Subtle but key statistic on Valpo performance

[vu84v2]

So Ryan now is 7th in the nation in three point shooting, but let me raise this question to this learned audience.

What statistic is Valparaiso ranked at fifth in the nation as of this morning? Hint: when you think about it, it clearly indicates great offensive execution.

[bbtds]

Feb 11, 2011 8:02:34 GMT -5 vu84v2 said:

So Ryan now is 7th in the nation in three point shooting, but let me raise this question to this learned audience.

What statistic is Valparaiso ranked at fifth in the nation as of this morning? Hint: when you think about it, it clearly indicates great offensive execution.

My guess without looking it up would be in number of assists.

[vu84v2]

It is not assists.

[rfwcdr]

2 PT FG % ? I know it's high, but not sure if it's that high.

[wh]

My first guess was assist:turnover ratio, but I don't think we're quite that high. My second guess is also 2-pt FG pct. I see we're 23rd in overall shooting pct. Taking our relatively poor 3-pt pct. out of the equation, it wouldn't surprise me to see that we're very high in 2-pt pct.

[valposition]

Pts off turnovers? Charges? They have been doing a great job of those this year.

[stlvufan]

Well, it's none of the ones listed at ncaa.com, that's for sure.

[vu84v2]

It is indeed 2 pt FG% (Kansas leads the nation). To get the stat on ESPN's website, you need to get team FG% rankings (where Valpo is in the 20s) and then sort on 2 pt FG%.

Consider that Valpo has one big man (Cory Johnnson) that can move inside and get high quality shots. Beyond that, all the high quality shots come from great ball movement and off the ball movement by players. While I would be the first to say that wins are the most important stat, I think this is really a great indication of how well the team has played together leading to the great results to-date.

Kudos to rfwcdr and wh (sorry I cannot offer more than just kudos)

[valpo89]

I think this season is evidence of one of Homer's best coaching jobs. You look at the VU players and you look at the Detroit players, and you think Detroit is going to kill these guys. But VU is well-coached with three all-conference type of players (Cory, Brandon and Ryan) and all the other guys know their roles. That's why they're shooting so well from 2-point range - most of those shots come on great ball movement and the result of good interior passing. There were several cases of that last night where guys got wide open layups off nice passes from guys like Ryan and Brandon.

[lowposter]

I thought Homer's best coaching job was last year with the group. They really improved over the course of the season. I consider this to be an extention of last year....he has them on the same page.

Often, we misjudge individual talent for collective team talent. This is often referred to as "layup talent". Teams can look very impressive in the layup line...but how does that translate to on the court results?

This team has a general chemistry which makes the game look simple, but takes considerable time and sacrifice of individual ego in order find a high level of success. Let's hope it continues.

This obviously extends to the 2 pt FG % success. The extra pass and the corresponding trust in one's teammates is crucial.
Say what you will about the deficiencies of this team...we are a bit undersized, our FT's at times makes games much too close, and the killer instinct is not yet a proven commodity, but the simple fact is that this team has bought into the team concept and is a joy to watch.

Let's keep it rolling Saturday night.

lowposter

[superfan]

Link to the 2 point % stat:

espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/team/_/stat/field-goals/sort/twoPointFieldGoalPct

[jbowker]

I like this!!
Valpo is #5, Missouri State is 52, Butler is 118; Purdue is 153; Cleveland State is 182; Wright State is 233

[crusadersmom]

That is great. Can't wait to watch the guys get the "W" tonight. GO VALPO!!!!