Baseball Blog

I don’t get to see that many games in person. Fortunately when I do go, I get a unique perspective of sitting very close to the bench. Earlier this year at Clemson, I witnessed the team’s frustration and confusion. This game, while still a loss, was much more encouraging. The guys worked hard throughout, the defensive confusion was limited and the offense had more purpose. The reason we lost wasn’t because the team gave up or didn’t fight back. Tech was a bad match up and just played better. I don’t think we will steal the ACC Tourney in some sort of miracle run, but I do think we will end up with a record above .500 and in the NIT. Here are my thoughts on the game. Leave your own in the comments.

Likes
– Jackson playing like a point guard. 10 assists for 3 turnovers is very encouraging. He’s still letting too much time expire on certain possessions and still chucked a few too many, but he is developing.
– Trapani’s big shots. I have killed him for taking too many 3s, so I have to give him credit for making them today. In fact, his shots closer to the basket — including an awkward finger roll — were more forced. Trapani’s D was also good.
– Our 3/4s press with Elmore. It threw off their timing. I wish we would use it more.

Dislikes
– Interior Defense. Southern, Ravenel and Dunn all struggled against Tech’s talented big men. We were coming with late double teams, but it wasn’t enough help.
– Turnovers in transition. This cost us some easy buckets.
– Forcing shots inside. Like the FSU game we too often challenge their shot blockers instead of waiting for the extra pass.

P.S. Those who follow my Twitter account know that Matt Ryan and Dr. J were both at the game. It was nice to have their support and a reminder to keep the faith even during rough seasons.

I don’t get to see that many games in person. Fortunately when I do go, I get a unique perspective of sitting very close to the bench. Earlier this year at Clemson, I witnessed the team’s frustration and confusion. This game, while still a loss, was much more encouraging. The guys worked hard throughout, the defensive confusion was limited and the offense had more purpose. The reason we lost wasn’t because the team gave up or didn’t fight back. Tech was a bad match up and just played better. I don’t think we will steal the ACC Tourney in some sort of miracle run, but I do think we will end up with a record above .500 and in the NIT. Here are my thoughts on the game. Leave your own in the comments.

Likes
– Jackson playing like a point guard. 10 assists for 3 turnovers is very encouraging. He’s still letting too much time expire on certain possessions and still chucked a few too many, but he is developing.
– Trapani’s big shots. I have killed him for taking too many 3s, so I have to give him credit for making them today. In fact, his shots closer to the basket — including an awkward finger roll — were more forced. Trapani’s D was also good.
– Our 3/4s press with Elmore. It threw off their timing. I wish we would use it more.

Dislikes
– Interior Defense. Southern, Ravenel and Dunn all struggled against Tech’s talented big men. We were coming with late double teams, but it wasn’t enough help.
– Turnovers in transition. This cost us some easy buckets.
– Forcing shots inside. Like the FSU game we too often challenge their shot blockers instead of waiting for the extra pass.

P.S. Those who follow my Twitter account know that Matt Ryan and Dr. J were both at the game. It was nice to have their support and a reminder to keep the faith even during rough seasons.