Question from UMass fan - DDM

[xlgman]

I'm a huge UMass fan and always root for alumni like coach Barbee. Congrats on such a great season.

UMass fans are paying attention to what is happening at UTEP because of the ties with Barbee and the fact that we also have a coach who learned his trade under coach Cal. Cal's assistant do not generally have a stellar track record but hopefully Barbee and Kellog will change that.

My question for you guys is: Is UTEP using the DDM offense or some variation of it? And if so, do you think that the system is helping with your success and recruiting?

I realize that defense and rebounding are always critical to success, but my interest is in your views of the offensive system you use.

Thanks!

[Realm]

First, my neurons are not firing on DDM offense... Maybe one of the other guys can chime in.

I'm thinking this is where you attack the basket then throw it back out for a 3 point attempt??

If this correct then I see this as a version of the Laker's 3 point offense they run around Kobe Bryant.

Some posters feel Barbee's strong point is his ability to recruit players who fit his basketball style. The 3 years prior have been frustrating to watch and there were concerns over his coaching ability.

The reason Memphis passed over naming him coach... Despite having Cal's solid endorsement.

I, personally, found it impossible to watch his coaching and wouldn't watch any Miner games. But all that changed this year... And I'm riding this horse because it has legs.

So which is it?? Coaching OR Players??

I think a lot of us will watch to see how it unfolds.

Realm...

[MinerMan2010]

Feb 15, 2010 22:25:08 GMT -5 xlgman said:

I'm a huge UMass fan and always root for alumni like coach Barbee. Congrats on such a great season.

UMass fans are paying attention to what is happening at UTEP because of the ties with Barbee and the fact that we also have a coach who learned his trade under coach Cal. Cal's assistant do not generally have a stellar track record but hopefully Barbee and Kellog will change that.

My question for you guys is: Is UTEP using the DDM offense or some variation of it? And if so, do you think that the system is helping with your success and recruiting?

I realize that defense and rebounding are always critical to success, but my interest is in your views of the offensive system you use.

Thanks!

Realm, DDM = dribble drive motion offense. Yes they are using this offense. I personally dislike the offense just because there are times when a shot gets chucked up with 30 seconds remaining on the shot clock. I think it helps with recruiting because it is more of a fast-paced, exciting offense.

[xlgman]

UMass is also using the DDM offense with some questionable results. Personally, I think it will take Kellogg a few years to get his type of players into the system and teach a core group of players how to run the offense effectively. When it isn't working, it's very ugly. When it does work, we get some real good posessions out of it. We're very inconsistent, prone to turnovers, and as you said, we frequently wind up with poor shot selection. But we are young - starting 3 freshmen and a sophomore.

Do you think the main reason that you are getting better each year has been at least partially due to the players finally getting the hang of the offense? Can we look forward to the offense stabilizing and becoming an asset in year 4 when our first good freshman class becomes juniors?

Thanks!

[MinerMan2010]

Feb 16, 2010 12:21:36 GMT -5 xlgman said:

UMass is also using the DDM offense with some questionable results. Personally, I think it will take Kellogg a few years to get his type of players into the system and teach a core group of players how to run the offense effectively. When it isn't working, it's very ugly. When it does work, we get some real good posessions out of it. We're very inconsistent, prone to turnovers, and as you said, we frequently wind up with poor shot selection. But we are young - starting 3 freshmen and a sophomore.

Do you think the main reason that you are getting better each year has been at least partially due to the players finally getting the hang of the offense? Can we look forward to the offense stabilizing and becoming an asset in year 4 when our first good freshman class becomes juniors?

Thanks!

The one thing that no Miner fan can deny is that Coach Barbee had improved his win total every season. Not only do the players probably get the hang of the offense better, but they are also his players. Our team is filled with mostly Juniors and most of them have showed promised at one point or another.

When Barbee first got here, we lost to teams we never should. Jackson St, Chicago St, East Carolina and occasionally, we have lost to bad teams. You will probably experience this too. I think once Kellogg gets his own players and establishes himself, UMass should be an NCAA tournament level team.

[Realm]

MinerMan, thanks for DDM explanation.

You cited record improvement... But I wonder if being in last year's CBI tournament skewed that supposed progress??

Just wondering out loud while waiting for my flight...