Vs Davidson Tuesday

[plydogg]

So from the game yesterday. Did anybody else notice that the post game handshake and conversation between Mooney and McKillop seemed incredibly long? I rewound it a few times because it seemed to go nearly a minute as opposed to a 10-15 second thing where both coaches say one thing then move on. McKillop’s body language made it seem that he was unhappy with something Mooney or the Spiders did or at the refs (which would be ironic given the repeated breaks they gave Davidson). Was wondering if anybody else noticed or had any idea what went on during that conversation

 

[97spiderfan]

last year we complained that Grant wasn't defending ... probably to save himself for the offensive end and to stay out of foul trouble. now we're giving him breaks and his defense is 100% better. and we're winning. but we want to give him less breaks?

All I'm saying is there are situations where Mooney in my opinion has gotten so rigid with his Grant substitution pattern that it does not reflect the reality of the game.

First half, last night was one of those times. Davidson had zero answer for Grant on the low post and he was our only real offensive weapon in the early going and Davidson was hot. And then Mooney takes the hot hand out repeatedly.

Fortunately for us, Davidson went cold, otherwise we could have gotten into a hole that we might not have been able to get out of. All, the while, our most effective offensive weapon is on the bench resting.

There is no doubt the rest strategy has worked well for Grant, but I just can't believe a D-1 college basketball player with 4 years of college level conditioning, can only play a max of 3-4 minutes of time without a break. Yes, ideally, we get him his rest if the game situation allows for it, but in situations like last night, it could have turned out much differently had Davidson been able to continue to light it up offensively.

We all know Mooney is about as rigid and regimented as they come with some of his in game strategies, I just hope that one of the assistants is able to see the game flow in some situations and tell coach, he might need to keep Grant out there for longer stretches.

 

[spider fan]

So from the game yesterday. Did anybody else notice that the post game handshake and conversation between Mooney and McKillop seemed incredibly long? I rewound it a few times because it seemed to go nearly a minute as opposed to a 10-15 second thing where both coaches say one thing then move on. McKillop’s body language made it seem that he was unhappy with something Mooney or the Spiders did or at the refs (which would be ironic given the repeated breaks they gave Davidson). Was wondering if anybody else noticed or had any idea what went on during that conversation

Yes - the pregame handshake/talk went on for awhile as well. Took it as positive in both the before and after game scenarios. It is a sign of mutual respect. McKillop called off the fouling with over a minute left in the game. Mooney said no more shots even though the possession clock would expire before the game clock.

 

[plydogg]

Yes - the pregame handshake/talk went on for awhile as well. Took it as positive in both the before and after game scenarios. It is a sign of mutual respect. McKillop called off the fouling with over a minute left in the game. Mooney said no more shots even though the possession clock would expire before the game clock.

Thank you for the insight. Not sure I can recall seeing one that long before but also not something I usually notice or pay attention to.

 

[SFspidur]

Yeah, I definitely noticed it. I thought it seemed like a respectful conversation, but TV didn’t have a great view of McKillop’s face.

 

[64Spider]

It took longer because Mooney offered a handshake and McKillop wanted to do a fist bump. Then they figured they were supposed to do a forearm bump but didn’t quite pull it off. Or something like that.
Funny to watch.

 

[Gallipoli]

I imagine that McKillop was congratulating Mooney on his team's season.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

Maybe McKillop was saying "Congratulations on second place in the A10. Please do more with your NIT bid than we did last year."

 

[LKNSPIDER]

From the Davidson message board:
Re: In Game – At Richmond

• Quote

Post by bagelcat » Tue Mar 03, 2020 8:58 pm

Mooney is classy; he talked to Bob fora good while and with Kellan for a few seconds. Seemed to be mutual admiration.
they have played above their weight this season; we haven't.

 

[spiderman]

First half, last night was one of those times. Davidson had zero answer for Grant on the low post and he was our only real offensive weapon in the early going and Davidson was hot. And then Mooney takes the hot hand out repeatedly.

he does seem to like that early sub for Grant. but if Grant didn't get his 2nd foul, he would have played more at the end of the 1st half. Mooney didn't want him getting his 3rd before the break. that's pretty standard thinking.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

I've been a big fan of the load management this year. These guys are going to be fresh for the grind of next week.
Jacob is still playing a ton, but he looks like he's got a lot more pep than he did down the stretch last season.

He sure sounded like he just woke up on Bob Black this morning, though.

 

[MrTbone]

A couple observations on the game.

Sherod was absolute stones in crunch time. That was fun to watch, but I saw a couple other things of interest.

Golden could do whatever he wanted on offense. It was frustrating to see him only get 22 minutes. I get Mooney wants to keep him fresh, but this game was nip and tuck for about 32 minutes last night and a lot of that time, we had our best player on the bench resting.

I feel this is going to come back and bite us at some point. Mooney has gotten really rigid with Grant substitutions, literally he does not play more than a 3 minute stretch at a time. Is he really not in any better conditioning shape to play more than 20-25 minutes per game. Most games he is such a difference maker on both ends of the court and his subs (Grace and Sal) are clearly a significant step down when he has to go out. Reminds me of Deion Taylor offense-defense substitution of a few years back where Mooney gets it in his head that this is what he has to do, regardless of game situation.

Also, thought Woj played some great minutes. He had a couple man rebounds and really sparked our play. Cayo had a strong game which cut down on Burton's time.

He had two fouls in the first half, and was sitting to protect him not rest him. I’m ok with the strategy, it’s been working. Hopefully CM is able to identify and adjust when the plan isn’t working.

 

[SpiderK]

I've been a big fan of the load management this year. These guys are going to be fresh for the grind of next week.
Jacob is still playing a ton, but he looks like he's got a lot more pep than he did down the stretch last season.

He sure sounded like he just woke up on Bob Black this morning, though.

Lol no doubt Gilly had just woke up, and was fighting going back to sleep during Black’s interview.

 

[spider fan]

Another observation about Mooney - McKillop.............CM was wearing a tie at the game unlike in a number of recent games...wondered if it had anything to do with knowing that McKillop "dresses to the nines"? Irrelevant but did cross my mind.............

 

[SouthJerseySpiderFan]

The constant movement with Mooney's offense was a pleasure to watch. Stark contrast to David having a difficult time.

And at what minute mark did UR finally get a 3? Blake I think? Nice to be in games without relying on 3s.

 

[nathanw19]

From the Davidson message board:
Re: In Game – At Richmond

• Quote

Post by bagelcat » Tue Mar 03, 2020 8:58 pm

Mooney is classy; he talked to Bob fora good while and with Kellan for a few seconds. Seemed to be mutual admiration.
they have played above their weight this season; we haven't.

Is that a fat joke?