Guess you haven't watched much UCF Hoops this year...as it was more what Tacko did (more importantly, DIDN'T DO) vs what Donnie did.
Many AAC teams this year have targeted Tacko on their offensive end...hence why in the Tulsa game, Tacko picked up 4 quick fouls in just 6 mins of play (Tacko did have 6 pts, 2 rebounds and 1 block), as AAC teams focused to get him off the court.
Tacko's stamina/conditioning has slowly improved...even without getting some mins in games when he has gotten into foul trouble...or when other teams place a tall 3 or a quick 4 at the center spot...who play much further away from the hoop and are obviously much quicker than Tacko...which made Tacko a defensive liability.
Tacko is slowly learning how to make legal screens (called for way too many offensive fouls), and making better decisions on D (keeping his arms straight up vs coming down which lead to fouls).
Tacko picked up a few extra mins yesterday when McBride was obviously not near 100%...but I think UCF fans saw a glimpse of the future...with BJ at the point...who is the best driving/scoring threat and passes at the PG spot...which would have lead to dozens of alley oop baskets for Tacko this year...but can't wait to see them next year (or BJ gets open looks to the hoop as defenders don't want to come off Tacko).
Team played hard again vs 1st placeTemple (both games came down to the final seconds) as I certainly wouldn't mind seeing UCF get another crack at Temple in the AAC Tourn.
so what exactly is your point? I guess you just want to spar again....
as you know, I'm a season ticket holder (you know because you sent me a personal message earlier this season asking about my season tics) and I've attended almost all of the home games...
now let's get to what counts....are you watching the same games I am? AAC teams, for the most part,
stay away from Tacko....penetration against him results in changed shot trajectory and/or blocked shots...when Tacko's not in the game, it becomes a layup fest for the opposition....and the main reason for this is, other than a couple of our C's, UCF is a soft team...no one is willing to mix it up...in fact, we get out muscled consistently when Tacko or Justin aren't in the game...
and if the opponent goes small then let their "big" guys shoot from the outside....there may be games they make shots and other they don't but it provides
us with the opportunity to
dominate on the offensive end....all season Donnie has tried to matchup with the opposition instead of forcing the opposition to match up with us....if they have a small lineup (Temple is a good example of that), we need to take it inside and dominate......in fact we should have 2 big guys on the floor at the same time with our best 3 perimeter all around (including defense) players.....if we can't play small ball successfully against AAC competition, and that's now proven, then the best way to dominate is going though the big guys on the offensive end...
but, as we've learned, unfortunately, Donnie is a terrible offensive basketball coach.....
lastly, does Tacko pick up some stupid fouls and does he need better conditioning....yes to both...but that's why you play him more...he'll learn by playing, not by sitting...the best learning for him is in game situations....so play him more and if he gets tired, push through it and if he draws some fouls, ok....better he plays 25 minutes with 5 fouls than 12 minutes with 3...if he wants to play more he'll learn how to stay on the floor without fouling....
anyway, enough sparing...I'm looking forward to Tacko getting more minutes and really learning the game under a new coach next year...the team should be a lot more fun to watch next year....
