Post game, Kermit correctly called it when he diagnosed the guards as the area needing improvement after these last two games.
While Upshaw and Williams were originals that can't be replaced, the frontcourt players are impressively stepping up in the early going and playing well. Walters and King are playing impressive ball. Sure, there is still room for improvement i.e. King and defense & Walters and foul trouble. Giddy and Dixon just have returned to form of last season. Giddy has had a few good mins, but is way off his normal level of play. Johnson finished last season strong, but he appears to be regressing some as well. In limited mins so far this season, Simmons has stood out among the guards with outstanding effort.
Perimeter defense is off, and the guards just aren't taking it hard to the rack. As with most any successful team, Kermit's teams are at their offensive best when they are attacking the rack.
A quick look at the stats last night also told of the guards struggles. MT gave up 45% from 3pt land vs Belmont which speaks to the lack of perimeter defense. As big, strong, athletic, and physical as Kermit's teams usually are, they lost the rebounding battling to Belmont last night. Again, another key stat that speaks to the need for better defense, physical play, and overall aggressiveness.
The good news, all of this can be quickly corrected. The players have the ability. Particularly with the guards, it is mostly an attitude and effort matter to get back on track.