Arizona Post Game Thread

[BGesus4]

Interesting take on the crowd from a Duke fan who attended the game. We need some real student traditions.

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scottdude8​

Moderator, front page and podcast contributor​

• Yesterday at 10:03 PM
• 
  
• #35

Reporting from behind enemy lines after attending the Top 5 matchup between UConn and Arizona:

1) Koa Peat is the real deal. His NBA level athleticism is clear every time he touches the ball. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up a dark horse NPOY candidate.

2) UConn was missing its starting center Taris Reed, and while the freshmen backup Eric Priebe had a nice game in the box score the reality was starkly different. He was a non factor on the glass, a liability defensively, and (most critically) was not a part of the offense at all, to the point UConn was often essentially playing 4 on 5. Zona was able to play some of the most exaggerated drop coverage on screens I’ve ever seen, and as a result UConn had very few easy buckets at the rim. I don’t believe Reed is out long term, but whether or not he can stay on the court 30 mpg on a regular basis could dictate the Huskies’ ceiling.

3) UConn was also still without their star freshman Braylon Mullins. It feels like Husky fan think he could follow a Jayson Tatum like trajectory (starting the season late but being a star by March). It certainly felt like UConn was missing a piece offensively beyond the center position, and Mullins could be it.

4) Preempting the inevitable “do the Crazies still have it” discussion… there was NO COMPARISON between Storrs in a Top 5 matchup and Cameron in a remotely competitive game. The students were barely a factor in the first half and the volume only got close (but not that close!) to Cameron levels in a few isolated moments. The fact that our student section does what it does THE WHOLE GAME makes Cameron special, even if we all want to say it was better when we were there

You really are a masochist huh?

 

[Mr. French]

I love how I can link an article where the greatest shooter ever recognizes the theory and everyone can act like it's not a thing because I'm saying it.

Gotta be trolling.

You think you linking to an article about curry lifting PROPERLY proves your point over mine? I dno man.

 

[Hunt for 7]

I dno if this is directed at me, but you quoted me.

I have played, trained, lifted, coached. I dno what you’re saying in this whole thing, we’re discussing lifting affecting your shot.

Not directed at you I was just saying that it is normal that part of a players game suffers when you focus on improving a significant weakness. It was more about why I think Ball is not shooting as well. I don’t think it has anything to do with lifting I just think he is now thinking more when he gets the ball and instead of just thinking about let me get open for a three he is looking at what his options are now instead of just hunting a three point shot.

Apologies if it came across the wrong way.

 

[Mr. French]

Saying the coaching staff took the proper steps in weight training is different than completely disregarded the theory itself not being a thing.

From what I gather, people are saying it doesn't exist. Despite the greatest shooter ever recognizing it in print and saying how he works around it.

NO ONE SAID THIS I GET WHY YOURE ALWAYS CONFUSED

 

[auror]

Interesting take on the crowd from a Duke fan who attended the game. We need some real student traditions.

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scottdude8​

Moderator, front page and podcast contributor​

• Yesterday at 10:03 PM
• 
  
• #35

Reporting from behind enemy lines after attending the Top 5 matchup between UConn and Arizona:

1) Koa Peat is the real deal. His NBA level athleticism is clear every time he touches the ball. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up a dark horse NPOY candidate.

2) UConn was missing its starting center Taris Reed, and while the freshmen backup Eric Priebe had a nice game in the box score the reality was starkly different. He was a non factor on the glass, a liability defensively, and (most critically) was not a part of the offense at all, to the point UConn was often essentially playing 4 on 5. Zona was able to play some of the most exaggerated drop coverage on screens I’ve ever seen, and as a result UConn had very few easy buckets at the rim. I don’t believe Reed is out long term, but whether or not he can stay on the court 30 mpg on a regular basis could dictate the Huskies’ ceiling.

3) UConn was also still without their star freshman Braylon Mullins. It feels like Husky fan think he could follow a Jayson Tatum like trajectory (starting the season late but being a star by March). It certainly felt like UConn was missing a piece offensively beyond the center position, and Mullins could be it.

4) Preempting the inevitable “do the Crazies still have it” discussion… there was NO COMPARISON between Storrs in a Top 5 matchup and Cameron in a remotely competitive game. The students were barely a factor in the first half and the volume only got close (but not that close!) to Cameron levels in a few isolated moments. The fact that our student section does what it does THE WHOLE GAME makes Cameron special, even if we all want to say it was better when we were there

2 is a good insight, but he has the chicken and egg wrong for not a part of the offense. They didn't play that way because of Reibe, it was their game plan regardless and it made Reibe more impactful ironically. He doesn't score 15 if they play differently. He was playing within the flow of the offense doing what he was supposed to do.

 

[gtcam]

2 is a good insight, but he has the chicken and egg wrong for not a part of the offense. They didn't play that way because of Reibe, it was their game plan regardless and it made Reibe more impactful ironically. He doesn't score 15 if they play differently. He was playing within the flow of the offense doing what he was supposed to do.

It's a Dukie, they aren't always right?????????????????????????????????

 

[aboogieee]

Has the team run the horns skip set yet? I don’t recall seeing it so far, but I’d love to see it once Mullins returns.

 

[RuffRuff]

The more I think about the game, the more I am piss*d off today. Even without Reed, we could have won the game after taking the lead with minutes to go. Solo's shot was not a great decision that stopped the momentum, but it could have brought down the house. In any case, I think Silas needs to play more aggressive on offense and try to take over more. I think he has that dog in him, that Cam Spencer fire, ... Who agrees ?

Silas tried to wrestle the ball away from a much bigger Peat, yeah I think he has some Cam in him. He is the guy I'd want with the ball in a big spot. He had a chance last night, but threw it away. It happens.

And of course we could have won - we were up 64-63 with 1:15 to go. We could not execute offensively at all in that last two minutes. The killer defensively was Krivas getting that loose ball offensive rebound through Stewart. That put back put them up 65-64. We get that, we are up 1, can take the clock down to about 38 seconds. We somehow score there, 3 pt shooting isn't their strength. That was the bucket that felt like it swung a bit - and just a boneheaded play as the ball was right there to snag.

 

[bendm]

3) UConn was also still without their star freshman Braylon Mullins. It feels like Husky fan think he could follow a Jayson Tatum like trajectory (starting the season late but being a star by March). It certainly felt like UConn was missing a piece offensively beyond the center position, and Mullins could be it.

How about a Steph castle like trajectory? He missed 6 games and was a star by January (altho I forgot he did play in the first 2 games of the season before getting hurt)

 

[imno1]

Can someone explain to me how Alex got bigger and stronger ( thru strength training) but is now shooting 61% from 3. 😊

 

[AllHusky]

I think Solo is figuring out how to use his offensive tools effectively, and the 3 is suffering ironically. Really exciting watching him take it to the hole or pulling up for that 10-15 footer. A year ago he knew he was shooting the 3 or passing. Once the whole process of what tool to use becomes instinctive, I’ll bet the 3 comes back.

 

[Marat]

I think Solo is figuring out how to use his offensive tools effectively, and the 3 is suffering ironically. Really exciting watching him take it to the hole or pulling up for that 10-15 footer. A year ago he knew he was shooting the 3 or passing. Once the whole process of what tool to use becomes instinctive, I’ll bet the 3 comes back.

Its interesting that his mid range shot has gotten pretty good which is very valuable as we saw yesterday. Maybe its a mental thing where its hard to shoot so well from mid and long ranges . If we had to pick to being an excellent 3 point shooter or him being an excellent mid range shooter, I would probably choose him to shoot 3s with more accuracy. But I hope he can merge these skills.

 

[Conndog]

Watched the replay & am p*ssed about the non-call at 45 seconds to go when Silas was very obviously bumped by the defender, which caused him to lose ball out of bounds. Instead of UConn shooting 1&1 FTs, AZ got the ball. UConn was in the bonus, and assuming Silas makes 1 or 2 FTs, UConn would either be tied or up by 1. Not the only bad call- that phantom foul on Karaban on the rebound, the non-call when Stewart got thrown aside when Peat was crashing to the basket on offense. I would love for full strength UConn to meet AZ again in tourney and get their revenge.

 

[caw]

People focus on Reed being out as the reason for the rebound discrepancy. In the championship years every position rebounded and we weren't as reliant on just a couple people rebounding. Guys like Newton, Castle, Andre Jackson, cam Spencer....

OK?

Two things on that: 1) I don't think anyone is pretending this team is as good as those teams at rebounding as a unit. 2) I'm sure UConn never played as good a rebounding 4/5 combination in those years without at least one of Sanogo/Clingan.

While I do agree the 1-3 were better rebounding in 23 and 24 they also played 75/79 games with the big of the other team having to worry about boxing out Clingan and/or Sanogo. Neither missed a game in 23, in 24 Clingan missed SJU, DePaul, Butler, Xavier, and Georgetown. None of which were ranked, and certainly not in the top five in the country. The best 4/5 combo in those five games was probably Soriano/Ledlum and, well, good luck convincing anyone those two were nearly as good as Krivas/Peat.

I said before the game, Zona crashes the glass hard. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

 

[tennmike]

I think Solo’s 3-point shooting woes will heal when he gets another sniper- Mullins- to take the pressure off him. Hope that helps Alex too, although I wouldn’t mind if Alex stayed more inside for rebounding help and putbacks.

I wouldn't underestimate this point. Solo is getting serious defensive attention and as a result, his looks are really fleeting. Mullins changes that. You can't score a million points in Iniana high school basketball without being able to fill it up.

 

[uconnever]

He looked kind of upset at the end of the game. I take that as a Husky heart. Overall I was thrilled about his last minute call and performance as an untried freshman against one of the best front lines and teams in the country. We now have a new "two headed monster" again in the post so we can exploit that against opponents. Eric the Giant!

Yeah I saw that he was crying during the handshake line and I loved it. He’s gonna be really good

 

[uconngb]

I guess Ross hitting a key 3pt shot when we were down 11, playing very good defense, getting a key block when we cut the lead down to six qualifies as a no-show. OK got it!

Is that you HW611???

 

[RuffRuff]

Yeah I saw that he was crying during the handshake line and I loved it. He’s gonna be really good

I mean the kid always wanted to be an effen Husky

 

[TouchdownHusky]

4 games.

Or will fans be making excuses for him like they did for McNeeley? That's all we heard (except for Creighton game) last season excuses regarding his leg injury.

 

[uconngb]

BigErn commenting on something he doesn't know about to put himself in position to look stupid never fails.

Never picked up a ball or did a basketball training session in his life but wants to make comments like this and laugh at the experience of someone who did lol

Next time a law issue comes up that you speak on I'll be there to mock it.

Pot meet kettle

 

[uconngb]

I love how I can link an article where the greatest shooter ever recognizes the theory and everyone can act like it's not a thing because I'm saying it.

Gotta be trolling.

It’s called a track record…..which you’ve earned

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Hoping Mullins plays against Bryant to shake some of the cobwebs off. Even if it doesn’t look pretty. First college game against Illinois or at Phog Allen would be crazy for him.

Stop! In one breath fans wanna "shelter" his debuted and in the next he is going to be a NBA. lottery pick. Let's just see if he can play at the collegiate level. Can he consistently hit FG's? Can he defend at this level? Is he quick enough? Strong enough?

 

[Mr. French]

Can someone explain to me how Alex got bigger and stronger ( thru strength training) but is now shooting 61% from 3. 😊

Or every kid from 16 to 25 that naturally gets bigger and stronger and better at shooting?

Every basketball program in HS has a basketball specific strength program...is it as advanced as Steph Curry's? Probably not, but I bet it's based on all the same science.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that UConn staff is not telling Solo or anyone to get totally jacked and affect his main money maker.

 

[HW611]

Or every kid from 16 to 25 that naturally gets bigger and stronger and better at shooting?

Every basketball program in HS has a basketball specific strength program...is it as advanced as Steph Curry's? Probably not, but I bet it's based on all the same science.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that UConn staff is not telling Solo or anyone to get totally jacked and affect his main money maker.

I played for one of the best HS programs in the state and we never lifted weights. We did mostly calisthenics for strength building. Offseason and during the season.

Weight lifting is not needed to play basketball and if you do it you aren't lifting like football players.

I don't know why I have to explain something like this to someone else who also was suppose to have played basketball before.

 

[RuffRuff]

I played for one of the best HS programs in the state and we never lifted weights. We did mostly calisthenics for strength building. Offseason and during the season.

Weight lifting is not needed to play basketball and if you do it you aren't lifting like football players.

I don't know why I have to explain something like this to someone else who also was suppose to have played basketball before.

Any jazzercising?

 

[HW611]

Any jazzercising?

If pilates was a thing, I'd probably take a couple of those classes.

 

[AllHusky]

I mean the kid always wanted to be an effen Husky

Never heard that. Do you mind giving Readers Digest version? Awesome that it means so much to him. It’s showing!

 

[HooperScooper]

Never heard that. Do you mind giving Readers Digest version? Awesome that it means so much to him. It’s showing!

Here watch this.

 

[RuffRuff]

 

[Mr. French]

I played for one of the best HS programs in the state and we never lifted weights. We did mostly calisthenics for strength building. Offseason and during the season.

Weight lifting is not needed to play basketball and if you do it you aren't lifting like football players.

I don't know why I have to explain something like this to someone else who also was suppose to have played basketball before.

This is wild. Obviously calisthenics, flexibility, agility are all a part of the training. But so is lifting. Do you honestly think no basketball programs, high school, college or pro, lift weights?

No one thinks they should lift like a bodybuilder or a football player, that's what I'VE BEEN SAYING TO YOU.

Every basketball program I've ever been around, from high school to college and even pro, all lift for BASKETBALL SPECIFIC STRENGTH. Which is why it's ludicrous to suggest Solo is just lifting like a mad man to bulk up his arms with no guidance. It's what I've said since the start.

I can't believe you say you played for a top notch high school program and you think that lifting in basketball doesn't occur. Did you ever see clips of these teams doing lifting sessions on social media?

Fast forward to about 1:50 and check it out. They are even doing GASP ARM EXERCISES!!!

Tarris Reed: "now I'm going to get a lift in, pump some iron, get bigger, stronger, faster..." WHAT IS HE DOING?!?!?!??!?!?!??!

Our teams, in high school and college, lifted 3x a week during the season (with specific focuses after practice) and during the offseason as well, but with different focuses because it was offseason.