Butler Post Game Thread

[freescooter]

That’s absurd.

ESPN sucks.

Really? You care about this crap?

 

[thekollieman]

What I like is that to guard Braylon like teams have been- it leaves someone else open. Last night it was Ross. He has several open 3s. He made them pay dearly. It’s a pick your poison type of scenario w/ the depth we have.

I think running some more plays for Braylon and him learning to get open more by running more creative cuts after passing, is all he needs to start dropping 30.

Unlike most players, his issue isn’t with draining shots just getting open.

He is a star in the making.

And Ross, with his defensive intensity matched with scoring explosiveness, I don’t know how Hurley can keep him on bench.

Somebody has got to sit more and it’s not Ross. Good problem to have but challenging for the coach.

Demery I have no concerns with as long as he keeps playing so hard on Defense and racking up those assists.

Smith looked god awful last night on both sides of the ball. His shots, his free throw shooting, ball handling, nowhere to go but up. He is one player that I worry about a bit as we need him to be more dependable - especially from the FT line.

The depth is amazing. Someone in the 9 will probably get short changed on minutes any given night for one reason or another, but all 9 will be contributing in significant ways throughout the remainder of the season. If Solo puts on even a handful more performances like last night then I’d bet he’s a pro next year, but I desperately want both Stew and Ross back as starters so they can truly shine simultaneously. If UConn is gonna be the type of program that reliably has a one-and-done level player every year, it’d probably be ideal if Solo plays his way into the first round by the end of this season and his replacement can be that NBA-ready guy so no one else pops in front of the Stewart/Ross archetypes.

 

[superjohn]

The depth is amazing. Someone in the 9 will probably get short changed on minutes any given night for one reason or another, but all 9 will be contributing in significant ways throughout the remainder of the season. If Solo puts on even a handful more performances like last night then I’d bet he’s a pro next year, but I desperately want both Stew and Ross back as starters so they can truly shine simultaneously. If UConn is gonna be the type of program that reliably has a one-and-done level player every year, it’d probably be ideal if Solo plays his way into the first round by the end of this season and his replacement can be that NBA-ready guy so no one else pops in front of the Stewart/Ross archetypes.

Stewart and Ross both starting ain't going to happen and we shouldn't want it to happen and neither Landrew or County are one and dones.

 

[HW611]

It’s not by design. He’s just scared of the ball until he does something good.

11:10
16:37
35:40

First two instances he made unnecessary cuts away from the ball that actually put the ballhandler in a bad situation instead of making himself available.

Especially in the second one, the read on these back cuts is if a defender is overplaying you to the point they step above the 3 point line. Defender wasn’t anywhere close before he ran away from the ball and left Malachi in a bad spot. I don’t blame players for not looking for him when he’s slightly open because he doesn’t show he wants the ball most times.

Even when he does gets it he’s immediately giving it up like it’s a hot potato. 35:40 he got the offensive rebound with a chance to go up at the rim and dribbled it out. Anyone else on the team puts its right back up.

He played a great game. But again, mostly as a play finisher in the right place at the right time offensively. Not because he made progress on being naturally aggressive like he should. Hopefully this helps him be more comfortable wanting the ball though.

 

[UConnRock]

I look forward to Solo getting back to a 40% three point shooter and defenses having to focus on him as the top threar. This will open up more shots for Mullins and Karaban. Both Texas and Butler were focused on keeping the ball from Mullins. This works if Solo is not scoring. A dangerous Solo with Mullins in the offensive flow, Karaban hitting open 3s, and the combo of Reed and Reibe doing their thing is impossible to defend.

 

[superjohn]

11:37
16:37
35:40

First two instances he made unnecessary cuts away from the ball that actually put the ballhandler in a bad situation instead of making himself available.

Especially in the second one, the read on these back cuts is if a defender is overplaying you to the point they step above the 3 point line. Defender wasn’t anywhere close before he ran away from the ball and left Malachi in a bad spot. I don’t blame players for not looking for him when he’s slightly open because he doesn’t show he wants the ball most times.

Even when he does gets it he’s immediately giving it up like it’s a hot potato. 35:40 he got the offensive rebound with a chance to go up at the rim and dribbled it out. Anyone else on the team puts its right back up.

He played a great game. But again, mostly as a play finisher in the right place at the right time offensively. Not because he made progress on being naturally aggressive like he should. Hopefully this helps him be more comfortable wanting the ball though.

We have much better scorers and playmakers than him so not sure what you're looking for. He played a perfect game last night for what we need him to do minus the failure to box out at the end of the first half and the inbounds violation.

 

[REB1094]

The depth is amazing. Someone in the 9 will probably get short changed on minutes any given night for one reason or another, but all 9 will be contributing in significant ways throughout the remainder of the season. If Solo puts on even a handful more performances like last night then I’d bet he’s a pro next year, but I desperately want both Stew and Ross back as starters so they can truly shine simultaneously. If UConn is gonna be the type of program that reliably has a one-and-done level player every year, it’d probably be ideal if Solo plays his way into the first round by the end of this season and his replacement can be that NBA-ready guy so no one else pops in front of the Stewart/Ross archetypes.

The depth is real. We should assume at least 1 of Solo/Karaban/Reed (eventually Silas) will have a good game every game. But anyone could pop off at any time and help win games if the big 3 don’t do it themselves

Last night it was Ross. Against Texas it was Stewart (mostly in the first half iirc). Against Kansas it was Braylon. Against Illinois it was Malachi. Against Arizona it was Reibe. Against BYU it was Silas

So many ways for this team to beat you

 

[HW611]

We have much better scorers and playmakers than him so not sure what you're looking for.

This is not the point.

You just ignored this part.

“First two instances he made unnecessary cuts away from the ball that actually put the ballhandler in a bad situation instead of making himself available.”

 

[Sibeerian]

Great job boys...you impressed my wife!

 

[thekollieman]

Ross was huge last night but all eyes on AK and JStew injuries.

Between Demary and Smith we get a great game of assists or points and with Solo going off and Mullins quietly getting his scoring was not needed from the 1.

DePaul will be pesky but lack firepower so by then we should have AK and J Stew injury updates and if either misses the game we will see more Ross and either Reibe in with Reed or some more Koroma

I’ve never been more in favor of resting guys who could maybe use the recovery time than this season! What a blessing to have this robust roster.

 

[aceboon]

hopefully this isn't too serious

 

[thekollieman]

Stewart and Ross both starting ain't going to happen and we shouldn't want it to happen and neither Landrew or County are one and dones.

This time two years ago we didn’t have McNeeley committed to us yet, so I’m not putting that burden on Landrew or County necessarily. Why shouldn’t be want Stewart and Ross both to start? They could cap off incredible 4-year college careers here. AK and Mullins will both be gone.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

11:10
16:37
35:40

First two instances he made unnecessary cuts away from the ball that actually put the ballhandler in a bad situation instead of making himself available.

Especially in the second one, the read on these back cuts is if a defender is overplaying you to the point they step above the 3 point line. Defender wasn’t anywhere close before he ran away from the ball and left Malachi in a bad spot. I don’t blame players for not looking for him when he’s slightly open because he doesn’t show he wants the ball most times.

Even when he does gets it he’s immediately giving it up like it’s a hot potato. 35:40 he got the offensive rebound with a chance to go up at the rim and dribbled it out. Anyone else on the team puts its right back up.

He played a great game. But again, mostly as a play finisher in the right place at the right time offensively. Not because he made progress on being naturally aggressive like he should. Hopefully this helps him be more comfortable wanting the ball though.

I think the three examples you posted are exactly what I was talking about. His job seems to be to get to the weakside corner to space the floor and set picks to free guys up. There’s a bit of indecision on his part based on it not being clear where the ball handler is going but I don’t think I’d point to anything in those clips as wrong or a lack of confidence. His job in the half court is to be an outlet in the corner when his defender helps off, set picks, and crash the offensive glass and he’s been pretty damn good at it this year. I do think the more confidence he gets, the more they’ll potentially look to run stuff through him.

 

[Sibeerian]

Wondering about Reibe's three pointers and what to expect for the rest of the season. If he maintains this percentage it's a nice wrinkle.

 

[HW611]

I think the three examples you posted are exactly what I was talking about. His job seems to be to get to the weakside corner to space the floor and set picks to free guys up. There’s a bit of indecision on his part based on it not being clear where the ball handler is going but I don’t think I’d point to anything in those clips as wrong or a lack of confidence. His job in the half court is to be an outlet in the corner when his defender helps off, set picks, and crash the offensive glass and he’s been pretty damn good at it this year. I do think the more confidence he gets, the more they’ll potentially look to run stuff through him.

This has nothing to do with why Ross did a backcut into traffic here instead of taking advantage of all the space on the floor to get the ball from Silas. Which then made it a weird play for Silas.

You don’t know what you’re talking about and I’m not sure why you’re making stuff up to disagree with me and placate Ross not being even better.

It helps everyone for EVERYONE to be aggressive and act like they’re a threat to score the ball. Ross turning into a more aggressive threat will just open up more shots for the great shooters and play finishers we have on this team.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Wondering about Reibe's three pointers and what to expect for the rest of the season. If he maintains this percentage it's a nice wrinkle.

We knew it was in his bag in HS so it’s not overly surprising (he likely won’t shoot it 40% but he’s very serviceable). I would expect he’ll look to shoot a bit more as the season progresses. I don’t want him shooting 6 per game but there were a handful of times last night where he had the ball unguarded with 1-6 seconds on the shot clock and I’ll happily have him shoot that every time.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

This has nothing to do with why Ross did a backcut into traffic here instead of taking advantage of all the space on the floor to get the ball from Silas. Which then made it a weird play for Silas.

You don’t know what you’re talking about and I’m not sure

Going to ignore the weird personal attacks or trying to frame my very positive take on Ross’ performance as hating on Ross somehow.

The example you pointed out, Ross starts to the right of Silas and starts to cut for the open corner immediately before Silas starts to drive to his right (see below, immediately before your screenshot). Ross is clearly going for the corner when Silas starts his drive and as you point out, it gets congested.

Silas smartly pulls it out and resets and after your screenshot, Ross has settled in to the corner where he was initially going. I’m not sure why this is controversial. He fills a very similar role on a ton of halfcourt sets. His job is to help space the floor here and a lot of his off-ball movement is to keep that spacing.

 

[bendm]

Why shouldn’t be want Stewart and Ross both to start? They could cap off incredible 4-year college careers here. AK and Mullins will both be gone.

because the goal every year is to win a chip. Landrew and hopefully Pierce or another transfer PF are the replacements for Mullins and AK.

 

[HW611]

Going to ignore the weird personal attacks or trying to frame my very positive take on Ross’ performance as hating on Ross somehow.

The example you pointed out, Ross starts to the right of Silas and starts to cut for the open corner immediately before Silas starts to drive to his right (see below, immediately before your screenshot). Ross is clearly going for the corner when Silas starts his drive and as you point out, it gets congested.

View attachment 114701
Silas smartly pulls it out and resets and after your screenshot, Ross has settled in to the corner where he was initially going. I’m not sure why this is controversial. He fills a very similar role on a ton of halfcourt sets. His job is to help space the floor here and a lot of his off-ball movement is to keep that spacing.

View attachment 114702

Guy who has never learned a motion offense or knows the rules of it argues with guy who has played in one and understands the rules of it and general floor spacing that goes beyond standing in a corner and shooting.

I’m going to chalk this up to a bit instead of you actually believing this stuff.

The whole reason Silas had to reset was because Ross made a bad cut. Smh

But continue to show how much you don’t actually understand what you’re watching.

 

[StllH8L8ner]

Really? You care about this crap?

Not really but all publicity is good publicity. Or something.

 

[superjohn]

Guy who has never learned a motion offense or knows the rules of it argues with guy who has played in one and understands the rules of it and general floor spacing that goes beyond standing in a corner and shooting.

I’m going to chalk this up to a bit instead of you actually believing this stuff.

The whole reason Silas had to reset was because Ross made a bad cut. Smh

But continue to show how much you don’t actually understand what you’re watching.

 

[El Obrero]

To those who think the hot take from last night is to bang on Malachi Smith for missing free throws and call him a liability: you should at least have the integrity to acknowledge that if not for his performances during the non conference games it’s more than likely this team would have three losses by now. Please and thank you.

 

[HW611]

This has nothing to do with why Ross did a backcut into traffic here instead of taking advantage of all the space on the floor to get the ball from Silas. Which then made it a weird play for Silas.

You don’t know what you’re talking about and I’m not sure why you’re making stuff up to disagree with me and placate Ross not being even better.

It helps everyone for EVERYONE to be aggressive and act like they’re a threat to score the ball. Ross turning into a more aggressive threat will just open up more shots for the great shooters and play finishers we have on this team.

Last comment on this.

Ross taking this dribble hand off makes Butler’s defense work. That side of the floor is open and their center and the guy guarding Silas would then have to make decisions on switches, help defense etc.

Ross running to the corner did nothing to move the defense and make them work. It’s a bad play by him coming from a result of him not wanting the ball and he left Silas out to dry by doing it.

So annoying explaining this stuff just to get a response about how this isn’t what happened and excusing a player not doing the right thing to get better.

 

[RuffRuff]

We have much better scorers and playmakers than him so not sure what you're looking for. He played a perfect game last night for what we need him to do minus the failure to box out at the end of the first half and the inbounds violation.

If we know HW611 at this point and how he obsesses over certain players, he's probably expecting Ross' next step to be our go to man, because he has NBA talent that Hurley isn't developing. And that he's the next Andre Jackson.

Let's not forget it was only a game ago against Florida that Ross was like -13 in the net. Nice game for him, something to build off and really excited to watch him develop, but gad zooks we must pause.

 

[HW611]

If we know HW611 at this point and how he obsesses over certain players, he's probably expecting Ross' next step to be our go to man, because he has NBA talent that Hurley isn't developing. And that he's the next Andre Jackson.

Let's not forget it was only a game ago against Florida that Ross was like -13 in the net. Nice game for him, something to build off and really excited to watch him develop, but gad zooks we must pause.

Nope. Just want him to be as aggressive and move like literally everyone else in our offense.