บท 67: Countdown to Tip-Off: USC vs. UConn
In a conference room at USC's rented training facility in Detroit, Michigan, a gathering of USC players and coaches convened to dissect the University of Connecticut Huskies' gameplay using video replays.
Lian Dao and DeMar were intimately familiar with the Huskies, having closely followed their journey since the early stages of March Madness. The Huskies posed a formidable challenge both on the perimeter and in the paint.
During their initial viewing session, DeMar had playfully remarked that if USC made it to the Final Four, he'd relish facing off against the Huskies. Little did he expect his jest to become a reality.
Now, indeed, their upcoming opponent in the semifinals would be the University of Connecticut Huskies.
The Huskies presented a daunting challenge for USC across all facets of the game. Their lineup featured Hashim Thabeet as a dominant force inside, supported by skilled perimeter players like Kemba Walker and A.J. Price. Additional depth came from players such as Jeff Adrian and Jerome Dyson, enhancing their roster's versatility.
Many observers weren't optimistic about USC's chances against such a formidable opponent, given the Huskies' potent offensive and defensive capabilities.
Center Nikola Vucevic carried a substantial burden in this matchup, tasked with directly facing off against the imposing Hashim Thabeet, standing at 221 cm tall and weighing 119 kg.
Thabeet had enjoyed a standout season, averaging 13.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and an impressive 4.27 blocks per game. His defensive prowess was highlighted in several key performances throughout the season, including a triple-double against the Providence Friars and a strong showing against Jajuan Johnson in the Sweet 16.
Thabeet's ability to dominate the paint and protect the rim made him a formidable opponent. In their National Championship game against Purdue, Thabeet had contributed significantly with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor.
For Vucevic, this game against Thabeet represented a crucial test of his skills and ability to compete at the highest level.
"How am I supposed to guard him?" Tim queried, his gaze alternating between Vucevic and Gibson as they reviewed footage of Thabeet. Both players initially shook their heads, their expressions reflecting the daunting task ahead.
"We'll give it everything we've got," Gibson replied earnestly after a moment of contemplation.
A slight smile crept onto Tim's face. "Sickle, you're up to defend Hashim Thabeet in this game," he announced, turning to Lian Dao.
Meeting Tim's gaze, Lian Dao nodded slowly. In truth, he had already sensed this responsibility coming his way.
Tim appeared surprised by Lian Dao's immediate agreement. He had intended to explain his reasoning behind the decision, but Lian Dao's swift acceptance caught him off guard. Nevertheless, he found reassurance in Lian Dao's determination.
Thabeet was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in NCAA basketball, but he had his vulnerabilities. His relatively late start in basketball in 2005 had left him with some rough edges in his footwork around the basket, especially in close-range confrontations, which had always been his Achilles' heel.
Against typical centers, Thabeet's length and agility often gave him an advantage. However, when facing more compact, robust centers like Golan Sutton, he tended to struggle. Lian Dao and Golan Sutton were similar in height, but Lian Dao, despite being lighter, possessed greater strength and a longer wingspan than Sutton.
Additionally, Lian Dao's agility surpassed that of Sutton, providing him with an edge in maneuverability.
Lian Dao had considered discussing these insights with Tim, but he was pleasantly surprised to find that Tim had already identified Thabeet's weaknesses. Recognizing such flaws was common among coaches, yet effectively countering them proved challenging.
Many NCAA big men lacked the flexibility to contend with agile opponents, a scenario where a small forward like Lian Dao, endowed with exceptional physical attributes, rarely held a strength advantage over a center.
After identifying Thabeet as their primary defensive challenge, the focus shifted to addressing the UConn Huskies' perimeter threat, particularly A.J. Price, rather than Kemba Walker, who was still gaining experience from the bench as a freshman. The overlap in roles between Price and Walker posed a strategic challenge, compounded by doubts about Daniel Hackett's ability to effectively counter their play.
Tim glanced at Daniel Hackett, sensing his unease, but pressed on to gauge his readiness. Recognizing the need for strategic adaptability, Tim assigned defensive duties: DeMar would handle the opposing point guard, while Daniel Hackett was tasked with guarding their shooting guard, Craig Osterley.
"In the next game, we'll implement a mobile defense strategy," Tim declared, signaling a shift towards tactical versatility.
In the subsequent sessions, the University of Southern California would continue refining their tactics in preparation for the upcoming game against the formidable UConn Huskies.
...
"Sickle, why did you agree to Tim to defend Thabeet? Even though you're stronger physically, his height at 221cm is a real challenge."
DeMar looked puzzled by Lian Dao's decision to take on Thabeet directly.
"Do you not trust me?"
"Of course I trust you, but it's about strategy," Demar explained, trying to understand Lian Dao's reasoning.
"We need to contain Thabeet to have a shot at winning this game."
"But we have an advantage on the outside. We can win through offense," Demar argued optimistically.
Lian Dao shook his head in response. Demar's approach seemed too simplistic to him.
"If they tighten up their defense and our shooting goes cold, failing to control Thabeet and grab rebounds could cost us the game."
Lian Dao didn't relish the prospect of defending Thabeet either. He knew he could make a bigger impact on the perimeter, both defensively and in scoring against the UConn Huskies' small forwards.
"But Vucevic can't handle Thabeet. Physically and experience-wise, Thabeet can overpower Vucevic easily."
Thabeet had potential, but his time with the Grizzlies was hampered by a crowded frontcourt and lack of development opportunities.
"Also, don't underestimate me. Since I've agreed, I'm confident I can handle Thabeet!" Lian Dao's voice carried conviction as he patted DeMar on the shoulder.
"Besides Thabeet is expected to be drafted higher than me, so I want to beat him and get a higher pick."
Reflecting on his previous matchup with Griffin, Lian Dao added, "When we faced Griffin in preseason, neither of us were at our peak. Now, in the NCAA semifinals, I'm fully prepared to showcase my true defensive abilities."
DeMar couldn't help but smile. "Let's do this! For the NCAA championship!"
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