A couple of years ago, a Sports Illustrated writer named Wildcats coach Bill Carmody one of the top offensive-minded coaches in college basketball. But defense has never been his forte.
“I never spend any time on defense, and we’re always OK,” he said.
Not this year. Recently, the Cats (5-6, 0-0 Big Ten) have struggled at guarding their opponents, allowing 80 or more points in two of their last three games — both losses.
With the Cats giving up so many points, Carmody has been forced to alter his coaching philosophy. In the past couple weeks, the coach has added another wrinkle to the defense: a full-court press. He expects to unveil it tonight when NU travels to Michigan (9-2, 0-0) for its first Big Ten game.
Carmody said he simply wants opponents to spend more time bringing the ball up the court. Then, instead of having 32 seconds left on the shot clock when they set up their offense, they’ll have only 25 ticks left.
NU has tried a full-court press in the past, but Carmody avoided it this year, mostly because the Cats have played with just a seven-man rotation. But with the conference slate looming, the coach is hoping NU’s new look will confuse opponents.
“Teams are shooting too well against us, simply put,” Carmody said. “We’re supposed to be holding the ball, but it’s been the other teams that have held the ball and gotten off high-percentage shots.”
Since the Cats’ 49-47 loss to Mississippi State on Dec. 28, they have been focusing almost solely on defense during practices. For at least 30 minutes of each session, NU’s starting five has guarded the reserves while the coaches holler instructions.
Most of the criticism is minor, but Carmody said he expects his revamped defense to hold down the Wolverines. It won’t be easy, however, as Michigan is averaging about 70 points per game and has defeated UCLA and North Carolina State.
The Wolverines start four players 6-foot-6 or taller, including Bernard Robinson Jr., Michigan’s leading scorer. Robinson, who averages nearly 14 points per game, also paces the Wolverines in assists and rebounds.
Michigan also features 6-foot-11 freshman center Courtney Sims, the Big Ten’s leader in blocks. He’ll likely guard NU’s Vince Scott, the Cats’ only freshman, who expects to make his first start in place of center Davor Duvancic.
Carmody said he’s been disappointed with the play of Duvancic and guard Mohamed Hachad. Each flourished at the end of last season, but both have averaged less than seven points per game this season.
“I just told them the facts,” Carmody said. “‘You guys aren’t producing. You better start doing something.”‘
Still, Carmody said he’s remaining positive.
“It’s a long season,” he said. “We’re in a down period, clearly, but it’s not something we can’t snap out of.”
