Quote:
Originally Posted by KC_Connection
The reason why KU has been better this year ( .9142 Pyth) than last year ( .9018 Pyth) statistically is primarily because of their defense. They are just better at it this season. Last year, the entire team relied on Embiid to bail them out, never had to develop much in that area, and were worse team defenders as a result. This year, they don't have that kind of crutch and it's forced them to play much better team defense to win games. For example, their improved defense was really the primary reason they won the Texas game on Saturday despite having the lowest eFG% in a victory in the Self era.
That isn't to say that last year's team didn't have more talent or a higher ceiling than this one because it certainly did (at least in my opinion). But the 2013-2014 team never fully got on track the way they could have. Embiid simply wasn't able to stay healthy and be the total force he very likely would have been in March.
Both teams were/are well below the quality of the average Self team, though (which makes winning conference in these years as they did even more impressive).
1. .9753 (2008) *The highest ever rating in his system until this year's UK at .9792 (at least so far).
2. .9635 (2010)
3. .9423 (2012)
4. .9419 (2007)
5. .9409 (2011)
6. 9302 (2013)
7. .9194 (2009)
8. 9179 (2006)
9. .9142 (2015),
10. .9034 (2004)
11. .9018 (2014)
12. .9014 (2005) |
That's all well and good but I'll tell you what is the biggest reason for the defensive improvement. No Tharpe.
Also, Ellis has gotten better on the defensive end. Actually, I would say a lot better.