Tomorrow night the 2 hottest teams in league II.1, Flyer Sonic and NEWBak Ku Teh Kings will square off against each other. SBBL.com (fictional webby, pls don't visit =P) will analysise on what the both teams have to do to avoid their 1st loss of the season.
Flyer Sonic
1. Pounding the ball inside
The main offense used by Sonic throughout the seasons and it has been very effective especially with their 2 superstars Peh Jian Long(PJL) and Li An Wen(LAW). LAW this season has been averaging a career high 18.5 ppg and 11.1 rpg, also a career high. PJL(15.5ppg, 12.4rpg,1.2bpg) is no slouch either and can pick up the slack anytime. Sonic should look to test the kings interior defence throughout the game and exploit any loopholes or even possibly force up a contested shot (hoping for a foul and one) as the talents of LAW and PJL will enable them to do so without dire consequences.
2. Marcell Dobrovits
Marcell Dobrovits is 2nd in the league in assists (8.1apg). Any pick and roll involving Marcell with PJL or LAW will give any teams defensive matchup nightmares even after perfect rotation, NEWBak Ku Kings very much included. Since Kings are locking onto PJL and LAW's post play, Marcell also must set up shooters with his drives and kick out passes. If Flyer Sonic shooters can consistently hit jumpers from Marcell's kick outs this will stretch the King's defence paper thin allowing possible 1-1 matchups and/or mismatches for the post players, something Sonic's coach will definitely want.
3. Rotational Defence must be solid
NEWBak Ku Teh Kings is 2nd in the league in assists per game(30.1) many of these comes from backdoor cuts, open jumpers and alley oops. Sonic cannot just rely on blocks by PJL and LAW to prevent backdoor cuts and easy layups all game long. Sonic defenders must stay in front of their man. If a man is beat they must rotate quickly to prevent easy baskets for the Kings. This is especially important as Kings have a balanced roster in which anyone can score.Â
4. SGs must "shoot first"
PJL and LAW will definately draw plenty of attention and defenders almost every offensive possession. This leaves the SF and guards free. Marchell Dobrovits (9.5ppg, 8.1apg) is a pass first PG and Hamdan Ibn-(14.3ppg, 51% shooting) has solid production. This leaves SGs Ricaredo Potol(11.1ppg, 5.5apg) and Higinio Villava(5.9ppg). While Richaredo's apg is solid, the SGs cannot also take the "pass first" mentality like the PG. They have to shoot, making the NEWBak Ku Teh King's defence take notice of them and start panicking. Ricaredo also tend to disappear for long stretches of the game, he must be more productive.
5. Use experience against the Kings
The average age for the Sonic(27.6) and the Kings(25.6) isn't that far apart but many King's starters are in their early-mid 20s and had not played in such a huge key game. Comparatively, Flyer Sonic has grizzled veterans, PJL has played for the U21 and currently the national team. Even though it's not a playoff game this one is certainly a big one for either team. Sonic should use their experience as their advantage and get inexperienced Kings players to commit silly fouls and turn the ball over for fast break opportunities.
Last edited by big_boss_will at 6/25/2012 3:10:57 AM