A new season, a new focus for the CU Buffs men's basketball team, and it's all about grabbing those extra chances.
In a sport where every possession counts, the Buffs are taking a fresh approach to offensive rebounding, a strategy that could be the key to their success this year.
Head Coach Tad Boyle, a veteran of 16 seasons at the helm, has always emphasized the importance of rebounding and defense. However, he's now shifting his attention to a specific aspect of the game that could give his team an edge.
"Our offensive rebounding needs a serious boost," Boyle stated. "We can't just stand and watch; we need to be aggressive and go after those second and third opportunities."
Last season, the Buffs ranked ninth in the Big 12 for overall rebounding, but they lagged behind in offensive rebounding, ranking 14th. With a deeper roster and bigger players, Boyle believes they can turn this around.
"We've got the size and depth to make a difference," he explained. "Our guards can crash the boards, and with improved offensive rebounding, we can create more possessions for our offense."
But here's where it gets controversial: Boyle suggests that by focusing on offensive rebounding, they might give up more points in transition. "It's a calculated risk," he says. "We want to create more chances, and if that means sacrificing some points in transition, so be it."
And this is the part most people miss: Boyle is turning a weakness into a strength. By acknowledging that boxing out is a problem, he's found a way to exploit it.
During Saturday's scrimmage, the first glimpse of this new strategy was seen in action. Freshman forward Alon Michaeli scored one of the first buckets on a putback chance, showcasing the team's new aggressive approach.
As the Buffs prepare for their season opener on November 3, they're ramping up their competitive spirit. Boyle, ever the observer, will be dissecting every detail of the scrimmage, ready to evaluate and refine his team's performance.
So, will the Buffs' new offensive rebounding strategy pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: they're not afraid to take risks and turn their weaknesses into strengths.
What do you think? Is this a bold move or a risky strategy? Let's discuss in the comments!
