1) Yoeli getting more touches around the basket early in the game. I think Yoeli is falling into the trap of shooting just to shoot after finally getting a look. He’s averaging about 9 FGAs per game and it needs to be more like 12. IMO, he should shoot the most shots on the team, and if we get him going early, the 1-footed fadeaways will be limited. I’m ok with 1-2 3s/gm from Yo as long as he’s been getting buckets. If he’s struggled from the field and then shoots 3s, I think he’s compounding the issue.

2) Eli cannot shoot the most 3s on the team. Can’t happen. He has to be a distant 3rd. Zac should shoot 5-6 per game, TJ 4 and Eli 2-3. If TJ and/or Eli gets hot, that number can go up, but way more than half Eli’s shots are 3s. Not good.

3) Zac has to rebound. He’s a 6’7 wing averaging less than 2 rebs a game. We need that help and it has to come from him. Eli has stepped his up to 5, TJ will be between 3&4, Zac has to be around there. Payton is another one that needs to rebound, but his minutes are low, so he gets more of a pass.

4) It’s ok to go to Dalton/Payton early. Luke brings leadership and defense and I think when we see the P&R a lot in conference he’s more valuable, but Dalton has been a bright spot and I’m still believing Dastrup just needs more floor time. I think you can carve out some of Jahshire’s time right now to give to Dastrup and use bigger lineups.

5) Generally, as a team, we’ve not turned the ball over, which is a positive sign, but we aren’t sharing it enough. TJ has 14 assists and Yo has 8, so they’re doing a good job, but Elijah and Jahshire have as many combined as Yoeli has. The tunnel vision when they penetrate is too much. The minute you break a defender down and help comes, you have to have your head on a swivel searching out the break in coverage. Attacking the basket is great and Eli finishes well with contact, but he’s had 2 questionable block calls so far. Jahshire specifically has to find that open guy, which I feel like is Zac in the corner 7-8/10 times.

6) TJ needs to step up and be a leader. Get on the floor when there are loose balls, show some enthusiasm (not toward the officials) and carry himself with some of the swagger I’m used to seeing. It was disheartening to see a ball on the floor Saturday night and Eli, TJ and Zac wanted no part. TJ can be that guy, so go do it.

UTA is a tough matchup for us for sure. They’re long and bouncy and their PG was really impressive to me. Going into the week, I expected a split, but getting run out at home wasn’t what I had in mind. I think we will have a good week here and get on our feet, but I think clearly identifying who’s who in the zoo is important to settle in and execute.