A question about Oriaki's decision

[Uconn93]

Oriaki says he's leaving because Uconn won't be playing in the post-season next year. Yet, the-post season situation is not final. If the ncaa does the APR using current numbers, we're in. Therefore, don't you have to wonder if the possible post-season ban is the real reason that Oriaki is leaving? I dunno.....maybe it's better than Oraki trashing Calhoun on the way out the door.

 

[uconnfan68]

Oriaki says he's leaving because Uconn won't be playing in the post-season next year. Yet, the-post season situation is not final. If the ncaa does the APR using current numbers, we're in. Therefore, don't you have to wonder if the possible post-season ban is the real reason that Oriaki is leaving? I dunno.....maybe it's better than Oraki trashing Calhoun on the way out the door.

The way things are going, not being allowed in the post-season next year is a pretty good guess. Given the actions so far, and the allowance of an eerily similar request while denying ours, it really does appear we don't have much of a shot. Also, if you aren't happy, it's as good a reason as any to leave. I don't think he holds anything against JC personally... at least not like AO Sr. does.

 

[Kitaman]

Maybe it was just a reasonable 'out' for him to use, irrespective of the conclusion. Sort of like the high road, so to speak.

 

[August_West]

As a fan I am holding on to all hope that this somehow gets overturned, but if I look at the situation as a removed observer all signs point to us being out. If I had to lay good money on one way or the other today: we are out. And it sucks.
And what sucks worse is that I have a sinking feeling that teams who would be ineligible the following year are going to somehow make it through.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[huskies20]

AO is leaving because he does not get along with Jim, we have seen it all season long with their interactions. AO has regressed and he is frustrated with himself. IMO he has come to the realization that he does not have the skill to be a 4 in the league, and is not big enough to be a 5. So if he wants to transfer that is his decision, but he will have to work on his ball skills and shooting if he wants to progress to the next level.

 

[willie99]

Oriaki says he's leaving because Uconn won't be playing in the post-season next year. Yet, the-post season situation is not final. If the ncaa does the APR using current numbers, we're in. Therefore, don't you have to wonder if the possible post-season ban is the real reason that Oriaki is leaving? I dunno.....maybe it's better than Oraki trashing Calhoun on the way out the door.

I don't believe that's his reason at all, those are just cheap words making up a lousy excuse.

He should be thinking about how to improve his game to play at the next level, instead he's worried about playing time.

 

[businesslawyer]

The APR is just an excuse to take the high road on the way out. AO doesn't think he has been treated fairly and wants away. And, frankly, if any of us were in AO's shoes we'd want out as well.

This will come over as criticism as Calhoun, and it's not meant to be, because JC hs the right to try to get everyone to reach their potential as opposed to just winning games, or being fair, and because he has three rings in Storrs CT and the thought of me criticizing him for anything basketball related is absurd.

Having said that, look at what happened this year through AO's eyes. He walked in to camp and had his position given away, and was in a fight for playing time, notwithstanding the fact that he was at worst the third most important player in a run to Big East and National championships. But from the first day of practice, it looked to him as if he had to totally adjust his game to Drummond's potential, notwithstanding the fact that Drummond had neither accomplished anything for UConn nor shown that he possessed any basketball skills whatsoever (as opposed to athleticism, height and potential). So AO sulked, didn't truly play hard, lost more playing time to TO (who was simply not as good a player) and sulked some more. Than, about half way through the season, he started playing hard. Didn't put up great numbers, because he never did figure out how to do so alongside Drummond, but he played hard every night and guess what happened -- for all the complaining here, the team over the last 12 to 15 games was significantly better with him on the court than with AD, and was worlds better with him on the court than TO. And yet, he was never given the "leash" that Drummond had, and wasn't even put back on the floor as, over the second half of the season, run after run after run came against us when he was out.

I am not saying AO was blame free in this. He should have adjusted more and sulked less. He should have stayed off twitter. And he should have ordered his family to leave his career along. But if any of us were him, we would not in a million years have thought we were treated "fairly" and many of us would be doing what he is doing and looking elsewhere. The fact that he's doing it without trashing anyone on the way out is to his credit.

 

[UconnFanInNYC]

Hows Gerald Coleman doing? I get a sense that the kids from Tilton might be a bit tainted....see Nerlens Noel article in the NY Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/s...s-a-piece-of-nerlens-noel.html?pagewanted=all

...by tainted I mean they are being surrounded by the wrong people.

 

[huskies20]

We also have to remember that last year a lot of us thought AO would thrive at the 4 and he did play well when chuck was at the 5.

 

[Palatine]

Since there is no way on God's green earth that AO plays center in the NBA, he should have embraced playing the four and understood he would have some growing pains at a new position. He played a little four with Chuck last year but it was not his primary spot.

His regression was unexpected but it happens. What was unexpected is how poorly he handled adversity. And now he runs away.

 

[noeynox]

The APR is just an excuse to take the high road on the way out. AO doesn't think he has been treated fairly and wants away. And, frankly, if any of us were in AO's shoes we'd want out as well.

This will come over as criticism as Calhoun, and it's not meant to be, because JC hs the right to try to get everyone to reach their potential as opposed to just winning games, or being fair, and because he has three rings in Storrs CT and the thought of me criticizing him for anything basketball related is absurd.

Having said that, look at what happened this year through AO's eyes. He walked in to camp and had his position given away, and was in a fight for playing time, notwithstanding the fact that he was at worst the third most important player in a run to Big East and National championships. But from the first day of practice, it looked to him as if he had to totally adjust his game to Drummond's potential, notwithstanding the fact that Drummond had neither accomplished anything for UConn nor shown that he possessed any basketball skills whatsoever (as opposed to athleticism, height and potential). So AO sulked, didn't truly play hard, lost more playing time to TO (who was simply not as good a player) and sulked some more. Than, about half way through the season, he started playing hard. Didn't put up great numbers, because he never did figure out how to do so alongside Drummond, but he played hard every night and guess what happened -- for all the complaining here, the team over the last 12 to 15 games was significantly better with him on the court than with AD, and was worlds better with him on the court than TO. And yet, he was never given the "leash" that Drummond had, and wasn't even put back on the floor as, over the second half of the season, run after run after run came against us when he was out.

I am not saying AO was blame free in this. He should have adjusted more and sulked less. He should have stayed off twitter. And he should have ordered his family to leave his career along. But if any of us were him, we would not in a million years have thought we were treated "fairly" and many of us would be doing what he is doing and looking elsewhere. The fact that he's doing it without trashing anyone on the way out is to his credit.

Damn, I agree with everything in one of your posts for a change. I couldn't understand why he wasn't playing more earlier in the year. The AO from Maui tourney last year was an absolute beast and a huge difference maker inside. If anything I felt Drummond should have been his sidekick for a year not the other way around.

I also think JC rode him too hard in an effort to get AO to play to his potential. Sucks all the way around but best of luck to him. I do think his body and athleticism will get him into the league. Could be a garbage points guy like a Brandon Bass with a little work. Needs to work on catching the ball cleaner. Really thought he would break out next year if he toughed it out.

 

[aceboon]

We also have to remember that last year a lot of us thought AO would thrive at the 4 and he did play well when chuck was at the 5.

Our best lineups were really Roscoe @ the 4 and AO @ the 5, and when Chuck and AO did play together Chuck usually played the quicker guy(see, Derrick Williams), much like AD played quicker guys this year. I never understood the segment of fans on here who stated that AO would be playing his "natural" 4 spot when AD surprised us and committed. I don't know how anyone could watch AO play last year and think he could be an effective college 4 man, everyting about his game screamed 5.

 

[businesslawyer]

When AO played alongside Chuck, AO got the ball in the post and Chuck was happy mostly being outside and screening. It was totally different than playing alongside Drummond.

 

[Tenspro2002]

When you look at the landscape of college 4's, who do you think of?

Henson
Sullinger
Green
Terrence Jones
Perry Jones
Thomas Robinson
Jae Crowder
Henry Sims

Now maybe it's not fair to compare AO to the best at their position, but what jumps out is how skilled those other guys are. Guys who play the 4 at the college level are not guys whose game is confined to the restricted area underneath the basket. There are no college teams (with the exception of us) that try to play two players like that at the same time. AO's skill set at this level leaves him suited only to play the 5, more like guys such as:

Zeller
Fab Melo
Festus Ezeli (one of the best names in college basketball)
Robert Sacre

 

[Dogbreath2U]

When AO played alongside Chuck, AO got the ball in the post and Chuck was happy mostly being outside and screening. It was totally different than playing alongside Drummond.

Maybe totally different on offense, but not on defense. Ace called it right in pointing out that Chuck defended the quicker perimeter bigs just like Andre did this year.

 

[sammydabiz]

The best contribution AO has made this season is deciding to transfer, so we can get a schollie back, plain & simple. The kid missed his calling as a soccer player, he has the whole arms up in the air after he gets fouled, looking for a red flag thing down pat.

I hope he finds what hes looking and I wish him the best, but Im pretty pumped to see him outta Storrs.

 

[businesslawyer]

The best contribution AO has made this season is deciding to transfer, so we can get a schollie back, plain & simple. The kid missed his calling as a soccer player, he has the whole arms up in the air after he gets fouled, looking for a red flag thing down pat.

I hope he finds what hes looking and I wish him the best, but Im pretty pumped to see him outta Storrs.

While you are absolutely entitled to your opinion, your entitlement to it does not make it less absurd. And the thought that we are likely to be better next year without AO than with him is absurd.

I'll be interested in your explanations when you see the list of schools that are interested in him. I'm sure it will just be that you know more than all the other coaches.

 

[sammydabiz]

While you are absolutely entitled to your opinion, your entitlement to it does not make it less absurd. And the thought that we are likely to be better next year without AO than with him is absurd.

I'll be interested in your explanations when you see the list of schools that are interested in him. I'm sure it will just be that you know more than all the other coaches.

Ha! Do you not remember 80% of the passes down low would be fumbled with a subsequent turnover. Beyond my ability of comprehension, but why can't a grown man grasp a bouncing ball cleanly?!? It's embarrassing, for him as well as our program.

Or how about having the ball under the basket......and this behemoth of a man goes up soft with a lay up, getting it blocked. When he shoulda went up strong and dunked that sucker.

And let me not get started how you routinely get boxed out by players who are considerably smaller and lighter than you?!?

let's not forget he was our captain and only upperclassmen, yet acted like neither! So yes I do believe we will be better w/o AO, on the court and off. Other teams are interested in him off potential alone (b/c yes he does have potential, but does he ever show it on a consistent basis?) No.......he was a McD all-American who has only played to the ability of a 3 star, and that's generous.

 

[Dove]

It has to be more than the post season ban issue. The season is the main showcase for an up and down player like Alex. The post season ain't gonna do for his pro career prospects. I am guessing that he feels totally disrespected since the Huskies allowed Drummond in.

 

[businesslawyer]

Ha! Do you not remember 80% of the passes down low would be fumbled with a subsequent turnover. Beyond my ability of comprehension, but why can't a grown man grasp a bouncing ball cleanly?!? It's embarrassing, for him as well as our program.

Or how about having the ball under the basket......and this behemoth of a man goes up soft with a lay up, getting it blocked. When he shoulda went up strong and dunked that sucker.

And let me not get started how you routinely get boxed out by players who are considerably smaller and lighter than you?!?

let's not forget he was our captain and only upperclassmen, yet acted like neither! So yes I do believe we will be better w/o AO, on the court and off. Other teams are interested in him off potential alone (b/c yes he does have potential, but does he ever show it on a consistent basis?) No.......he was a McD all-American who has only played to the ability of a 3 star, and that's generous.

That's a great analysis. Since from that it would appear impossible that he was an important part of a Big East and National Champion and that his plus/minuses for the 2d half of this year show that we would have been a much better team had we left him on the court more. Thank goodness your powers of observation are so keen that they can see through all those insignificant details.

 

[mauconnfan]

When AO played alongside Chuck, AO got the ball in the post and Chuck was happy mostly being outside and screening. It was totally different than playing alongside Drummond.

You guys are so screwed up it's unbelievable. He was catching the ball in the same spot, able to rebound (or not as was the case all year) from the same spots on the floor and defend the same kind of players....it's big men playing basketball do your job or SIT, he chose his path JC didn't choose it for him. Have to work hard for things in life or play 2nd fiddle.....what the hell was everyone watching"??????

Noone asked this kid to play somewhere different on the court and JC wasn't unfair to him if anything he was unfair to JC with his attitude after accepting the captaincy and playing and acting like a girl!! Done with him now with all the excuses people want to throw out there!!

 

[sammydabiz]

That's a great analysis. Since from that it would appear impossible that he was an important part of a Big East and National Champion and that his plus/minuses for the 2d half of this year show that we would have been a much better team had we left him on the court more. Thank goodness your powers of observation are so keen that they can see through all those insignificant details.

My point exactly! If AO had never shown he was able to assert himself as a down low presence (like many games in 10-11...Texas..Maui...BET, NCAA's) I wouldn't be half as hard on him, but he did show that passion, aggression, fortitude to dominate.

Which is why it pained me to watch someone with his potential play as soft and as submissive as he did throughout this season, and if you didn't see his blatant regression this year, you either didn't watch the games or have an unjustified mancrush on AO. Sure he helped us to a National Championship, but he also helped bury this team this year as well.

I don't wish ill will on the kid, I just call'em like I see'em. Yes he was an integral cog in our 2011 championship machine, but that doesn't give him a pass for playing uninspired ball this season. Sorry.

 

[Adios]

It has to be more than the post season ban issue. The season is the main showcase for an up and down player like Alex. The post season ain't gonna do **** for his pro career prospects. I am guessing that he feels totally disrespected since the Huskies allowed Drummond in.

He was telling Drummond to join.

 

[royboy123]

i've heard from a very reliable source the real reason is that he doesn't want to be a "senior on the bench"

 

[HuskyTJMadison]

I think Oriakhi will be in a UConn uniform next season.

Nobody has heard him say "I'm leaving." Only his dad has said it and he's a Calhoun hater.

Coaches have confirmed a meeting in which he's "looking at his options" and if one of them was being "asked to be released" UConn hasn't confirmed they would give it to him either.

I'll bet he'll be back.