In Reply to: What will Cronin do? posted by ej on January 29, 2025 at 09:47:01
That's a great question, ej, and I think the big one before us right now.
There's a sort of feeling out period we're in now. Mid-year and now our PG has emerged in Andrews, now our Center has emerged in Mara. Those two things offer significant advantages and improvements. But matchups are key and different strengths match up better or worse against different challenges.
So I think at this point, Mick is going to to experiment some with different combos.
I think you nailed it on the 4 spot, ej. Cronin does worry - said today in his presser - about forcing Dailey (our overall best player) to try to guard 3s, maybe going from a quickness and athleticism advantage at the 4 spot to a deficit at the 3. (He said he thinks Dailey will adjust and will get there but it's different for him now.
I think we'll see Bilodeau at both the 5 and 4; Dailey at both the 3 and 4. Think we'll see Mara with Bilo (4) and with Dailey (4).
Also, back court - playing with the combinations. Andrews with Clark, with Mack, Clark with Mack and with Perry. Johnson at the 3, at the 2.
I think he's going to look to be able to match up against the different opponents upcoming now but also - and perhaps more important - to gain more clarity on how different combinations of players will mesh.
Saw an article earlier this season about how the HC on the Miami Heat of the NBA could just call "UCLA" to get Kevin Love and Jaime Jaquez off the bench and into the game together. I think Cronin will look for the confidence in understanding what players to bring in together for maximum effect against opposing lineups with different strengths: height; quickness; power inside; 3 point shooting outside.