Ever since coach Alex Compton took over the helm as Alaska head coach in 2014, the Aces have been known as one of the stingiest defenders in the league, incorporating a collegiate-style pressure defense into their system that was feared. That defense helped Alaska make it to numerous Finals appearances.
However, the Aces are currently in the midst of their worst stretch in the franchise’s 21-year history. And the Governors’ Cup opener last Wednesday extended their skid to nine games.
Though some might say that the league has finally solved Compton’s press, three-year pro Chris Banchero believes otherwise, saying that the Aces are not pressuring hard enough as they used to.
“We’re just not playing defense. We’re giving up too many easy baskets,” lamented the 6-foot-1 combo guard after NLEX dealt Alaska a 112-104 loss.
“They’re just shooting layups and layups and layups all game, so obviously we need to fix that.”
Wednesday night, Alaska allowed NLEX to shoot 47 percent from the field while committing 27 fouls that led to 32 free throw attempts. Moreover, the Aces were dominated on the boards, getting out-rebounded 52-72.
“We’re just not taking pride in defense the way we did two years ago when we were the best defensive team in the league. People were having trouble against us every night,” furthered the 28-year-old, who finished the game with 11 points on 4-for-11 shooting and eight assists.
“And now, it’s a walk in the park, coming down the lane all night, so we need to take some pride and change that.”
And even when members of the media tried to lighten up the mood, asking Banchero about his new hair color, he could not get his mind of his team’s situation as their skid could reach double-figures on Saturday when they take on the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
“I just wanted to change things up. that’s all it is, man – just change things up.
“It didn’t (bring good fortune) tonight, so I don’t know. My hair has nothing to do with the way we’re playing defense, so we need to change that. Every single one of us needs to change. Big game on Saturday,” he said with a sight of grim in his face.
