Barnes will also have to realize that he does not have a single go to guy this year and is going to have to open up the offense and pay attention to match ups. This is a lot of work because match ups vary from game to game. There need to be plays designed to get shots for Damion and Connor.

I don’t know that pairing up Dex in the low post and Gary at the high post is going to work that well. Here are the problems that I see with that approach:
* Gary is unlikely to pass the ball to Dex
* Dex and his defender clog up the middle which will make it difficult for Gary to drive after he fakes the 15 footer.

When Gary is playing, I like to see the middle empty to facilitate his driving or posting up on the low post (should the opposition D choose to guard him with a small forward type). I definitely agree with going to Gary quite a bit when he is in the game.

Regarding Abrams running off the double screens, I would like him to sometimes run off the screens and sometimes stop and set screens. For example, if Damion is setting the first screen, Abrams could (sometimes) stop and screen for Damion going for the rim. Mason could then throw the alley oop to Damion (who should be wide open because of the hedging by the D). This needs to be done to keep the D from selling out so much on Abrams and to take advantage of that sellout.

I’d also like to see screens by Abrams for Mason out front to facilitate Mason penetrating. The D will not switch the screen and Mason’s defender will not try to fight through the screen. Mason is an explosive jumper and just has to penetrate (and dish when possible).

When Mason shoots outside, he should just shoot a set shot. The D will give it to him and it is a lot easier to hit.

Trips, I think you’re asking a lot to think that Connor can be a passer as part of a triangle-style offense. The guy always has acted (and still does, based on the last three games) as though the basketball would explode in his hands if he held it too long.

I think you’re absolutely right in that this layout would help fix the sputter (especially with Balbay on the floor). I just don’t know if Connor can handle it the way you want. And I don’t know if Damion can either.

Connor is my weakside guy, looking for skips and kickouts. It may hurt us on the weakside glass with Damion playing strong in our sets, but that’s a trade off I’ll make if it means getting better looks.

We’ll have to bring our onions to beat Wisky.

Do you think we can win a game when we have to depend on Gary Johnson? I love the attitude, but can he step up more often?

What should I do about Conner? I know it was a tale of 2 halves, but Jesus, he was terrible in the first.

This reminds me of the Wisconsin game last year at home. Good thing we don’t play them this season. And good thing it’s not on the road.