re: LSU 57 @ Syracuse 80 Final - ESPN2

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I don't think McMahon's "plan" is to give up as many 3's as possible.

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I didn't say "made" 3 pointers. 3 point attempts.

It's basketball. Opponents are going to get shots. Several of them in fact. Generally, the defensive plan is working to force your opponent to take the shots YOU want them to take, attempted by the guys YOU want to take them.

It's more difficult to make a deep shot than a lay up. That's why they count for more. Thus, it's not a bad strategy to give up looks from 3 by poor 3 point shooters. But that strategy isn't without limitations. If you are getting beat from 3 you have to do what is necessary to take away those looks...even if it means you're giving up good looks from 2. Opponents aren't "shooting over" LSU's short guards. They are taking the shots LSU is giving them. And LSU is giving them 3's

From what I have seen thus far LSU's defensive strategy has been to help and dig to try to force deflections/steals. To a degree it is working. They are forcing a lot of turnovers. But they are also choosing to help off of shooters to try to force those turnovers. It's great when it works. But when it doesn't, you leave a guy with a wide-open look. (Coincidentally, it's a strategy Wade employed when he was here. Often with little success). LSU has been willing to give those looks to increase their chances for a steal. But sometimes you MUST be aware of who you are helping off of. SF who shoots 28% from deep on 2 attempts per game? Help off of him all day. It he beats the odds and makes a three you live with it. The opponent's better 3 point shooters? Don't help off of them. The increased chance for a steal probably isn't work the risk of a made three in that scenario. The discipline to know who to leave and who not to leave takes coaching and scouting. Right now, it appears LSU is willing to allow anyone and everyone to take good looks from three.

It's also contributing to the defensive rebounding woes. Long misses often = long rebounds. Long rebounds often favor the shooting team. Offensive rebounds for the opponents =more FGA for the opponent and less for you. More FGA often leads to more made baskets. It all works together. I'm ok right now with LSU getting a few less steals per game if it means you are forcing the "right" guys, from an defensive perspective, to take the "right" shots. That's been a problem thus far. LSU is letting too many good shooters get too many good looks from 3.