It was so obvious to the most casual fan that Xavier was pushing SJU further and further away from the basket in the 2nd half and Lavin just stood there and had no counter strategy to offset that and get the ball driving to the hoop. Frustrating as hell to watch when a CYO coach could figure out an adjustment to that.
Ok Johnny could you please tell us the "adjustment" coach could have made that would have countered what Xavier was doing? Please be as specific as possible, dont forget to also include who would be executing it. Simply saying drive the ball to the basket is like saying just make some three pointers. Thanks.
Listen I think Lavin's the guy for the job for the foreseeable future but he definitely needs an in-game tactician on his staff. I like what he's done with recruiting and how he's raised SJU's profile modestly. Not like the old days but much, much better than where it was the last 8+ years.
In regards to what adjustment he could have made it's simple. Tell all of the guys on the court to actually move and set screens and get open. You have 4 guys standing still out there and there's no movement without the ball whatsoever. That's why it was so easy for Xavier to pack it in and keep the Johnnies on the perimeter all 2nd half.
In terms of execution, Jordan, Branch, Greene in that order should be the PG who sets the play up. You can feed Obekpa in the post or do a give and go with him. Jakarr, Greene, D'Angelo and Sanchez should be cutting off screens and getting open for jumpers or drives to the hoop. The PG's also have the option to make a play if noone gets open. Jordan has a special knack for driving to the hoop, creating contact and finishing. Also Pointer should never, ever bring the ball up court. He is so out of control every time he dribbles. A great dirty work player though. Does all the effort things.