Free Throw shooting has been markedly improved in recent wins

I will say it’s often hard to figure this team out. I characterize them as a streaky offensive team that’s mediocre on defense. That’s strange since Mike’s calling card has been pressure defense.

I do like the improvement in FTs, and I think they’ve figured out that they can’t just be the Barford and Macon show. Darious Hall is getting better and CJ Jones needs improvement, but he’s not a liability on every level every time he steps on the floor.

Defensively, I see that they have improved a bit, but still are occasionally slow when it comes to rotating against shooters, so they give up some open shots and easy penetration with that.

There are two adjustments that I like from the coaching staff. They’ve implemented a moderately effective half court defense when the press is getting broken easily, and they make sure they move a lot more on offense so guys can get open more when the game slows down.

I will admit that I do like Mike defending his guys when talking to the media. His primary loyalty should be to his players, not the media.

I think the biggest things that can help are rotating better on defense and if CJ Jones finally gets hot like he was early in the season, the offense will really open up.

Also want to point out - having rough stretches early in conference play and finishing strong isn't atypical for CMA. I think it's partly by design. Not that he's telling them to lose games in January, but there's something to be said for figuring the team out now, and peaking at the right time.

One thing I've noticed in the past few games is our movement without the ball. During our rough stretch nobody was cutting or setting screens. The last few games I've seen a much better effort spreading the floor and moving the ball.

I'm hoping this game will be the turning point for the team. They can be so talented if they just trust one another.