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| It's been a rough couple of weeks for Angel Rodriguez(Photo Credit: Miami Herald) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
What was once a promising season is slowly unraveling. The 'Canes are 9-2 and ranked in the polls but they haven't looked like the team that defeated Florida and Illinois. Friday night served as prime evidence of a team in flux as the 'Canes lost to an awful Eastern Kentucky team 72-44. That isn't a typo, the 'Canes was dominated by Eastern Kentucky, a team that is ranked in the bottom third of the country. While the UW-Green Bay loss as one that could have been excused due to the their talent, and likely inclusion in the NCAA Tournament field, EKU is inexcusable. While the Colonels are in the top half of the Ohio Valley Conference, and put up a fight against top ranked Kentucky, this is a game that should have been won. EKU isn't 25+ points better than Miami, it was a shocking defeat, and one that may have long term implications.
Angel Rodriguez was expected to be one of the better point guards in the ACC, and early on, he lived up to that billing. However, he has looked plain ordinary over the last five games. Angel was once a dangerous scorer, now he's become a liability on the offensive end, and a nonfactor on defense. Over his last five games, Rodriguez is averaging 9 points and 3 turnovers per game. He's shooting below 30% from the from the field during the same period. Shot selection has been an issue for Angel, as he's taken some mind boggling shots. Rodriguez has rarely been an outstanding shooter, but this dip in performance is unheard of for the young guard. His assist to turnover ratio is 1:1, which is awful. Angel's defense has been as bad as his offense, in some cases it's worse. It isn't that Angel lacks ability, his effort is nonexistent. His attitude and body language are unbecoming of a team leader, and it's obvious that Jim Larranaga has grown frustrated with Rodriguez. In the second half of the Eastern Kentucky game, Angel was pulled following another irrational decision.
Rodriguez isn't the only 'Cane that is struggling, a general malaise has stricken the program. The entire team looks disinterested and lethargic. Tonye Jekiri have regressed lately after showing remarkable progress early in the season, and the freshmen have hit the wall sooner than expected. Miami's lack of significant size has led to an inability to manufacture points when the perimeter shots aren't falling. This inability to manufacture points is the main reason why Miami has become stagnant offensively, and that stagnation has carried over to the defensive end. The 'Canes aren't playing the level of defense that fans are accustomed to, and rebounding is a theoretical concept. Tonye Jekiri is getting little help on the boards, and that is leading to additional shots for opposing teams.
However, all is not lost. Ivan Cruz-Uceda will be eligible soon, his size and offensive skills will be very valuable, especially if Rodriguez's struggles continue. Miami has a couple of games before the conference opener against #6 Virginia. If the 'Canes can sweep Providence and College of Charleston, it will bolster Miami's resume. Miami has to find a way to snap out of this funk, and get back to playing the exciting, disciplined basketball they were playing two weeks ago.
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