Consider an opposing team's options once the ball is fed inside [to Sullinger]: 1) Double-down off...

Consider an opposing team's options once the ball is fed inside [to Sullinger]:

1) Double-down off of Diebler, who (according to Synergy scouting data) scores at a 1.53 points-per-possession clip in unguarded catch-and-shoot situations.
2) Double-down off of Lighty, who scores 1.26 PPP in unguarded catch-and-shoot situations.
3) Run Lauderdale's man across the lane to seal off Sullinger's left shoulder ... leaving Lauderdale, a 1.70 PPP scorer at point-blank range, wide open.
4) Cover Sullinger one-on-one in the post, where he scores 1.12 PPP.

Unless your defense can recover in time not to leave Sullinger's teammates open after a double-team, the most efficient choice might just be to single-cover him in the post. When that's your best available option, you're not in great shape...

Luke Winn | COLLEGE BASKETBALL POWER RANKINGS The most current (but pre-OSU/Wisc.) set of Winn's power rankings. He examines the difficulties presented by having to guard Jared Sullinger.

over 1 year ago Con-T 12 comments 0 recs |

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Really Interesting

but does he score 1.12 PPP with Derrick Nix guarding him? I’m willing to bet that number is higher when we have anybody but Delvon on him.

by one23 on Feb 14, 2011 10:17 AM CST reply actions

Here are the leading non-Sullinger minutes guys and their 3-point percentages: Diebler (48%), Lighty (41%), Buford (44%) and Craft (42%). MSU’s current rank in 3-pt. percentage defense: 38.6% (all games, #326 nationally)/42.6% (conf. only, 11th in conference).

Talk about pick your poison. It may in fact be MSU’s best bet, within reason, to guard Sullinger straight up with the understanding that he’s going to get his points. Not an encouraging prospect.

by Con-T on Feb 14, 2011 10:42 AM CST reply actions

And that's why they've only lost one game all year long

They’re good defensively and can score very efficiently from just about any position.

by TheCrestedHelm on Feb 14, 2011 11:31 AM CST reply actions

Two things

One, why did Lauderdale only play 2 mins against Wisconsin?

Two, the good news is that Taylor went off against OSU, hopefully those avenues will be open to Lucas as well.

by Drew Perkins on Feb 14, 2011 11:38 AM CST reply actions

Sounds like Roe is questionable for Tuesday night

My guess is that he goes but Roe is clearly hurting and not 100%:
From Adam Ruff of Spartan Radio’s twitter:

Coach Izzo says that Delvon has not practiced since Thursday. He is “a question mark at best” for tomorrow.

Also, StateNews picked up this:

Izzo said he wants to go at Sullinger in different ways. Big guys (Nix), more finesse/positioning (Sherman) and long and athletic (Payne).

Sounds smart to me.

"And how much are intangibles worth? 10%? 20%?" - kj@theonlycolors

by intrpdtrvlr on Feb 14, 2011 11:40 AM CST reply actions

I hope that works . . . .

by SpartanBoiler on Feb 14, 2011 5:09 PM CST up reply actions

Hopefully at least one of the three will?

"And how much are intangibles worth? 10%? 20%?" - kj@theonlycolors

by intrpdtrvlr on Feb 14, 2011 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

hey joe

says roe wouldnt check sullinger anyways.

More from Izzo. The big thing with Roe is that he’ll be checking David Lighty (and other perimeter guys) if he plays. Roe does not have the bulk/length to mess around with Jared Sullinger. Izzo said he’ll be throwing his centers at Sullinger — Nix, Sherman, Payne.

im not sure you want roe guarding a perimeter guy if his knee isnt at what his “100%” is. that side to side movement wouldnt be good.

by tbone521 on Feb 14, 2011 1:04 PM CST reply actions

Call me crazy

but I kinda think Payne might do okay against Sullinger. From what I’ve seen of Sullinger play, I think Payne’s size and long arms could give him issues.

Disclaimer: I’m not in any way predicting success, I was just thinking about potential matchups, and that one doesn’t seem as bad as some of the others. I think Nix might have 2 fouls before the 18 minute mark.

by wbrianr on Feb 14, 2011 8:24 PM CST reply actions