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Message: [QUOTE="Spaceman213J, post: 4845469, member: 6477"] Yes, UConn played some really tough non-conference teams, but there were 5 to 6 teams in there that some would label cupcakes. There was bound to be some drop. Plus, playing in the Big East is another animal and some of the freshman need to make the adjustment. Castle is rounding into form and Ball is learning that Big East refs reward guys for driving into your chest and straight up defense doesn't really matter to them. The effect of Clingan's absence is bigger than most people think. Clingan as a freshman was an excellent defender who wasn't really foul proned. I remember in different games, Walton, Bilas and others were amazed at how well he used his body and size without fouling. A guy like that can negate guards being beaten on the perimeter. It may even be part of the game plan... funnel the other team's offense toward the big guy. Finally, it is a long season and teams hit lulls. Remember where this team was roughly 11 months ago. I'm sure Hurley just wants to see improvement with the team and hope they peak and fire on all cylinders in March. I look at Joey C. last year. He looked like a matador out there the 1st half season and while he wasn't ever going to make an all defense team, he was considerably better before the end of the season. Spencer seems to be improving. The frosh will, too. Hurley just needs to Clingan healthy and Clingan needs to be smart enough to be honest with staff and only worry about where the team is ranked at the end of March. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach