BYU Post Game Thread

[thekollieman]

I've never heard of let's start the struggling player over the player that's playing well before.

The mental gymnastics for some on this board to make this make sense is hilarious and a part of the entertainment of Ross playing well. Haha

I feel like, given it’s a temporary fill-in starting position anyway (assuming we’ve established that Mullins would be there if uninjured) there is not much to gain in starting Ross over Stewart. Reward him with more minutes, sure (and he likely would’ve played more yesterday if not for foul trouble). But in the meantime, Ross seems to be building confidence in a role where he knows he’s going to play plenty and perhaps part of his good play is due to a lack of pressure that may be inherent in shouldering the “responsibility” of being a starter.

On the other hand, I think it could hurt us to have Stewart take a hit to his confidence by losing “his spot” in the starting lineup. Also, I think he’s been doing fine pulling his weight on the court and it’s not really a big deal to me that he’s not getting 10 points a game or whatever might satisfy the people who want him coming off the bench now.

Personally, I think I’d love to see those two both back next year, starting side by side and leading the team with Karaban sadly gone. If Solo doesn’t end up as a draft prospect in 2026 then having him back too will be huge.

 

[buddy]

It was a good day for UConn nation with both the football and basketball teams winning today

And thrilling men's hockey game in Boston.

 

[navery12]

I'm a little confused by people complaining about our supposed inability to inbound the ball or beat the press. We had no inbounds violations, no 10 second violations, and only 1 bad turnover. Twice we got fast breaks because we beat it so effectively, unfortunately one of those Jaylin Stewart thought Tarris Reed Jr was 18 feet tall on the 2 on 1 fast break

 

[pj]

We just beat a top 10 team and half our fans are obsessing over the 2 guys who had bad games instead of talking about Reed, Demary, Karaban, and Ross

Yes, we had three great players and a fourth very good one. It would be nice to have a fifth. Look forward to seeing Mullins.

 

[Peacefrog]

Interesting choice of nickname… dare I say we had full blown Silas last night

Yeah, I wouldn’t want to be known as “the virus”. Thats up there with “the reach around bandit”.

 

[RuffRuff]

I guess if we compare to last years Maui un-wowwy this was a step in the right direction for early season games. If this was an elite 8 game our tune would be different as survive and advance rules would be enforced.

Still, Hurley teams take awhile to get going, sorta like the oven in the house I grew up in.

So early season wins vs top 10 teams with a tourney feel bode well for March seeding and team play improvement.

Yup / got to take it and run with it. Big win. The second half certainly exposed some things that need to be worked on, but that’s not a bad thing. Good learning game with a W.

AZ game is going to be tough. Really hoping Tarris isn’t hobbled.

 

[pj]

Malachi Smith gives me anxiety.

Malachi had the injury and hasn't had time to get comfortable in a new system and new teammates. He'll be good when we need him to be good.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

I'm a little confused by people complaining about our supposed inability to inbound the ball or beat the press. We had no inbounds violations, no 10 second violations, and only 1 bad turnover. Twice we got fast breaks because we beat it so effectively, unfortunately one of those Jaylin Stewart thought Tarris Reed Jr was 18 feet tall on the 2 on 1 fast break

The press took us out of our game!!! A by product of killing the clock way too early. How does one beat the press? Not by inbounding to the spot in the floor where they want you to pass!!! 2-3 passes and a layup. If you have a lead and you keep scoring your opponent won’t catch you!

 

[HW611]

But in the meantime, Ross seems to be building confidence in a role where he knows he’s going to play plenty and perhaps part of his good play is due to a lack of pressure that may be inherent in shouldering the “responsibility” of being a starter.

These are some of the mental gymnastics takes I've never heard used for a basketball player ever.

Now starting could lead to a lack of confidence because of too much responsibility.

Usually how it goes in any environment you're in, the better you play the more responsibility you get and earn. What are we talking about

 

[navery12]

The press took us out of our game!!! A by product of killing the clock way too early. How does one beat the press? Not by inbounding to the spot in the floor where they want you to pass!!! 2-3 passes and a layup. If you have a lead and you keep scoring your opponent won’t catch you!

You beat the press by passing the ball instead of trying to dribble the ball and beat your defender 1 on 1, which is exactly what we did last night. Because here's the thing, we had the lead and kept scoring, and guess what? BYU didn't catch us

 

[HW611]

And now we shouldn't reward Ross’s play in fear of hurting Stew’a confidence? Mental gymnastics lol

Now people are saying putting someone in the starting lineup after playing well can have a chance to hurt their confidence. I have to laugh to keep myself from saying mean stuff

 

[navery12]

These are some of the mental gymnastics takes I've never heard used for a basketball player ever.

Now starting could lead to a lack of confidence because of too much responsibility.

Usually how it goes in any environment you're in, the better you play the more responsibility you get and earn. What are we talking about

The point is Ross knows his role now. Do you really want to start him for 1 game and then bench him for the Bryant game in 6 days? If you do all the power to you.

But I think that's a pretty dumb move. I know you're a Knicks fan. That's why you saw Mike Brown starting guys further down the rotation because of injuries, so his bench guys could get reps in their roles

 

[blkknight1]

So in 13 pages I didn't see much commentary about Dybantsa's first half. He looked like he was asleep. That's the Dybantsa I've ever seen whenever I watched him. That's the Dybantsa that Furphy defended in the U19. Granted the second half he looked like an NBA #1 but not on the defensive end. His performance is one reason I didn't think BYU was a FF contender. the other is RWIII. As a lead guard he looked good getting his but 4 assists and 6 TOs kind of tell the story that he is not a great PG. Silas on the other hand - Dog.

Jstew and Ross who drew primary defense on AJ had 1 foul each after the first 20 minutes they both had 3 before the 15 minute mark of the 2nd half. Right about the same time is when AJ started going off.

The commentators remarked how he didn’t even attempt a shot for 10 minutes of game time (last 6+ of the first half 4+ of the second). The two of them combined with help from Alex at times clearly had him off his game. Once they got into that quick foul trouble they had to back off and give him space. If they don’t pick up those cheap early fouls it might have been a different story.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Just some random thoughts very random.

This years team is clearly better than last years version. Demary is a dog who is not afraid to take a big shot and I think Mullins will be the same. AK is also not afraid but he has a tough time hunting his own shot unless it comes off a set.

Ross is finally playing to a level that we have all been waiting for and he may just continue to improve as he strings together some good games.

Reed is a beast and more than likely will play or at least get a look at the next level. Reibe will continue to get better.

We would have lost this game last year once the refs started to call the game differently.

Also that BYU player would be on the back nine of his nba career if he was a better player but he is still a man at 25.

AJ is as good as advertised but he did travel on that lane move against AK.

We are still not what you would call a very athletic team and at times that is going to be a liability especially when we stop moving the ball and we get pressured.

It was a good win. We will not know how good we are until we see a healthy Mullins on the floor.

Solo well he now has a right hand but as noted all that work on his ability to get to the basket has impacted his shot. It will come back but the basketball gods have a way to even things out when you focus on one thing too much in practice.

Smith needs to make free throws because we are going to get pressed like last year and we just don’t have a big player that is a good enough passer to put in the middle of the court to receive the second pass after we inbound. That first pass after inbounding has to be quick into the middle of the court between the foul line and half court then the wing defender has to commit and like last night that leads to a free layup or dunk.

 

[TRest]

The press took us out of our game!!! A by product of killing the clock way too early. How does one beat the press? Not by inbounding to the spot in the floor where they want you to pass!!! 2-3 passes and a layup. If you have a lead and you keep scoring your opponent won’t catch you!

We have been inbounding into the corner trap for years now, I remember RJ Cole constantly getting swarmed there.

 

[uconnfan68]

He won't have to once Mullins is in the fold. Obviously Jaylin needs to start doing more. I thought Ross did a lot of good things.

JStew got AJD on defense for most of the time he was in. I didn't expect him to play offense too with that assignment. I did expect to see Solo play better.

 

[ArizonaHsky]

disagree. If we had kept running our offense they don’t get close. We stopped running our offense with 13 to go. That’s bananas. Hurley almost caused us this game. First, the constant fouling is a coaching issue. Our constant over reaching 15 feet from the basket is a coaching issue. Our inability to understand the type of game the refs are calling is a coaching issue. Finally, our stagnant offense for 10 minutes is a coaching issue. We have a great team. We just beat the 7th ranked team without a full roster. And that missing player may be our alpha offensively. I learned a lot from this win. I rather learn while winning!

Yeah the D im worried about, to many reach in fouls and we have some players that just struggle to move their feet and get blown by.

 

[HW611]

The point is Ross knows his role now. Do you really want to start him for 1 game and then bench him for the Bryant game in 6 days? If you do all the power to you.

But I think that's a pretty dumb move. I know you're a Knicks fan. That's why you saw Mike Brown starting guys further down the rotation because of injuries, so his bench guys could get reps in their roles

First of all, we don't know when Mullins is back for you to paint that kind of worst case scenario.

Second, even when he is back Hurley has always consistently brought guys back slowly. Not even Andre Jackson came back in the starting lineup.

The point here no one wants to give a thought too (and probably the boards worst fear when it comes to me), is him being the starter and continuing to play at this level.

Once he cuts down on the fouls he's the athlete and wing defender we’re missing in the starting lineup. If he's playing this confidently offensively he's the guy. Let's test him out in the starting lineup and give him a chance to earn the spot. He's played well enough to deserve it.

The only reason you wouldn't at least want to see that and test it out is if you're worried about your message board take aging badly.

 

[dennismenace]

Feel the same way. He expended a lot of energy trying to D up AJD and did it really well while UConn built their lead. I’m not surprised he took a back seat on th offensive side. Those passes though…. Those were ugly.

I am also pleased at Jaylin's defensive showing against a talent like AJD. If we look down the road we have a 6-8 stopper against any wing in the country. That was a huge concern for me about this team. We really need that defensive stopper like Andre J and Steph Castle. Someone that the opponents will dread. If he can be that, any offensive contribution (which he has a capacity to offer on a given night) will be gravy. I hope he gets a ton of confidence from his showing last night. Also well pleased with Ross who is growing up quickly and growing in confidence. A lot to get excited about with Demary learning our system and his junkyard dog attitude and leadership on the floor. Someone commented on Dan Hurley behaving himself last night and that too was good to see. Now that he is a NYT best selling author he will have to live up to his own preaching. Great, great start to this gauntlet running early season. A lot to be excited about. For once in a long time we are the team with a lot of seniors who will lead us at critical times.

 

[RuffRuff]

You beat the press by passing the ball instead of trying to dribble the ball and beat your defender 1 on 1, which is exactly what we did last night. Because here's the thing, we had the lead and kept scoring, and guess what? BYU didn't catch us

I mean you keep saying this, but we made it a razor thin finish. We were up 20. Yes a win is great, but let’s not disregard how much better BYU was in the second half.

Their press fully disrupted us, and a big part of their comeback. Not sure how you cannot see that.

 

[blkknight1]

Silas “the virus”? Lol

I’m guess it’s a play on John Malcovich’s character in con air Cyrus the virus.

Silas “the virus”? Lol

 

[WhereistheDove?]

The point here no one wants to give a thought too (and probably the boards worst fear when it comes to me), is him being the starter and continuing to play at this level.

Literally no one on this board is rooting against Ross because of you. Just stop.

 

[thekollieman]

These are some of the mental gymnastics takes I've never heard used for a basketball player ever.

Now starting could lead to a lack of confidence because of too much responsibility.

Usually how it goes in any environment you're in, the better you play the more responsibility you get and earn. What are we talking about

I didn’t say starting could lead to a lack of confidence for Ross. I said not starting could be keeping some pressure off of him that in turn may contribute to his good play.

What I did say is relegating Stewart to the bench could harm his confidence.

It’s all speculation because I don’t know their actual thoughts and feelings. I’m just inferring from watching them over the years like everyone else. I’m not denying any props to Ross, but more just taking an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” perspective regarding the current starting lineup in the absence of Mullins.

Don’t get me wrong, I hear you on Ross earning his keep. My mental gymnastics really only apply in the bigger picture of knowing both Ross and Stewart are projected to be bench players throughout this season and also wanting to have them both back next year with a vision of starting and being among the top scorers.

 

[navery12]

First of all, we don't know when Mullins is back for you to paint that kind of worst case scenario.

Second, even when he is back Hurley has always consistently brought guys back slowly. Not even Andre Jackson came back in the starting lineup.

The point here no one wants to give a thought too (and probably the boards worst fear when it comes to me), is him being the starter and continuing to play at this level.

Once he cuts down on the fouls he's the athlete and wing defender we’re missing in the starting lineup. If he's playing this confidently offensively he's the guy. Let's test him out in the starting lineup and give him a chance to earn the spot. He's played well enough to deserve it.

The only reason you wouldn't at least want to see that and test it out is if you're worried about your message board take aging badly.

Not at all, my take has already aged badly. Why would I even care about that? I want UConn to win championships, I could care less about how my takes age, that's why I don't delete my entire account.

But there is 0 chance that Braylon Mullins our 5 star, 1 and done freshman is not starting this year. And if you listen to Dan Hurley we do know a rough timeline for when he's coming back. He's one of our best players despite your constant resistance to admit that

 

[thekollieman]

And now we shouldn't reward Ross’s play in fear of hurting Stew’a confidence? Mental gymnastics lol

Now people are saying putting someone in the starting lineup after playing well can have a chance to hurt their confidence. I have to laugh to keep myself from saying mean stuff

You’re referring to my previous comment and I did not say that. No one said that.

 

[navery12]

I mean you keep saying this, but we made it a razor thin finish. We were up 20. Yes a win is great, but let’s not disregard how much better BYU was in the second half.

Their press fully disrupted us, and a big part of their comeback. Not sure how you cannot see that.

Because I find yours and others assumption that a top 10 team making a comeback having to do with UConn playing bad and not BYU playing to their true ability a bizarre one. BYU is a really good team, a blowout win would have been nice but is not a realistic expectation for a top 10 matchup

 

[dennismenace]

I agree. There is a combination of things that made the game closer than it was
AJD starting playing better around the 13 minute mark. BYU started pressing which caused a few UConn turnovers. Saunders made some tough shots. He is hard to defend since he shots well with either hand. Smith missed a few shots. Baker hit some shots.

I don’t blame any Hurley forced slowdown on the final eight minutes or so. Two top 10 teams going at it.

An excellent point for anyone wanting to really improve there game and keep the opponent honest. I have noticed that both Karaban and Solo are increasing their use of the opposite hand. For a kind of thin guy Saunders was pretty fearless around the rim and displayed smarts in making moves. Wonder if he is going to make it as a pro. Very worthy opponent.

 

[HW611]

I didn’t say starting could lead to a lack of confidence for Ross. I said not starting could be keeping some pressure off of him that in turn may contribute to his good play.

What I did say is relegating Stewart to the bench could harm his confidence.

It’s all speculation because I don’t know their actual thoughts and feelings. I’m just inferring from watching them over the years like everyone else. I’m not denying any props to Ross, but more just taking an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” perspective regarding the current starting lineup in the absence of Mullins.

Don’t get me wrong, I hear you on Ross earning his keep. My mental gymnastics really only apply in the bigger picture of knowing both Ross and Stewart are projected to be bench players throughout this season and also wanting to have them both back next year with a vision of starting and being among the top scorers.

I think seeing Ross play this well and not being open minded to the possibility of him starting given what the board agrees is our current weakness in that group (athletic Castle, Jackson wing defender) is not giving him enough credit.

He's played well and worked hard to fix and overcome the things people wanted him to work on. He deserves a chance to see if he can earn the starting spot for himself while Mullins is out just like Stew had the opportunity to all summer and up until now.

It's a no risk situation. He goes into the starting lineup and either plays well enough to stay there or he doesn't and goes back to his former role. I don't get what the downside is to doing that outside of worst case scenario situations about how rewarding a guy by starting him could lead to affecting their confidence.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

It's a no risk situation. He goes into the starting lineup and either plays well enough to stay there or he doesn't and goes back to his former role. I don't get what the downside is to doing that outside of worst case scenario situations about how rewarding a guy by starting him could lead to affecting their confidence.

There is absolutely a risk. I’m not offended at all by you or anyone else saying they’d accept that risk. He’s been foul prone and even by your account, is a player who lives or dies by his confidence level. Changing his role and how he has to play, knowing he cant get quick fouls, is a 100% a risk.

 

[ArizonaHsky]

I think seeing Ross play this well and not being open minded to the possibility of him starting given what the board agrees is our current weakness in that group (athletic Castle, Jackson wing defender) is not giving him enough credit.

He's played well and worked hard to fix and overcome the things people wanted him to work on. He deserves a chance to see if he can earn the starting spot for himself while Mullins is out just like Stew had the opportunity to all summer and up until now.

It's a no risk situation. He goes into the starting lineup and either plays well enough to stay there or he doesn't and goes back to his former role. I don't get what the downside is to doing that outside of worst case scenario situations about how rewarding a guy by starting him could lead to affecting their confidence.

Offensively Ross is getting better. He did foul out in 12 minutes, which isn't screaming good defender. He is still playing better than Stewart though. I think once Mullins comes back, he will takes alot of those minutes.