Butler Post Game Thread

[RuffRuff]

Not sure what stat you're looking at for rebounding, but adjusted for pace we have been a very good rebounding team. That was raised as a concern all off-season, but has ended up not being a weakness at all.

It is fair to separate the sub 300 KP teams, and as I've already pointed out in this thread it changes nothing about his numbers. He's been playing just as well against top competition.

I know you just like to complain and claim it's your unbiased views that nobody understands, but you're just not living in reality with the majority of what you think you're seeing with this UConn team and Solo Ball in particular

Coming from the guy vehemently proclaiming Stew is a locked in first rounder in the preseason . One has to appreciate the different perspectives without taking it personal or labeling it as “complaining” as much as it is banter and dialogue. Look I just learned you’re looking at rebounding adjusted for pace, which is a smart data point, which lead me to check out our rebounding margin which is much better than our rebounds per game. Thank you very much.

 

[Waquoit]

You want to be a blue blood or not?

I don't think being a blue blood is license to kill your own guys. I always thought we were better than Kentucky. Perhaps I was wrong again.

 

[ctchamps]

I don't see anyone freaking out but I do feel like the 2 spot is now the biggest question mark on the team. By the time we get to single elimination in March, it's fair to question what they do if Solo has an off night shooting. They need to be getting a lot more than what he currently provides if the 3 point attempts aren't going down to justify him staying out there.

There is obviously plenty of time during the conference schedule to see how it evolves between him, Mahaney and Ross, three guys who each have huge holes in the game right now. The competition for minutes and their development in Jan/Feb should be fun to watch.

It's been fun to watch already. Also fun to watch are the modifications the coaching staff is making while our players are working on their game.

For instance, Solo was a bad passer even in the cupcake games. So the staff altered his role having him focus on scoring instead of distributing and scoring.

I've noticed that on several occasions Solo is bringing the ball up court after an opposing made basket. Same with Ross, McNeeley and Mahaney. Why? Because it gives these players an opportunity to develop their dribbling skills while surveying what's happening in front of them without the pressure of the clock. It's game time practice without much liability in the half court offense.

Until Solo becomes the defender we believe he can be, and until Jaydon becomes the player who can contribute on offense the way I believe he can, Hurley has been platooning these players at the end of close games. I've seen Solo help on defensive rebounding and covering Johnson's player on the high hedge lately where in the beginning of the season he just looked lost. Jaydon's posture on the court has significantly improved. He is our second best perimeter defender and best perimeter rebounder. When these guys put it all together this team will hum.

 

[HooperScooper]

It's been fun to watch already. Also fun to watch are the modifications the coaching staff is making while our players are working on their game.

For instance, Solo was a bad passer even in the cupcake games. So the staff altered his role having him focus on scoring instead of distributing and scoring.

I've noticed that on several occasions Solo is bringing the ball up court after an opposing made basket. Same with Ross, McNeeley and Mahaney. Why? Because it gives these players an opportunity to develop their dribbling skills while surveying what's happening in front of them without the pressure of the clock. It's game time practice without much liability in the half court offense.

Until Solo becomes the defender we believe he can be, and until Jaydon becomes the player who can contribute on offense the way I believe he can, Hurley has been platooning these players at the end of close games. I've seen Solo help on defensive rebounding and covering Johnson's player on the high hedge lately where in the beginning of the season he just looked lost. Jaydon's posture on the court has significantly improved. He is our second best perimeter defender and best perimeter rebounder. When these guys put it all together this team will hum.

Jaydon? That's a new one. Today is Festivus so I'll add that one to my "airing of grievances" of misspellings of our players' names.

Jaydon - Jayden
Sampson - Samson
Aiden - Aidan
Jaylen - Jaylin

And my all time favorite one: Tristan - Tristen

Those are just first names. I won't even go into the last names. There, my grievances have been aired on Festivus.

 

[controlfade]

Always appreciate peeps sticking up for guys, but it’s not just his assist numbers it’s all numbers outside of 3s, in particular now that we are in league play (look at his last 5 games). He’s not Hawk, and not going to be a lottery pick for his shooting prowess. There should be an expectation he does more. Our 2G last year averaged 5 rebounds and almost 4 assists per game. Just need him more all around active not just focused on hunting threes. I hope it comes, pulling for him.

not to mention that he can not guard anyone! He is playing 10" off his guy so he doesnt get driven on and it opens his guys for catch and shoot 3's. I like Ball but unfortunately the only thing he does really well is shoot.

 

[ctchamps]

Jaydon? That's a new one. Today is Festivus so I'll add that one to my "airing of grievances" of misspellings of our players' names.

Jaydon - Jayden
Sampson - Samson
Aiden - Aidan
Jaylen - Jaylin

And my all time favorite one: Tristan - Tristen

Those are just first names. I won't even go into the last names. There, my grievances have been aired on Festivus.

But the signature gets no mention?

 

[cp176]

We all seem to want more from just about all of them I guess. I think that much of the criticism of Solo Ball is just putting into words what anyone who knows anything about the game can easily see. He has weaknesses. They all do. He is apt to be up and down but the work ethic is there. He helps our team and he will continue to improve as they all will. What I will say is that I don't think that we are anywhere near as deep as I thought we were. Stewart I think has shown the most for me once you get past that top six. Ross scares the hell out of me on both ends of the floor. He just looks out of control. Mahaney I still think in the right role will be a legit scorer.

 

[HooperScooper]

But the signature gets no mention?

Oh yeah, nice job! So my pestering will remind you to change it again when the Huskies win their 7th in the not too distant future.

 

[dennismenace]

It's been fun to watch already. Also fun to watch are the modifications the coaching staff is making while our players are working on their game.

For instance, Solo was a bad passer even in the cupcake games. So the staff altered his role having him focus on scoring instead of distributing and scoring.

I've noticed that on several occasions Solo is bringing the ball up court after an opposing made basket. Same with Ross, McNeeley and Mahaney. Why? Because it gives these players an opportunity to develop their dribbling skills while surveying what's happening in front of them without the pressure of the clock. It's game time practice without much liability in the half court offense.

Until Solo becomes the defender we believe he can be, and until Jaydon becomes the player who can contribute on offense the way I believe he can, Hurley has been platooning these players at the end of close games. I've seen Solo help on defensive rebounding and covering Johnson's player on the high hedge lately where in the beginning of the season he just looked lost. Jaydon's posture on the court has significantly improved. He is our second best perimeter defender and best perimeter rebounder. When these guys put it all together this team will hum.

Great, great observations.

 

[uconn_jack]

What I will say is that I don't think that we are anywhere near as deep as I thought we were. Stewart I think has shown the most for me once you get past that top six. Ross scares the hell out of me on both ends of the floor. He just looks out of control. Mahaney I still think in the right role will be a legit scorer.

I agree, we probably got a bit ahead of ourselves with the team's depth, but I think, or at least hope, that as the team continues to settle in and the sophs continue to get more run and play time, we'll begin to see more of that potential realized. I do think we have a lot more room before we hit our ceiling.

But even now, I don't think our depth is shallow, it's just not a situation where a 2nd unit could not be put out there and expect to be successful. However, I still think we are deep in that we do have a lot of talented bench players that can come in and spell a starter or two without too much issue. Hell, even Singare has shown he can hold the fort when needed.

 

[navery12]

I agree, we probably got a bit ahead of ourselves with the team's depth, but I think, or at least hope, that as the team continues to settle in and the sophs continue to get more run and play time, we'll begin to see more of that potential realized. I do think we have a lot more room before we hit our ceiling.

But even now, I don't think our depth is shallow, it's just not a situation where a 2nd unit could not be put out there and expect to be successful. However, I still think we are deep in that we do have a lot of talented bench players that can come in and spell a starter or two without too much issue. Hell, even Singare has shown he can hold the fort when needed.

I think the depth of this year's team is different than how a lot of people including myself were envisioning it. The bench pieces aren't consistent enough where they can all be put out there and make a run like we saw in 2023 with Clingan and Calcaterra and Alleyne.

But on any given night any of Mahaney, Ross, Stewart, or Reed are capable of taking over and putting up big numbers. If we ever get to a point where 2-3 of those guys are showing up consistently, watch out

 

[cp176]

I think that Dan Hurley just is going to continue to be very careful with his subbing patterns. The center position is just fine but bringing two others in in addition to our center is just a big stretch right now. I do agree that the potential is certainly there to be a deep team. For me it isn't really about the offense at all - it is about defending and not turning the ball over.

 

[cp176]

I think the depth of this year's team is different than how a lot of people including myself were envisioning it. The bench pieces aren't consistent enough where they can all be put out there and make a run like we saw in 2023 with Clingan and Calcaterra and Alleyne.

But on any given night any of Mahaney, Ross, Stewart, or Reed are capable of taking over and putting up big numbers. If we ever get to a point where 2-3 of those guys are showing up consistently, watch out

I would love to be able to include Ross there but so far he has been a plus minus minus player. Turnovers and needless risks defensively. No one can question his athleticism. I hope he gets there. He is still young. I'm glad he is getting some opportunities.

 

[Smp7598]

Ross is not an elite defender, b

How a thread about a Butler game in a different year becomes a thread on how much we tired out Edey in the NC game is pure boneyard. It is interesting because we are deeper this year than last but as a defender you do not have to work as hard to cover us on offense.

So that will negate our depth to some degree.

But with all that said we have to like what this team is starting to look like. Liam is one of the top three freshman in the country. Alex is going to be Alex. Our center rotation now that Singare is able to give us five minutes of game is very solid.

Hass is turning into a very good point guard.

Ross is turning into an elite perimeter defender.

Mahaney is starting to find his spots to add some offense when he gets in the game.

Stewart will make us some big plays this year with his offensive skills.

Ball is still the enigma. His defense is getting better but with his measurable’s of length and hops he should be more effective going to the hoop. But that part of his game needs work. Not the kind you are going to really improve on in year. But maybe I am wrong. But I think he will be a decent defender by the end of the year.

Nowell is an interesting case. I trust the staff and if they feel he is not ready then he must need some work. Maybe they are just being extra cautious with the shoulder. But as I watched the Butler game I did not see a lot of opportunity for him to get PT. He will grow as the season goes along but so will Mahaney. It’s going to be hard to find him regular minutes.

Samson is playing better, Reed is getting better.

So the key is our ability to defend better and get our metrics up. We know what it means to be top 1-2 on offense and not in the top 20 on defense at least on KenPom. We need to be better balanced. I am confident the staff will figure out how to get our defense up to par.

Ross is not an elite defender!

 

[REB1094]

I agree, we probably got a bit ahead of ourselves with the team's depth, but I think, or at least hope, that as the team continues to settle in and the sophs continue to get more run and play time, we'll begin to see more of that potential realized. I do think we have a lot more room before we hit our ceiling.

But even now, I don't think our depth is shallow, it's just not a situation where a 2nd unit could not be put out there and expect to be successful. However, I still think we are deep in that we do have a lot of talented bench players that can come in and spell a starter or two without too much issue. Hell, even Singare has shown he can hold the fort when needed.

I don’t even think we got ahead of ourselves. Tarris should have been expected to be a strong player off the bat. One of Ball/Diarra/Mahaney was always going to come off the bench and should have been expected to do well. No reason not to assume Stewart would have made a jump since he showed the most promise of any of the freshmen last year

Anything on top of that would be extra, but I think it was super reasonable to expect one of the best top 8s in the country with a high-potential athletic sophomore wing and a top 30ish freshman PG behind them for a really really good 10 man rotation

Just hasn’t worked out that way…yet

 

[Hunt for 7]

Ross is not an elite defender!

Ross is not an elite defender!

Said he was turning into one not one yet. Not sure what you are watching but go back and watch the games where he has come in and pay attention to how much to man he is defending scores but count switches because the other team’s tries their best to get Ross off their best perimeter player by creating switch hand off plays at the top of the circle.

But watch how often the man Ross is defending scores.

Since you brought it up do we have a better perimeter defender than Ross? Who would you consider the best man to man defensive player on this team.

So if Ross is as you say not an elite perimeter defender and you are a fan of. UConn I would suggest you root for him to become one. Because he is clearly the best shot we have of having that type of player.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Ross is not an elite defender, b

Ross is not an elite defender!

He's gonna be eventually. You see him getting better every game.

 

[huskyharry]

This is what kills me - he does a lot of gazing. If you watch him on both ends of the floor off ball, there is a lot of standing around. Would be good to see him more anticipatory and less waiting for things to come to him. Meanwhile he has a guy like Hass out there running around involved in everything.

Agree. I don’t think Solo is lazy but he just doesn’t seem to have good awareness of where he needs to move and what he needs to respond to on defense. Hoping he grows in this area. That will be a key to our overall defensive performance