Andrew Strait gets Griz playing their way
Andrew Strait's performance against NAU makes two strong showings in a row for the big fella. No, it wasn't a Hibachi game filled with spectacular plays and a game winner. It was just Drew quietly doing what he does, which is getting the ball and consistently making baskets. Strait was 11-11 from the field, leading all scorers with 23.
The Griz came out and forced their game plan on the Lumberjacks like a teacher forcing students to do a lesson plan they don't want to do. Andrew Strait score 7 of UM's first 10 points and 11 of their first 23. The Griz fed him down low continuously and he kept putting up points.
Not only did Strait have UM back on their style of play, he was also playing his by getting to the basket and not settling for jumpers or hooks. Nine of Strait's 11 field goals came on either layups or dunks.
Force feeding drew down low is essential for the Griz to play at the level their capable of. In many of their losses they, Strait wasn't getting enough attempts and guards were jacking up threes. It's good to see them playing the way the team is suited to play and once again taking advantage of their most talented player.
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Andrew Strait's performance against NAU makes two strong showings in a row for the big fella. No, it wasn't a Hibachi game filled with spectacular plays and a game winner. It was just Drew quietly doing what he does, which is getting the ball and consistently making baskets. Strait was 11-11 from the field, leading all scorers with 23.
The Griz came out and forced their game plan on the Lumberjacks like a teacher forcing students to do a lesson plan they don't want to do. Andrew Strait score 7 of UM's first 10 points and 11 of their first 23. The Griz fed him down low continuously and he kept putting up points.
Not only did Strait have UM back on their style of play, he was also playing his by getting to the basket and not settling for jumpers or hooks. Nine of Strait's 11 field goals came on either layups or dunks.
Force feeding drew down low is essential for the Griz to play at the level their capable of. In many of their losses they, Strait wasn't getting enough attempts and guards were jacking up threes. It's good to see them playing the way the team is suited to play and once again taking advantage of their most talented player.
http://www.grizzoulian.com/admin/trackback/21796
Check the season stats. Starting with Virginia Tech, the Griz have NOT figured out how to rip a zone diagonally (think veer or wing T) or from the sideline. Andrew’s a horse and no opponent has neutralized him with man-on D. But several teams have tripled him & thus also neutralized the sloooowww Griz outside ball reversal with their plodding baseline swing (good thing MM just decided to shoot over WSU...whew). The griz need a tight reverse rotate with a lightning quick diagonal pass on a backside block (from Jordan or Mike) to Andrew. Low. Close. Bingo. Coaches should watch video of the NAU women’s low block/screen zone offense. They know how to do it.
Andrew has been able to get his game going again, now that Tinkle has allowed Matt Martin, without doubt the best basketball IQ on the team, to take control of the outside scoring. The Griz may be able to get over the 500 win/loss blues, now that Martin's presence opens up the middle for Andrew.
Basketball fans that understand the game understand that Martin is the best player on the team, and can run the offense better than Kevin ever did. Hopefully, Tinkle finally understands that Martin is his BIG man, and Andrew is one heck of a little big man, who really should be playing a 3 or 4, but is forced to play the 5. He would make a GREAT 3 or 4, but is a darn GOOD 5. With Martin's ability to open up the middle, he makes Andrew even better.
Go Matt & Andrew
Good comments above.
Andrew "gets his" under the bucket when the rest of the team is allowed to spread the floor and clear the middle for him. If the guards don't ... as you put it ... "jack up" a few threes, there is no reason not to double-team 'Drew.
Of course, the guards have to hit some. So, OK. Run some plays for them. Give 'em some open looks. Let 'em take it to the hole and get to the line. Let the other team know early on that anyone on the floor is a threat. If guards aren't a valued part of the offense, they are reduced to spending the major part of the shot clock trying to force it in to Andrew in double-coverage, and then "jacking up" off-balance, defended, desperation long balls to avoid shot clock violations. No one ... Andrew included ... shoots a good percentage under those conditions.
In a more ideal situation for him, Andrew would be playing forward. At Montana, he's really playing out of position for his natural size and talent. He's not "a horse". He's a damn fine athlete with good moves. Not allowing the guards to spread the floor for him continually forces him to physically slug it out with two guys, often both bigger than he is. How desirable is that?
The Griz have a good guard corp. Martin's a natural shooter. Don't forget he made the all-tournament team as a freshman point guard. He hasn't been used to his fullest potential since. Ellis has great handle and gets to the hole. He needs to drive & dish, get to the line. Who knows how good Rundles could be? The kid is teriffic. Ask Dlhouy and Hasquett how they'd like a little more room to work. Those guys are great.
There are at least six guys on this team that can step up and be the guy. That's how it should work. With talent like Montana has this year, anointing Andrew "our best player" and putting it all on him is inefficient, unrealistic, and poor planning. Basketball is a team game.
First off, thank you guys for commenting. These have definitely be the most interesting and insightful comments I've received on this site.
I definitely think this team is really getting going with the guard corps and Drew getting their games down.
Even with the talented guards, I don't think any of three can really create their own shot. Cam is the closest thing, he can drive and get himself open. Martin can just straight shoot, I mean he can shoot over people but he can't shake someone to get a good shot. Ellis is more of a pure PG, a Gary Payton type guy. Ellis' side prevents him from really being able to penetrate and finish. BE can, however, drive and dish to a big or kick it out to just about anyone. Seriously, look at this list of guys he could kick it to and have them knock it down: Cam, Martin, Dlouhy, Stads, Hasquet.
The development of Cam will be important. If his athleticism can draw more defenders Drew will lose that double. Gus Chase in the post and Hasquet in mid-range can also help the same way. This team is just extremely talented so if a couple guys can get going it will really open things up for everyone else. Once again, thanks for the insight. Glenn, I had no idea about the stuff you mentioned and jack thanks for really delving into all this. Your guys', and everyone else's, opinions are always welcome here.
Jack’s observations above regarding the Griz’ offensive potential hit the bullseye. Probably THE key to winning conference is offensive versatilty. When Dlouhy (a slasher) and Hasquet (an all-court threat) can find “a little more room to work” and/or are given some one-on routes (perhaps an overload shift) the Griz’d be lethal. This is the most (potentially) ‘potent’ squad I’ve seen since the Engellant-Kearney-Anderson years. Emphasis on potential. But with a true first-year coach, they’re ALL still putting the pieces together (hope it all fits!). Go Griz.