OUR LAST NAME WAS TAKEN
OUR LAST NAME WAS TAKEN TEAM OUTLOOK
The first thing that jumps out about the team is that they have absolutely no depth. None. Five guys showed up to play a game of basketball. Now, of course this may have just been a one-night situation, as other team members may have been unavailable. Plus the five guys that did show up made a pretty good team. But the lack of depth is a clear weakness. Of course, a full effort is still required to defeat this team.
OUR LAST NAME WAS TAKEN TEAM OFFENSE
The five players that made up the team in their first game showed a good deal of skills. They passed the ball effectively and took open shots when they had them. All five players have decent height and size, really right about an average of 5'8" or 5'9". They can make crisp passes, they like to work hard in the paint and also shoot threes on offense. Unfortunately, playing the Soccer Chicks may have made this team take more of a psychological angle than expected. As such not all of their skills may have shown. But the five guys they brought to play had some skills. Their point guard with the shaved head can pass, shoot, and play defense. Two other players are excellent passers who work hard down low for rebounds. And the remaining two players may seem awkward but are capable of putting in easy shots.
How to stop their offense
The Soccer Chicks did a decent job of making Our Last Name was Taken think about every move and play a tentative game. But ultimately, a lot of turnovers by the Soccer Chicks as well as sloppy transition defense led to several fastbreak opportunities by O.L.N.w.T. The bottom line on the O.L.N.w.T. offense is that it is basic yet dangerous. As such, a basic zone or man defense will probably stifle their system. The point guard must be defended closely if not doubled. The two players who can pass well have to be boxed out and outmuscled down low. And the two remaining guys have to be denied any easy shots. Basically, a lack of true depth will wear down this team, but only if they are outworked and outhustled. Playing a set defense will work here; nothing too fancy, nothing exclusive. Pressing may help in tiring out this team. In other words, use our standard defense of the 2-3 zone mixed with some full-court press.
OUR LAST NAME WAS TAKEN TEAM DEFENSE
There's really not too much to say here, as they were going up against the Soccer Chicks. Of course, no offense to the Chicks, but the game was more psychological than physical. It was clear O.L.N.w.T. was concentrating on playing a soft game and running more as opposed to boxing out and going for steals. Essentially, a solid picture of their defense was not attainable. But looking at the team lineup may provide some assistance. The point guard with the shaved head plays very good defense, getting to a lot of loose balls. The two stronger guys down low grab rebounds. It's a defense which clearly needs to be studied and not taken lightly.
How to break their defense
To reiterate, O.L.N.w.T. showed up with a grand total of five players. That means outrunning them is a must. So if there is one game to really push the motion offense, it's this one. Run hard, run smart. Presses while on D will tire them out as well, but when they're on D, the more they have to move around, the more open looks and easy layups that will result. Of course, this is based on the notion they'll only bring five players again, which is likely not true. But playing smart, especially at the point guard position, is a must. It is imperative to study at least some part of the motion offense, or at least bring a desire to run, to the game against O.L.N.w.T.
FINAL ANALYSIS
Ultimately more knowledge about this team will result once they acquire more depth and play a more physical game. Until then, playing the 2-3 zone, mixed with some presses, along with a motion offense look to be the keys for defeating this team. They may only bring five players, but their five can play with any other five. And as it appeared they defeated the Soccer Chicks by a large margin, it's worth noting that they haven't played their best yet. But anything they bring to the court can be negated as well, thanks to some practice and some know-how.