There is no reason to play Gaff and Polley

[gtcam]

Just saw Gaff was 0-5 and had 5 turnovers yet he is controlling the ball in the final seconds
Who makes these decisions??????

 

[nychuskyfan]

Polley has a couple loud games each year that skew peoples’ views on his shooting ability. Truth is he’s not a good shooter. He’s an average shooter at best. Last year 49 players in the BE took more than two 3-pointers per game and Polley’s 35.5% was right in the middle of the pack.

He doesn’t do anything else well. The fact that young guys are rotting on the bench in favor of him is mind-boggling. I really hope the explanation is that Hurley is loyal, not clueless.

 

[karstenkibbe]

Polley can "shoot" in a practice, spot up no pressure scenario. He is the LA Fitness gym shooter, but the shots he takes in games are off the dribble or while rolling through a screen off motion, even when he gets good looks on these with little coverage he still misses wide right. He is just not at the level of skill for the way we utilize him on our team, not even close. And the problem is amplified by the fact that outside of Polley, no one else on the roster besides RJ (who needs to set up the shot) is able to shoot even half decently from outside the arc.

We have our best shooter, way in over his head at the simple task of shooting the 3s we get open for him, and the next best guy is a mile below him even. Roster is just not built right for what's expected of them, this is a roster for 1993.

Getting torched for 39 points by Lindsey Hunter and Jackson State in the NIT first round was a bit more humbling than tonight. But seriously, I would take ‘93’s top 7 of Donyell, Donnie, Ollie, Travis, ScottyB, Brian Fair and Cup Cormier over this roster’s top 7 every time. You had some one-dimensional guys like Ollie and Fair, but they were quite proficient in their defined roles.

 

[EastConn'er]

More Zeros for Polley tonight...
Zero turnovers...
Zero times did the guy he was guarding score.
He was guarding Horchler most of the game. The only time Horchler made a basket was when Polley had to cover Coswell under the because Akok was lost in left field on defense (again). Not even sure if we saw Akok after that lapse.

Look Polley didn't play well. Whaley and Akok sucked on defense tonight. Martin and Jackson blew defensive assignments too. RJ and Gaffeney stunk too. Everyone stunk. Hurley has zero clue how to coach offense. His lack of preparing our team has become more glaring. No gripes about defense. Same ole Kevin Ollie offense and cluelessness.

 

[Horatio]

He won’t even make an offensive move towards the basket or look at it. It’s a confidence issue for sure. He defends himself.

 

[CV1]

Just saw Gaff was 0-5 and had 5 turnovers yet he is controlling the ball in the final seconds
Who makes these decisions??????

He was only in there at that point because Martin cramped up and was getting looked at on the bench.

 

[TheChamps990411]

I don't agree. I think he's a dude that just has it or doesn't. Throw him in when you need some offense, give him a few minutes. If the threes are going down then keep him in. Otherwise nail him to the bench and play someone else.

Was at the game today and something i noticed live that i never really noticed on tv is Polley is absolutely atrocious and getting his shot off after getting a screen. He is sloppy and slow. Saw him get about 3 decent screens and he simply couldnt get the shot off quick enough because he couldnt set his feet quick enough giving the defender time to recover. Defensively he was terrible. If hes not hitting from the outside there is no reason for him to be in.
I absolutely agree and have felt the same since last year on how to manage his playing time. YOu are spot on.

 

[mauconnfan]

More Zeros for Polley tonight...
Zero turnovers...
Zero times did the guy he was guarding score.
He was guarding Horchler most of the game. The only time Horchler made a basket was when Polley had to cover Coswell under the because Akok was lost in left field on defense (again). Not even sure if we saw Akok after that lapse.

Look Polley didn't play well. Whaley and Akok sucked on defense tonight. Martin and Jackson blew defensive assignments too. RJ and Gaffeney stunk too. Everyone stunk. Hurley has zero clue how to coach offense. His lack of preparing our team has become more glaring. No gripes about defense. Same ole Kevin Ollie offense and cluelessness.

Are you Polleys cousin? He wasn’t good at all on defense. When they had chances to trap during the comeback he didn’t cut off the sideline twice and force the dribble to stop. He isn’t close to the defender Whaley is and Whaley had to help on his guy 2-3 times enabling Others to score. Polley didn’t play well is well short of how bad he was in his minutes. Of course he didn’t turn it over he doesn’t do anything with the ball unless he’s shooting it. How many rebounds? Don’t sugarcoat how bad he was. He and Gaff killed them more than anyone and both played too many minutes tonight no doubt!

 

[TheChamps990411]

He was only in there at that point because Martin cramped up and was getting looked at on the bench.

not only that but he gets minutes because hes the only other ball handler we have that DH trusts.

 

[Ricker]

I'm thrilled we're fighting in every game.
I'm thrilled about our recruiting success and prospects
We've had huge defensive improvement since the 3pt barrage we endured a couple years ago to start the season.

Nevertheless, I need to spit into the wind for a second

Repeating Failed Strategy
I've got to rewatch the last possessions of the Michigan State game in comparison to our last possessions of this Providence game. I must have missed the improvement. We couldn't have put the ball in Gaffney's hands a second time to dribble away the game when we needed to score quickly. There must have been strategic improvement and better execution than I noticed watching it live. I assume Gaffney knew we weren't trying to dribble out the clock? Maybe have a plan B where to go with the ball? Just a thought. (As a wild idea, maybe even have Cole handle the ball and make decisions at the end)

Sticking with What Isn't Working
Maybe Diggins isn't ready, but why are we not giving the kid any chance at all? I'm not down on Gaffney's capabilities but I am down on his current play. It sure is obvious he doesn't get us into offensive sets well, isn't shooting at all in big games, turns the ball over, and plays matador defense frequently. He now has 2 terrible efforts executing in the last minute of close games. How is his performance keeping Diggins from getting a look? Why shouldn't Gaffney be made to fight his way back into the lineup if he is the player with the greater talent? Coupled with the fact that Hurley stuck with Gilbert and Brendan Adams when it was obvious that they were similarly coming up short game after game, I don't think Hurley deserves the benefit of the doubt being second guessed about these choices.

Bringing the Ball Up vs Pressure
Hopefully, we remember we had problems in the Bahamas and remember our next game is vs Shaka Smart. I suggest practicing a strategy before noting the deficiency in the next post game press conference.

Being Stubborn
I just know in my heart that Hurley is going to try to get Clingan to hedge on defense out to the three point line and try to recover back to his man in the paint. I might as well start complaining about it now.

Boneyard venting complete - Thanks to all who read this and helped

 

[Waquoit]

Polley made the biggest shot of the game for us. He should have been the one to take the next one.

 

[mauconnfan]

I'm thrilled we're fighting in every game.
I'm thrilled about our recruiting success and prospects
We've had huge defensive improvement since the 3pt barrage we endured a couple years ago to start the season.

Nevertheless, I need to spit into the wind for a second

Repeating Failed Strategy
I've got to rewatch the last possessions of the Michigan State game in comparison to our last possessions of this Providence game. I must have missed the improvement. We couldn't have put the ball in Gaffney's hands a second time to dribble away the game when we needed to score quickly. There must have been strategic improvement and better execution than I noticed watching it live. I assume Gaffney knew we weren't trying to dribble out the clock? Maybe have a plan B where to go with the ball? Just a thought. (As a wild idea, maybe even have Cole handle the ball and make decisions at the end)

Sticking with What Isn't Working
Maybe Diggins isn't ready, but why are we not giving the kid any chance at all? I'm not down on Gaffney's capabilities but I am down on his current play. It sure is obvious he doesn't get us into offensive sets well, isn't shooting at all in big games, turns the ball over, and plays matador defense frequently. He now has 2 terrible efforts executing in the last minute of close games. How is his performance keeping Diggins from getting a look? Why shouldn't Gaffney be made to fight his way back into the lineup if he is the player with the greater talent? Coupled with the fact that Hurley stuck with Gilbert and Brendan Adams when it was obvious that they were similarly coming up short game after game, I don't think Hurley deserves the benefit of the doubt being second guessed about these choices.

Bringing the Ball Up vs Pressure
Hopefully, we remember we had problems in the Bahamas and remember our next game is vs Shaka Smart. I suggest practicing a strategy before noting the deficiency in the next post game press conference.

Being Stubborn
I just know in my heart that Hurley is going to try to get Clingan to hedge on defense out to the three point line and try to recover back to his man in the paint. I might as well start complaining about it now.

Boneyard venting complete - Thanks to all who read this and helped

Awful post game presser very disappointing. Scary quite honestly!

 

[EastConn'er]

Are you Polleys cousin? He wasn’t good at all on defense. When they had chances to trap during the comeback he didn’t cut off the sideline twice and force the dribble to stop. He isn’t close to the defender Whaley is and Whaley had to help on his guy 2-3 times enabling Others to score. Polley didn’t play well is well short of how bad he was in his minutes. Of course he didn’t turn it over he doesn’t do anything with the ball unless he’s shooting it. How many rebounds? Don’t sugarcoat how bad he was. He and Gaff killed them more than anyone and both played too many minutes tonight no doubt!

Whaley gave up like 18 points today. LOL Polley gave up zero. Go rewatch. And no, I'm not related but tired of fools saying he's not good defensively. He wasn't guarding Watson or Croswell or Reeves. Tell me who scored while Polley was defending them? Hint: Nobody.

 

[mauconnfan]

Polley made the biggest shot in the game for us. He should have been the one to take the next one.

Polley made the biggest shot in the game for us. He should have been the one to take the next one.

That’s fair and he did get another chance soon thereafter and missed it as badly as the 5 prior to the only one he made. Let’s be honest 1-7 from 3, 2 rebounds and crappy D doesn’t deserve 24 minutes though!?

 

[mauconnfan]

Whaley gave up like 18 points today. LOL Polley gave up zero. Go rewatch. And no, I'm not related but tired of fools saying he's not good defensively. He wasn't guarding Watson or Croswell or Reeves. Tell me who scored while Polley was defending them? Hint: Nobody.

He’s not good at all on defense he’s awful. He’s always chasing his man gets beat off the dribble constantly. He’s worthless when he can’t make shots if you don’t see that you’re not watching it closely. Whaley certainly had a couple bad helps but it’s because he’s always helping.

Hey I thought the year before he got hurt he was getting better defensively and since the knee he’s worst. And defensive rebounding counts too and a 6’9 guy getting 2 boards in 24 minutes is terrible as well. Again, it’s your opinion ok fine but there will be very few who agree he’s a good defender at all.

 

[EastConn'er]

That’s fair and he did get another chance soon thereafter and missed it as badly as the 5 prior to the only one he made. Let’s be honest 1-7 from 3, 2 rebounds and crappy D doesn’t deserve 24 minutes though!?

His defense wasn't crappy. He didn't shoot well tonight. His first two attempts were forced because he was thrown the ball will like 3-4 seconds left on the shot clock when he was already being guarded. He had no choice to force up a bad shot. That's not his fault. He did miss some open shots later. He made the biggest shot of the night though.

 

[EastConn'er]

He’s not good at all on defense he’s awful. He’s always chasing his man gets beat off the dribble constantly. He’s worthless when he can’t make shots if you don’t see that you’re not watching it closely. Whaley certainly had a couple bad helps but it’s because he’s always helping.

Hey I thought the year before he got hurt he was getting better defensively and since the knee he’s worst. And defensive rebounding counts too and a 6’9 guy getting 2 boards in 24 minutes is terrible as well. Again, it’s your opinion ok fine but there will be very few who agree he’s a good defender at all.

You are a blind squirrel looking for a nut that isn't there. He sticks with his man on defense. He's back first on defense because he's mostly guarding perimeter players. He doesn't gamble and get beat off the dribble like Jackson does. Where was Jackson on Reeves tonight in the first half? I'll tell you, out of position. Akok out of position tonight (why he was benched). Whaley is normally good on defense. He stunk it up tonight. He fell for every fake cut there was... still waiting for you to tell me who scored on Polley. You obviously don't watch defensive positioning well... remember Hurley pulls players for bad defense, yet Polley was in.

 

[superjohn]

You are a blind squirrel looking for a nut that isn't there. He sticks with his man on defense. He's back first on defense because he's mostly guarding perimeter players. He doesn't gamble and get beat off the dribble like Jackson does. Where was Jackson on Reeves tonight in the first half? I'll tell you, out of position. Akok out of position tonight (why he was benched). Whaley is normally good on defense. He stunk it up tonight. He fell for every fake cut there was... still waiting for you to tell me who scored on Polley. You obviously don't watch defensive positioning well... remember Hurley pulls players for bad defense, yet Polley was in.

He also always gets the easiest defensive assignments.

 

[Hi-Low]

Polley and Gaff simply aren't very good against real teams. This is not a "title year" where we can coast to a Ncaa Bid. I see it as final bridge year from old to new so let's leave Polley and Gaff on bench and play the Future off the bench in Hawk, Samson and Diggins.

This team should be the core of Cole, Martin, Sanogo, Whaley,Ajax and the 3 Freshman with Akok. That is good enough for a bid & 2nd weekend maybe and helps build to future when we hopefully have a real Title shot with next 2 classes added.

 

[CL82]

You are a blind squirrel looking for a nut that isn't there. He sticks with his man on defense. He's back first on defense because he's mostly guarding perimeter players. He doesn't gamble and get beat off the dribble like Jackson does. Where was Jackson on Reeves tonight in the first half? I'll tell you, out of position. Akok out of position tonight (why he was benched). Whaley is normally good on defense. He stunk it up tonight. He fell for every fake cut there was... still waiting for you to tell me who scored on Polley. You obviously don't watch defensive positioning well... remember Hurley pulls players for bad defense, yet Polley was in.

Yes, yes I’m sure you’re right Mrs. Polley.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Are you Polleys cousin? He wasn’t good at all on defense. When they had chances to trap during the comeback he didn’t cut off the sideline twice and force the dribble to stop. He isn’t close to the defender Whaley is and Whaley had to help on his guy 2-3 times enabling Others to score. Polley didn’t play well is well short of how bad he was in his minutes. Of course he didn’t turn it over he doesn’t do anything with the ball unless he’s shooting it. How many rebounds? Don’t sugarcoat how bad he was. He and Gaff killed them more than anyone and both played too many minutes tonight no doubt!

I was at the game and you could not be more spot on. There was no reason for Polley to be on the floor so many minutes. Gaffney was in because when Cole isnt on the floor hes the only alternative to him as a ballhandler we have.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Whaley gave up like 18 points today. LOL Polley gave up zero. Go rewatch. And no, I'm not related but tired of fools saying he's not good defensively. He wasn't guarding Watson or Croswell or Reeves. Tell me who scored while Polley was defending them? Hint: Nobody.

you must be related.

 

[Letsgohuskies11]

His defense wasn't crappy. He didn't shoot well tonight. His first two attempts were forced because he was thrown the ball will like 3-4 seconds left on the shot clock when he was already being guarded. He had no choice to force up a bad shot. That's not his fault. He did miss some open shots later. He made the biggest shot of the night though.

He doesn't shoot well more often than not. He's an average 3 point shooter billed as a specialist

 

[UConnDad]

Exactly no one hold your breath. 5th year player and is as inconsistent as he ever was

He is consistent, that’s the problem.

 

[mauconnfan]

You are a blind squirrel looking for a nut that isn't there. He sticks with his man on defense. He's back first on defense because he's mostly guarding perimeter players. He doesn't gamble and get beat off the dribble like Jackson does. Where was Jackson on Reeves tonight in the first half? I'll tell you, out of position. Akok out of position tonight (why he was benched). Whaley is normally good on defense. He stunk it up tonight. He fell for every fake cut there was... still waiting for you to tell me who scored on Polley. You obviously don't watch defensive positioning well... remember Hurley pulls players for bad defense, yet Polley was in.

He’s back first on defense because he’s not looking to rebound. Blind squirrel looking for a nut huh? You’re on your own little island on this one pal and proving how little you know. But by all means keep it going it’s very entertaining