I know my posts tend to run long, and there’s always so much to say. So, in an effort to spare those of you who take the time to read my stuff, I’ll try to keep this one to bullet points.
Huge win. Not just for the Bruins, but for the conference as well. Bottom line, one of our best beat one of their best.
Big out-of-conference games: I was hoping for 2 out of 3 against Arizona, Texas, and Gonzaga. I guess I got greedy. All three were winnable. The next two should give the Bruins a crowd advantage, and while it’s still early, these games matter when it comes to tournament seeding. I’ve already talked about the huge difference between landing a 6 seed versus a 7 seed.
EDJ: This is exactly what we need from him. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but he didn’t disappear, either. When the jumper isn’t falling, we need him to contribute through hustle, rebounding, and leadership. He did that.
Booker: I’d still love to see more rebounds, but at the end of the day, he knocked down some terrific shots. I also think we need to make a more concerted effort to get him the ball in the post when the pick-and-roll forces a smaller defender onto him. There were a few times we missed that opportunity. He’s already shown that little jump hook is money.
Kustu: What’s the over/under on when he finally knocks down his first 3? Game 3? 😂 Seriously, keep shooting, Kustu! If that part of his game ever comes around, watch out.
Philon: New favorite player!
Perry: He may not be a traditional point guard, but as I said before the season, I think he’ll get the job done. I expect we’ll continue to see improvement as he gets more comfortable.
Petty and Stink: Just what the doctor ordered.
My last point is the longest, and it’s something I’m still thinking about.
Cronin finally has a team that looks capable of playing the way he wants. The defensive intensity, the willingness to swarm the ball, and the overall effort are encouraging.
But I think the success we had against Krivas can be viewed as both a positive and a potential concern. Does the way the Bruins defended him reinforce Cronin’s belief that he doesn’t need a legitimate big man to compete at the highest level?
I hope not.
As good as the Bruins looked, I still believe other elite teams will find ways to exploit a defense that commits so heavily to swarming the ball. Against the right opponent, that approach can leave you vulnerable, especially to the 3-point shot.
Great game. Go Bruins!