Allow Adams to lead

[Gurleyman]

Sorta off topic, but Gibbs was a mess at the end of that game. I don't blame him. Things did not go well for him today. I'm not upset or anything, but he got rejected by a lumbering center on a step back. That really shouldn't happen.

In fairness, we were down 3 so the lumbering center didn't have to pay any attention to the threat of the dribble drive. The step back works when you get the defender retreating. He didn't have to retreat.

 

[blackbird]

Exactly. Do we make the FF in '09 with Kemba starting and AJP coming off the bench? Most likely not close.

I wouldn't compare Gibbs to AJP.

If Gibbs defensive effort doesn't improve, he is going to see less minutes. Period. And as I said, I'm all for Adams getting more minutes, and I don't particularly care who loses them. BUT, I also do think Gibbs is an important aspect of our team. His shooting and experience is something definitely needed..so long as he's doing his job. So long as he does that, I would actually think it's better for the team to start Gibbs and Adams and have Rodney as a spark off the bench. Given the type of player they all are.

I also think this team is a year away from a championship. It's not that it couldn't happen this season, but I'd expect them all to be ready next season.

 

[tzznandrew]

All circumstances are different. It took a very good UNC team to beat a freshman lead UCONN team out of the final four in 98. A freshman lead 96 team really should have made the final four, but Ricky got injured.

I didn't realize Doron Sheffer was a freshman. Huh.

 

[mauconnfan]

I didn't realize Doron Sheffer was a freshman. Huh.

BE Rookie of the Year 93-94 I believe. LOL

 

[ctchamps]

Purvis is best perimeter defender by far.
Jalen is next but a significant step below Rodney.
Gibbs and DHam are a small step below Jalen. SamIII has looked decent this year but still below these two. And then there is Omar.

I must have seen a different game than the posters who claimed Gibbs and Purvis were only chucking 3's. I saw Gibbs drive to the basket five times for easy lay ups. Problem was he only made one. Rodney also drove to the basket several times and although he didn't complete his shot he, along with Miller, was the primary reason for Gonzaga's foul problems.

This was a really bad shooting game for Gibbs. But he is a better shooter than Adams at this stage and the difference in d is not enough to make up for the differential on offense.

The big problem with defense in the first half was the four and five could not defend Gonzagas four and five forcing the UConn guards to leave their players.
This was corrected in the second half.

Gibbs was pulled because of his poor shooting and not because of his d or play on offense. And fortunately for UConn Jalen had one of his better games otherwise this game would have ended ugly.

 

[Rico444]

I have zero issue with anyone saying they think Adams will be the starter, or even Enoch for that matter, because I know some were saying that earlier, but can we wait for more than one good performance out of them before we anoint them? I wouldn't be shocked if our best five in March is Adams, Purvis, Hamilton, Miller, and Enoch, but there's a long way to go before then and Gibbs and Brimah deserve the benefit of the doubt until the kids show they're ready.

 

[huskymagic]

Fleud Rodney isn't a better defender than Adams despite being bigger and more experienced. That's not a knock on him but overall court awareness and understanding on defense, Adams is miles ahead of every single perimeter player we have. The problem yesterday and against the Orange were our perimeter defense was terrible, and our execution on offense was sloppy and non-existent.

Brimah did a nice job on Karnowski and absolutely not the reason we lost. Without Brimah defending the post this team would have gotten blown out easily by both Cuse and Gonzaga. Let's chill with the Brimah hysteria. He is one of the best big men in America and a nasty shot blocker. Miller, Facey, and Enoch are also capable of playing good minutes. Our guards and their perimeter defense and turning the ball over are the reason we lost these games.

Adams is the key to our success. He needs to be allowed to make plays in half-court sets and lead the offense. Gibbs is not that guy. He is a nice shooter and scorer when set, but not a play-maker like we need at point. He needs to shoot well and man up on defense. That's what Gibbs role should be.

 

[imno1]

Boy this board is schezophrenic. Not just about this thread either. When we beat Maryland the tone of the BY will change again.

Now my opinion before yesterday was that Adams has a lot of potential but he wasnt quite as ready as I had expected. But he stepped up in a big way and showed with extended minutes he can be a game changer. Gibbs has played pretty well for us except for yesterday. I still think he should start. Jalen will play more minutes at the expense of Omar and Sam, and a few less minutes from SG and RP. If we are to be in the discussion for a deep run Adams is going to have to play a big part. Coach Ollie needs to find more minutes for Enoch also. A confident Steve will make this team very tough to beat.

 

[mauconnfan]

Fleud Rodney isn't a better defender than Adams despite being bigger and more experienced. That's not a knock on him but overall court awareness and understanding on defense, Adams is miles ahead of every single perimeter player we have. The problem yesterday and against the Orange were our perimeter defense was terrible, and our execution on offense was sloppy and non-existent.

Brimah did a nice job on Karnowski and absolutely not the reason we lost. Without Brimah defending the post this team would have gotten blown out easily by both Cuse and Gonzaga. Let's chill with the Brimah hysteria. He is one of the best big men in America and a nasty shot blocker. Miller, Facey, and Enoch are also capable of playing good minutes. Our guards and their perimeter defense and turning the ball over are the reason we lost these games.

Adams is the key to our success. He needs to be allowed to make plays in half-court sets and lead the offense. Gibbs is not that guy. He is a nice shooter and scorer when set, but not a play-maker like we need at point. He needs to shoot well and man up on defense. That's what Gibbs role should be.

Not sure how Brimah and Kanowski got into this one about Adams but you should just copy and past at this point you don't bring anything else to the table.

 

[intlzncster]

I also think this team is a year away from a championship. It's not that it couldn't happen this season, but I'd expect them all to be ready next season.

Dunno. It's either this year, or 2017 imo. Miller, Gibbs, Purvis (pro somewhere), and likely Hamilton are all gone. And we are coming in with a very good freshman class, which does not include an Anthony Davis. Will take them a year imo.

This year, we've got the experience and the talent. The only question is whether they put it together.

 

[MexicoHusky]

I didn't realize Doron Sheffer was a freshman. Huh.

Funny post, but as I'm sure you remember Ricky was providing much of the pg speed on offense by the end of the year. More importantly, Ricky was guarding anyone with speed. We got killed by a speedy Mississippi State guard. If Ricky plays we probably win that game.

 

[tzznandrew]

Funny post, but as I'm sure you remember Ricky was providing much of the pg speed on offense by the end of the year. More importantly, Ricky was guarding anyone with speed. We got killed by a speedy Mississippi State guard. If Ricky plays we probably win that game.

Sorry, that was nowhere near a "freshman-led team."

Sheffer averaged 16 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg, and 2 spg, and was second team All Big East.

Moore averaged 5 ppg, 3 apg, and far fewer minutes. He was a good bench player, but didn't lead the team. Nor was he on par, say, with 2009 Kemba Walker.

As for the MSU game, their guards caught fire--one of them hit seven 3s--and Allen stunk. Moore would have helped, sure, but so would any solid defensive role-player.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Sorry, that was nowhere near a "freshman-led team."

Sheffer averaged 16 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg, and 2 spg, and was second team All Big East.

Moore averaged 5 ppg, 3 apg, and far fewer minutes. He was a good bench player, but didn't lead the team. Nor was he on par, say, with 2009 Kemba Walker.

As for the MSU game, their guards caught fire--one of them hit seven 3s--and Allen stunk. Moore would have helped, sure, but so would any solid defensive role-player.

Good post. I know we would not have won the Georgetown game without him Ricky and i contend we would have won the MSU game with him. So in my mind Ricky lead us to victory in our most memorable moment of the year and would have lead us to victory against Mississippi State.

Actually, what Ricky did against Georgetown and what Adams did against Gonzaga were sorta similar...that statement is sorta off topic...just saying

 

[mauconnfan]

Good post. I know we would not have won the Georgetown game without him Ricky and i contend we would have won the MSU game with him. So in my mind Ricky lead us to victory in our most memorable moment of the year and would have lead us to victory against Mississippi State.

Actually, what Ricky did against Georgetown and what Adams did against Gonzaga were sorta similar...that statement is sorta off topic...just saying

Add the Sheffer hamstring injury to Ricky's and hence the reason the Miss St guards had a career day.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Add the Sheffer hamstring injury to Ricky's and hence the reason the Miss St guards had a career day.

I forgot about that. I think Rudy got tasked with guarding the guy who really lit us up, but i suspect Doron got a chance as well. I would have to rewatch the game to know for sure.

 

[blackbird]

Dunno. It's either this year, or 2017 imo. Miller, Gibbs, Purvis (pro somewhere), and likely Hamilton are all gone. And we are coming in with a very good freshman class, which does not include an Anthony Davis. Will take them a year imo.

This year, we've got the experience and the talent. The only question is whether they put it together.

Next year. This year our best talent is too young, IMO. (Rodney, Hamilton, Adams). It's not that we couldn't win it this year, it's just I think we're a year away from being a great team.

 

[tzznandrew]

Good post. I know we would not have won the Georgetown game without him Ricky and i contend we would have won the MSU game with him. So in my mind Ricky lead us to victory in our most memorable moment of the year and would have lead us to victory against Mississippi State.

Actually, what Ricky did against Georgetown and what Adams did against Gonzaga were sorta similar...that statement is sorta off topic...just saying

It's quite possible they win that game with Ricky. We'll never know. I agree with you, but it's one of those great "what-ifs": if Ricky played, if Sheffer was himself...

 

[tzznandrew]

Next year. This year our best talent is too young, IMO. (Rodney, Hamilton, Adams). It's not that we couldn't win it this year, it's just I think we're a year away from being a great team.

Then I doubt we're ever going to have that team.

I think this years' team may end up being very good. I think they have Final Four level talent once they gel a little better.

But if we're waiting on Purvis and Hamilton to come back for the team to be truly great, game over, I'd say.

 

[blackbird]

Then I doubt we're ever going to have that team.

I think this years' team may end up being very good. I think they have Final Four level talent once they gel a little better.

But if we're waiting on Purvis and Hamilton to come back for the team to be truly great, game over, I'd say.

I think there's no way Hamilton and Purvis leave as sophomores. (Or whatever Rodney is considered.) Hamilton is going to be great, but unless he makes that huge jump this season that makes us into a championship team, he's not going anywhere. And Purvis just isn't good enough to think about leaving early.

 

[mauconnfan]

I think there's no way Hamilton and Purvis leave as sophomores. (Or whatever Rodney is considered.) Hamilton is going to be great, but unless he makes that huge jump this season that makes us into a championship team, he's not going anywhere. And Purvis just isn't good enough to think about leaving early.

Purvis is a junior transfer and will graduate this year after 4 academic years. Rumor has him moving on maybe Europe after graduation. Who knows maybe he stays to improve his stock, I agree he should.

 

[intlzncster]

I think there's no way Hamilton and Purvis leave as sophomores. (Or whatever Rodney is considered.) Hamilton is going to be great, but unless he makes that huge jump this season that makes us into a championship team, he's not going anywhere. And Purvis just isn't good enough to think about leaving early.

Hamilton is as good as gone. NBA cares about potential, not where you are currently at. Purvis graduates this year and has hinted multiple times he will move on. Miller, Gibbs, Nolan gone. They will likely be minus 4 starters!!

This years team has far more experience and developed players than next years team will have. Great class coming in next year, but there are no Anthony Davis's. And one of the most important recruits is coming off multiple knee injuries. As I've said before, it's either this year or 2017.

 

[David 76]

I watched one old World Series game and now I'm convinced Don Larson is the greatest pitcher ever, Whitey has to move to the back of the rotation.


I love Adams and I think everyone would agree that his potential > than Gibbs. But, please! One game does not change a line-up.

 

[Rocktheworld]

As I've said before, it's either this year or 2017.

Agreed. If he doesn't declare this year, DHam is almost definitely gone after next year. But if Jalen sticks around, a lineup of

Junior Adams
Soph Gilbert
Soph Jackson/RS Junior Larrier
Soph Durham/Diarra
Junior Enoch

Would be really good and really fun to watch. Looking at that, imagine how well-rounded the team would be with Diallo

Let's see how KO fairs in the transfer market too though.

 

[Gurleyman]

Agreed. If he doesn't declare this year, DHam is almost definitely gone after next year. But if Jalen sticks around, a lineup of Junior Adams Soph Gilbert Soph Jackson Soph Durham/Diarra Junior Enoch Would be really good and really fun to watch. Let's see how KO fairs in the transfer market too though.

Junior Larrier in there too, more than likely.

 

[intlzncster]

Let's see how KO fairs in the transfer market too though.

Good point. Didn't even consider the transfer thing because they've got such a great incoming class. Kinda stupid given KO's success with it.

 

[HooperScooper]

Jalen Adams is a critical piece moving forward for UConn

Kevin Ollie was once a heady pass-first point guard who set the table for his teammates and that's just what Jalen Adams is for the Huskies.

The freshman floor general was the catalyst in UConn's near come from behind victory against Gonzaga at the Battle 4 Atlantis last week and the more Adams (6.0 points, 2.0 assists, 17.7 minutes) plays moving forward the better the Huskies will be long term.

UConn's roster features a plethora of scorers -- Sterling Gibbs, Rodney Purvis, Daniel Hamilton, and Omar Calhoun -- who can all put the ball in the basket, but aren't necessarily adept at regularly making plays for their teammates.

That's where Adams comes in.

The 6-foot-2 point guard can allow Gibbs to slide off the ball and spot up while also using his own dribble penetration to open up dump off opportunities for his teammates.

Often times in sports there's victory in defeat. That's what the Huskies got last Friday against Gonzaga.

UConn didn't earn a win last Friday against the Bulldogs, but it found an answer at the most important position on the floor.

That answer is Adams.

Jon Rothstein's Observations: LSU is digging itself an early hole with bad losses

 

[intlzncster]

Jalen Adams is a critical piece moving forward for UConn

Kevin Ollie was once a heady pass-first point guard who set the table for his teammates and that's just what Jalen Adams is for the Huskies.

The freshman floor general was the catalyst in UConn's near come from behind victory against Gonzaga at the Battle 4 Atlantis last week and the more Adams (6.0 points, 2.0 assists, 17.7 minutes) plays moving forward the better the Huskies will be long term.

UConn's roster features a plethora of scorers -- Sterling Gibbs, Rodney Purvis, Daniel Hamilton, and Omar Calhoun -- who can all put the ball in the basket, but aren't necessarily adept at regularly making plays for their teammates.

That's where Adams comes in.

The 6-foot-2 point guard can allow Gibbs to slide off the ball and spot up while also using his own dribble penetration to open up dump off opportunities for his teammates.

Often times in sports there's victory in defeat. That's what the Huskies got last Friday against Gonzaga.

UConn didn't earn a win last Friday against the Bulldogs, but it found an answer at the most important position on the floor.

That answer is Adams.

Jon Rothstein's Observations: LSU is digging itself an early hole with bad losses

Only thing I'd quibble with is that Hamilton gets enough assists to not belong on the 'not adept at making plays for their teammates' list. Although it's a different dynamic than Adams brings to the table.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Only thing I'd quibble with is that Hamilton gets enough assists to not belong on the 'not adept at making plays for their teammates' list. Although it's a different dynamic than Adams brings to the table.

Not just that, but he may be more adept at creating chances for teammates than anybody else playing a similar position anywhere in college basketball. Mind numbingly stupid to include him on that list. If anything he's too unselfish.