In Reply to: Black hole Bazz.* posted by wanabbruin on November 23, 2024 at 09:20:09
not sure that's a fair assessment this year.
Thoughts:
His freshman year, sure. Think he's made significant strides this year but two things -
- Mack is Mick's emergency valve on offense. When the offense bogs down, they get it to Mack to make something happen. So he bobs and weaves a bit to create space and then drives it to (or toward) the hoop.
- Also, that's what Mack does best - that bob and weave around a bit and take advantage of what that makes happen.
I'd rather focus on the much quicker and better ball movement in the half court offense this season. It's a different team. This year has Bilodeau, Dailey, Johnson and a plethora of guards. It has multiple guys who have shot 39% or better from outside at the college level. Lots of motion and quick, multiple passes lead to open looks a high percentage of the time. But when that gets blocked and the clock is running down, you have to do something and Mack is a guy who can often make things happen.
Yes, he needs to continue to improve in finding opportunities to pass it off when the defense collapses on him. (There were a couple drives last night when he ignored an open front line player and just barreled it inside to try to force up a shot or get a foul called - he hoped. Tunnel vision on those plays. But he's focusing on learning to do that more - his connection with Mara is obvious.
Anyway, given his role - which includes being the safety valve when the half court hasn't produced anything and it's getting late in the shot clock - I think he's coming along and his role in tight situations is important also