Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Darius Miller Trending Up.
by Glenn Logan on Jan 29, 2012 2:00 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintFor most of the early part of the year, Kentucky fans have lamented Darius Miller's performance as not quite being up to his ability. After the Samford game, the UK senior's numbers began a decline that culminated in a big dip when the SEC season began.
We saw something similar last year, only about a month later in the season. Starting around the first of February, 2011, Miller's game hit a sudden rough patch and he went into a single-digit slump that lasted until mid-month, when he suddenly regained form and began a run that culminated in his being named SEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Miller's rebound numbers are still down over last year, but as JLeverenz has correctly pointed out, he's playing more on the perimeter this year, and rebounding is less of a priority for back-court players, who have to concern themselves first and foremost with maintaining defensive balance.
3-point shooting, which had been a struggle for Miller early in the season, has really begun to rebound, and as Miller finds more of those shots going in, his confidence has obviously begun to soar, and he is becoming more assertive offensively. Miller has been in double-digits in his last four games in a row, and is one of the reasons the Wildcats seem to be finding their groove after some uneven games earlier this season, particularly in SEC play.
This chart has a nice trend line lately
I think every Kentucky fan has a special place in his heart for Miller, being the only player from the state who regularly gets playing time for UK during the Calipari era. I myself find myself always pulling for him, hoping for him to get more involved in the offense. He's always been a solid defensive player, so what I have hoped to see more of is getting himself open and playing the kind of basketball he did last year.
My wish appears to be coming true. Miller is returning to his late-season 2011 form, and this is just what Kentucky needs to be successful. It is possible to guard Kentucky when they have only one player, Doron Lamb, capable of making bunches of 3-point shots. But when Miller adds that second dimension, the Wildcats go from outstanding to spectacular, and they'll need that additional scoring punch more and more often as the SEC season gets tougher.
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I'd like to see Darius
just tear it up from here on out, we all know he has the skills to do so, might help in erning a paycheck next year too
We'll love Darius regardless.
But imagine how quickly the uneven play will be forgotten if the real Darius leads this team to a national title.
An interesting note about Miller's rebounding
His defensive rebound rates per KenPom:
Freshman: 10.9
Sophomore: 7.8
Junior: 11.4
Senior: 7.1
His Freshman and Junior years Darius played along side 1 dominant rebounder (Patterson and Jones respectively) and 1 good-to-very-good rebounder (Stevenson and Harrellson) along with a bunch of other guys who chipped in.
Sophomore and Senior years he’s playing with multiple dominant rebounders (Cousins/Patterson and Davis/Jones) and some very good ones to go along side (Orton, MKG)
I think Miller might be one of those players whose rebounding is “hurt” by dominant inside players getting balls that he would ordinarily get to. I would certainly like to see him get more boards and turn UK from a very good defensive rebounding team into an excellent one.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
As was mentioned above
when he is playing more of a guard role, he has to be ready to get back and stop the other teams transition game. Can’t crash the board for rebounds and stop the transition at the same time. I don’t think it is a lack of ability, the numbers show he can do it, nor the lack of heart, but rather having to make a decision on where to be at a given time. I am sure that decision is made for him somewhat depending on his defensive role.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
right
And I think that role is impacted by how many good big men UK has. In his Freshman and Junior years Kentucky had some good inside players, but Miller was needed inside a bit more. His sophomore and senior years UK has lots of quality bigs so Miller doesn’t have to play inside on defense as much.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
The best numbers to look at
would be the number of potential rebounds that the team as a whole misses. Then you can look further into who should have gotten some of those. It’s like people saying that he should get x number of points per game when other people are scoring on each possession. Only so many shots and so many rebounds to go around.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
I have all the confidence in the world with Darius
He was a slow starter last year and it looks the same this year. He looks like he’s rounding into form nicely and I’m hoping I can say the same thing about Terrance Jones.
Sweet
I love Darius so freaking much. He’s so versatile on offense. It’s incredible. Not many teams have the luxury of a 6’8 SF/SG who can hit the three and take advantage of mismatches down low. He’s easily our best post-up player (in my opinion). How may times does he get blocked or miss that turnaround shot near the basket? Almost never, because of his skill/accuracy/well-timed pump fakes. I still remember when he completed the and-1 play against UNC in the elite eight. I think he used three fakes; it was sweet. Crafty.
He is so good at hitting 2pt shots this year
He takes good shots and is very accurate – it’s almost a shock when he misses.
And I love that play from last year’s UNC game too!
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
Agree, he definitely has the best postup moves of anyone on the team
even better than TJ
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
A lot better than TJ
I think Cal should use Darius as a low post post up whenever he is matched up against a smaller guard. It works most every time. If they double he opp to TJ or MD or if the double comes from out side you hit a 3 point shooter. TJ can over power people but Darius can score more consistently.
by big-cuz fan on Jan 30, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Darius is coming on strong
and looking much more assertive the past few games. Yesterday was the first time that TJ has looked real good in all facets for a long time. Hopefully he is over his injury for good and he too can come in like gangbusters just as the season gets tough and the tourneys approach. Lastly, I sure AD is feeling OK this morning. He had a tough day yesterday (understatement of the year).
AD might have found it
quite painful to get out of bed this morning. I fell on my shoulder during a softball game and couldn’t raise my arm the next day. He took a knock to the back of the head, a punch to the face, a fall on his back and was tripped just for good measure. Just another day at the office in the SEC.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
Kywineman, ...
you needed to go to the trainers and have them work that soreness out. ";-)
That soreness persisted off and on for about 14 years.
It gradually got so bad that it was quite painful to lift my arm above shoulder level. Went to a chiropractor for another problem, told him about it, he popped it back in place and I have been pain free with full mobility ever since. Made a believer out of me.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
I had a similar neck condition.
When my oldest son was in the 1st grade, he intentionally popped a balloon in my ear while I was driving. (Aren’t children a blessing?) I nearly drove off the road, and wrenched my neck so bad, it was painfully rigid for 4 years where I had to turn my shoulders to look left or right. Like you, I just lived with it. Then I went to my doctor for an annual check-up and he sent me to a physical therapist – 3 visits later, I was pain free and have been ever since. Prior to that, I thought massage therapy was just a bunch of aesthetic hedonism – now I’m a believer.
That is the beauty of massage therapy,
it is therapeutic and aesthetically hedonistic simultaneously. Or, as Shakespeare would say “Therein lies the rub”.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
by kywineman on Jan 29, 2012 9:31 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
All In Pun Of Course.
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
LOL, ...
Wonderful insight, kywineman! Thank you!
This is where I think things are changing for Darius.
“I am trying to be more aggressive on my shot. If I am open, I will take it. My teammates did a good job of finding me, especially in the first half. I just try to follow through and make big shots.” – From Miller’s Post Game Comments
Because he has such a pretty shot and unreal range, a lot of fans may have a false mental picture of his 3-pt. shooting. Last year, Darius made more than two 3s in a game exactly 4 times – twice before SEC play began and twice after. Last year, we also had Knight, Lamb and Liggins to jack it up from outside, so Miller did most all of his scoring from 12ft. in last season. This year, Darius has already scored more than two 3s in a game 7 times.
Darius is the most flexible player on the team. IMO, he can play pretty much anywhere on the court and make a quality contribution. However, those positioning decisions by Cal have a significant on Miller’s shot selection, points and rebounding numbers. Rebounding stats are determined, again, imo, by who you are guarding on defense, post or perimeter player, and where you’re playing on offense. This year, Darius spends more time defending on the perimeter and stretching the defense cruising the 3pt. line on offense. You won’t see his rebounding numbers change much if that situation continues, whatever your hopes. His acknowledged intent to aggressively seek his shot from the perimeter should see his point totals remain remain elevated based almost entirely on the quality of our opponent’s 3 pt. defense.
That should read, ...
“However, those positioning decisions by Cal have a significant ‘impact’ on Miller’s shot selection, points and rebounding numbers.”
Sweasyf, you’re not the only one who needs “to proofread before hitting that "post" button.” smh. ;-)
Gottlieb said that facing a good zone will be UK's
downfall this year. While that may be true, if Miller and Lamb are on from three point land, I like our chances.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
I agree, ...
Both Jones and Davis also have good range on their jumpers, though AD hasn’t shown it, yet, this season. I don’t think we will see a significant amount of zone the remainder of SEC play. Clearly, Syracuse looms large out there in the NCAA Tournament.
I remember a game a few years back where the big man hadn't hit a three
all year and in the tournament with time running out he took the outside shot and won the game. I can’t remember the team but I remember that moment. Somehow I feel that Davis could pull something like that off.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
Davis' game seems to be an onion, or maybe a parfait.
Only in an instance like that you related is it ok for a post player to be taking that shot, imo. I think if you haven’t shown an outside shot by now – I don’t want you taking them in anything but the most dire and improbable circumstances. Cal, on the other hand, seems to want Davis to explore his jumper. Everyone likes a parfait – Orange Leaf, anyone? ’;-)
I remember Cousins reared up late in a shot clock, totally out of position and took a 3-pt shot against Cleveland State down in Cancun. Incredibly it swished, drawing nothing but net and Demarcus thought that make earned him the right to take a 3 anytime the urge blessed him. Which it did 5 more times during the year – 5 misses; he was 1 for 6 from the arc. Coupled with his fondness for occasionally trying to bring the ball up the court, unlike Davis who actually was a PG, Cousins was merely delusional.
It was fun to watch Cousins try to run a fast break
I would just sit back and wait for the comedy to unfold, because one way or another it was going to end well for UK fans. Either I’d get a great laugh or Uk would score, sometimes both.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
It was like watching a bowling ball
speeding towards the pins and somehow expecting it to stop short of impact.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
I just hope he keeps bringing it......
We will just have too many weapons to defend soon if this keeps up.
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 29, 2012 5:00 PM EST reply actions
After Review
Not further review since I didn’t get to see the game yesterday. Not much to add or critique since, as Calipari said, this was, all things considered, Cats best game to date. If one was required to pick nits I suppose FT’s would be one facet especially since the percentages of the last few games was so improved. Other observations:
1) The short first half hiatus was a justifiable loss of focus after AD’s injury and the resultant mistrust of the offensive system, i.e. you could almost seeing the players trying to think about their responsibilities and positions when AD was out. Defense didn’t suffer quite so much.
2) Teague’s shot motion looks considerably smoother and he seems confident. Do wish he would penetrate more but LSU was mostly playing off and inviting he outside shot.
3) TJ appeared to actually be playing the game instead of working at it, thus the freer movement, running the floor, taking the opportunities when presented. In other words, playing with joy and abandon.
4) Getting old I know but AD is really remarkable and it will be a long while before we see another like him in Blue — then there is the possibility of Nerlens Noel in 2013 but he doesn’t have the advantage of having once been a guard. We all need to rejoice and enjoy him while he’s here.
5) I wish “Smooth” wasn’t quite so smooth and exerted (or at least appear to) more effort.
6) The game at this level is still a millisecond or so too fast for Wiltjer but the only antidote is experience. He’ll be a very good college player by his junior year.
7) As for the topic of this post: Miller — my perception (that and that alone) is that he is playing to his potential given the talent of his teammates and what’s expected of him by Calipari. Not to say he can’t do some things better but UK can win with him playing at this level.
8) Sure would like to see more pressure minutes for Vargas and Beckham, might come in handy later on.
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
In Discussion
Cal said there would be a lot of running this week in practice because of the missed FTs. My HS coach loved running suicides as inspiration, too. Not being a particularly gifted player, I spent a fair amount of time hugging a trash can during those motivational workouts. Ah, the memories!
2) Most teams play off Teague specifically because he hasn’t shown a deadeye ability to knock them down from outside – he’s shooting only about 30% from 3. He’s limited to a top of the key spot-up shooter right now.
3) I’m hoping Terrence is back to his pre-Indiana form. We will need him at top form to close out SEC regular season play and then power through the post season to No.8.
4) I think Nerlens Noel will be essentially the same player as the Davis we’ve seen so far this season. Davis certainly has the greater range in terms of overall game and, thereby, maybe higher ceiling. But, we haven’t seen much away from the post offense from AT. And, although I’m sure Davis has a better handle and is a good passer, the fact Noel has always been a center, and is comfortable in his body at that position, may mean his college learning curve will be significantly steeper – to our benefit. Defensively, I think Davis is one heck of a smart player and he plays with a very high motor. Though it’s hard to tell from watching video clips, Noel seems to run the floor as well as Davis – we’ll just have to wait and see where his basketball IQ grades out. All this being said, I’ll certainly be celebrating if when he announces he’s coming to Kentucky.
5) If “Smooth” doesn’t pick up the pace, he’ll be back next season.
6) Wiltjer just may not be quick enough to play college defense – me neither!
7) Because of his flexibility, Cal has been adjusting his role a lot game-to-game through the season, so far. It’s hard to maintain consistency swapping back and forth from an inside to a perimeter player like that and Darius has paid the price.
8) Vargas, Yes! Beckham, not so much – he reminds me of last year’s Vargas – unable to score and a liability on defense.
Miller is the best
On the team, IMO, at coming off a rebound when he sees a teammate has it. He did that at least three times in the last two games. Consummate team player.
As a matter of fact, he’s in my top four all-time wildcats with Vernon Hatton, Larry Conley, and Dan Issel. For those who “know” me, you know that I think a lot of DM to put him in the same class as Larry.
Two things don't last: dogs chasing cars and pros putting for pars.
by oldcat'69 on Jan 29, 2012 6:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Oh, that's favorite,
not necessarily best.
Two things don't last: dogs chasing cars and pros putting for pars.
by oldcat'69 on Jan 29, 2012 6:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Darius
He has been all we could ask as a player and a person.
His post-game comments and demeanor after the thugfest at LoserSU were so mature, respectful and articulate.
He worked hard throughout his four years. I couldn’t be prouder of him.
I know we would all love to see him hoisting the ultimate trophy in April with his youthful mates.
It’s a joy to watch him and this season’s team. They love each other, they are listening to their coach and they are proudly representing their university with elite skill and uncommon class.
May they go all the way!
by ukfastcat on Jan 29, 2012 6:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This is what I was gonna say too
The last year when Gillespie was here, I was just saying to myself – he can cost us Legion, he can cost us Liggins (thankfully didn’t, but probably would have with another year), he can cost us Stewart, everybody practically; but man if he costs us Miller, I will curse his name forever.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
There will be a lot of moist eyes in the house
when Miller is introduced on Senior night.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
I didn't realize that was getting close,
On purpose, you know. 5 more home games left?
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Darius the difference maker-
In order to win it all in early April, more often than not, a team needs three strong scoring threats. I really thought going into this season, Doron Lamb would be the player to fill this role. At this point, we can pretty much count on T. Jones and A. Davis inside. And if we can get consistent scoring from two of the three others, (MKG, Lamb, or Miller) we are almost unstoppable. Our defense has been awesome all year, so D. Miller can really be a difference maker… GO CATS!!!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
We are in the unique position of having
6 players averaging double figures. Any three of those are capable of having big games on a given night. We can take what the other team gives us because they cannot stop all of our players all of the time. I think that the lessons we learn in the second half of the SEC schedule will prepare us well for the post season. This has the feel of a season we will long remember.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
Cut off the Cats' head...
and they just grow another head.
Slogan for the NCAA: If it ain't broke, break it.
UK In "Beast Mode"
So says ESPN blog:
No. 1 Kentucky 74, LSU 50
The Wildcats are in Beast Mode right now. They’re just crushing teams. LSU entered this game following a tight road loss at Mississippi State. But the Wildcats are just a different animal. Terrence Jones led all scorers with a season-high 27 points and the Wildcats held LSU to a 1-for-9 clip from the 3-point line. Just two Tigers reached double figures.
Although LSU is only 2-5 in the SEC, you have to wonder how dangerous the Wildcats can be in March when a guy like Jones can explode despite some inconsistency this season. He entered the game averaging 11.6 ppg and he only scored five points against Georgia on Tuesday. But this game was further proof that Kentucky is a "pick your poison" kind of opponent. How do you defend a team with that number of studs? The Wildcats have so many weapons.
Syracuse is deep. Ohio State has balance. But no team in America looks as potent as Kentucky right now.
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
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