I've never said that. Ever.Thats what you all always say, every year. Blah Blah
I don't care what our conference record is next year. This team is, and has always been, judged by what we do in March. If we go to the Elite 8 or further next year, it doesn't matter what we did in the regular season.
That being said, I think we've got a chance to be very good. Adams and Hamilton could be the two best players in the conference.
The problem is, your path through March is made easier or harder based on how you do in the regular season.
That said, if we bring everyone back, add Gilbert and a little more quality depth, we should have a better regular season (and, consequently, postseason) next year.
This team was a couple of plays away in the regular season from being 24-7 or even 25-6. Would have gotten them a 5-6 seed if they had won their conference tourney. If they can learn to win close games, I think they take off next year.The problem is, your path through March is made easier or harder based on how you do in the regular season.
That said, if we bring everyone back, add Gilbert and a little more quality depth, we should have a better regular season (and, consequently, postseason) next year.
if we always play our best ball in march, all the more reason to have a great regular season, then we will be untouchable in the tournamentI hear you. My point is, we always play our best ball in March. I'm fine with that rather than worrying about regular season results.
I think we have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about next year. Other than Cassell Jr, the questionable talent we had to settle for the past few years will be cleared out and starting with a very strong recruiting class, KO will have the caliber of talent needed to do some real damage.
I love the toughness Gilbert and Diarra seem to possess. Jackson will give us the off the bench sharpshooter we need, Larrier will give us more length and athleticism, Enoch should be improved, and hopefully we get either Durham or Brown on next year's roster providing some impact depth. Jalen should be ready to lead, Hamilton and Rodney will be upperclass leaders, and if Brimah learns finally not to commit such horrendous fouls, should anchor another very strong defense.
The key to me will be whether or not we bring in a legit big man coach who can help Brimah, Facey, Enoch, Diarra and Durham or Brown reach their potential. We can't continue to be at such a scoring and rebounding disadvantage up front, like we were tonight. With improvement in that area, I see a potential 97-98 or 2002-03 type team that can make a deep run and be set up for a NC run a year later.
You saw it tonight.So what happens to the program if we go 11-7 in conference?
Sure, but 5, 6, and 7 seeds got knocked out this year as well. Having a good enough year to have a better seed than our 9 doesn't mean you win. 5-7 in the first round alone if my math is right, which it might not be due to Rolling Rocks.This team was a couple of plays away in the regular season from being 24-7 or even 25-6. Would have gotten them a 5-6 seed if they had won their conference tourney. If they can learn to win close games, I think they take off next year.
You saw it tonight.
Maui Invitational- Great field- North Carolina, G'town, Oregon, Wisconsin, OK StateWho does UConn have for OCC opponents for next season?
Definitely @Gtown. The contract was a home and home.Maui Invitational- Great field- North Carolina, G'town, Oregon, Wisconsin, OK State
@Ohio State
Likely 1 or 2 old BE rivalries (Syracuse sounds like a real possibility, maybe 1 of G'town, Nova, or St. Johns)
Maui Invitational- Great field- North Carolina, G'town, Oregon, Wisconsin, OK State
@Ohio State
Likely 1 or 2 old BE rivalries (Syracuse sounds like a real possibility, maybe 1 of G'town, Nova, or St. Johns)
Thanks BUhuskyThanks. Looks promising. Doubt I can swing Maui; but, will try to catch a Gtown/Nova/St John's game on the road.
Our starting lineup will most likely consist of 2 seniors (Purivs, Brimah) a junior who has started for 2 years (Hamilton) and a sophomore in Adams. Facey could start at the 4 which would give you 3 seniors in the starting lineup.Next year UConn will be young with 4 freshmen and 3 sophomores. We lose 4 players this year, including 2 starters, plus Nolan who started at the end of the season.
I expect to have a similar to slightly better conference record as other teams lose a lot, but I'd don't think the team will be better unless we see significant improvement with the bigs.
Thanks BUhusky
UConn @ Georgetown January 21, 2017.