Arkansas Scouting Report

[WhereistheDove?]

Not going to lie, since they are pretty poor at shooting the 3, I'd love to bring back the 2-3 zone we saw vs Marquette at MSG for a little bit. With all their athletes and with Joey C/Hawk essentially liabilities with their perimeter D, it will be our best chance to neutralize those big athletic guards. Deeply worried about foul troubles (PTSD still from the at Providence game) and FT discrepancy that has plagued us in some losses, so switching to zone might help with that.

Throwing some 2-3 zone looks at them feels like an obvious move here. For anyone who has seen a bit more of their games, I'm curious if this has been a strategy consistently employed by opponents throughout the season.

 

[Westhamhog]

Throwing some 2-3 zone looks at them feels like an obvious move here. For anyone who has seen a bit more of their games, I'm curious if this has been a strategy consistently employed by opponents throughout the season.

Yes, it has. And we’ve * the bed when we’re hit with a zone. Unless Nick Smith Jr plays well a solid zone would probably be devastating for us. When he hits his shots he’s the ultimate mid range zone buster.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Yes, it has. And we’ve * the bed when we’re hit with a zone. Unless Nick Smith Jr plays well a solid zone would probably be devastating for us. When he hits his shots he’s the ultimate mid range zone buster.

Thanks for the input. Always appreciate some perspective from an opposing team’s fans.

 

[Edward Sargent]

I turned off the KU Ark game with about 10 minutes left in the game. KU kept a comfortable 10-12 point lead and Ark didn't look like they would be able to come back. They can't shoot! What happened at the end of that game?

 

[Westhamhog]

I turned off the KU Ark game with about 10 minutes left in the game. KU kept a comfortable 10-12 point lead and Ark didn't look like they would be able to come back. They can't shoot! What happened at the end of that game?

Devo Davis took over for Arkansas and Kansas had a few mental lapses.

 

[Edward Sargent]

You Sir are a UConn treasure. Now I have something to mull over after waking up at 4 to pee and before getting up for golf!

 

[Conndog]

Not going to lie, since they are pretty poor at shooting the 3, I'd love to bring back the 2-3 zone we saw vs Marquette at MSG for a little bit. With all their athletes and with Joey C/Hawk essentially liabilities with their perimeter D, it will be our best chance to neutralize those big athletic guards. Deeply worried about foul troubles (PTSD still from the at Providence game) and FT discrepancy that has plagued us in some losses, so switching to zone might help with that.

I agree with the concern about foul trouble/ definitely try a zone and keep them from driving inside

 

[Westhamhog]

You Sir are a UConn treasure. Now I have something to mull over after waking up at 4 to pee and before getting up for golf!

 

[OkaForPrez]

Makhel Mitchell is not injured. He actually came in t the end of the KU game to box out on the last FT. Musselman changes starting 5 according to matchups. Expect the Mitchell twins to start at the 4 and 5 spots. 6’9 and 6’10. While Makhi is an exceptional perimeter defender and able to guard SF-mobile PF’s, Makhel averages 3+ blocks a game when the matchup is right(ie when he plays more than 15+ mins). Bet Arkansas will throw both Mitchell’s, Johnson, and 4-5 minutes of Jalen Graham at Sanogo and Clingan. Graham actually graded out as one of the best 1 on 1 post defenders in the country at ASU last year, but he’s struggled mightily in PnR defense so has limited minutes sometimes.

Welcome

 

[gtcam]

Need the coaching staff to draw up some schemes to free up Hawkins and open the interior for AS
Please

 

[Westhamhog]

Welcome

Thanks. Is it mainly Hawkins that Arkansas needs to contain? If he is contained are the other guards capable of picking up slack in addition to Sanogo getting his? I assume this is the strategy Muss will use. How has UConn played against tall, athletic teams this year?

 

[husky429]

Thanks. Is it mainly Hawkins that Arkansas needs to contain? If he is contained are the other guards capable of picking up slack in addition to Sanogo getting his? I assume this is the strategy Muss will use. How has UConn played against tall, athletic teams this year?

Newton is another guard who could go off for 20. He has two triple-doubles this year. Scored 15+ 7x this season. Has 4 20pt games.

Karaban (PF) hasn't scored much in the tournament, but has scored double-digits 19x this year. Scored 15+ 6x.

Alleyne, Calcaterra score 5-10 on a good night.

Jackson has scored double-digits 9x... He's streaky.

 

[HiDesertDog]

Thanks. Is it mainly Hawkins that Arkansas needs to contain? If he is contained are the other guards capable of picking up slack in addition to Sanogo getting his? I assume this is the strategy Muss will use. How has UConn played against tall, athletic teams this year?

I am not sure what your opinion is about Alabama, but UConn was able to get a 15 point win against Alabama earlier this season at the PK tournament.

 

[Edward Sargent]

You have 6 Boneyard messages, welcome junior, give it time you'll know I am no where near weird

 

[Umami Zen]

Black and Council bring the ball up the court, and Devo Davis usually receives the ball in middle pick n roll. Arkansas will give Jackson the three point line, and as they’ve done with other ”bigs” this year Makhel Mitchell will guard Sanogo 1 on 1. Musselman will allow Sanogo to get his and look to to keep Hawkins under 8 points, and he will try to make the other players in addition to Sanogo beat us. Calcaterra and Karaban will be chased off the 3 point line.

Appreciate your honesty and input.. I had you guys beating Kansas.. Respect your guys.. Will be a rock fight on Thurs.

 

[OkaForPrez]

Thanks. Is it mainly Hawkins that Arkansas needs to contain? If he is contained are the other guards capable of picking up slack in addition to Sanogo getting his? I assume this is the strategy Muss will use. How has UConn played against tall, athletic teams this year?

We’ve only lost twice since we regained our defensive intensity following the skid:

those losses were Marquette and Creighton. Both have big, physical defenders on the perimeter. The key tends to be preventing the ball from getting into Sanogo on the block which is easier said than done.

 

[huskiesNhoos]

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Rewatched their last game against Kansas and came away with a few thoughts:

1. Super athletic and long, very high energy on defense. Not the most technically sound team defensively but energy level can definitely be a problem.
2. The offense is ugly. No way around it. All ISO and a lot of bad/wild shots but create a lot of contact and fouls.
3. If Sanogo and Clingan can stay out of foul trouble, they’re going to be a problem for Arkansas. If Kansas had a Clingan in the middle, I think that game gets out of hand. On offense, Sanogo in the middle should help spread their defense and they’ll have to choose whether to double (and open up outside shots for others) or go one on one, where they don’t seem to have an answer for his footwork and technical game.
4. Key to me is managing fouls on both ends. If UConn gets sloppy on D, Arkansas can put them in foul trouble quickly. On the other hand, Arkansas swipes, reaches, and fouls A LOT. If they played in the BE, I’m not sure if they’d be able to finish with 5 guys most nights. But that means the guards need to exploit that and take it to the hoop (I’m looking at you Newton).

I think UConn is a probably a tougher matchup for Arkansas than Kansas, whose lack of a traditional post presence was a glaring issue on both ends of the court and played into Arkansas’ strengths. Could definitely see Arkansas winning and they’ll be a tough out but it’ll require Arkansas really taking control of the style of play and putting UConn in foul trouble.

 

[giddyup]

Rewatched their last game against Kansas and came away with a few thoughts:

1. Super athletic and long, very high energy on defense. Not the most technically sound team defensively but energy level can definitely be a problem.
2. The offense is ugly. No way around it. All ISO and a lot of bad/wild shots but create a lot of contact and fouls.
3. If Sanogo and Clingan can stay out of foul trouble, they’re going to be a problem for Arkansas. If Kansas had a Clingan in the middle, I think that game gets out of hand. On offense, Sanogo in the middle should help spread their defense and they’ll have to choose whether to double (and open up outside shots for others) or go one on one, where they don’t seem to have an answer for his footwork and technical game.
4. Key to me is managing fouls on both ends. If UConn gets sloppy on D, Arkansas can put them in foul trouble quickly. On the other hand, Arkansas swipes, reaches, and fouls A LOT. If they played in the BE, I’m not sure if they’d be able to finish with 5 guys most nights. But that means the guards need to exploit that and take it to the hoop (I’m looking at you Newton).

I think UConn is a probably a tougher matchup for Arkansas than Kansas, whose lack of a traditional post presence was a glaring issue on both ends of the court and played into Arkansas’ strengths. Could definitely see Arkansas winning and they’ll be a tough out but it’ll require Arkansas really taking control of the style of play and putting UConn in foul trouble.

This is a game where game plan and adjustments will play a major role in outcome. Athletic teams are the worst because they don’t breakdown into neat boxes, and one or two hot handed guys can wreak havoc. We have to have laser execution and total focus. If we come out strong, we will be fine. If we put ourselves in a hole early..well, let’s not.

 

[Huskyforlife]

They sound similar to us, except we can also shoot 3's.

And the canyon sized difference at center.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

 

[uconngb]

Davis is the guy I worry about. Hopefully AJ can shut him down

 

[Huskyforlife]

I’m happy with a S16 this season since it is undeniable progress towards making it back to elite status. But this is a game we should win, we’re more talented, Dan is in the same ballpark as Eric, we’re seeded higher, and Sanogo is playing the best ball of his life. Winning this game officially puts us back on the map, it’ll pay dividends for Dans reputation, and recruits/transfers will take notice. Losing here would be a massive disappointment in context.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Also taking out that classless showboater would make me very happy.

 

[caw]

I will say this, Musselman has been pretty good at attacking weaknesses in opponents. Joey could have a rough game if he gets in. I would imagine they try to get Sanogo isolated on the perimeter, or Karaban. I could see them slipping screens and passing over the hard hedge also.

 

[Seamus84]

Neutral court + good officiating + containing their dribble drive/athleticism = I like our chances

 

[Westhamhog]

Newton is another guard who could go off for 20. He has two triple-doubles this year. Scored 15+ 7x this season. Has 4 20pt games.

Karaban (PF) hasn't scored much in the tournament, but has scored double-digits 19x this year. Scored 15+ 6x.

Alleyne, Calcaterra score 5-10 on a good night.

Jackson has scored double-digits 9x... He's streaky.

Newton is definitely someone we’re worried about given his streakiness and attacking the rim. I’ve heard he’s an FTA guy.

 

[Westhamhog]

We’ve only lost twice since we regained our defensive intensity following the skid:

those losses were Marquette and Creighton. Both have big, physical defenders on the perimeter. The key tends to be preventing the ball from getting into Sanogo on the block which is easier said than done.

Think Arkansas will try to let Makhel guard Sanogo 1 on 1, and if that won’t work they’ll adjust to that tactic.

 

[Westhamhog]

I’m happy with a S16 this season since it is undeniable progress towards making it back to elite status. But this is a game we should win, we’re more talented, Dan is in the same ballpark as Eric, we’re seeded higher, and Sanogo is playing the best ball of his life. Winning this game officially puts us back on the map, it’ll pay dividends for Dans reputation, and recruits/transfers will take notice. Losing here would be a massive disappointment in context.

Dan Hurley is not in the same ballpark as Muss lol. This Harley’s first second weekend game in his career, right? Muss is a former nba coach with three straight sweet 16s, and he’s the best game planner and best at making in game adjustments in the country. However, he is a defensive coach and lets his talented players go 1 on 1 like in nba. Our offense is not pretty unless several guys are attacking the rim.

 

[Westhamhog]

I will say this, Musselman has been pretty good at attacking weaknesses in opponents. Joey could have a rough game if he gets in. I would imagine they try to get Sanogo isolated on the perimeter, or Karaban. I could see them slipping screens and passing over the hard hedge also.

Arkansas fans are very aware of the fact that Musselman rarely loses in March when he has 5+ days of prep. But, I do expect UConn to win by a bucket or two and for this to be a rock fight and foul fest.