If you're a cynic, you can say AG got lucky.
What if you say "AG recruited smart players, that's on him"? Isn't it on him if the players are dumb??
Holmes breaking the press is a flat out balloon deflation. All their guards are geared up for a fist fight and Holmes just calmly walks up the court. Ain't dat a b**ch.
Santos and Cheeks finishing straight line drives at the rim. Is that coaching? Well if they don't drive we blame AG. If they drive and finish, suddenly AG looks good. How did Santos have those straight line drives? Because the lane was WIDE OPEN. Must'a been an accident?
StJ tried to overplay the passing lanes like every other team has so far (Pitino, for his faults, CAN COACH). What did AG do? Instead of the wing handoff, have Holmes back his man down. You wanna press? Go wild, I'll have my big man walk you right to the post beotche. Try me. Did Holmes just do that on his own, or was that in-game coaching? Either way, it's AG's credit.
Oh you want to wear my man out? I'll bring in the Big'un From Buffalo. We just keep coming. AG credit for recruiting that and having the man ready to contribute.
Did you all see the substitution pattern change today? Rather than Jack / Padegimas / Brea / Bennett, he had Elvis with that group who looked to get his own shot. Zimi is a MUCH better defender than Padegimas and got meaningful minutes AND WAS READY TO PLAY. That's coaching.
Bravo. It's possible this team might (MIGHT) just come together as we figure out a few things.
PS Bennett is a thug in the best possible way and while I love love love Mali, this kid is the most fearless PG we've had in a long time.
