Hoiberg's offense

[Psiclone]

Its been repeated many times over the years that Hoiberg is an 'offensive genius' etc.

But as far as I can tell his offensive plan is pretty simple:

1. Space the floor to force the D to defend the whole floor.
2. Shoot efficient shots (3's, FT's, paint).
3. Be flexible, allow freedom, and exploit match ups.

Im sure I'm simplifying things, but shouldn't the assistants have a pretty good handle on this stuff by now? It obviously works and is a great strategy but doesn't seem that tricky.

Offensive theory is all well and good, but the trick is getting the players to execute properly, which Fred did. ISU was 31, 22, 17, and 15 nationally in offensive efficiency the last four years. He also gave players the confidence to shoot without looking over their shoulders. And, he was one of the best in the nation at post-timeout offensive efficiency, and led the nation one year. I remember the play he called in last year's Big 12 tourney with less than a second left in the half which led to Niang shooting a point-blank layup which, due to probably being surprised at being so wide open, he missed.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

Offensive theory is all well and good, but the trick is getting the players to execute properly, which Fred did. ISU was 31, 22, 17, and 15 nationally in offensive efficiency the last four years. He also gave players the confidence to shoot without looking over their shoulders. And, he was one of the best in the nation at post-timeout offensive efficiency, and led the nation one year. I remember the play he called in last year's Big 12 tourney with less than a second left in the half which led to Niang shooting a point-blank layup which, due to probably being surprised at being so wide open, he missed.

Add that to scouting prowess to come up with counters, anticipate your opponent's responses to your offense and their plans, and have your own counters planned. New wrinkles need to be put in all the time so other teams don't know what's coming and have their own counter planned in advance.

And adjusting when the key cog to your plan gets in foul trouble and you don't have anyone with his skillset to replace him and figuring out a new plan on the fly.

**** like that is complicated. It's not just shoot 3 pointers and layups.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Fred's Offense looking simple may have something to do with execution. I think you need a Coach that can continue using it or something similar. It is a good identity for us. Exciting BB can attract players, and we aren't geographically in a place where we can do whatever we want and have them come here.

The beauty is in the simplicity. CBB has gotten to the point that if you aren't running super complicated sets that take up the first 10 seconds of the clock just to figure out where you need to start on the floor then it looks weird. It's why a lot of people can't enjoy the NBA. Fred's offense is built on fluidity and simple, time tested actions while also maximizing possessions, total NBA stuff. When that breaks down or is countered effectively it looks like "streetball" or "heroball" because that is how it is designed. Sometimes you just have to have a guy or guys good enough and rawly talented enough to go do their thing and put the ball in the hoop. With Kane we had one of the best at that. BDJ couldn't always be that guy last year and it hurt us.

 

[Cyclonepride]

"3. Be flexible, allow freedom, and exploit match ups."

I think this was the key to Hoiberg being successful at ISU (helps when you have match up nightmares like Niang, Kane, White); but he showed it even during the Oklahoma game by going 1 flat and allowing Morris to go at Cousins.

I would add: get the players to notice and exploit the match ups. Seemed like the kids all knew exactly where the mismatch was or how to arrange to get it.

 

[dualthreat]

Fred has an understanding for the intricacies of that game that very few people in all of basketball have. That's what makes him a great coach.

It also helps when you can recruit the right players to run your system, which he was also excellent at.