Hoops

Womens Asian Champs - aus vs jpn

Ebzery fumbles the ball way too much, sure she was trying to get to the basket, but she isn’t a good PG, she doesn’t organise anything, they struggled when Mitchell was off the court

She flew straight home from a WNBA season in which she carried a big load, and finished 3rd in the league in 3P% so yeah, I can forgive her for not being at the peak of her game this tournament. In terms of ball handling, decision making, scoring ability, and general poise & leadership she is still a clear standout over our next options.
(Having said that, Griffin is similarly clearly in front at her forward spot as well, so I can't knock anyone who thinks she should take the import spot. I also can't knock anyone who thinks Sami should have it because she makes so much else happen offensively even when not looking for her own shot, and right now our offense is even more of a concern than our D IMO)

Mitchell has had a rough tournament but she is well ahead of Lavey as a player

Mitchell has had a rough tournament but she is well ahead of Lavey as a player

Red84- Agree, but the other problem is that we choose to switch the on-ball and that then leaves a scramble rotation to get the small guard (Mitchell or Ebzery) back to some sort of match up that is reasonable. Rotation ends up with open three pointers which the Japanese eventually started to hit.

Mike, a big problem for our guards was that they had to fight through screens set and reset by japan bigs. Often these screens were poorly set, leaning in to bump/obtruct our guards. The refs would not call it.

Why keep playing small guards who won't defend? Nicholson showed something in the 2.5 minutes she got.

Motohashi - the speedy PG has been outstanding. Tososhika, the centre has dominated inside. Here i have to say her screen setting should attract fouls - for some reason the refs did not call barges she performed to get contact. But i give her credit for playing her role. In contrast George kepg fouling inside and onky made an impact with her step out 3s.

The japanese are outworking our girls big time Far, far busier setting screens, running players off them. More high low action. Better constructed plays. Better finishing. More second chance points.

66-57. Some defensive boards would be good.

Lakers are 1-5 without Pau Gasol this season

Where are all those Kobe fanboi's telling me how Kobe is way more important than Pau?

Lakers are 1-11 when Kobe scores 30 or more. That speaks for itself.