Lack of fundamentals cost men

[mj4au]

A free throw is just that -- a chance for FREE points. This team's inability to hit free throws cost them an NCAA tourney bid and an NIT semi-finals match. It is too bad something so basic cost this team so much.

In this age of parity, little things separate many of the programs. Hitting free throws is one of the basic fundamentals and AU is terrible from the charity stripe. This has got to get corrected.

Hint: Let the players know that if they cant hit the foul shots, then they simply will sit on the bench. Take away playing time and I bet a player will correct the problem.

[ugahater]

Agree ALL, but, it was actually a haunting.

[dpwspringer2]

Maybe we can get Shaq to teach our players how to shoot free throws? All kidding aside, it is frustrating. Shooting free throws is simple and it is almost something that is in your head when you can't hit a reasonable average.

[demon42]

Alot of players have lost the ability to hit med range and free throw shots since all players want to do is dunk or hit 3's. There were several chances for good 2 point shots for leads or to tie the game and Auburn elected to shot 3's.

[AUTerp92]

Originally Posted by dpwspringer2

Maybe we can get Shaq to teach our players how to shoot free throws? All kidding aside, it is frustrating. Shooting free throws is simple and it is almost something that is in your head when you can't hit a reasonable average.

FT shooting is very mental...look at Tez...horrific during the year and great (perfect) in the NIT...form was very good and always has been. The worse thing you can do is get in a guy's head as a coach. Some players react well to a threat or challenge and some react better to encouragement...Lebo was a great FT shooter so I'm sure it is not a lack of instruction.

Great run at the end to put us into position for victory...if we had any TO's, one wonders if Lebo would have a different set-up for the victory. Still a great run to close out the year and have some energy around the program.

[jadennis]

Free throw loses:

Mercer - FT: 16-28, 57%, Lost by 4
Dayton - FT: 12-26, 46%, Lost by 1
Florida - FT: 10-21, 47%, Lost by 3
Vandy - FT: 7-15, 46%, Lost by 7

We win two of those games and we're NCAA tournament bound.

Baylor - FT: 13-21, 62%, Lost by 2

Last two misses aside, if we make at least 71% (which would mean we were ranked #100 in the country), we would have been tied at the end.

So, along with missing the NCAA tournament because of missed FTs, we now also miss the NIT Final Four because of them.

Great run at the end of the year though. At least made it exciting. I just hope this is a new trend for Lebo, not just a 14 game run.

[auwareagle]

Lebo has no offensive strategy... all the team does is chunk up 3's...

[Galen]

Originally Posted by auwareagle

Lebo has no offensive strategy... all the team does is chunk up 3's...

He'll get another year. But after next season's predictable slide to 6-10 or worse in the SEC will AU have sense enough to move on and do something different?

Jacobs is on the verge of having AU become irrelevant in ALL sports. He must be fired. Today would be too late.

[dpwspringer2]

Originally Posted by Galen

He'll get another year. But after next season's predictable slide to 6-10 or worse in the SEC will AU have sense enough to move on and do something different?

Jacobs is on the verge of having AU become irrelevant in ALL sports. He must be fired. Today would be too late.

Funny thing about predictions is they are just predictions. I pay way more attention to football and have seen how the football writers predictions for who will win the SEC each year have worked out... not all that impressive for so called experts.

[auross]

Korvotny Barber did more than his share to blow the game. Early on, he missed shot after shot after shot RIGHT UNDER THE BASKET!! He was intimidated by their big guy in the middle.
As for poor foul shooting, I blame that 100% on Lebo. Our pathetic misses at the line reflect directly on him. You can teach non-athletic people to make foul shots. It doesn't require any great ability, just diligent practice, and COACHING.
ANYWAY, YOU GUYS BLEW IT! YOU'VE GOT YOURSELVES TO BLAME. You just made every 2-bit pundit who said we didn't belong look wise. Nice going.