Let's speculate-

[Chief00]

Larrier will be a Husky. I go to both XL and Gampel games. I think this mythical student section is what people talk about who don't attend games and watch only the marque games on tv. Perhaps due to the change in the student lottery mechanism in recent years we don't get the students who would camp out for tixs and attend all games. Frankly the XL has been louder.

 

[Husky1]

We've lost several posts that we wanted but Bynum and Drummond were ok gets I think. Facey was NY state player of year, c kelley,was stud recruit. Amazed by all the negativity I read here. Let things pan out

 

[GemParty]

32 posts, all very interesting, yet I'm not sure one person addressed if AMA knew where he was going prior to our visit.

 

[upstater]

2011 BE regular season = Hack-Kemba
How many times did he go to the line?

There's a reason UConn was 23-0 outside the regular season, and it had everything to do with the way the games were called.

1.000 (23-0) versus .500 (9-9) is not a fluke.

 

[HuskyBballFan]

Larrier will be a Husky.

You keep saying this....with the same conviction you had about XRM and Kuran Iverson.

 

[boog204]

32 posts, all very interesting, yet I'm not sure one person addressed if AMA knew where he was going prior to our visit.

Don't think he knew prior... Didn't he basically say that the feeling he got shooting around at NC State was better than at UConn?

 

[aceboon]

Don't think he knew prior... Didn't he basically say that the feeling he got shooting around at NC State was better than at UConn?

that was Purvis's quote.

 

[boog204]

Certainly plausible that Gottfried pitched it that way and KO pitched it differently. And certainly with a potential of RB, Purvis, OC and DHam, Abu and Boswell were concerned that Abu would not have stood out in that line up, and for one or both of them standing out was important.

For what it's worth I found this quote from AMA about why he chose NC State, "[I liked] how they used their forwards and how I would be a main option," Abu said

http://ncstate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1546330#sthash.KI1Q

 

[Gurleyman]

I enjoyed every second of the last 11 games in 2011 but before that they were inconsistent and they were boring. Last year was the first time in a few years where I truly enjoyed watching them. Better flow to tthe offense and better team play.

Really? It was a young team that hit a wall for a short spell in the BE grind, but other than a loss at St Johns that was a total clunker, I never remember being bored by them. The start of the season (Maui, Kemba's first "holy crap" game vs Vermont) was exciting as hell as we emerged from the darkness. Even our sluggish finish had some good games we lost (ND at home, OT games to Louisville and Marquette we probably should have won).

Maybe I was just forgiving of some of our dry spells, knowing we were young, but I was never bored or disillusioned by that team even in the valleys, especially coming off the 2010 season.

 

[boog204]

Really? It was a young team that hit a wall for a short spell in the BE grind, but other than a loss at St Johns that was a total clunker, I never remember being bored by them. The start of the season (Maui, Kemba's first "holy crap" game vs Vermont) was exciting as hell as we emerged from the darkness. Even our sluggish finish had some good games we lost (ND at home, OT games to Louisville and Marquette we probably should have won).

Maybe I was just forgiving of some of our dry spells, knowing we were young, but I was never bored or disillusioned by that team even in the valleys, especially coming off the 2010 season.

I found the dry spells extremely frustrating. JLamb hadn't come into his own and basically we needed Kemba to shoot the ball 25 times a game to win. While that worked sometimes, there were a handful of games that year where Kemba shot 30% because he had to go one on five every possession.

Case in point, those two OT games Kemba was 7-23 and 10-27... He did everything he could but when he didn't have his shot we still needed him to keep on shooting b/c we didn't really have anything else going on.

 

[superjohn]

I found the dry spells extremely frustrating. JLamb hadn't come into his own and basically we needed Kemba to shoot the ball 25 times a game to win. While that worked sometimes, there were a handful of games that year where Kemba shot 30% because he had to go one on five every possession.

Case in point, those two OT games Kemba was 7-23 and 10-27... He did everything he could but when he didn't have his shot we still needed him to keep on shooting b/c we didn't really have anything else going on.

That's because it was a team full of freshman, of course there was some growing pains. I happened to enjoy every minute from Maui to Manhattan to Houston. Wow we really have some spoiled fans here.

 

[upstater]

I found the dry spells extremely frustrating. JLamb hadn't come into his own and basically we needed Kemba to shoot the ball 25 times a game to win. While that worked sometimes, there were a handful of games that year where Kemba shot 30% because he had to go one on five every possession.

Case in point, those two OT games Kemba was 7-23 and 10-27... He did everything he could but when he didn't have his shot we still needed him to keep on shooting b/c we didn't really have anything else going on.

The difference between 30% shooting and his average is a few fouls. 5 more fouls sends him to the line for 7 more points and raises his shooting average to 10-22.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Larrier will be a Husky. I go to both XL and Gampel games. I think this mythical student section is what people talk about who don't attend games and watch only the marque games on tv. Perhaps due to the change in the student lottery mechanism in recent years we don't get the students who would camp out for tixs and attend all games. Frankly the XL has been louder.

This is a VERY compelling statement "chief". Because of the definitive nature of that statement...and the fact getting Larrier would amount to grand larceny against VCU (since they have already rung it up as a commitment) you are eligible for the Bluedoggyhouse Prognostication of the Year Award. Mr. Wonderful, Mauconn and Sir Fluedy have been nominated for the award. More to come...

The winner receives a 1 hour complimentary VIP Champagne room visit at the Hartford Gold Club (by default).

We def need Larrier on campus again. The weekend of Heart of a Champion he needs to be on campus. IF that happens we have a shot.

JMHO...

 

[Tenspro2002]

That's because it was a team full of freshman, of course there was some growing pains. I happened to enjoy every minute from Maui to Manhattan to Houston. Wow we really have some spoiled fans here.

At the time it wasn't apparent that we were about to do something unprecedented and cut down nets all over the place.

It looked like we were stumbling to another 10+ loss season, a middling seed, and an early NCAA Tournament exit.

In hindsight, it seems like things were much smoother, but a lot of the middle of that season was filled with handwringing and angst.

 

[boog204]

At the time it wasn't apparent that we were about to do something unprecedented and cut down nets all over the place.

It looked like we were stumbling to another 10+ loss season, a middling seed, and an early NCAA Tournament exit.

In hindsight, it seems like things were much smoother, but a lot of the middle of that season was filled with handwringing and angst.

There were lots of people actually ripping Kemba in the middle of that season when his shot was off and he had no help... Same way that Ricky is a legend nowadays when he was an absolutely hated his sophomore year. Made the treatment of Taliek look kind.

 

[UConnDad]

I found the dry spells extremely frustrating. JLamb hadn't come into his own and basically we needed Kemba to shoot the ball 25 times a game to win. While that worked sometimes, there were a handful of games that year where Kemba shot 30% because he had to go one on five every possession.

Case in point, those two OT games Kemba was 7-23 and 10-27... He did everything he could but when he didn't have his shot we still needed him to keep on shooting b/c we didn't really have anything else going on.

It was as we all know Kemba and the kids. And the kids were learning and playing D and playing hard and coming together .And then the post season came and every opposing coach knew all they had to do was cut off the head and the kids would falter. Not really arguing with your assessment of some of those games but they were beneficial. It made them help him however they could. Some games were frustrating but how much sweeter it made the victories!

 

[Gurleyman]

I found the dry spells extremely frustrating. JLamb hadn't come into his own and basically we needed Kemba to shoot the ball 25 times a game to win. While that worked sometimes, there were a handful of games that year where Kemba shot 30% because he had to go one on five every possession.

Case in point, those two OT games Kemba was 7-23 and 10-27... He did everything he could but when he didn't have his shot we still needed him to keep on shooting b/c we didn't really have anything else going on.

To each their own, I guess. People thought the program was on its deathbed going into that year (off an NIT year, "weak" recruiting class). We came out flying with a huge resurgence that carried almost into February, then came back down to earth a bit, but we were never a bubble team or anything. A little frustration maybe came from watching BET byes slip away, but I was eager for the NCAAs knowing we had one of the toughest guys in the country to guard (didn't think we'd make that run at MSG).

You know what frustrated me? The 2006 team giving up 80 points to any group of five janitors who threw on uniforms, figuring they would just score 82 and beat them. They could look pretty on offense, but that team frustrated the hell out of me with the lack of attention to detail on the little things, even during a two-loss regular season. I actually dreaded the Albany game - thinking we had the type of team that could be the first ever 1-16 loser.

The 2011 team having some offensive struggles with five freshmen in key roles was just part of growing pains. I was definitely frustrated by the St. John's game because that was the only time I thought we quit. But the season as a whole was pretty much enjoyable the whole way through to me. Even in a losing skid, they were an easy team to like.

 

[mcs333]

A couple of facts to off set some of the points made above. First the ACC is 5th among conferences in ave BB attendance per game. NCST had a very nice jump last year in attendance to 16k+, however the previous years were 13k +. They play at the PNC center which hold almost 20k for BB games. Very rarely does NCST sell out. Usually they play to 60-70 % of capacity. The ACC has been very overrated with only 4-5 teams out of 12 making the NCAA. I expect the AAC will have 5 which is 50% of their teams making the NCAA. Only the BE and BIG had about 50% of their teams make the NCAA' s in the past. While the AAC is not the old BE, they will hold their own in BB and will be rated higher than several of the so called power conferences.

 

[Gurleyman]

That's because it was a team full of freshman, of course there was some growing pains. I happened to enjoy every minute from Maui to Manhattan to Houston. Wow we really have some spoiled fans here.

Expectations do play a role. The 1999 season was very stressful - we ended 34-2, but we had Final Four angst and there were a lot of tight wins in that 34 (El-Amin on scorer's table, UMass was close, Miami in OT, Seton Hall in BET, etc.). Heck, we were off the rails on the Boneyard (assuming we were ever on rails) when our exhibition with Marathon Oil came down to the wire. 2004 was kind of stressful - preseason No. 1 and didn't show it at times. The bounce-back years tend to be fun rides. Donyell's year, Caron's year, Khalid's freshman year, Kemba's year.

I guess I can see some degree of late-February frustration in 2011 because the spectacular start began to look like a tease and we might not get back to our A game again. I know I was banking on a postseason second wind that would bring the Maui team back, but perhaps that was a leap of faith. Didn't think we would win it all, mind you, due to the heavy reliance on frosh going through it the first time, but I felt comfortable we would be a tough out. I was on board with Maker's Muppet from the first paragraph.

 

[Huskies4ever]

Here is the thing about 2011. Five minutes into every post season game our opponent saw in person that there was one player on the court that was virtually unstoppable. I attended every BE tourney with a really good friend of mine who is a die hard Cuse fan. By the quarter final game I had him saying "Kemba time". If you think its boring to have an electric player like that take over games I don't know what you want. If I was a recruit I would want to be that guy. Also I think we run and we will be running this season. As for the bigs we want them to be able to score but we will always work for a good shot. If they can score down low we will certainly use it to our advantage.

You have a friend who is a Cuse fan? You should have your Husky "fandomness" revoked. I just made up a word.

 

[Hoophound]

I tend to be a lot harder on UConn as far as style of play, the crowd etc. I watch other teams and think they look better. I think it is because i know our guys so well. I know their limitations. When Reggie Evans hits a 3 pointer I think, "whew, we got lucky there". A UMass fan watching would be thinking "f UConn, even their scrubs can drill threes and ours can barely dribble".

I never hear any of my friends say UConn is boring to watch or has crappy fans, never. They think UConn basketball is huge and legit. I live in Florida, so it isn't like they are bias. UConn basketball is considered the goods.

 

[cohenzone]

Rodney wasn't on campus yet for his visit and either way you don't want him negatively recruiting for you, that would probably turn a recruit off. also, where has this sentiment popped up that we don't have a good chance with Robinson come from?

I don't think answering a direct question by Abu to Purvis is negative recruiting. Purvis has actual knowledge. If Abu had asked Purvis why he left NCS rather than UConns coaches saying negative stuff, no issue for me.

Question if a graduate of the program, say Ray Allen or Kemba contacts a recruit it us an NCAA violation. Is it a violation if the recruit initiates the contact? If it us, it"s a dumb rule. Who better than people who have played in a program to give a kid info. Obviously, if the coach has changed, the experiences of former players is less valuable.

BTW, for the younger folks, there was a time when fans had zero idea who the school was recruiting, even superstars. Now, every recruit seems to achieve star status, they all have "camps" giving them advice, not always in the kids best interest, and fans are way too involved.

 

[DreamSeason]

A couple of facts to off set some of the points made above. First the ACC is 5th among conferences in ave BB attendance per game. NCST had a very nice jump last year in attendance to 16k+, however the previous years were 13k +. They play at the PNC center which hold almost 20k for BB games. Very rarely does NCST sell out. Usually they play to 60-70 % of capacity. The ACC has been very overrated with only 4-5 teams out of 12 making the NCAA. I expect the AAC will have 5 which is 50% of their teams making the NCAA. Only the BE and BIG had about 50% of their teams make the NCAA' s in the past. While the AAC is not the old BE, they will hold their own in BB and will be rated higher than several of the so called power conferences.

Although I don't love our current conference and would be happier in the ACC.....I think as a conference it was overrated. Every Big East team we lost to them became irrelevant. That is where BE teams go to die. Although Miami seems to be making a comeback.

 

[Goat]

Anyone who competes for customers knows that there is always a guy that will say whatever he has to to make the sale. Nothing about Ollie makes me think he will ever be that guy. I agree that the AAU coach is probably the key. Where did he recommend that Terrell go?
Coach Calhoun likes to say, "to be honest with you." To be honest with you, we really don't know what style of play KO would prefer if he could get all the personnel he wanted. He did a heck of job with what he had last season. I think he is a strong strategic and game coach, but it will be interesting to see if not having Blaney changes this.

I think KO has seen and studied many great NBA coach's schemes and learned how to exploit match up weaknesses. So, I think the team is in good hands. Many here seem to think that Cooley and Gottfried, for examples, have recruiting gifts, but are poor bench coaches. I don't think it is fair to say that Ollie is a poor recruiter, Purvis and Hamilton preclude those remarks.

From Ollie's remarks about "great motors," I infer that his preference may be to run other teams out of the gym. Phil Nolan and Amida Brimah may be good for that. If Facey can play, we have some depth and could run alot. Many players seem to be of above average speed, except perhaps compared to Louisville. I think that is what we will see this year. Kemba showed what speed can do. It will also be a style that will help recruit elite players. With the two new players for 2014 and possibly more Boatright, we will be speedy again. Abu would have been great for that style. He has speed and size. I am OK with thin and fast. I am not as excited with slow but effective.

 

[Scot-e]

I personally think that we have no idea who we are going to get or when we are going to get them. I did not see Dan Hurley coming and all the talk about kids on this board does not change what Ko is doing and who he really believes we are going to land in the end. It's fun to talk about - to some degree- but the last few weeks have been painful. I know more about Pc basketball then I ever wanted to know.

 

[EricSD]

I personally think that we have no idea who we are going to get or when we are going to get them. I did not see Dan Hurley coming and all the talk about kids on this board does not change what Ko is doing and who he really believes we are going to land in the end. It's fun to talk about - to some degree- but the last few weeks have been painful. I know more about Pc basketball then I ever wanted to know.

Totally agree (also with the PC comment). For some strange reason some UCONN fans have made that into a big time rivalry, and frankly not only do I not think it's big, I barely would call it a rivalry. I get that they are another regional team, but that's about it. Of course, when a team goes after the same kids as we do, and gets some of them, I guess fur is bound to fly.

I also was shocked to see Dan Hurley's verbal. Not shocked in the sense I didn't think we had a shot, just shocked that it came so fast seemingly without much hoopla. I logged into the BY one morning, and BAM. We landed a top 5-star kid. I'd be perfectly happy if the rest of the recruits fly that way. It's ultra competitive out there and most fans (myself included) have zero idea why kids REALLY choose one school over another. Sure they sometimes make their comments about it, but I bet more times than not, there's something else going on they aren't saying. Not in every case, and not that kids are hiding something, it's just publicly I can't imagine them always laying out all the reasons they chose one school over another.

Hamilton's verbal already gives us the core of a great class. Add to that Purvis and there are 2 kids who could in theory play together for 3 years. We will know a lot more about how long Boat might stay, if Purvis is going to be a PG, and how the rest of the kids look this coming year. I'm actually really excited...

 

[tzznandrew]

Expectations do play a role. The 1999 season was very stressful - we ended 34-2, but we had Final Four angst and there were a lot of tight wins in that 34 (El-Amin on scorer's table, UMass was close, Miami in OT, Seton Hall in BET, etc.). Heck, we were off the rails on the Boneyard (assuming we were ever on rails) when our exhibition with Marathon Oil came down to the wire. 2004 was kind of stressful - preseason No. 1 and didn't show it at times. The bounce-back years tend to be fun rides. Donyell's year, Caron's year, Khalid's freshman year, Kemba's year.

I guess I can see some degree of late-February frustration in 2011 because the spectacular start began to look like a tease and we might not get back to our A game again. I know I was banking on a postseason second wind that would bring the Maui team back, but perhaps that was a leap of faith. Didn't think we would win it all, mind you, due to the heavy reliance on frosh going through it the first time, but I felt comfortable we would be a tough out. I was on board with Maker's Muppet from the first paragraph.

I just wanted to get into the NCAAs with a good draw. I figured the 11-0 was not a fluke. As has been discussed over and over again, the BE refs just let teams kill Kemba. I expected a good showing in the NCAAs, if they could get a 6 seed or better...but that started looking less and less likely.

What I didn't expect was the BET championship--not at all. Not with that veteran Pitt team sitting there in our way.