^I generally like Backing the Pack, particularly AkulaWolf’s articles. He questioned GOtt’s hiring from the start, citing the poor defensive showings.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this article is very good. The eye test will tell you as much about offensive production and shot selection. But the defensive numbers are incredibly misleading. Barber is one, if not the best, on-the-ball defenders in the conference. Anya does a pretty solid job altering and blocking shots. But other than that, we’re not very good. FG% defense isn’t really a good measure of defense. It ignores too much. If you look instead at Kenpom, we’re ranked 107 in adjusted defensive efficiency, and we’re 65 in offensive efficiency. The latter number, which is low for a GOTT coached team, clearly indicates the decline in 2 and 3 pt field goal percentage, and overall shot selection. The defensive number is fairly in line with where Gott’s teams are normally, if not slightly worse.
