WBB @ Idaho State

[lutecat]

Hopefully we solve this. Because if not, Idaho State just gave everyone else a blueprint on how to beat us.

I had the game on to listen to and the couple times I was able to watch the game, it looked like when we went to press, ISU just blew through it with speed and ended up with a numbers advantage which in effect became a fast break.

[rfischer94]

Hopefully we solve this. Because if not, Idaho State just gave everyone else a blueprint on how to beat us.

I had the game on to listen to and the couple times I was able to watch the game, it looked like when we went to press, ISU just blew through it with speed and ended up with a numbers advantage which in effect became a fast break.

That's how Suc State beat us last year on senior night. Ugh...

[MSU01]

Can't say I'm too surprised about this result with MSU going on the road to play a quality opponent that had two extra days to prepare. Weber on Saturday should easier and I'm confident that the Bobcats will take down ISU when they come to Bozeman next month!

[84CatGrad]

Well that was humbling. Credit to ISU, their defensive scheme was outstanding. Our half court offense was terrible, our free throw shooting was terrible, we took way too many threes. When Chirrick or Philip drive, the other players on the court don't seem to know what to do to make themselves available. We had ten more shots than ISU, and made ten fewer buckets. ISU also had more steals than us. A bad game, for sure.

Winning on the road in the Big Sky is tough. Put it in the rear view and let's go win at Weber.

[lutecat]

Sometimes I think we need to be quicker in the trigger to take 3's. If open shots aren't coming like normal then start launching a 3 when you have a 3 foot window, not just a 6 foot window.

[Bobcat4Ever]

I was worried about this game for one reason — coaching experience of the opponent. It’s no accident that veteran coaches often rise to the top. The Big Sky is pretty much an entry or early experience league for Division I coaches. Coach Binford (and crew) is our biggest advantage vs. many of the teams. But not so with Idaho State and it’s the reason they so often gave been a thorn in the Bobcat Paw.

I opined not long ago in a message to a friend that the way to beat the ‘Cats offensively is to deny the key and make them beat you with three-pointers. And Idaho State did exactly that, and stuck with it even when Jami- and Addi-son each dropped a pair of threes. Easier said than done, but Idaho State has the players, and above all, the coach (who shall not be named) to pull it off.

They also have the head coach of Portland State last year as an assistant. Her husband is also an assistant, who happens to be from MT.

Interesting. I’m not saying we got-outcoached, but for once it was a fair fight it seemed. Everyone will see the tape but won’t have the players to make it stick. And I’m quite sure we’ll be prepared. I’m not reading anything into this one game. Tired minds, maybe, more than tired legs. School’s back in session. But it just occurred to me during the game that coaching gets too often overlooked, unless it’s a bad game! I remember that pair from Portland State. Lots of Big Sky experience in that gym last night.

I’m more excited than ever to see how the ‘Cats will respond. Coach has been very complimentary in talking about her young team being sponges for coaching. It’s going to be fun to watch!

[Bobcat4Ever]

True, fair points. I forget how big some of these players are. I guess it was more about their tactics and ability to move our taller players out of position, as you said.

Yes, they are tall. In addition to the tall three, there are two at 6’1” and two at 6’0”. They run and fly around the court so well it’s hard to remember, especially in your case when you’ve not seen them in person. They are not big players like the N. Colorado center, but they can all swat away a careless shot. So they can be bodied — reference Ohio State last year — but the coaches have found solutions. Basketball, for me, is pure fun and entertainment, and this team really brings it.

[AlfredEBobcat]

So we saw a historical reenactment of Bin's teams at ISU (also see NDSU game film) that kinda drives me nuts at times: trouble with fundamental ball handling and passing. That is harsh to say, but I hope it is constructive, more than critical. Coach Bin is great in lots of things, and I am thankful for her and for our players! But we should never consistently turn the ball over 15-20+ times a game. That is a breakdown of fundamentals (the men's team is much better at keeping TOs low. Why?). Lot of TOs are unforced bc of carelessness, and panicking, or not knowing what to do (and experience, to a degree).

Our ladies have made a lot of outstanding plays, usually against weaker opponents, and it is fun to see. But where are the John Wooden, Pete Maravich fundamentals.... "never dribble higher than your waist and never below your knee when in trouble"; "never dribble without a purpose"- JW; "use a fake one way and pass in a different direction"-PM. What was learned and permanently etched when John Stockton was on the staff for a whole season at MSU? He NEVER "fancy dribbled" , such as behind his back or between his legs, but he always delivered the ball perfectly so it could be productive to the receiver. Receiving the ball in triple threat position is critical: catching it between the belt and solar plexus so can immediately pass, dribble, or shoot before the D can adjust. ...ala John Stockton. D is dependent on timing the Offence player; Offence players need to disrupt that timing. Keep the D off balance with ball movement. Our women look great when they do that. Its called good basketball.

Maybe Bin should have Jed Miller come and explain his fundamentals to the women. He is great at quick fakes, changing pace to keep the defense off balance, keeping the ball opposite of the defender, passing with a FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE TARGET (rather than throw it in the direction of a teammate and hope they end up with the ball like some of our women do). A bounce pass is often very effective; fundamentally it needs to travel 2/3 of the way to the target and in a manageable place... preferably triple threat position. I don't see our women do these things consistently or with that mindset. There are a few of them you are not surprised when they turn it over because of it... like dribbling the ball dangled too far out in front of themself and too high (= easy pickens).

Yes, we are not a strong rebounding team. That could be better. Height helps, but blocking out, hustle, and anticipation are factors that get results... EX.: Robert Ford III, Jed Miller, Taylee Chirrick, Jamison Philip play over their head.

And there is a saying that you should always break a press with a layup and make the D pay for pressing. NDSU, ISU last night, Ohio State did that. I hate seeing the ball break the press and then get held for setting up the Offense...which lets the D get set up. Grrrr.

Love our team and coaches! They are really good, but we can get better. Fundamentals first!

[nevadacat]

So we saw a historical reenactment of Bin's teams at ISU (also see NDSU game film) that kinda drives me nuts at times: trouble with fundamental ball handling and passing. That is harsh to say, but I hope it is constructive, more than critical. Coach Bin is great in lots of things, and I am thankful for her and for our players! But we should never consistently turn the ball over 15-20+ times a game. That is a breakdown of fundamentals (the men's team is much better at keeping TOs low. Why?). Lot of TOs are unforced bc of carelessness, and panicking, or not knowing what to do (and experience, to a degree).

Our ladies have made a lot of outstanding plays, usually against weaker opponents, and it is fun to see. But where are the John Wooden, Pete Maravich fundamentals.... "never dribble higher than your waist and never below your knee when in trouble"; "never dribble without a purpose"- JW; "use a fake one way and pass in a different direction"-PM. What was learned and permanently etched when John Stockton was on the staff for a whole season at MSU? He NEVER "fancy dribbled" , such as behind his back or between his legs, but he always delivered the ball perfectly so it could be productive to the receiver. Receiving the ball in triple threat position is critical: catching it between the belt and solar plexus so can immediately pass, dribble, or shoot before the D can adjust. ...ala John Stockton. D is dependent on timing the Offence player; Offence players need to disrupt that timing. Keep the D off balance with ball movement. Our women look great when they do that. Its called good basketball.

Maybe Bin should have Jed Miller come and explain his fundamentals to the women. He is great at quick fakes, changing pace to keep the defense off balance, keeping the ball opposite of the defender, passing with a FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE TARGET (rather than throw it in the direction of a teammate and hope they end up with the ball like some of our women do). A bounce pass is often very effective; fundamentally it needs to travel 2/3 of the way to the target and in a manageable place... preferably triple threat position. I don't see our women do these things consistently or with that mindset. There are a few of them you are not surprised when they turn it over because of it... like dribbling the ball dangled too far out in front of themself and too high (= easy pickens).

Yes, we are not a strong rebounding team. That could be better. Height helps, but blocking out, hustle, and anticipation are factors that get results... EX.: Robert Ford III, Jed Miller, Taylee Chirrick, Jamison Philip play over their head.

And there is a saying that you should always break a press with a layup and make the D pay for pressing. NDSU, ISU last night, Ohio State did that. I hate seeing the ball break the press and then get held for setting up the Offense...which lets the D get set up. Grrrr.

Love our team and coaches! They are really good, but we can get better. Fundamentals first!

As to rebounding, our ladies often bring the ball down to their waists, getting stripped or tied up. I rarely see a player chin the ball with elbows out and pivot.

[Helcat72]

So we saw a historical reenactment of Bin's teams at ISU (also see NDSU game film) that kinda drives me nuts at times: trouble with fundamental ball handling and passing. That is harsh to say, but I hope it is constructive, more than critical. Coach Bin is great in lots of things, and I am thankful for her and for our players! But we should never consistently turn the ball over 15-20+ times a game. That is a breakdown of fundamentals (the men's team is much better at keeping TOs low. Why?). Lot of TOs are unforced bc of carelessness, and panicking, or not knowing what to do (and experience, to a degree).

Our ladies have made a lot of outstanding plays, usually against weaker opponents, and it is fun to see. But where are the John Wooden, Pete Maravich fundamentals.... "never dribble higher than your waist and never below your knee when in trouble"; "never dribble without a purpose"- JW; "use a fake one way and pass in a different direction"-PM. What was learned and permanently etched when John Stockton was on the staff for a whole season at MSU? He NEVER "fancy dribbled" , such as behind his back or between his legs, but he always delivered the ball perfectly so it could be productive to the receiver. Receiving the ball in triple threat position is critical: catching it between the belt and solar plexus so can immediately pass, dribble, or shoot before the D can adjust. ...ala John Stockton. D is dependent on timing the Offence player; Offence players need to disrupt that timing. Keep the D off balance with ball movement. Our women look great when they do that. Its called good basketball.

Maybe Bin should have Jed Miller come and explain his fundamentals to the women. He is great at quick fakes, changing pace to keep the defense off balance, keeping the ball opposite of the defender, passing with a FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE TARGET (rather than throw it in the direction of a teammate and hope they end up with the ball like some of our women do). A bounce pass is often very effective; fundamentally it needs to travel 2/3 of the way to the target and in a manageable place... preferably triple threat position. I don't see our women do these things consistently or with that mindset. There are a few of them you are not surprised when they turn it over because of it... like dribbling the ball dangled too far out in front of themself and too high (= easy pickens).

Yes, we are not a strong rebounding team. That could be better. Height helps, but blocking out, hustle, and anticipation are factors that get results... EX.: Robert Ford III, Jed Miller, Taylee Chirrick, Jamison Philip play over their head.

And there is a saying that you should always break a press with a layup and make the D pay for pressing. NDSU, ISU last night, Ohio State did that. I hate seeing the ball break the press and then get held for setting up the Offense...which lets the D get set up. Grrrr.

Love our team and coaches! They are really good, but we can get better. Fundamentals first!

In my recollection, that is when Binford started winning or competing for league championships. I'm not sure what he taught them but ever since her teams have been near the top of the conference.

[4KornerKat]

So we saw a historical reenactment of Bin's teams at ISU (also see NDSU game film) that kinda drives me nuts at times: trouble with fundamental ball handling and passing. That is harsh to say, but I hope it is constructive, more than critical. Coach Bin is great in lots of things, and I am thankful for her and for our players! But we should never consistently turn the ball over 15-20+ times a game. That is a breakdown of fundamentals (the men's team is much better at keeping TOs low. Why?). Lot of TOs are unforced bc of carelessness, and panicking, or not knowing what to do (and experience, to a degree).

Our ladies have made a lot of outstanding plays, usually against weaker opponents, and it is fun to see. But where are the John Wooden, Pete Maravich fundamentals.... "never dribble higher than your waist and never below your knee when in trouble"; "never dribble without a purpose"- JW; "use a fake one way and pass in a different direction"-PM. What was learned and permanently etched when John Stockton was on the staff for a whole season at MSU? He NEVER "fancy dribbled" , such as behind his back or between his legs, but he always delivered the ball perfectly so it could be productive to the receiver. Receiving the ball in triple threat position is critical: catching it between the belt and solar plexus so can immediately pass, dribble, or shoot before the D can adjust. ...ala John Stockton. D is dependent on timing the Offence player; Offence players need to disrupt that timing. Keep the D off balance with ball movement. Our women look great when they do that. Its called good basketball.

Maybe Bin should have Jed Miller come and explain his fundamentals to the women. He is great at quick fakes, changing pace to keep the defense off balance, keeping the ball opposite of the defender, passing with a FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE TARGET (rather than throw it in the direction of a teammate and hope they end up with the ball like some of our women do). A bounce pass is often very effective; fundamentally it needs to travel 2/3 of the way to the target and in a manageable place... preferably triple threat position. I don't see our women do these things consistently or with that mindset. There are a few of them you are not surprised when they turn it over because of it... like dribbling the ball dangled too far out in front of themself and too high (= easy pickens).

Yes, we are not a strong rebounding team. That could be better. Height helps, but blocking out, hustle, and anticipation are factors that get results... EX.: Robert Ford III, Jed Miller, Taylee Chirrick, Jamison Philip play over their head.

And there is a saying that you should always break a press with a layup and make the D pay for pressing. NDSU, ISU last night, Ohio State did that. I hate seeing the ball break the press and then get held for setting up the Offense...which lets the D get set up. Grrrr.

Love our team and coaches! They are really good, but we can get better. Fundamentals first!

These are all very valid points. I agree that ball security is paramount.

I'd also say that even 4-5 years ago starting a freshman, along with having 3-4 more in the regular rotation, would be unheard of. I think Bin is doing an incredible job of adjusting to the times, and working to maximize potential of an incredibly young group. I think she is picking her battles on fundamentals while working for continuous improvement towards the end of the season.
We will have letdown games for sure, but the future is blindingly bright.