SFA (14-3, 5-1) vs. Incarnate Word (4-12, 1-4)

WHEN: JAN 18 (SAT) 4:30 P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+

After what in most years would be considered the first third of conference, the Lumberjacks are in first place at 5-1. This Keller led squad has done what his teams in the first three years couldn't - be the big dogs of the SLC. They have done it by cleaning out the bottom dwellers, and they have one more game against a terrible team before the tough middle of the season.

The Jacks have had their way with lesser teams all year, but in the last week, they have the same amount of points as their opponents - despite being heavily favored. Fouls and turnovers have been the culprit.

The Jacks lead the nation in forcing turnovers, but they themselves are in the top 10 worst teams for giving the ball away. SFA is currently the worst team in the conference at the line. The Southland may be bad generally at basketball, but they are one of the strongest conferences at shooting free throws. The discrepancy has cost the Lumberjacks one game and nearly a second.

Causing 20 turnovers a game isn't going to help if you give up one less. Letting teams get 10+ points than you at the line means trash teams keep up. Kevon and company have to get their fundamentals back in check.

The Cardinals are bad. Their one D1 win was a last minute win at home against UNO. They are below average in just about every stat, and they don't shoot the three well. On paper, it's a slaughter. However, teams are focusing on Kensmil as the weak link in the foul game... and it's working. UIW will try the same. SFA has to limit the silly fouls down low.

Roti and David have been playing the best over the last week. Let's hope the rest of the team plays with intensity at home in front of the double header crowd.

Axe 'em!

You can fix things quickly. I was a Coach for several years at the pre-high school level and taught players how to shoot. When I played, I was a 90%+ free throw shooter.
First, Keller has to set aside time at every practice for FT shooting, time for at least 100 per day (I don't know if he does this already, but if he isn't, he should). Free throw shooting is simply muscle memorization.
Second, and viewing this on the computer screen and not in person, the players are not finishing their free throws. You don't need to change your overall form, but you must apply and replicate technique. Using your legs to drive the ball and then finishing your shot at the top of your release. For example, look at Kevon when he releases his 3-ball and makes it. It is delivered freely and he completes the shot with form follow through with shoulders completely square. On his foul shots, he uses less of his lower body and places less emphasis on form. Players sometimes think that, because they are at 15 feet rather than 22 feet, they need less drive or weaker form because of the shortened distance. This is completely wrong. The top of the shot determines distance. You don't have to perform a jump shot from the foul line, but you could. I told my players to start the shot with your legs, keep the elbow tucked, flow through the shot without hesitation and pretend to grab the rim at release. Repetition will enable the player to determine a comfortable release point, which will also determine the appropriate arc.
Not every player is going to be a 90% FT shooter. But there is no excuse for a collegiate player to hit less than 70% of his/her free throws.
I saw one comment about Calvin and they were spot on. He shot puts the ball to rim. He needs to put the ball on his finger tips and should never go below the knuckle. He also needs more arc so the shot is softer.
On our 3 point shots, a few players could use better footwork. A good three point shooter needs to land at or slightly ahead of where he takes off. Roti and Oddyst are having a few issues because of their slight backward lean, and not landing properly.
Sorry for the rant, but the FT shooting drives me nuts. Thanks.

nacluth said:

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They have done it by cleaning out the bottom dwellers, and they have one more game against a terrible team before the tough middle of the season.

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I was going to say the same thing, as hesitant as I am about looking past anyone, but after UIW things are going to get tough.

ACU hits a harder schedule also in a few days. It gets tougher for all the front runners. I want to win all games but if we can win three out of the next four it wouldn't be bad.

Game day!!!! Time to get rowdy up in here!

We need a solid win and not play down to the competition. Time to get ruthless!

After a rainy morning, the sun's out. A good day to come out to the game.

Walked in behind Charlie Daniels. He seemed to be moving well. Hopefully that's a sign he's playing today.