DEFENSE!!

[BBFran]

That game was a defensive game from the get go, and I loved it! Not because I don't enjoy a fast paced offensive game, but because it's obvious that the players are really taking to heart the effort needed on the other side of the ball. When you can shut down a team as good and big as Hawai'i it gives you a lot of confidence.

Putting aside the horrendous free throw shooting, that was a very, very satisfying win.

Now we step up in class again. Wisconsin is the best team on the schedule except for Memphis. I don't think the Panthers can take the Badgers in Madison, but I also don't see this being a blowout like last year. That was the aberrant game of the entire season, and I'm sure the seniors want to make a better showing. Play defense like they did last night, and they will.

By the way, I noticed a couple Badger players at the Arena last night. It's obvious they have a lot of afection for RJ. He builds strong relationships with his recruits; that will pay off for the Panthers as he has the opportunity to get out there and recruit as a head coach.

[milwsport]

That was the best display of defense I've EVER seen the Panthers put on. It's quite clear that RJ knows what he's doing.

[Kingsbury]

I agree, that was probably the best D I have ever seen the Panther's play. Every player was lock down except for Ford who didn't see a minute of action in the second half and rightfully so. Granted, we have to take Ford for what he is, but seeing Hawaii's big man get positon on him every time down the court makes me just shake my head and wonder, "Why can't Ford do that."

[coldwind]

I think this is the year they pull it out.

As long as Pancrantz and Bendall aren't expected to give them anything,and in Bendall's case,don't play at all.

[mcdadenets50]

coldwind said:

As long as Pancrantz and Bendall aren't expected to give them anything,and in Bendall's case,don't play at all.

I expect a solid 6 - 10 minutes of hard nose defense from Pancratz every game. Anything he does offensively is a bonus.

Pancratz has proven his worth. Panther fans should give him his due.

[Kroener3535]

I am actually surprised Pancratz hasnt seen more minutes...he saw alot of minutes last year or at least more so than he is getting this year

[coldwind]

With the problems they've had on offense at times,I'm not surprised at all.


The fact Bendall has seen the floor scares me

[teddyp00]

I just think that there are too many other guys on the team that can offer more on the court than Mark can at this point. His offensive game has not grown at all over the past several years and he is not getting any quicker or growing any more to give him a greater edge on defense. I think many fans do give him his due but we live in a what have you done for me lately and he has not really done much to earn more than 10 min. a game.

Now before someone attacks me on this I will say that neither have Ford or McCoy, but they are our biggest guys and there are times where we need size on the court.

[panthers6thman]

The D will be huge for us down the stretch and the offense will come around but we forced 20 turnovers without one full court press that's what is most impressive to me. I think Hawaii was a good test with their inside height. Wisconsin has the same and though they might rely on posting up more often I think A.T. gained some confidence that he can not only contest shots from the big guys but he can also score on them at the other end. He mades some very steller moves last night!!

[lucidfateaway]

i would like to see fans feelings on this topic considering he was the one on the hawaii thread saying "Defense?" and then acting as though we don't have one. Please share with us.

[Hack]

I'm thinking that fan's comments were sarcastic. At least I'm hoping they were ... because if you can't see a vast improvement defensively from previous years, you're watching a completely different game than I am.

[fan]

I almost missed that you were referring to me. If you look at my later posts on the same thread I cited our team as playing very good defense. At the same time, I did find that Hawaii played terrible. Sensely just didn't see the ball. Avo played lights out and in another post I cite his greatness. The other 4 guys on the court only have to cover half of it when Avo is out there.

In summary, the comment was made somewhat in sarcasm but I hadn't seen any defensive performances near as good as this one. I agree Hack that our past year's defenses haven't been good either but the swing needs at least an above average defense to compliment it.

[lucidfateaway]

Well i called you out to get your thoughts and recieved them, i figured you were posting some sarcasm, thanx for clarifying, i agree that Avery has half the court covered. All i know is the Hawaii game and the one before was giving me flash-backs of the mid-season form of the Panthers.

[TBone]

Giving up 50% shooting and around 40% from the arc in the first three games isn't exactly good all-around defense in my opinion. In fact, we're still giving up a .460 clip to the opponents shooting the ball which is far from stellar. Defense isn't all about steals, contesting shots is huge, and teams are shooting far too well against us IMO.

Yes, it looks like they've tightened it down a great deal, but I can certainly see why people would question the defense up to this point of the season. Last two games have been much better.

[formerseasonticketholder]

I'm really surprised to see that so many of you don't think the Panthers have played good D in recent years. IMHO, strong defensive efforts both from individuals and the team as a whole contributed to many wins under Bruce Pearl and Bo Ryan.
Also, although things weren't as good as we may have liked early on, this group is starting to come together as a team before our eyes and I think it's starting to look like defense will be an important part of a lot of Panther victories this season.