How Good is Walton's Defense?
I missed most of the first half due to ministry obligations, but my anecdotal observation of the second half suggested that Derrick Walton was glued to Jackson wherever he went. And I know that at least once I saw Jackson attempt to attack but gain only a pitiful, inaccurate shot from just outside the paint due to Walton's lock-down attention.
So I pose this question to people who watch closer than I: Is Walton becoming a shutdown defender? I know he's one of the better defenders on the team, but is he a guy who can seriously damage opposing PGs every night? Michigan is not a team that keys on its defense, but a guy who can disrupt the point could be a real asset in key moments down the stretch. If that's what he is becoming. What say you?
January 21st, 2014 at 12:57 PM ^
in that I didn't get to see the entire game, but can appreciate his defense during the games I have seen. I definitely that that one position, harassing the PG for the opposing team can help the defense of the other players. Similar to how a good defensive line can assist the defensive backfield by harassing the QB.
Of course, I never played organized basketball and could be full of shit.
January 21st, 2014 at 12:59 PM ^
I think Walton's on ball D is pretty good, but his team defense is a little lacking. As Ace and Brian mentioned on the podcast, he has issues with knowing his responsibilities, especially when a switch happens. The other thing he struggles with seems to be closing out on three point shots, but that seems to be a result of his height and also how they are coached to close out, because let's face it, none of the perimeter players do that great a job of it.
January 24th, 2014 at 10:06 PM ^
Other than possibly GR3, he's the team's best on-ball defender, and at times has done an exemplary job, especially on cutting off penetration.
As Indy mentioned, it's the switches and transition that he get's discombobulated in at times. I'm OK with that. The kid has the talent to be the best point guard defender JB has had at UM, just needs some seasoning.
January 21st, 2014 at 1:13 PM ^
January 21st, 2014 at 1:22 PM ^
for a freshman. Not many coaches in high school have the knowledge or resources to effectively teach advanced rotations (meaning any rotation beyond switching as necessary on picks and sliding down to stop a dribble drive.) Walton, whose Dad was his coach, undoubtedly received more instruction than most, and it shows. He is better than most freshmen at grasping those concepts but he still has a way to go. Compare him to Irvin, who had a reputation as an elite defender in H.S. Walton is a good bit ahead of him in terms of understanding his role in team defense.
January 21st, 2014 at 2:42 PM ^
Speaking on behalf of high school coaches, I'm sure 99% of them understand and teach advanced rotations. The difference on the college level is the speed of the game and that the player left open is going to make that shot a lot more than at the high school level. Similar things get taught at the high school level, but the margin of error in college is so much smaller.
January 21st, 2014 at 3:57 PM ^
No offense meant to H.S. coacjhes. I am sure they do understand the concepts. I guess I meant to say that they have other more basic things that they need to spend their time on, so less time is probably spent on advanced defensive principles. Poor wording on my part.
January 21st, 2014 at 1:52 PM ^
Walton usually manages to stay in front of his guy and recovers well on the sometimes gratuitous switching and helping we do.
January 21st, 2014 at 2:10 PM ^
Strong... to very strong?
January 21st, 2014 at 2:15 PM ^
Agreed that he looks good physically. One can only assume that as he learns more/gets moe minutes, he will continue to progress. Without a real shutdown defender between Nik, LeVert and Spike, would be great to have someone fill that role as the season progresses.
January 24th, 2014 at 11:04 AM ^
Nik is getting better. Caris can be a terror interrupting passing lanes and on help defense, but any time he has to guard a forward that outweighs him by 40 lbs (which is ALL THE FORWARDS) he is pretty much useless. Not for lack of effort, he just gets thrown around down low. Spike....he'll probably always be a below average defender.
January 21st, 2014 at 3:25 PM ^
Dylan has a nice defensive chart of the Wisconsin game over at umhoops
January 21st, 2014 at 10:08 PM ^
Max = Club Ten Billion.
January 21st, 2014 at 3:46 PM ^
I think it's probably pretty good. Some nights are not as good as others. Sometimes it's really good. As long as he takes it one game at a time and gives 110% he'll be ok. Oh yeah, and execution and whatnot.
January 21st, 2014 at 7:25 PM ^
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:15 PM ^
Very nice.