Introduction
Appalachian State is a Sun Belt school who is one of the best defensive teams not only on the mid major level, but also in Division I as a whole. They are currently leading the Sun Belt and currently in position to sneak in as an At Large if possible.
Strengths
Overall Defense
App State are a strong defensive team across the board. One of their most impressive stats is their thirty-seven percent field goal percentage against, which is second in all of Division I, only behind Houston who is easily the best defensive team in the nation. They are also within the top twenty in the nation in three point percentage against with a sub twenty-nine percentage and in points allowed with under sixty-four points against a game. However, their most telling stat is their block where they average over six and three quarters blocks per game, which leads all of Division I.
Strong Discipline
App State committed under fourteen fouls per game, which is fewest in the Sun Belt, and which is in the top fifteen in all of Division I. Their strong discipline has also led to lack of free throws against them, averaging under fifteen per game, ranking in the top twenty in all of D1. That fact that they are ranked among the best in the whole nation and not just the Sun Belt, considering they committed over two fewer fouls and three and gave up three and a half free throw attempts per game than Marshall (who is second in the Sun Belt in both categories), there is no question App State has the best defense in the Sun Belt.
Rebounding
With how good App State’s shot defense and discipline are, their rebounding, especially on the defensive end. App State averages over forty-two and a half total rebounds, including over thirty two on the defensive side, ranked sixth and second in Division I. App State averaged one and a half rebounds over Coastal Carolina and over two rebounds over James Madison and Marshall, all ranking within the top thirty in Division I. As for defensive rebounds, App State averages over three rebounds more than those same three schools, all of whom ranked in the top forty in Division I.
Weaknesses
Three Point shooting
As great as App State is at preventing three point shots from going in, they are just as bad as making them. They are shooting under thirty-one percent from beyond the arc, which is third worst in the Sun Belt, and just above the bottom fifty in Division I. Their lack of three point shooting has not been an issue because of their defense; however, this might pose a problem if they face a team like a good three point shooting team like Duke (37.8 percent), Purdue (40.6), or Kentucky (40). If those teams somehow manage to breach App State seeming impenetrable defense, this will make it difficult for App State to fire back.
Free Throw shooting
Their free throw shooting is an absolute travesty to put it nicely. They are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country averaging below sixty-five percent from the free throw line, which is second worst in the Sun Belt and bottom twenty-five in Division I. Considering that underdog teams need to be great free throw shooting teams to face the top schools, this is a major red flag for App State. They need to start knocking down free throws more often if they want to not only make the tourney, but make a Cinderella run once they punch their ticket.
Forcing Turnovers
If there is one kink in App State’s unbreakable armor, it is forcing turnovers. The average under eleven and a half forced turnovers and six and a half steals a game, both bottom half in the Sun Belt. As great as they are at limiting chances for their opposition, they do not give themselves too many extra opportunities in the process. Their lack of extra chances will make it tough for them to come from behind if they are facing a deficit.
App State’s Ceiling
App State has a defense that will take them far into the tourney, but their lack of perimeter and free throw shooting will be the anchor that will hold them back. I do believe they can make the Elite Eight with their defense, but they will have to improve their shooting if they want to go further. App State will be an intriguing team to watch in March Madness if they make it.
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