In its first game after the Cancun Challenge, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team shot the lights out of the gym and crushed Morgan State 83-63 on Sunday afternoon.
Tech was trading blows with the Bears for most of the first half, and then Adam Smith happened. Sparked by a barrage of Smith three balls, he hit a trio of trifectas in the span of 71 seconds, the Hokies pulled away and never looked back.
Smith had 22 points, Devin Wilson had 11 assists (10 of which came in the first half) and the offense flowed all afternoon. While there were plenty of positives to take away from the performance, the best thing in my eyes was watching this team improve over the course of its three most recent games.
The Hokies knocked down shot after shot, and their ability to get open opportunities while also closing out on Morgan State was something that Buzz Williams highlighted post-game.
"We can't allow the ball to get to the paint, ball get's to the paint it's going to force rotation," Williams explained. "If it doesn't force rotation that means you're between the ball and the basket and that means that you should be able to contest those shots.
"One of our whiteboard stats is contested shots versus uncontested shots for both teams. So how many shots did they shoot that they would call practice shots, how many shots did we shoot that we would call practice shots and the numbers were really, really good for a long period of time. Probably as good as they've been."
This was the second game in a row that Smith set the hoop ablaze off the bench, and it will be interesting to see how sustainable his scoring prowess is going forward. He won't always get looks as open as he's been getting them, but as of now he gives the team a nice spark as a substitute.
Tech was overpowered on the offensive glass again (the Bears had 19 offensive rebounds but only 10 second chance points), and that's the biggest problem that needs fixing this season. While he didn't have an answer for giving up so many offensive boards, Williams did drop some interesting insight into his philosophy about his team looking for second chances offensively.
"We're not sending a lot of guys to the glass, because we're so small," Williams said. "We want to make sure that we're not giving up points in transition. A little San Antonio Spur-esq in that we want to be last in offensive rebounding and first in defensive transition.
"And we're pretty good in defensive transition. The answer is not for us to get more offensive rebounds, the answer is for them to not get as many."
I hope to do a statistical deep dive soon to help illustrate what this team does well that may not always show up in the box score, but that's something that I've started to notice. Outside of the Liberty game, we haven't seen a ton of Hokie opponents get easy buckets in transition. It may not amount to anything as the season goes along, but if Buzz's crew can make ACC opponents work for every shot they'll be a headache for everyone.
Paint touches, everyone's new favorite made-up stat, will continue to be a point of emphasis this season. At one point in time with five or so minutes to go in the game, Smith looked like he wanted to jack up another triple but was serenaded with "PAINT TOUCHES, PAINT TOUCHES!" from the coaching staff before he even caught the ball.
Channeling my inner Bud Foster, Will Johnston played his nuts off for 15 minutes today. He even played that fourth guard position (aka, the one that defends the power forward) and boxed out incredibly well. If I had to guess, he's not going to be a guy that we see a ton of come January, but I know that when we do the team will get a little grittier.
Both Satchel Pierce and Jalen Hudson didn't see a moment of action in the first half, and each ended the game with a career low in minutes played. I'm not particularly shocked that Pierce is seeing his minutes wane against certain teams. Like Liberty, the Bears frequently played small and tried to drag Tech's big man away from the basket. Pierce already isn't the fleetest of foot, and combine that with needing the center to protect the rim it just wasn't a great matchup for him.
I'm a little more interested in Hudson. Buzz fluctuates his rotation depending on the matchup, or based on other factors like effort in practice, but I would have thought that a game against a smaller team is right in the freshman's wheelhouse. I'm not going to speculate any further, but it will be interesting to see how much he plays Hudson against Penn State on Wednesday.
Cancun Challenge Review
The trip to Cancun was an experience that would sound familiar to many of us. Tech made some mistakes, got smashed on their first day in town and rallied back to have a memorable experience before they went home.
Playing two games in Mexico the Hokies were steamrolled in game one, losing 54-73 to Northern Iowa. All was not lost, though, as Buzz Williams and company came back in the consolation game and blew past Miami (OH) 78-63.
The excursion south of the border served to remind all of us both the strengths and the weaknesses of this team. The Panthers are a team with a rotation full of upperclassmen (their normal rotation consisted of four seniors, three juniors and a sophomore), and they moved the ball accordingly. Seniors Seth Tuttle and Marvin Singleton had success down low, both for themselves and for others as the found consistently open men around the three-point arc.
It's going to be a problem for Tech all year. Northern Iowa runs a three-guard system and is also undersized, yet they found success inside. I thought that Joey van Zegeren had a much better game defensively than you'd think. He boxed out his man consistently and took out the biggest rebounding threat on the opposing team (Tuttle), after he does that, it's often other people's job to go grab the loose ball. I don't think anything illustrates this problem more than the fact that Wilson grabbed the same number of defensive boards as Justin Bibbs, Ahmed Hill, Pierce and Hudson combined.
Offensively, it seemed like post touches were a priority and JVZ definitely made the most of his opportunities (7-10 from the field, 15 points in 25 minutes). He took what he could get despite physical defense from Tuttle (who could play at many ACC schools), but the Panthers ran a 2-3 zone that really limited everyone else on the floor. I thought that NIU came out with a very smart plan to close out quickly on Bibbs, which limited his chances to both catch-and-shoot and create, which lead to a relatively stagnant offense.
Miami is a lesser quality opponent than Northern Iowa, but still posed a unique challenge to the Hokies in the consolation game. They had a senior guard in Will Sullivan who's very dangerous coming off of screens (something that a few Tech players have struggled with this year), and a jittery point guard in Eric Washington who can wreck havoc in the lane.
Luckily for Buzz's bunch, Washington was suspended for the first half and without him the Redhawks could hardly breathe offensively. Tech didn't allow their opponent to get into the paint and dominated the half. With Washington back Miami actually outpaced the Hokies in the second half. It is, however, pretty hard to mount a comeback after scoring 17 points in 20 minutes of basketball, and could never overcome the deficit.
In a trend that would continue against Morgan State, the ball barely stopped moving for Tech and it lead to a ton of baskets, particularly for Bibbs and Smith. Hill wasn't credited with an assist, but got into the paint and was able to make some things happen offensively.
While the games against Miami and Morgan State were promising, it wasn't perfect and continues to be a work in progress (have you heard that before?). They turned the ball over a ton against the Redhawks (22 times) and though they had just five in the first half against the Bears, the Hokies ended with 19.
Sometimes when you're shooting at a blazing pace it can cover up mistakes, and Tech has been en fuego lately (18-26 from distance in their last three halves). Is it something that can hold up as conference play arrives? Probably not, but these numbers show the ability to knock down open shots. A team that can knock down open shots and defend at least possesses a friskiness that has been missing come ACC play over the past few years.
I know people want more than frisky, but right now it's a step in the right direction.
Comments
Thanks for the extended recap. I can't be the only one who hasn't caught every minute of game action
I usually watch the replay later since most of these games are at 3 or 4 in the morning for me.
What I hear is an excuse for not being committed, bro.
^^^
Im with ya. Ive wanted to watch more just been busy as hell.
While some might get distracted by an occasional 'loss that should have been a win', it takes only the tiniest bit of effort to see that this team is dramatically improved over the past few years. Fundamentals, big improvement. Grasping the concept of basketball metrics, off the chart improvement. Perfect example - previous coaches would have looked at Adam Smith and said - 'He needs to start & play more minutes', while Buzz understands the reason Smith can get his hot hand is because he's not as burdened with the 'responsibilities of starting'. He can come in as a source of offense, and not burn out.
See, it is seemingly little factors like that which add up to a greatly improved program. Good analysis above on Buzz focusing on previously unmentioned factors of the game, along with his explanation. Just as with 'paint touches', I told you folks that was Buzz's biggest offensive metric! It is so because it impacts how the defense reacts, and as an offense you want the defense reacting, not dictating to you.
We'll lose some more OOC games, but we'll win some more, too. The W-L record doesn't affect me at all this season, other than hoping for it to be higher for Buzz's sake. If it is low, that is no problem, as long as we continue to improve, and play smart 'current' (not outdated) basketball.
Paint touches, they're a beautiful thing!
Somebody on twitter, I think Jeff Goodman, said after our loss to App St. that this was going to a tough year for Buzz. I responded that a tough year for Buzz is a good year for Hokie fans since it is such an improvement over the past few years.
Okay, so what's going on with Henry starting and not JvZ? Yet JvZ getting more minutes?
Motivational?
Here, you can listen to Buzz explain it, as well as why Adam Smith is coming off the bench. Also, folks should focus on what Buzz says about the various components of the game, his thoughts on the various stats.
REMEMBER - everything Buzz says, he says for a reason. There is a purpose behind the comments. Lots of spoken messages, if folks will listen to them. Great clip linked below!
http://www.hokiesports.com/videos/#!/videos/all/83ancwcjr9P3Nn0Mz4yt5YGV...
I've watched 4 games this year and have felt pretty good about the direction the program is heading, but after watching this post-game interview, I'm feeling great about things. Buzz seems like he's 100% in tune with the interpersonal aspect of the team, and knows the players already in year 1. Can't wait to see how things go around year 3 when he has his guys and a couple of years to REALLY know the minds of our players.
Also, very importantly, you can also see the players buying into his concepts. I heard Wilson talking about paint touches in an interview last week. Buzz seems to get woven into his guys pretty deeply, as you said, and I think he not only will have their full support, but that his program culture weeds out really quickly those (Trevor Thompson) who don't buy in, which speeds the process.
It's clear in that video that there are several points Buzz wanted to make, most of which were messages to the players. I really like that aspect of his personality.
I also greatly appreciate the time he takes to explain WHY his metrics matter. Why paint touches matter, why contested shots are important, why defensive rebounds aren't as important as most think. The guy will give you a coaching clinic if you just listen, really listen not just hear, his interviews.
Finally got to watch the clip. Buzz touched on alot of the same stuff tonight on Tech Talk Live. He had a particularly great answer about things they are going to be improving starting shortly in the practice facilities, weight room, offices, and other team areas. He also addressed the turnovers and second chances so it was good to hear him addressing some of my main concerns. He even put a number to it that I hadn't looked at and gave an example of how he explains it to the team to make it simple. Apparently we are turning the ball over on 25% of our possessions. Pretty ugly number. Really recommend checking out TTL if you get a chance. I would post a link but I am on my phone.
I posted a link to some of his comments on a new thread. Details on his vision of the future of the conferences, as well as some of his thoughts on upgrading the facilities. It's very enlightening stuff...
The previous problem with listening to TTL is that there was zero information ever given there by anyone except Jim Weaver, and the last couple of years it was painful hearing him speak. Not because he dodged questions - he did, somewhat - but because he had no vision and also because of his physical malady. As for every other guest on there, it was all mind numbing coachspeak.
Is Dickie V writing for us now?
Good read. Missed the last two games due to travel but hope to watch both tonight if they are still on ESPN3
Morgan St is, but Miami was on CBS Sports so it won't be. I'm sure you could find a replay if you scour google hard enough though.
TOP THREE
1) Driving the ball to the hoop: The Hokies werent able to do this much against Northern Iowa and it showed, but they came out early against Miami(OH) taking the ball to the hoop. It created open shots, got the Redhawks in early foul trouble, and helped establish an early lead. They were able to continue this aggressive driving against Morgan State and were quickly in control of the game, never to look back. Even the last four minutes of the Morgan State game, Devin really closed out the game by blowing past the top guard and had several easy layups as well as getting to the line and hitting his free throws. Continuing to utilize this weapon with the guards we have on the roster will be critical come the ACC slate.
2) Big Men establishing control of the paint: Brian mentioned how well JVZ did against Seth Tuttle in the loss to Northern Iowa. All three "big men" did an excellent job of defending the paint and creating offensive opportunities down low. JVZ was much better at finishing the offensive opportunities than was Henry and Pierce but the fact that they were able to get open looks down low is a big start towards being able to rely on about 20 points and 18 rebounds per game from the three big men. The last three games we got 16.6 ppg, 12.6 rpg and 4.6 bpg from this trio which is much more than I expected at this point. They also did an excellent job of keeping the top players on the other side below their season averages for points and rebounds.
3) Ability to hit the outside shot: Tech in the last three games is a combined 29/55 from outside the Arc. Much of this can be contributed to Adam Smith and Bibbs but everyone has played a part in shooting over 52% from the three. Being this consistent helps open up opportunities down low or at least the space to drive into the lane more readily. I would expect this number to regress some over the next month but if we can maintain above 40% I will be extremely happy.
BOTTOM THREE
1) Free Throw Shooting While Tech did slide a surprising game in on us from the line during the Miami(OH), this continues to haunt the Hokies. We have seen improvements from JVZ and Devin in that they are trying to shoot every shot the same way but work is still needed. Tech is a dreadful 36-54. Could it be worse? Sure, but shooting 66.6% from the line is just not acceptable, even for a team this young. JVZ is shooting a dreadful 39% so far this year, but maybe even more surprising is that the second worst on the roster is Jalen Hudson at 47%(8-17). For someone that aspires to be a point guard, he needs to take a lesson from Devin and clean up his shooting. Devin has the second best percentage shooting on the team at 75% so a great improvement over last season. I still would expect a point guard to shoot better than 80%, especially in the ACC.
2) Sloppy play in the middle of the second half: In the last two games, with double digit leads in hand, our young players have taken mental breaks from the game. This has led to a ramp up in turnovers, allowing the opponent uncontested shots, and the leads to shrink significantly. It seems to rear its head about the ten minute remaining mark in the game and depending on how Buzz handles substitutions, it goes on for 4 to 6 minutes. Against the level of competition of Miami and Morgan State, we can afford this but against an ACC opponent, we might find ourselves in a hole we cant climb out of. The Morgan State lead shrunk from 23 down to 12, while the Miami lead shrunk from 13 down to 4 before Buzz made changes that got us back on track. In the Miami game especially, I loved watching Buzz coach up the youngsters by pulling them all off the court, coached them right at his seat, and then sent them all back in to finish the game. It gives the kids confidence that the coach corrected them and trusted them to fix it right away.
3) Turnovers/Second Chance Points: The turnovers continue to be way too high, especially as we inch closer to the ACC slate. Right now Tech is averaging 15 turnovers a game. The Miami game was our high water mark so far with 22 turnovers. The only saving grace in that game was that we created 22 turnovers in exchange. Buzz has got to find a way to cut down on these mistakes. One big area of concern is our big men and moving screens. It seems to be an emphasis for the officials this season so our big men need to ensure they set their pick stationary before moving back into the lane. We seem to get three or four of these calls per game so far.
Second chance points have more to do with our inability to rebound on the defensive end than turnovers but combined these two areas are having a significant impact on the score of these games. Our biggest weakness is having someone on the backside of opponent shots to gather the rebounds. Too often the big man down low is to the front of the basket to prevent the easy drive to the hoop and none of our four guards position backside in the event of a missed shot. Devin did a good job of this positioning in the first half of the Morgan State game, which got him 6 rebounds in the half.
Just to give you an idea of what the point totals are between turnovers and second chance points.
Morgan State scored 26 points out of 63
Miami(OH) scored 33 points out of 63
Northern Iowa scored 22 points out of 73
Appalachian State scored 40 points out of 65
Liberty scored 24 points out of 63
UMES scored 14 points out of 46
You can see by the UMES score that when we limit our turnovers it has a drastic effect on the number of points our opponents put up. The other concern on the second chance points is how many of those points come via the free throw line, which double whammies us by getting our bigs in foul trouble as they deal with in close put backs off rebounds.
The bottom line though is we are seeing improvements in quite a few areas in a very short window. Buzz has been able to implement some changes from game to game which is not something we ever saw in the last few years. Hopefully Henry can develop some offensive identity so we reliably have three big men to rotate by the time we hit the ACC slate.
Thanks for the solid analysis. One stat jumped out at me big time - AppState scored 40 of their 65 points from turnovers & second chance shots. Way above the rest of the games, that would explain the loss. For those that didn't attend, our players' relative inattention at large segments of that game would in turn explain the resulting turnovers & lack of hustle allowing the opponent second chance shots.
All part of the learning process, though.
We're really going to need to get our FT% up by ACC play. That will cost us a couple of critical games otherwise, and we need every game that we can win. Agreed on the need for Devin to push his % on up past 80%, too. Hard work will get it there.
With Buzz's attention to detail, why do you think the free throw shooting is not a point of emphasis....especially JVZ? If JVZ could put in the work and become just a 60-65% shooter, it would make a huge difference in not only his game, but the other factors would fall into place as well. It appears to be overlooked/accepted and I don't get it.
There has been emphasis on it. JVZ is now utilizing a standard shot form to take his free throws. It hasnt translated yet to in game performance but it shows it is being worked on. There is also difficulty in hitting shots from distance for some players. Look at Shaq as a free throw shooter. Years of time to improve and yet there was barely any improvement throughout the years. Its also apparent that they worked with Devin on his shot as well and thats shown vast improvement as he is now shooting 75%. As for being accepted by the staff, if Buzz had a better option in the middle than JVZ, than he would likely be on the bench, but this team lacks depth so he has to play.
Check out the link I posted above this morning. When you listen to Buzz discussing JVZ's FT shooting, you'll have his thoughts on the matter.
Does anyone else have a good feeling about this season?
I always thought that Buzzketball would be headed in the right direction by next year with all the new recruits he's brought in, but it seems like he's taken this potential and sped up the process to where we can be good this year.
Yes, we're undersized, but if we can keep shooting the lights out, and playing Buzz Williams style basketball in general, what will stop us from doing better than .500 in ACC play?
I originally had thought that we would be close to .500 in the ACC this season, but in watching us play, the lack of a true big men rotation is going to haunt us come ACC play. This is why I consider the development of Henry on offense a critical component for the ACC Slate. Any game where the bigs get in foul trouble will allow for an ACC opponent to score at will in the paint unfortunately which even with lights out shooting will be tough to overcome. I do however still expect to see us win somewhere in the 5-6 games range in ACC play.
That would be an example of the overreaction that I hope fans avoid. It's one thing to shoot lights out against weak OOC teams, much different to accomplish that against Duke, UNC, UofL, Syracuse, et al.
We have a LONG way to go before we are 'good' in the sense of top of ACC. That is just a completely unrealistic expectation to harbor. Wrap your mind around us being hopeful of winning four ACC games, and nine OOC games. Then proclaim THAT to be a good season. If we do better than that, we've had a great season. Make that your mantra and do not waver from that mantra. Forget about winning records in ACC play or overall. Look for four ACC wins and nine OOC wins. Regain perspective.
The lack of players of ACC size at the C/F positions is going to be our albatross. JVZ is up to the task of competing in the ACC, but you can tell he is still a bit raw. Pierce and Henry are not even close to ready. Until we get some size in an upcoming recruiting class (although Clarke plays bigger than he is listed) or JUCO to bolster the ranks, we shouldn't expect more than the 5-6 ACC wins mentioned by others.
We just need quality numbers at the 4-spot. As is now, we have very few fouls to give. JVZ is a good role player, but we need two more like him. Paige will be like him two years from now. We need at least three 4's that are of that caliber or higher, though.