Hoops

Theory: 36ers trained too hard after Perth?

Anon, I wasn't saying the heat cost them the game but if they play on those conditions, recovery is a lot more important than breaking balls at practice.

My point exactly Paul, and its not just at a high level either.

The old saying about a great team being better than a team of great players is so true.

Not sure if you guys were aware but it was 36 degrees in Perth last Saturday. Obviously both teams needed to play in the heat but it would be common sense to me to let the players recover properly rather than bust their arses at practice. Possibly explains the second half fade-out?

Couldnt agree more loco, but its not always the case.

Just like the fact the owner of a business will do the little extra things for their customers that a paid employee may not do.

We have all seen it before with teams. I guess its summed up as 'chemistry' some great teams have it and some other teams (that look like they should be great) just dont

I'm not disagreeing with the notion of teams bonding by any stretch, but they're supposed to be professionals. It shouldn't matter if you play Xbox Thursday nights with the guy to your left - you still go out and do what you're paid to do.

To me it looked like the players were there not because they WANTED to be but because they HAD to be (ie because they were getting paid)Not sure whos fault that is - ure the coach made some decisions that didnt work but if your team hasnt got their heart in it its a pretty tough job.

It just seems that there was no chemistry between the group, no passion for the team. They were just going through the motions. For all his shortcomings Cooper to me is the only one who always busts his arse. Probably because he knows hes not quite at the standard these days he makes sure he blocks out, dives on loose balls, sets a solid screen. Yeah he gets shown up at times for a lack of talent but you cant say he doesnt get the most he can from his talent.

Leadership is one thing and something you cant switch on or off - you just have it (Worthington) and passion is another. Surely the guys should be wanting to help make each other - and as a result the team - better? At the moment its a team of individuals.

Do the guys actually interact much away from the court? Maybe they just need a good old fashioed bonding session, have a few beers, play some pool, talk crap and get to know each other away from the Dome? Amazing the extra lengths you will go for someone you actually know (and like)

In answer to the topic question:

No, the Sixers did not train too hard. If they had, they might have known where to stand and what to do at Wednesday's game!

Is there anything preventing Scotty from putting Eric Burdon into the rotation?

If you want to increase your perimeter threat, why not have that option on the bench?

Stop... playing... zone... defence...

And get Ng to create his own shots, instead of relying on open 3's. The man can shoot the lights out when he wants to.

And considering how Hill and Herbert have been playing, i'd considering starting Holmes at the 3 spot when Burtson comes back into the side. The man has a good jump shot and is a great post player.

All good ideas Bill, especially screens for Ng and pick and pop for Ballinger (you're right Mutley, needs to earn Balls at the mo). I really dislike the aimless motion offence the Sixers run. Create some mismatches and force the defence to play to your strengths FFS!

By the way, for those that have seen Groves and Hill and others play a lot of times over the years, can either of them shoot the long range shot adequately? Is one significantly better than the other? Or are they both strictly shoot off the dribble 14' and in guys?

Given that there won't be any changes to team you have to change your offence or mix it up a bit.
Ng is your best perimeter option, so as has been mentioned you need to screen and double screen for him.
If Gilchrist isn't going to puil up and launch it, defense is able to take away the driving lane. So I don't understand why an onball scrren wouldn't create a mismatch for both Gilchrist and Ballinger (the screener).
I have always thought Ballinger is best facing basket, he can postup but only if he is marked by a leadfoot. He's more a finesse player.
Can Groves post up? He seems fairly athletic.

Point being what you are doing at present isn't working and need to explore other options.

Didn't Herbert light us up last year for 20+ when he was on the Dragons? And didn't he shoot a bunch of threes as part of that? I'd be happy to see some of that any time he's ready... :)

(My +1 was to Mutley)

^^^ +1 to all of the above. Ballinger trying to contest the 5 spot at either end of the floor is having a hugely detrimental effect to our game. The Sixers look much better with a legit center taking the heat off of him.

I'm never big on turning on a coach, but everything I've read above is spot on to be honest. Bevo should be coaching this team.

For mind I think it was mostly player issues - I think Cortez played well when he attacked that basket ... as did Hill.

I think Gilly needed to attack the basket more and shoot less - his jumpshot is Hodge-esque.

Conversly - I think Balls needed to step out a bit more and shoot more jumpers cos he is a good jumper shooter. It is hard for him without Burstons cos he needs to be down low more but he looks best when he can mix up his inside/outside game.

It was our inability to shutdown the 3 point shot - Kendall and Wortho.

Ninnis should have used more time-outs ... but he learnt from the best when it comes to not calling time-outs.

Side-note: My intense dislike for Wortington increased after Wednesday ... I loathe that smug half snear/half smile he always has on his face ... ahhh - i'm getting mad just thinking about it.

Yeah i agree here, i think the blame needs to be shared, i really dont think that Ninnis should get off scott free, nor do i think the players should either, but at some point someone should have HTFU and got stuck into it..

be it the coach or a player...i have seen more heart from teams i have coached and played in, and they have had far less to play for then these guys...

yesterday i was all for having a hard look at the coach, and i still will be looking alot harder in decisions made, but there needs to be an on court guy that knows his role and does it...

Hill and Grooves were good..the rest left a little to be desired, ballinger needs more of the ball which again makes me think the offence is set wrong or the PG is not doing his job, which again tells me a coach does not have control..

Yes - he did train them hard, and they did look flat.

(Although - as Burston just said - a 30point loss should have the reverse affect.)