Why OSU Needs to Change Their Defense First Mindset

As with any coach who runs a program, the mindset and persona of the head man usually trickles down through the organization with the staff and players. The same can be said for Travis Ford and the men’s basketball team, who have embraced the “defense first” mindset that Ford has preached all year.

“Our defense is going to start our offense. I’m not really worried about our offense, we just need to rebound the ball better and defense can turn into offense with fast breaks and stuff like that,” guard Jeff Newberry said earlier this week.

Rebounding is one of several glaring issues with the team, but their lack of offense is certainly concerning as well. They rank 249th in average points per game this season, scoring just 70.1 a contest according to ESPN statistics, and shooting 44% from the field and 34% from downtown. And just based off the players responses, it would appear the coaching staff isn’t aiming to improve the offense as much as they are still working on the defensive side of the ball.

On if there is a certain thing they are working on right now (in advance of Bedlam), Leyton Hammonds said: “Rebounding is our main key, that and turnovers and transition defense. Just working on those three things I think is really gonna help us.”

On Wednesday, they’ll face No. 2 Oklahoma who come in ranked No. 2 in points per game, scoring 88.3 per contest and 46% from 3-point range.

The most condemning statistic, however, is the total number of shots being put up. OSU comes into Bedlam averaging 54 shots per game and 17 3’s per game, while OU averages 65 and 23, respectively.

Rebounding must improve, but the Cowboys need just as much improvement in the scoring department. Something the head coach doesn’t seem too confident will improve.

“We struggle to score no matter who we play,” Ford said via ESPN.

Phil Forte, the Cowboys leading scorer, is likely out for the season. Jeff Newberry currently leads the team with 11.9 points per game, followed closely by Jawun Evans (10.4 ppg) and Leyton Hammonds (10.1 ppg). OSU desperately needs an injection of offense if they will survive the Big 12, and improvement on offense isn’t something I would hold out for. The Cowboys are going to continue to try and get it done on the defensive side of the ball to win games.

Minute Matchup: @Newberry_22 and @Leyfro talk with the media about the Bedlam matchup against the Sooners. @okstate https://t.co/k4jsgtRrlX

— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) January 11, 2016