By: florida727

florida727 — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:09:50 +0000

Florida’s problems were easy to see. Macklin is a HORRIBLE free throw shooter, so he’s an offensive liability at the end of close games (think Shaq), which is sad because had they been confident in him at the line, they could have continued their pound-the-ball-down-low philosophy… and they likely would have won the game. Patric Young is a better free throw shooter, but less of an offensive presence… so far… remember he’s only a freshman. That leaves Tyus, who though good, is not dominant.

The real flaw that cost Florida the game in my opinion is was the final play of regulation. (I had no problem with the attempted three at the end of OT. Down three, it was obviously needed.) When the score is tied and you have the final shot in regulation, you don’t start your final play with SIX SECONDS left and then settle for a long three. Why do you not take the ball inside? Walker is one of the best penetrators in college basketball. Look at the options he gave up by settling for the long three…

1) running ‘floater’ in the lane
2) dump off to a teammate inside
3) kick-out to Parsons or Boynton for a likely open jumper
4) getting fouled on the drive and going to the line

Of all the potential things that could have happened on the final play of regulation, they settled for the WORST possible option, and that is the fault of only one person… Billy Donovan. Anyone that says otherwise, knows little-to-nothing about basketball strategy. The long three would have looked nice on ESPN, but if you actually want to WIN THE GAME, you penetrate and choose the best option listed above to finish the game.

Comments on: Florida was flawed all along

By: florida727