Turnovers could derail season
BOULDER» It’s not just one person. And it’s not as simple as trying to eliminate one bad habit from the routine.
The Colorado men’s basketball team is getting turnovers from everyone, with the giveaways arriving in all forms. Every night features a new grabbag of miscues, from shot clock violations and offensive fouls to bad decisions and errant passes.
It’s not the collective team effort the Buffs envisioned going into a 2019-20 season while harboring NCAA Tournament expectations. Yet it’s one that is threatening to derail that goal before the tournament drive truly begins in earnest.
On display Friday night in Fort Collins during a 56-48 victory against Colorado State was a brand of basketball that won’t have CU dancin’ in March. And unfortunately for the Buffs and their fans eager to latch on to a likeable and talented mix of players, that sort of ugly display has more often than not been the norm this season.
Certainly the Buffs aren’t yet clicking on all cylinders on offense or defense, yet they are more than capable enough on both ends of the floor to consistently win games. But not if they continue to gift-wrap extra possessions for opponents all too happy to take advantage of CU’S holiday spirit of giving.
“We’re not playing great, but we’re figuring out a way to win games, and that is the sign of a tough, gritty basketball team,” CU coach Tad Boyle said after Friday night’s victory at Moby Arena. “And I’m not going to say we’re a good team right now, because we’re not playing like a good team. But we’re a tough and gritty team. I can say that with 100 percent confidence. I wouldn’t trade them for anybody. I love our team.”
Since returning from Las Vegas, where they capped the MGM Resorts Main Event with a victory against Clemson that featured the second-lowest turnover mark of the season (12), the Buffs have been their own worst enemies.
Against CSU, the Buffs committed a turnover just 11 seconds into the game and had as many turnovers (six) as points six minutes into the game. Four different players compiled those six turnovers.
Against Northern Iowa, CU’S first two possessions ended in turnovers on a shot clock violation and an offensive foul. Against Kansas, three different players recorded turnovers before the Buffs scored a point.
Against Loyola Marymount, there were turnovers by Tyler Bey and Mckinley Wright IV before CU dented the scoreboard. There were three turnovers before a point was scored against Sacramento State.
There is no magic-wand solution that will eradicate the problem. But it begins at the top, and for the Buffs that’s Wright.