W: Home vs. Upper Iowa, 83-58
Box Score
POTG (Player of the Game): Jordan Clarke
Jordan Clarke with a tough left-shoulder drop-step finishes for two.
And the 2011-2012 season is underway for the Drake Bulldogs. After a disappointing exhibition loss to DII Quincy, Drake started off the games that count with a victory. It wasn’t pretty, but 1-0 is 1-0.
Slow starters again, Drake remained pretty inconsistent. Similar to last season, a mid-second half lull allowed their opponent back in the game. I know this team is still young, but developing that killer instinct to crush the confidence of lesser opponents is a big step in learning how to win consistently.
The Offense
All the stats look good – 83 points, 52% from the field, 42% from three, but the Bulldogs still have a long way to go.
I am encouraged by the way they started the game, not because they were making shots, but because of the movement. Even better, movement with a purpose. Players were flowing and the ball skipped from side-to-side. It didn’t lead to a lot of points, but this is the type of offense Drake must run in order to compete with better teams.
People often underestimate the importance of everyone getting touches on offense. For guys like Clarke, Kraidon Woods, and Ben Simons, touching the ball everytime down the floor will drastically increase their efficiency.
Look, we know the point guard brings the ball up the floor and Rayvonte Rice is the focal point of the offense. As it should be. But to get more out of the other players, touches are a must.
Simons has a great offensive skill set, but he is a not a shot creator (yet). He’s a flow guy – someone who can get hot and put up 20 in a hurry. How can he do that? Running off screens and staying in the flow of the offense. Shooters need touches. Moving. Getting kickouts. Touches.
Same goes for Clarke and Woods. Neither guy will carry the team offensively, but both provide a mentality and toughness this Drake team needs. Keep these guys involved on the offensive end, touching the ball and actively moving – its funny how offensive rebound totals and efficiency will magically increase.
As encouraging as the ‘flow’ was in the first half, I was disappointed to see ‘same old, same old’ in the second. We saw perimeter passing, ball screens, and standing.
Passing and ball screens are good, but each player isn’t putting pressure on the defense. Back cuts, movement, and putting people in a position to score exhaust defenses and lead to easy looks. You don’t always reap the benefits in the first 10-12 minutes. Sometimes it takes 30-35 to get those easy buckets.
Game-high scorer Aaron Hawley slams in two of his 23.
Now, true, the Bulldogs scored more points in the second half. As they should. Drake has superior athletes, size, and skill. Against a team like Upper Iowa, it takes time to impose your will. But scrapping movement for 1-on-1 play is almost too easy for a talented DI.
Regardless, I am encouraged. I thought Karl Madison played well. He did the simple things necessary for Drake to win. Kept his turnovers in check, scored a little, played good defense. All great attributes for a point guard. As his career progresses, I’d like to see him create shots for others more consistently. For someone with Karl’s skillset, a three-point bomber like Ben and an athletic big like Kraidon should lead to a plethora of assists.
The Defense
The return of David Smith, Clarke, and Woods proved invaluable on the defensive side of the ball. That being said, I wasn’t overly impressed with how Drake finished possessions.
The Bulldogs forced some turnovers and at times were very committed to stopping the opponent. Unfortunately, periodic breakdowns and mental lapses led to a few easy baskets from inferior opponents.
Again, allowing “bunnies” may not be the difference against a D II opponent. Valley games on the road are a different story.
At least the effort was there. The team stayed intense and wanted to compete on defense. My hope – as players continue to get healthy, defensive focus and intensity will become a mainstay for Phelps’ bunch.
POTG
Eleven points, eight rebounds, three steals (an underestimate IMO) and a whole lot of toughness. Jordan physically imposed his will on both ends of the floor.
He receives my POTG vote, not for his statistics, but the mentality you expect from a team captain.
Outlook
This Drake team has cause to make excuses: injuries, suspensions, adjusting to a new coaching staff, inexperience, etc. Unfortunately, excuses only lead to emptiness and dejection.
What I’m looking forward to is an improvement in attitude. These players have always been part of someone else’s’ team. Two years ago, they rode the Josh Young express. Last year, freshman and sophomores followed Ryan Wedel.
Now, these Drake players look the part. They are bigger, stronger, faster. The starting lineup last night went 5’10,” 6’7”, 6’8”, 6’7”, 6’9”. That is not a mid-major ballclub.
The size and the talent are in place. Yes, there are injuries. Yes, the last two games were unfortunate situations. But if you have a winning attitude, excuses won’t matter.
We saw progress from exhibition 1 to season’s beginning. Continued progress is all we can ask.
Tuesday night will be a great test of the Bulldog’s resolve.
