Anyone else worried about the roster?

[superjohn]

You don't think there is any chance Hurley adapts to some of the new trends with bigs? Do you think Hurley is stagnant in his philosophy as the game evolves? If the top 3-4 teams/coaches are going back out there with stacked front courts, do you think Hurley's only ammo to contest with a first year undersized 4? I wouldn't be so closed minded to it.

You don't think Hines is our starting center next season?

You think we're getting Thiam?

 

[Inyatkin]

We're still doing the "big frontcourts are changing the game" thing?

 

[Umami Zen]

Agree with everything except the difference here between being the backup 5 where the expectation is getting 10-20mpg, vs the CG where, if things go right, you barely play at all. Our 1-3 includes Demary, Mullins, County, Ross, and Landrew. Two of those guys are 30-32mlg guys. Two od them are 20ish guys at a minimum. Any CG coming here will have to compete and beat out Mich bigger names guys. The backup 5 doesn’t.

I am very confident in Dan's ability to be brutally honest in his communications with prospective portal adds and his returning players about expectations and PT. Playing at UConn for Hurley is not for everyone. He has a winning formula and continues to reload with the right guys for our Program. Once players have made the "cut" for an OV on campus-And if the mutual interest is shown on the OV- Dan almost always gets his guy(target). Expecting some OVs over the next week or so.

 

[boog204]

I am very confident in Dan's ability to be brutally honest in his communications with prospective portal adds and his returning players about expectations and PT. Playing at UConn for Hurley is not for everyone. He has a winning formula and continues to reload with the right guys for our Program. Once players have made the "cut" for an OV on campus-And if the mutual interest is shown on the OV- Dan almost always gets his guy(target). Expecting some OVs over the next week or so.

Again agreed on all accounts. I’m just curious what type of caliber we’re looking at for the CG. A guy like bliss was initially at Virginia and I’d imagine is going to get a lot of attention at P5s with more PT seemingly available than we will have.

 

[superjohn]

We're still doing the "big frontcourts are changing the game" thing?

It's a copycat sport and Michigan won with it. Florida and Michigan are likely to be #1 and #2 in the preseason rankings. Pitino is going bigger. Illinois will be huge again.

 

[RuffRuff]

You don't think Hines is our starting center next season?

You think we're getting Thiam?

No, I think he is, but also an option to swing out to the 4 with a 5 in there. I don't think we are getting Thiam, but maybe this kid from Charleston. This way they both get 25 minutes. Not sure TBH - not one to try and guess either, trust the staff, simply wondering what they're mix will be. Hines strikes me as a unique 5 to start with given the options out there.

Yeah, big frontcourts are changing the game. We can sit in our UConn bubble and pretend our stuff is bulletproof, but as I said before, would rather not to into the F4 regularly feeling like we have to win with smoke and mirrors versus having capable talent.

 

[Inyatkin]

It's a copycat sport and Michigan won with it. Florida and Michigan are likely to be #1 and #2 in the preseason rankings. Pitino is going bigger. Illinois will be huge again.

I get that, but you can win by going against the grain, too

 

[superjohn]

No, I think he is, but also an option to swing out to the 4 with a 5 in there. I don't think we are getting Thiam, but maybe this kid from Charleston. This way they both get 25 minutes. Not sure TBH - not one to try and guess either, trust the staff, simply wondering what they're mix will be. Hines strikes me as a unique 5 to start with given the options out there.

If we get Machot Hines and Machot aren't both getting 25 minutes. Neither Hines or Machot are outside shooters and it would be another 2 headed monster at center which we've seen every year of the 4 year run. Hurley doesn't go double bigs. Khamenia is going to play the overwhelming majority of 4 minutes. Not quite as much as AK but probably close.

 

[superjohn]

I get that, but you can win by going against the grain, too

Absolutely, we just showed it this last season but we need a legit 7 footer to split time with Hines. It doesn't have to be an exact even split but a 7 footer who can give us 15 mpg of very good play.

 

[navery12]

No, I think he is, but also an option to swing out to the 4 with a 5 in there. I don't think we are getting Thiam, but maybe this kid from Charleston. This way they both get 25 minutes. Not sure TBH - not one to try and guess either, trust the staff, simply wondering what they're mix will be. Hines strikes me as a unique 5 to start with given the options out there.

Yeah, big frontcourts are changing the game. We can sit in our UConn bubble and pretend our stuff is bulletproof, but as I said before, would rather not to into the F4 regularly feeling like we have to win with smoke and mirrors versus having capable talent.

Name me 1 skill that Najai Hines has that would lead to him playing the 4.

If people want to argue we need more size I get it. Want a bigger 4 man I get it. I don't agree on either count, but it's reasonable. But nobody is running out multiple back to the basket centers together

 

[Umami Zen]

Again agreed on all accounts. I’m just curious what type of caliber we’re looking at for the CG. A guy like bliss was initially at Virginia and I’d imagine is going to get a lot of attention at P5s with more PT seemingly available than we will have.

We seem to agree on alot of stuff. I'll leave it this way. IMO- If a CG choice came down to McNeil and Bliss-I would expect Bliss to be more affordable for Tom Moore. Too many what ifs right now to discuss much further. That's all i got

 

[ctbro1999]

No, I think he is, but also an option to swing out to the 4 with a 5 in there. I don't think we are getting Thiam, but maybe this kid from Charleston. This way they both get 25 minutes. Not sure TBH - not one to try and guess either, trust the staff, simply wondering what they're mix will be. Hines strikes me as a unique 5 to start with given the options out there.

Yeah, big frontcourts are changing the game. We can sit in our UConn bubble and pretend our stuff is bulletproof, but as I said before, would rather not to into the F4 regularly feeling like we have to win with smoke and mirrors versus having capable talent.

You actually think there's a chance Hines isn't our starting 5? My god man.

 

[boog204]

Not worried but still think team needs a 6’9”-6’10” junior forward that can drain the 3, rebound, and pass the ball to play 20 minutes starting or off the bench. Too much of an ask?

An athletic 6-9/6-10 guy who can hit 3s rebound, and play D is worth like 3 million in this landscape.

 

[Bigbrad1029]

Name me 1 skill that Najai Hines has that would lead to him playing the 4.

If people want to argue we need more size I get it. Want a bigger 4 man I get it. I don't agree on either count, but it's reasonable. But nobody is running out multiple back to the basket centers together

I think you are getting it reversed bring in Diop or Thaim or a Julius H or lower level 5 and have them play minutes at 4 next to Hines and 5 when Hines on bench…Hineshas no attributes to be a 4 those guys do

 

[Inyatkin]

You actually think there's a chance Hines isn't our starting 5? My god man.

Sounds like you're living in a UConn bubble.

That could be fun, actually. Where does one find the UConn bubble?

 

[superjohn]

Name me 1 skill that Najai Hines has that would lead to him playing the 4.

If people want to argue we need more size I get it. Want a bigger 4 man I get it. I don't agree on either count, but it's reasonable. But nobody is running out multiple back to the basket centers together

You don't agree we need more than a 6'10 guy who is going to play next season?

 

[RuffRuff]

Name me 1 skill that Najai Hines has that would lead to him playing the 4.

If people want to argue we need more size I get it. Want a bigger 4 man I get it. I don't agree on either count, but it's reasonable. But nobody is running out multiple back to the basket centers together

Defensive footwork, athletic. Good handle for size. He would obviously worked into a new wrinkle if we ever did it, some high low scheme. The kid is one inch taller than boozer, and if he leaned out would be in the same weight category, yet even more athletic. Not saying it's going to happen by any means, just wondering.

Everyone here is anti-Landrew playing some 4, well we are going to have to find someone to back that position up because he's not playing 40 minutes.

I don't know if many here realize how good an athlete this kid is - he's a better athlete than Tarris. Tarris had a better offensive bag near the rim. This kid is explosive. I tend to think he could be a unique tool.

You actually think there's a chance Hines isn't our starting 5? My god man.

No, I think he is, but could also swing out to the 4 in a double big set up for 5 minutes.

An athletic 6-9/6-10 guy who can hit 3s rebound, and play D is worth like 3 million in this landscape.

Because those are falling off trees. Go look at the list of portal PF's left. We are going to get a really low end backup 4 at this point, as we aren't getting anyone coming in to play backup 8 minutes that is any good. So that means we are swinging a 3 or a 5 out there as possibilities.

Trying to apply some logic here to make sure we have the best talent possible on the floor. I doubt it's going to be some scrub 4.

 

[navery12]

You don't agree we need more than a 6'10 guy who is going to play next season?

At the 4 spot, no. To backup Hines obviously we need to bring someone in

 

[navery12]

Defensive footwork, athletic. Good handle for size. He would obviously worked into a new wrinkle if we ever did it, some high low scheme. The kid is one inch taller than boozer, and if he leaned out would be in the same weight category, yet even more athletic. Not saying it's going to happen by any means, just wondering.

Everyone here is anti-Landrew playing some 4, well we are going to have to find someone to back that position up because he's not playing 40 minutes.

I don't know if many here realize how good an athlete this kid is - he's a better athlete than Tarris. Tarris had a better offensive bag near the rim. This kid is explosive. I tend to think he could be a unique tool.

No, I think he is, but could also swing out to the 4 in a double big set up for 5 minutes.

Because those are falling off trees. Go look at the list of portal PF's left. We are going to get a really low end backup 4 at this point, as we aren't getting anyone coming in to play backup 8 minutes that is any good. So that means we are swinging a 3 or a 5 out there as possibilities.

Trying to apply some logic here to make sure we have the best talent possible on the floor. I doubt it's going to be some scrub 4.

This is Hines shot chart, he took 3 shots outside of the paint this entire season. He is not a 4

 

[Mr. French]

No, I think he is, but also an option to swing out to the 4 with a 5 in there. I don't think we are getting Thiam, but maybe this kid from Charleston. This way they both get 25 minutes. Not sure TBH - not one to try and guess either, trust the staff, simply wondering what they're mix will be. Hines strikes me as a unique 5 to start with given the options out there.

Yeah, big frontcourts are changing the game. We can sit in our UConn bubble and pretend our stuff is bulletproof, but as I said before, would rather not to into the F4 regularly feeling like we have to win with smoke and mirrors versus having capable talent.

Having smaller skilled guys that are good and run around the huge teams isn’t smoke and mirrors.

 

[Inyatkin]

Having smaller skilled guys that are good and run around the huge teams isn’t smoke and mirrors.

Did we win 34 games by smoke and mirrors? That sure seems to be his message

 

[controlfade]

You don't think there is any chance Hurley adapts to some of the new trends with bigs? Do you think Hurley is stagnant in his philosophy as the game evolves? If the top 3-4 teams/coaches are going back out there with stacked front courts, do you think Hurley's only ammo to contest with a first year undersized 4? I wouldn't be so closed minded to it.

I don’t think he would lean into it as a primary identity, but I could definitely see Hurley incorporating bigger lineups situationally. Bringing in a lengthy center would give them a different look—more size, physicality, and rebounding—without fully abandoning their current style.

And Hines fits that role well. He has the versatility to slide to the 4 in those lineups and still be effective esp on defense.

 

[RuffRuff]

I don’t think he would lean into it as a primary identity, but I could definitely see Hurley incorporating bigger lineups situationally. Bringing in a lengthy center would give them a different look—more size, physicality, and rebounding—without fully abandoning their current style.

And Hines fits that role well. He has the versatility to slide to the 4 in those lineups and still be effective on both ends.

And you can get a higher quality 5 if you can get them 25 minutes - Hines at the 5 for 20, 4 for 5. Both guys get 25.

Again, it's only an idea obviously - would be a cool wrinkle to throw in the changing landscape, and Hines is plenty athletic. He's the most athletic center we've had. I don't he needs to step outside to play the role, we would simply be three out.

We'll probably know by the quality of 5 we get quick. Maybe Hurley finds some Euro 4 willing to play 8 minutes at the backup PF. Who knows. I'm curious to this piece - the rest of the stuff is pretty chalk. I'm just wondering if he has any tricks up his sleeve to stay ahead of how things are moving.

 

[FightOnCT]

Having smaller skilled guys that are good and run around the huge teams isn’t smoke and mirrors.

Team really didn’t finesse around its opponents until Michigan. Even with Duke, they made the adjustments you’d expect from them being down 15 at the half.

 

[boog204]

Because those are falling off trees. Go look at the list of portal PF's left. We are going to get a really low end backup 4 at this point, as we aren't getting anyone coming in to play backup 8 minutes that is any good. So that means we are swinging a 3 or a 5 out there as possibilities.

Trying to apply some logic here to make sure we have the best talent possible on the floor. I doubt it's going to be some scrub 4.

But again, no guy like that is going to come to be a backup. There’s not a team around that’s bringing a premium piece like that off the bench. How we define “low end” is up for debate. Realistically, I want my backup 4 and 5 to be able to play D, rebound, and catch and finish. Even better world I have Gavin Edwards. This belief that we NEED a 7 footer or a 6-10 stretch four is crazy.

 

[bendm]

1: Demary, County
2: Mullins, ?
3: Ross, Landrew
4: Khamenia, ?
5: Hines, ?

This should help the doubters visualize why, according to the Borges article, Hurley thinks we only still need backups at SG, PF and C

 

[Son of Robert]

I don’t think he would lean into it as a primary identity, but I could definitely see Hurley incorporating bigger lineups situationally. Bringing in a lengthy center would give them a different look—more size, physicality, and rebounding—without fully abandoning their current style.

And Hines fits that role well. He has the versatility to slide to the 4 in those lineups and still be effective esp on defense.

And you can get a higher quality 5 if you can get them 25 minutes - Hines at the 5 for 20, 4 for 5. Both guys get 25.

Again, it's only an idea obviously - would be a cool wrinkle to throw in the changing landscape, and Hines is plenty athletic. He's the most athletic center we've had. I don't he needs to step outside to play the role, we would simply be three out.

We'll probably know by the quality of 5 we get quick. Maybe Hurley finds some Euro 4 willing to play 8 minutes at the backup PF. Who knows. I'm curious to this piece - the rest of the stuff is pretty chalk. I'm just wondering if he has any tricks up his sleeve to stay ahead of how things are moving.

C'mon guys, I'm no genius but even I know Hines will never play the 4.

 

[3rdbass]

You don't think there is any chance Hurley adapts to some of the new trends with bigs? Do you think Hurley is stagnant in his philosophy as the game evolves? If the top 3-4 teams/coaches are going back out there with stacked front courts, do you think Hurley's only ammo to contest with a first year undersized 4? I wouldn't be so closed minded to it.

Has Hines showed any ability to play outside and shoot or with a great handle? No he is a Center and normally those stay inside. Hurley didn't even try the 2 bigs with Reibe who had some of those skills. Do you think he will break that mold for Hines? I could see a guy like Chol, with skillset, playing minutes at PF with Hines at C.

 

[RuffRuff]

Has Hines showed any ability to play outside and shoot or with a great handle? No he is a Center and normally those stay inside. Hurley didn't even try the 2 bigs with Reibe who had some of those skills. Do you think he will break that mold for Hines? I could see a guy like Chol, with skillset, playing minutes at PF with Hines at C.

No - but he's a freshman, I have seen him handle the ball well for his size. He has massive hands, has really good ball control.

Reibe was a stiff athlete - there is no way you could play that kid at the 4. He was like a walking ironing board. I personally find Reibe's goals to be a pipe dream - his only way into the NBA is as a close to the basket kid. He shoots free throws at 50%. He does have nice touch around the rim. I don't know who is advising him, but he was 100% better off at UConn. His 3 pt shot is weird and ugly, low %. Slow release. Good luck - the whole thing feels delusional. No one is drafting that kid for his face up game.

 

[bendm]

This should help the doubters visualize why, according to the Borges article, Hurley thinks we only still need backups at SG, PF and C

@RuffRuff- the question marks (?) denote the players Hurley thinks we still need…as you can see the starting lineup is set, and we have a backup PG and SF, which again, is why Hurley thinks we still need a backup SG, PF, and C. I hope that clears things up.