Does good defense lead to good offense or vice versa?

Coaches differ on whether players are more motivated by good defense or offense. For example, if you are a lock-down defender and help the team get stops, that could make it easier to score on the other end. Or does a hoop make you dig in harder on defense?

The questions come up when studying Carolina’s two talented freshman lead guards, Caleb Love and RJ Davis.

“These guys are going to be really good basketball players for us, but hopefully it’s before I die,” says Roy Williams. “This isn’t kindergarten basketball; you just got to step up and make some shots.”

Williams says he has been as patient with Love and Davis as any freshmen he’s ever had, but his hair isn’t turning any darker, for sure. “I trust them, I believe in them and I’m gonna put you in the game,” Roy continued. “Now, you gotta play better.”

The analytics show that Love and Davis don’t play as well together as they do when the other isn’t on the court. So, Williams hasn’t been using them at the same time, although they generally wind up playing about the same number of minutes for the game.

Davis is shooting a little better: 33 percent from the floor, 30 percent from the arc. Love is worse, 29 percent and a frigid 17 percent on 3-pointers, but after looking afraid to shoot Tuesday night at Miami, he drained a big long ball to start the Tar Heels’ final push. “Together, they shot 2-for-14 and made seven turnovers,” the coach said, “this isn’t biddy basketball.” Right, Roy – it’s big boy ball.

Davis and Love look talented out there, but they turn the ball over too much (55 between them so far) and they let the Hurricanes blow by them several times for open drives to the basket.

Williams said “if you can stop turning the ball over and stay in front of the guy you’re guarding,” he can live with almost anything else a point guard does as long as they make an occasional shot.

Maybe better offense comes first or is it better defense?

 

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