Interesting article by WaPo on the Herd. Fancy that.. An actual WaPo article that HN may like.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...sparks-a-cinderella-run-that-might-have-legs/
Here's an excerpt...
"Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State team couldn’t handle that continuous action Friday: the Shockers allowed opponents to score .83 points per pick and roll, which ranked 279th nationally.
So what happens next? Marshall’s second-round opponent, West Virginia — while better than Wichita State at .76 points per pick and roll — has struggled containing dribble penetration and the sort of perimeter spacing caused by pick and rolls. Neither does West Virginia guard the three-point line very well; the Mountaineers allow teams to connect on 37 percent of their threes, and those same opponents have been able to get sufficient three-point attempts (38 percent 3FGA rate). Translation: West Virginia could be ripe for yet another upset.
And beyond that? Alabama would be an ideal Sweet 16 foe: the Crimson Tide aren’t any better at defending pick and roll possessions, allowing .77 points per possession, and they invite teams to take a high percentage of shots from three. But Marshall would more likely face No. 1 seed Villanova: the one team in the East region that perfectly matches up with the Herd. Jay Wright’s squad utilizes several small-ball lineups, each equipped to switch every action on the perimeter (.73 points per pick and roll, 110th in Division I), and the Wildcats have the requisite foot speed to stay with Elmore and the other Marshall guards and then help off and recover as the Herd attempt to create those angles.
Still, D’Antoni’s squad is well positioned to stay alive until next weekend. The Herd has the both talent — and the NBA-influenced game plan — to remain the ultimate Cinderella.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...sparks-a-cinderella-run-that-might-have-legs/
Here's an excerpt...
"Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State team couldn’t handle that continuous action Friday: the Shockers allowed opponents to score .83 points per pick and roll, which ranked 279th nationally.
So what happens next? Marshall’s second-round opponent, West Virginia — while better than Wichita State at .76 points per pick and roll — has struggled containing dribble penetration and the sort of perimeter spacing caused by pick and rolls. Neither does West Virginia guard the three-point line very well; the Mountaineers allow teams to connect on 37 percent of their threes, and those same opponents have been able to get sufficient three-point attempts (38 percent 3FGA rate). Translation: West Virginia could be ripe for yet another upset.
And beyond that? Alabama would be an ideal Sweet 16 foe: the Crimson Tide aren’t any better at defending pick and roll possessions, allowing .77 points per possession, and they invite teams to take a high percentage of shots from three. But Marshall would more likely face No. 1 seed Villanova: the one team in the East region that perfectly matches up with the Herd. Jay Wright’s squad utilizes several small-ball lineups, each equipped to switch every action on the perimeter (.73 points per pick and roll, 110th in Division I), and the Wildcats have the requisite foot speed to stay with Elmore and the other Marshall guards and then help off and recover as the Herd attempt to create those angles.
Still, D’Antoni’s squad is well positioned to stay alive until next weekend. The Herd has the both talent — and the NBA-influenced game plan — to remain the ultimate Cinderella.
