A skeptic might be tempted to conclude that this offensive approach was what Rick Pitino had in mind for the University of Louisville basketball team with the recent benching and suspension of Chris Jones.
Probably beside the point because it’s starting to sound like the suspension wasn’t totally Pitino’s decision alone, as if he may have run afoul of some external constraints.
This game had an odd feel to it from the start, with the crowd of 26,000 Syracuse fans sitting on its collective hands until the Orange claimed a 48-47 lead with nine minutes to go. That was largely due to some major defensive gaffes by Chinanu Onuaku and Montrezl Harrell. Syracuse would outlast UofL, 69-59.
Pitino’s offensive approach has always been somewhat confusing, with no apparent rhyme or reason or long-term consistency. All that ball movement on the perimeter, intended to create open lanes to the basket. The only time it seems to work is when Terry Rozier or Chris Jones breaks ranks and drives to the basket, either for a shot or a dump off to Harrell.
But if the open man is Wayne Blackshear or David Levitch, they’re not going to shoot, just give the ball back. Harrell, good for 15 points in the first half, will play along in the second half, with the merry-go-round approach. Blackshear will rarely create his opportunities on his own, content with the pass-and-catch-and-pass.
At any rate, Quentin Snider running the Pitino offense well enough to give Louisville a shot at a win. With Snider at the point, UofL would have 15 assists. Four for Snider, four for Harrell, three for Rozier, and three for Onuaku. If Pitino wanted his team to share the ball more, he did accomplish that.
Shouldn’t have expected Shaqquan Aaron — the top-ranked freshman recruit — to emerge. Too obvious, expecting him to play a role. He does not see the floor, too busy filling in for Chris Jones’ old spot on the bench. The forgotten man this game, prompting questions nobody in the media will dare pose to an angry losing coach after the game
Jones wasn’t there so he can’t be blamed for the loss, at least in this observer’s mind. For some others he will serve as a convenient scapegoat.
Pitino, out of character, referring to Jones at one point as a knucklehead in a post-game interview. He will have a lot of second thoughts about that reference. If the season continues downhill, he may have some other second thoughts about other things.
I actually was encouraged by Rick’s use of “knucklehead” to describe Jones. To let the boys know their decisions/actions were goofy or not well thought out, my son’s scoutmaster regularly used this term. The way he used it and the way Rick used it were with a little lightness in their tone of voice, i.e., not at all condemning….as if to say, “Hey, I love you kid, but that was a goofy thing to do.” At least I hope that’s the way Jones heard it. Nevertheless, Jones has some easily activated devils in his emotional arsenal. There’s a good chance we’ll see them come forward again before he leaves UofL. Let’s hope Jones can give them up for Lent!
Tom, I like your optimism. You just never know how kids will react these days.
The way things are trending we fans must take care of ourselves; so before the coming games I advise that we eat well and stay fit and rested.
True, Rick, very true. Thanks for the chuckle.