A few details stood out to me after I had the chance to review the box score:
Duke shot 41% overall, but just 25% from 3, and most surprisingly, just 60% from the line. I think we're starting to see Stoudamire's much lauded defensive system come into view. To me, that was the biggest disappointment early in the season. Chemistry and playing against different teams makes it hard to gel when you're getting use to a new system. After the Miss St and Duke game, our guys seem to be getting more comfortable playing and communicating in Stoudamire's defensive system.
We shot over 50% overall (50.9% to be exact), but we were just 30% from 3. If you take out Kelly's shooting stats (5-13 overall, 2-8 from 3), our shooting from inside and outside of the arc looks better. One thing about Kelly this season is he hasn't been as efficient. He's become a high volume shooter, but his shooting percentages have dipped. He shot 41% overall, and almost 38% from 3 last season. This season, he's 36% overall and 27.5% from the 3. His free throw percentage is also down, from almost 90% to 71.4%. I have no doubt those numbers will improve, and when they do, this team gets even more dangerous.
Welcome to the "now you're a priority on the scouting report" club, Ndongo! His length, explosiveness, defensive abilities, and efficiency scoring (at least against Duke) already makes him the player with the highest ceiling on our roster. Once Kelly finds his form, that's a dangerous combination to have on the floor at the same time.
There was some discussion on what "freedom" meant in Stoudamire's system. I think we're starting to see that. Stoudamire is giving the guys a long leash in terms of taking their defender off the bounce, or taking shots from 3 if they have the space. I don't know how many coaches would let Ndongo shoot 3s, but Stoudamire doesn't seem to have an issue with it. Our guys are getting license to create their shots. One thing it that stands out so far is this isn't a rigid system. Stoudamire has set parameters in terms of spacing and ball movement, but he's giving guys "freedom" inside those parameters if they feel they can beat their defender.
Reeves is probably our early season MVP. He's been everywhere on the court, makes plays from inside and outside of the arc, and does whatever needs to be done. He's averaging career highs up and down the stat sheet...that includes FG shooting, from the 3, and rebounding.
Think about this. We've seen glimpses from each player how good they can be in Stoudamire's system. Guys are still finding their footing and comfort zones on each end of the floor. One of our biggest transfers, Abram, is still figuring it out but he has the talent to easily be a double digit scorer on any given night. If we continue to improve, and we can get Terry back, and Abram finds his form, this may be one of the most dangerous teams in the conference on any given night. As good as we played against Duke, I think the ceiling is MUCH MUCH higher than how we played against them.
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