket guy. And yes, Ellis had the capability to hit the 3, but not at the level that Malik is at. And as I type this, I wonder if HCBS could use Newman as a decoy in away. I don’t know what that would look like, exactly, but just putting it out there.

5. One of the articles I read said that Villanova normally switches all screens (on AND off the ball).
As murph pointed out after we played Duke (sorry, I can’t find the post), we abandoned the weave against them. Would it be in our best interest to do so again b/c Villanova switches everything therefore making it ineffective?

Matchups vs. Villanova
6. Omari Spellman is their “center”/post player so it seems that Azubuike will be guarding him. The thing is, Spellman is 44% three-point shooter. Udoka would have to leave the paint to guard him, thus pulling him out of rebounding position and potentially making him more susceptible to foul trouble. On the other hand, Svi would be matched up with Paschall. Would it be better to put Dok on Paschall (b/c he is only a 33% three-point shooter) and Dok wouldn’t need to roam around the perimeter as much. From a size standpoint, Spellman and Pachall are both 6’9” and about 250 pounds so the size issue shouldn’t come into play.
Spellman’s specs: www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/pla...65836/omari-spellman
Paschall’s specs: www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/pla...133817/eric-paschall

7. Also when it comes to Brunson and his posting up against Devonte’, if a double team is needed, I would say to sag off Paschall’s man (b/c he has the lowest 3-point percentage on the team).

8. And speaking of Brunson, here’s a video of him talking about the matchup with KU. It’s hard to dislike this kid (and their whole team, for that matter).


Bottom line: If DeSousa, Newman, and Vick continue their strong play, (along with Graham providing his usual leadership and Udoka owning the paint), I feel confident about this game.
It’ll be hard to do b/c Villanova will be trying to make it hard for our guys, but I think we really have the want-to heading into the weekend.

Appreciate the thoughts. I am not encouraged by the matchups at all. They have two All-Americans and a defensive stopper in Booth. I would assume his job would be to not let Newman breathe. I hope Dok will have a bit of an advantage down low but Spellman is a problem on d because of the way he shoots 3s. On the other hand, I didn't see any way KU could match up with Duke, so there's that. But Duke doesn't play defense like these guys do. Tough, tough game.