ADVERTISEMENT

Ooo boy this is gonna get ugly.....as expected.

He was also playing out of position the entire year. He's not a 4 no matter how much he or the staff want to think he is. He's a traditional big that just so happens to be 6'9. He's a bull that's almost impossible to guard one on one due to his strength and footwork. He gets in trouble when guards dig down on him or draws a double team by playing a 2nd big. He needs space to operate, that happens by playing a more perimeter oriented offense. He has a chance to put up huge numbers next year playing in a more friendly system. But he's always going to struggle if the staff is hell bent on playing two traditional bigs.
I think he played down low quite a lot this year, and was utilized in the post a lot. The fundamental issue with Woody's program though, since day 1, is his insistence on playing 2 bigs, as bigs, in the post, for long stretches. We certainly ran stuff regularly with either Malik or Kelel away from the basket. Lots of ball screens, zoom action with only one of them starting in the post area. But inevitably, we'd go back to Malik and Kelel in the lane together. It worked at times, Malik threw a bunch of little lobs to Kelel for dunks. But overall, as we've seen since Woody Day 1, its not an efficient offense, and it doesn't produce the type of ball and player movement needed to be effective offensively on a consistent basis.

So, I don't think he played the "4" position for Woody. I think he was "Post 2"...Kelel was actually on the perimeter more than Malik was, my perception anyway. So I don't think the staff REALLY wants him to be a perimeter oriented big. Just like they didn't want TJD to be...despite Woody saying he wanted him to shoot more. Most of the stuff Woody runs pulls them in to the post.

I think Malik's best chance at making the NBA is as a versatile big man that can guard multiple positions, pass the ball well out of the post, use his size and physicality to rebound well, AND make outside shots.

TJD is being used as a success story for Woody. And I think in some ways he deserves that. But a reality that is overlooked is nearly all the NBA GMs didn't think enough of Trayce to draft him in either round. I think that's just as strong an indictment on Woody's system as TJD's play is an endorsement. It took an organization like GS, digging deeper than most, to see and realize what TJD was capable of. It should have been blatantly obvious from game tape. It wasn't because Woody didn't use him correctly. Malik isn't the same type of player as TJD, but I don't think Woody is doing Malik any favors either right now.
 
I think he played down low quite a lot this year, and was utilized in the post a lot. The fundamental issue with Woody's program though, since day 1, is his insistence on playing 2 bigs, as bigs, in the post, for long stretches. We certainly ran stuff regularly with either Malik or Kelel away from the basket. Lots of ball screens, zoom action with only one of them starting in the post area. But inevitably, we'd go back to Malik and Kelel in the lane together. It worked at times, Malik threw a bunch of little lobs to Kelel for dunks. But overall, as we've seen since Woody Day 1, its not an efficient offense, and it doesn't produce the type of ball and player movement needed to be effective offensively on a consistent basis.

So, I don't think he played the "4" position for Woody. I think he was "Post 2"...Kelel was actually on the perimeter more than Malik was, my perception anyway. So I don't think the staff REALLY wants him to be a perimeter oriented big. Just like they didn't want TJD to be...despite Woody saying he wanted him to shoot more. Most of the stuff Woody runs pulls them in to the post.

I think Malik's best chance at making the NBA is as a versatile big man that can guard multiple positions, pass the ball well out of the post, use his size and physicality to rebound well, AND make outside shots.

TJD is being used as a success story for Woody. And I think in some ways he deserves that. But a reality that is overlooked is nearly all the NBA GMs didn't think enough of Trayce to draft him in either round. I think that's just as strong an indictment on Woody's system as TJD's play is an endorsement. It took an organization like GS, digging deeper than most, to see and realize what TJD was capable of. It should have been blatantly obvious from game tape. It wasn't because Woody didn't use him correctly. Malik isn't the same type of player as TJD, but I don't think Woody is doing Malik any favors either right now.
But with playing two bigs, Malik always drew the assignment of guarding a smaller and quicker 4. And it forced Mgbako to guard out on the perimeter almost exclusively, where he struggled until late January. The roster was just horribly constructed. Both struggled mightily with fouls trying to guard out of position.

For IU to have a prayer next year, Woodson HAS to abandon the two big lineup while trying to play on a condensed court. It's the only way to attract quality portal guards and maximize strengths of Reneau and Mgbako whom I both expect back.
 
Oh no, there's a ton of reasons to worry, but those 3 leaving isn't really unexpected and doesn't have much bearing on next season. From my perspective I've been saying for weeks and weeks now that Dolson should be having weekly meetings with CMW to review the concerns and how he intends to address them, and then when weighing factors, determine if he should be let go. I think there was enough smoke with 0 commits, poor roster construction, lack of energy/success recruiting, to make the call, but he wasn't able/didn't do that so we know who our coach is next year and those 3 transfers will have little impact, were mostly expected, and are relatively easy to overcome.
"determine if he should be let go", everyone with functional eyes and a brain already knows the answer to this question. It doesn't take weekly meetings with CMW to know that. Also, there's no way those meetings are happening. So there's that.
 
But with playing two bigs, Malik always drew the assignment of guarding a smaller and quicker 4. And it forced Mgbako to guard out on the perimeter almost exclusively, where he struggled until late January. The roster was just horribly constructed. Both struggled mightily with fouls trying to guard out of position.

For IU to have a prayer next year, Woodson HAS to abandon the two big lineup while trying to play on a condensed court. It's the only way to attract quality portal guards and maximize strengths of Reneau and Mgbako whom I both expect back.
Agreed on these specifics. And a huge worry of mine is Woody asking Malik to defend that way, without teaching him how to do it. Mack got better throughout the year, Malik didn't. So maybe Malik just wasn't paying attention? But in the end, its on the coaches to make him pay attention, or sit him, or use him differently.

Malik being able to defend away from the basket is one of his biggest "draft boosters" though. I can't fathom that he doesn't know that, and as a result, wouldn't be receptive to teaching on the subject.
 
Agreed on these specifics. And a huge worry of mine is Woody asking Malik to defend that way, without teaching him how to do it. Mack got better throughout the year, Malik didn't. So maybe Malik just wasn't paying attention? But in the end, its on the coaches to make him pay attention, or sit him, or use him differently.

Malik being able to defend away from the basket is one of his biggest "draft boosters" though. I can't fathom that he doesn't know that, and as a result, wouldn't be receptive to teaching on the subject.
Being receptive too it and being physically capable of doing it are two different things. Reneau at 6'9 230 lbs just isn't going to win many 1 on 1 battles guarding 6'7-6'8 200 lb stretch 4 type players in space. You're putting him in an impossible position to succeed from the jump.
 
"determine if he should be let go", everyone with functional eyes and a brain already knows the answer to this question. It doesn't take weekly meetings with CMW to know that. Also, there's no way those meetings are happening. So there's that.
I'm just saying that's what I said during the season when it was obvious things were going sideways and we weren't going to make the tournament and there was starting to be smoke about CMW not recruiting, especially in IN. At that time, not many thought firing CMW might, or should happen, and I was just saying what I thought a smart AD would be doing to keep up with and improve their marquee sports team. At this point I'd guess Dolson has probably laid it out to CMW: you need to win next year if you want to keep your job.
 
I really hope you experts who want to roll with MR and MM as our front court with 3 guards get your wish. We’ll get out rebounded by 25 per game. Neither of those 2 have any desire to guard or rebound. This oughta be fun.
 
A pro style, ad hoc coaching style lacking any apparent forward-thinking is what I see...and, at this level, at IU, at this point in time is shocking. Its almost unbelievable...give the past 20 years.
 
I really hope you experts who want to roll with MR and MM as our front court with 3 guards get your wish. We’ll get out rebounded by 25 per game. Neither of those 2 have any desire to guard or rebound. This oughta be fun.
As opposed to playing 2 bigs and having a negative 3 point differential of 18-24 points a game like this last year?

Yeah I forgot how fun this season was....oh wait.
 
Being receptive too it and being physically capable of doing it are two different things. Reneau at 6'9 230 lbs just isn't going to win many 1 on 1 battles guarding 6'7-6'8 200 lb stretch 4 type players in space. You're putting him in an impossible position to succeed from the jump.
I honestly think MR at the 5 and Mm at the 4 with 3 athletic guards would be much better offensively than clogging the lane with Mr and Ware
 
  • Like
Reactions: steelyvan
I honestly think MR at the 5 and Mm at the 4 with 3 athletic guards would be much better offensively than clogging the lane with Mr and Ware
100%.

Houston and Iowa State don't play a single guy over 6'8 and are both the best defensive teams in the country by a mile. Their guards defend exceptionally well out on the perimeter and rebound like hell.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bsmitty08
100%.

Houston and Iowa State don't play a single guy over 6'8 and are both the best defensive teams in the country by a mile. Their guards defend exceptionally well out on the perimeter and rebound like hell.
Yes they do! ISU gets after you. Crazy active hands and always in the right spot with help defense. I don’t know if they have the fire power to win it all but I wouldn’t want to play Iowa st.
 
  • Like
Reactions: IndyResident16
Being receptive too it and being physically capable of doing it are two different things. Reneau at 6'9 230 lbs just isn't going to win many 1 on 1 battles guarding 6'7-6'8 200 lb stretch 4 type players in space. You're putting him in an impossible position to succeed from the jump.
Nah...he's more than athletic enough. Obviously there will be matchup problems with some dudes, but Malik is quick enough and long enough that he should be A LOT better than he is. Its basically THE reason he's always in foul trouble.

And in today's NBA, there literally isn't a spot for a 6'9 guy that can't switch on wings and guards and put up some decent resistance defensively.
 
100%.

Houston and Iowa State don't play a single guy over 6'8 and are both the best defensive teams in the country by a mile. Their guards defend exceptionally well out on the perimeter and rebound like hell.
Zero chance Woody has the gumption, knowledge, and/or ability to coach a team to play that way. I've been harping on it since 2 or 3 games in to his IU tenure.

Malik being a "big" on a team like ISU, and doing all the things Olzenberg (sp?) would teach and demand him to do, would do wonders for his NBA chances.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bsmitty08
Zero chance Woody has the gumption, knowledge, and/or ability to coach a team to play that way. I've been harping on it since 2 or 3 games in to his IU tenure.

Malik being a "big" on a team like ISU, and doing all the things Olzenberg (sp?) would teach and demand him to do, would do wonders for his NBA chances.
Malik is 10 times more athletic and skilled than Jones for ISU but Jones is coached up and plays to his role and defends
 
Zero chance Woody has the gumption, knowledge, and/or ability to coach a team to play that way. I've been harping on it since 2 or 3 games in to his IU tenure.

Malik being a "big" on a team like ISU, and doing all the things Olzenberg (sp?) would teach and demand him to do, would do wonders for his NBA chances.
I don't disagree that wholesale philosophical changes need to happen, but the floor is always going to be lower when you play two traditional bigs and have multiple players guarding out of position. You might lose some rim protection making Malik a traditional 5, but rim protection becomes much less of a necessity if you can guard out on the perimeter. Rim protection is code for bad defense. IU had one of the elite rim protectors in all of college basketball this year and still had terrible defensive metrics because they could defend the 3 point line.
 
Malik is 10 times more athletic and skilled than Jones for ISU but Jones is coached up and plays to his role and defends
Can you imagine how good Malik would be playing for a Jay Wright like Villanova team...or ISU...or Houston.

This narrative that Malik can't physically do it as absurd, to me. Defense is just as much about positioning, footwork, mindset, as it is physical tools. So even if I agreed that Malik was too big and slow, which I don't agree with at all, but even if I did, he could still be a solid overall defender if properly taught how to play solid defense.

You can't laud his offensive footwork, and physicality, and then say he's not capable of applying those strengths to playing good perimeter defense.
 
I don't disagree that wholesale philosophical changes need to happen, but the floor is always going to be lower when you play two traditional bigs and have multiple players guarding out of position. You might lose some rim protection making Malik a traditional 5, but rim protection becomes much less of a necessity if you can guard out on the perimeter. Rim protection is code for bad defense. IU had one of the elite rim protectors in all of college basketball this year and still had terrible defensive metrics because they could defend the 3 point line.
I don't mind Malik being our "5"...I just think its shortchanging his overall abilities saying he can't effectively guard the perimeter. Mack can't either right now, because he's never been taught to do it correctly. None of our guys could.

I wonder what Cupps dad thought watching Gabe get blown by defensively this year, probably more than he'd ever dreamed his son would/could be? Some of that was because Gabe wasn't as fast or as physical as the guys he had to guard...but a lot of it was him scrambling from being out of position.
 
Can you imagine how good Malik would be playing for a Jay Wright like Villanova team...or ISU...or Houston.

This narrative that Malik can't physically do it as absurd, to me. Defense is just as much about positioning, footwork, mindset, as it is physical tools. So even if I agreed that Malik was too big and slow, which I don't agree with at all, but even if I did, he could still be a solid overall defender if properly taught how to play solid defense.

You can't laud his offensive footwork, and physicality, and then say he's not capable of applying those strengths to playing good perimeter defense.
Lol what are you talking about? That's like saying you can teach a 300 lb LT to be a good RB if only he could teach him to run faster. Malik isn't slow or unathletic, never said that. But he's not on the same parallel guarding more wing-oriented players. And that's a fact. Why did Penn State and Nebraska torch us from 3 so many times this year? Because you have someone like Malik Reneau trying to chase guys like Zach Hicks and Juwan Gary out on the perimeter. It's poor matchups.
 
Can you imagine how good Malik would be playing for a Jay Wright like Villanova team...or ISU...or Houston.

This narrative that Malik can't physically do it as absurd, to me. Defense is just as much about positioning, footwork, mindset, as it is physical tools. So even if I agreed that Malik was too big and slow, which I don't agree with at all, but even if I did, he could still be a solid overall defender if properly taught how to play solid defense.

You can't laud his offensive footwork, and physicality, and then say he's not capable of applying those strengths to playing good perimeter defense.
He gets dumb fouls a lot of times because we are a bad team defense
 
Lol what are you talking about? That's like saying you can teach a 300 lb LT to be a good RB if only he could teach him to run faster. Malik isn't slow or unathletic, never said that. But he's not on the same parallel guarding more wing-oriented players. And that's a fact. Why did Penn State and Nebraska torch us from 3 so many times this year? Because you have someone like Malik Reneau trying to chase guys like Zach Hicks and Juwan Gary out on the perimeter. It's poor matchups.
Nah...he's not being taught how to do it correctly. Your analogy is ridiculous, by the way. Malik looks like he does because he's never been taught proper positioning and footwork.

Zach Edey looks adequate switching on guards because his coach has taught him how to do it properly. He still ends up being exposed and getting beat, but it never looks like Malik (and most of our other guys) looked against Nebraska, because he's been taught how to be effective despite his size and slower lateral speed.

The big for NC State...watch some film on that dude. Same thing, he "effectively" guards laterally, despite actually being 300lbs.

I'm not talking about Malik switching on Braden Smith, and being able to guard him sideline to sideline for an entire possession (though I think he might have that in him too if taught properly). That isn't the expectation or thought on what he should be able to do by now. He should, however, be able to use his length, strength, and other aspects of his athleticism, to "stay with" faster players on the perimeter.

You're wrong on this. And your football analogy tells me why.
 
Nah...he's not being taught how to do it correctly. Your analogy is ridiculous, by the way. Malik looks like he does because he's never been taught proper positioning and footwork.

Zach Edey looks adequate switching on guards because his coach has taught him how to do it properly. He still ends up being exposed and getting beat, but it never looks like Malik (and most of our other guys) looked against Nebraska, because he's been taught how to be effective despite his size and slower lateral speed.

The big for NC State...watch some film on that dude. Same thing, he "effectively" guards laterally, despite actually being 300lbs.

I'm not talking about Malik switching on Braden Smith, and being able to guard him sideline to sideline for an entire possession (though I think he might have that in him too if taught properly). That isn't the expectation or thought on what he should be able to do by now. He should, however, be able to use his length, strength, and other aspects of his athleticism, to "stay with" faster players on the perimeter.

You're wrong on this. And your football analogy tells me why.
Zach Edey literally plays drop coverage every trip down to prevent him getting mismatched on a quicker opponent.

And I'm not talking about Malik getting switched out on either, I'm talking about Malik trying to go 1 on 1 with a quicker wing in space and chasing a perimeter oriented player designated as the opposing teams 4 out around the 3 point line. Edey and the big dude from NC State don't do any of this, they guard their position.
 
Zach Edey literally plays drop coverage every trip down to prevent him getting mismatched on a quicker opponent.

And I'm not talking about Malik getting switched out on either, I'm talking about Malik trying to go 1 on 1 with a quicker wing in space and chasing a perimeter oriented player designated as the opposing teams 4 out around the 3 point line. Edey and the big dude from NC State don't do any of this, they guard their position.
And Malik could do that adequately, if taught properly.

This whole conversation was centered on Malik's transfer status. Malik not being able to defend the perimeter adequately...however one thinks its happening...could lead to him choosing to transfer. And I think the approach and mindset that Malik needs to be hidden defensively, or anchored in the post defensively...while that might be the easiest way for him, and IU to be successful. It isn't what's BEST for him, and I don't think what's best for IU, on a bigger scale. And I think its shortchanging what he's capable of.
 
And Malik could do that adequately, if taught properly.

This whole conversation was centered on Malik's transfer status. Malik not being able to defend the perimeter adequately...however one thinks its happening...could lead to him choosing to transfer. And I think the approach and mindset that Malik needs to be hidden defensively, or anchored in the post defensively...while that might be the easiest way for him, and IU to be successful. It isn't what's BEST for him, and I don't think what's best for IU, on a bigger scale. And I think its shortchanging what he's capable of.
If Malik feels the only way he can play in the NBA is to become a perimeter-oriented then wish him well and send him on his way. But he's not that kind of player nor is he ever going to be. He doesn't have the ball skills or the dribbling skills or even the shooting skills to play that type of role collegiately, let alone at the next level.
 
Being receptive too it and being physically capable of doing it are two different things. Reneau at 6'9 230 lbs just isn't going to win many 1 on 1 battles guarding 6'7-6'8 200 lb stretch 4 type players in space. You're putting him in an impossible position to succeed from the jump.

Can you imagine how good Malik would be playing for a Jay Wright like Villanova team...or ISU...or Houston.

This narrative that Malik can't physically do it as absurd, to me. Defense is just as much about positioning, footwork, mindset, as it is physical tools. So even if I agreed that Malik was too big and slow, which I don't agree with at all, but even if I did, he could still be a solid overall defender if properly taught how to play solid defense.

You can't laud his offensive footwork, and physicality, and then say he's not capable of applying those strengths to playing good perimeter defense.
Imo you're right, Indy's wrong. Everyone on the team had problems closing out on 3s, not just MR. And the guys that hurt us most were usually the little 6'0" to 6'2" shits, not classic wing types. Shannon would be an exception.

There were just so many stupid double teams and too much shading/dropping off. ....the strategy as to who to double team/shade and who not to worry about was completely missing.
 
If Malik feels the only way he can play in the NBA is to become a perimeter-oriented then wish him well and send him on his way. But he's not that kind of player nor is he ever going to be. He doesn't have the ball skills or the dribbling skills or even the shooting skills to play that type of role collegiately, let alone at the next level.
From what we've seen under Woodson...you're right. Except when he's shown, in flashes, the ability to do all those things you mention fairly well.

Zero chance...as in not possible...for someone like Malik to play in today's NBA without being comfortable playing away from the basket. So its not how "Malik feels"...its a fact or reality that he has to figure out how to be more comfortable and effective in many ways away from the basket...IF the NBA is a goal of his.

He's big enough, long enough, skilled enough in a lot of ways, that playing in the NBA is still semi realistic. It isn't gonna happen for him by making him any sort of traditional 5, though. And that isn't what our basketball program should be trying to do for him, or for anyone.
 
Imo you're right, Indy's wrong. Everyone on the team had problems closing out on 3s, not just MR. And the guys that hurt us most were usually the little 6'0" to 6'2" shits, not classic wing types. Shannon would be an exception.

There were just so many stupid double teams and too much shading/dropping off. ....the strategy as to who to double team/shade and who not to worry about was completely missing.
Wrong about what lol? That Malik was good at guarding smaller, quicker players and he's more suited to play out on the perimeter? Haha if that's the strategy the staff wants to again roll out next year, well.....good luck.
 
From what we've seen under Woodson...you're right. Except when he's shown, in flashes, the ability to do all those things you mention fairly well.

Zero chance...as in not possible...for someone like Malik to play in today's NBA without being comfortable playing away from the basket. So its not how "Malik feels"...its a fact or reality that he has to figure out how to be more comfortable and effective in many ways away from the basket...IF the NBA is a goal of his.

He's big enough, long enough, skilled enough in a lot of ways, that playing in the NBA is still semi realistic. It isn't gonna happen for him by making him any sort of traditional 5, though. And that isn't what our basketball program should be trying to do for him, or for anyone.
I feel like, offensively, he was able to mix up post play and also flare out to the 3 point pretty effectively. The way he was used wasn't the problem. The issue is that he either had no desire or no understanding as to how to get his post shots off quickly and/or how to pass out from the double team. Those skills are what made TJD in his senior year.
 
From what we've seen under Woodson...you're right. Except when he's shown, in flashes, the ability to do all those things you mention fairly well.

Zero chance...as in not possible...for someone like Malik to play in today's NBA without being comfortable playing away from the basket. So its not how "Malik feels"...its a fact or reality that he has to figure out how to be more comfortable and effective in many ways away from the basket...IF the NBA is a goal of his.

He's big enough, long enough, skilled enough in a lot of ways, that playing in the NBA is still semi realistic. It isn't gonna happen for him by making him any sort of traditional 5, though. And that isn't what our basketball program should be trying to do for him, or for anyone.
What skills does Malik possess that translates to the NBA? He can't shoot with any consistency, he can't pass, and he certainly can't dribble. He's good at one thing and that's using his strength/footwork to score around the basket.

But yes, let's make him a perimeter-oriented player while playing him along side another big that invites a double team every single he touches the ball due to the defense knowing full and well that he can't pass or dribble his way out of it. You sure you weren't advising the staff most of this year?
 
Last edited:
Remove Ware. Now what?
I would have assumed not having Ware would have been much more inviting to portal guards. Funny that after we signed Ware and Mgbako early on in the process and committed to playing a heavy loaded frontcourt, every single portal guard we contacted said, "thanks, but no thanks", almost as if dynamic guards don't want to play in a 1980's style offense. Riveting I know.
 
Wrong about what lol? That Malik was good at guarding smaller, quicker players and he's more suited to play out on the perimeter? Haha if that's the strategy the staff wants to again roll out next year, well.....good luck.
You're tripling down on wrong.
 
I would have assumed not having Ware would have been much more inviting to portal guards. Funny that after we signed Ware and Mgbako early on in the process and committed to playing a heavy loaded frontcourt, every single portal guard we contacted said, "thanks, but no thanks", almost as if dynamic guards don't want to play in a 1980's style offense. Riveting I know.

What PG would not want to have a guy like Ware on his team?
 
There is an obvious "lack of accountability" permeating around this basketball program....at least from the head coaching position. Not sure how much higher it goes. What I do know about a lack of accountability is that it is highly destructive and prevents growth.
 
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT