Chief’s Briefs - Alabama Edition

[Chief00]

We are good, damn good in fact. The FT shooting was much better and obviously we weren't going to make 17 threes but but made them when it mattered. Essentially even on the boards with them, we did what we needed to do.

The on-ball defense was truly amazing. Those first 4 minutes were an absolute stalemate, as Alabama's defensive attention to detail started to fade, ours just improved. That 14-0 run in the 1st half was championship level.

This could be a very very very good season, but need to keep improving on defense and keep shooting at this clip. Need to keep these kids healthy, could be an amazing winter.

I think ball movement will be key. When the ball sticks we don’t do as well. Even in last night’s game, the Bama comeback occurred when we overdribbled and passed and cut less.

 

[Deadrody]

Sanogo is shooting 54% from 3. Why would you want him to stop taking them?

He WAS 6-9. Now he's 7-13 because he settled for a 3 too many times last night and was 1-4

 

[Edward Sargent]

Quiet confidence, we don’t seem to get rattled. For a team, who perhaps doesn’t have a PG leader we seem to have good assist and turnover numbers. We seem to know what we need to do.

I think Newton quietly is our pg leader

 

[Chief00]

He WAS 6-9. Now he's 7-13 because he settled for a 3 too many times last night and was 1-4

I think we are starting to see what 3 spots are best for Adama. Over-all I would say it is the top of the key. That’s a long distance but due to his strength he can still take it with a soft touch.

 

[CL82]

The key to this team is the quality of the bench. You are battling against the starters, who are very good, and then you face the bench with little or no drop off. Can you imagine banging against Adama and being relieved as he walks off only to see 7‘2“ Clingan walk on? It has to take away your heart a little bit. What about chasing one of our guards around the perimeter and he walks off to be replaced with Joey California?

We have a lot of weapons in the guys on the bench have unique skills that, in their own way are better than the guys they were place. I’m not saying in totality, I’m just saying there’s different things you have to deal with and adjust to. It has to be a real bear to play against us

 

[giddyup]

He WAS 6-9. Now he's 7-13 because he settled for a 3 too many times last night and was 1-4

Yup. Shooting 3s is not his highest and best use. We have guys that do that much better over a statistically relevant sample .

 

[Rico444]

I think Newton quietly is our pg leader

And honestly, it's not that quiet if you're paying attention. The game started to turn early in the 2nd half when we were getting a ton of fouls called on us, and the lead we had quickly evaporated. Two or three possessions in a row, Newton had the ball and did that subtle little head move that Shabazz would always do and drew fouls on a few possessions in a row. He understood how the game was being called and instead of complaining that we were getting a bad whistle, he adjusted and took advantage himself.

 

[coachn]

With Sanago able to go out to the 3 line on offense playing with Clingan can work. Also, Clingan would be great top of the key passing the ball to Sanogo.

Always thought them playing together for spurts or more was a good idea. Get DC on the floor and good things will happen.

 

[Chin Diesel]

This squad plays like a junior NBA team. Everyone knows their role. Everyone seems to know from where on the floor they can score. The ball movement is outstanding. They run lots of action off the ball, which was something I harped on as missing last year. And they work so hard on defense that it takes the opponent completely off their game. Length and skill at every spot on the floor. And poise under pressure.

I’ll be shocked if they don’t end up as a 1 or 2 seed in the tournament.

Great point. Knowing where you are a scorer on the floor.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Love the enthusiasm, but I would feel much better about this team if Jackson was providing something on offense given how many minutes he plays. Even 6 or 8 points from him and some crisper passes would make this team virtually unstoppable.

RE: Jackson: That may desirable, but it may not be necessary. If Jackson does his 'Jackson of all trades' thing with assists, rebounds, steals, blocks and just avoids forcing passes and shots he's a major contributor.

 

[ToolzieFan]

He has really reduced his turnovers since his ECU days. I hope that body of work continues.

I think some folks underestimated how much players could improve under one of the best coaching staffs in the country. I'm talking returning players, transfers, and freshmen.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Great point. Knowing where you are a scorer on the floor.

i haven’t seen a lot of forced shots or drives in either the Oregon or Alabama games. The shots have come in the flow from spots on the floor that are right for that guy.

 

[Chin Diesel]

And honestly, it's not that quiet if you're paying attention. The game started to turn early in the 2nd half when we were getting a ton of fouls called on us, and the lead we had quickly evaporated. Two or three possessions in a row, Newton had the ball and did that subtle little head move that Shabazz would always do and drew fouls on a few possessions in a row. He understood how the game was being called and instead of complaining that we were getting a bad whistle, he adjusted and took advantage himself.

Spot on with Newton understanding game flow and drawing fouls.

It was UConn 8 and Bama 4 and Newton twice in a row got a Bama defender to trip him up. A minute later it was 8 to 8 for fouls.

A PG has to have that understanding of refs and flow and adjust just like a smooth improviser at jazz.

 

[JB75]

At least 5 years... 2014 was the last time in the 6-game run to the natty

Five years? I would say at least eight years ago since the Shabazz days. nothing good was happening in 2017. Lol

 

[alphasigko]

Five years? I would say at least eight years ago since the Shabazz days. nothing good was happening in 2017. Lol

VERY true that....

 

[Chief00]

The key to this team is the quality of the bench. You are battling against the starters, who are very good, and then you face the bench with little or no drop off. Can you imagine banging against Adama and being relieved as he walks off only to see 7‘2“ Clingan walk on? It has to take away your heart a little bit. What about chasing one of our guards around the perimeter and he walks off to be replaced with Joey California?

We have a lot of weapons in the guys on the bench have unique skills that, in their own way are better than the guys they were place. I’m not saying in totality, I’m just saying there’s different things you have to deal with and adjust to. It has to be a real bear to play against us

Always good to take a minute and look at it from an opponent’s perspective. No rest for the weary when you not only have a capable player coming off the bench but one who adds another dimension, as does Clingan’s size adds. I can bet too that Miller wasn’t exactly thrilled when Jackson came off the bench and basically made everything difficult.
Newton might have gone 1-6 from the field but added 8 assists and was good at drawing fouls and making you pay (6-6 FT).

 

[Huskybass]

RE: Jackson: That may desirable, but it may not be necessary. If Jackson does his 'Jackson of all trades' thing with assists, rebounds, steals, blocks and just avoids forcing passes and shots he's a major contributor.

I'm just saying if he's going to be playing say 28 minutes, something like 8 points would provide a bit of an X Factor as opposed to 4 points.

 

[Conndog]

I love the team camaraderie! They are cheering every play- and why not, there’s been a lot of things about which to cheer.

 

[gtcam]

The two victories in Oregon are great and the team has shown it can handle a big lead and not fold. That is impressive in itself. I was a bit concerned because AS was not the usual AS and Dan Hurley decided to change the line up when the team that produced that initial 15 point lead was still going strong. But AS showed why he is the NBE POY and the defense toughened up while Bama's D wilted.
One huge key to victory was DC's overall performance. The kid knows how to pass and keep the ball moving from the post so it doesn't get swallowed up. He shows zero lack of confidence playing against veteran big men.
Hawk's defense is so beautiful and Karaban is starting to come into his own.
Right now things look nothing but roses and it's wonderful - lets hope everyone stays healthy and the mojo keeps on keeping on. Next is ISU.

 

[Palatine]

To the contrary I said Newton had 8 assists in my opening post. I would view Newton as a combo guard or PG. But, my point is there have been arguments that Newton, AJax or Diarra is our point guard. I said “perhaps we don’t have that pg leader (as a Kemba or Shabazz) that’s not a criticism but our reality where various guys step up vs. different match-ups.

Chief has not been paying attention to our starting line up or Chief would notice that Newton is the obvious point guard of the starting group. And Chief is clever but the Newton numbers I was reffering to were his season stats where he leads the team in assists averaging 4.9. and the fact he leads the team in minutes per game as you would expect of your top PG. Chief's assertion that our team doesn't have a PG leader is clearly wrong.

 

[ctchamps]

If there was one positive from Andre’s injury it would be Newton got more time to be the PG.

It probably feels to him like he left the 4.2 AMC Gremlin that he had at ECU and is now driving a Ferrari 250 GTO.

It will take some time but as he becomes more familiar with how this new car handles the performance he can get from it should only get better.

How deep is Crater Lake? Deep. Really deep!

 

[Chief00]

Chief has not been paying attention to our starting line up or Chief would notice that Newton is the obvious point guard of the starting group. And Chief is clever but the Newton numbers I was reffering to were his season stats where he leads the team in assists averaging 4.9. and the fact he leads the team in minutes per game as you would expect of your top PG. Chief's assertion that our team doesn't have a PG leader is clearly wrong.

Diarra had some PG type games very early on. No less than Jim Calhoun raved about him at practice. So some here made that argument. With Jackson and Hawkins being injured it is perhaps an overreach to look at PG minutes or assists in those games and extrapolate over the season.
Having said that I had Newton in the PG mix and said he needed his ECU assist numbers without the turnovers he had there. Newton was 6/6 from the foul line but 1/6 from the field with the 8 assists that I mentioned in the OP. You want to close down the PG competition and I think it’s still a developing situation. As I stated, Newton will be in the mix (and probably the driver’s seat) but what we don’t have a good handle on is Jackson’s minutes. Diarra and even Joey C may get minutes too. Sometimes things just need to
play out a little.

 

[businesslawyer]

To the contrary I said Newton had 8 assists in my opening post. I would view Newton as a combo guard or PG. But, my point is there have been arguments that Newton, AJax or Diarra is our point guard. I said “perhaps we don’t have that pg leader (as a Kemba or Shabazz) that’s not a criticism but our reality where various guys step up vs. different match-ups.

Nah. Newton is our point and is our clear leader in terms of running the offense. If you mean “our point guard isn’t our best player like the last two championship runs,” well yeah. But we all knew that coming in. Adama is the clear leader of this team, but he’s not going to be running the offense. Our leader wasn’t a PG for most of our dominant teams in the 90s and aughts.

 

[pj]

Diarra had some PG type games very early on. No less than Jim Calhoun raved about him at practice. So some here made that argument. With Jackson and Hawkins being injured it is perhaps an overreach to look at PG minutes or assists in those games and extrapolate over the season.
Having said that I had Newton in the PG mix and said he needed his ECU assist numbers without the turnovers he had there. Newton was 6/6 from the foul line but 1/6 from the field with the 8 assists that I mentioned in the OP. You want to close down the PG competition and I think it’s still a developing situation. As I stated, Newton will be in the mix (and probably the driver’s seat) but what we don’t have a good handle on is Jackson’s minutes. Diarra and even Joey C may get minutes too. Sometimes things just need to
play out a little.

Jackson will get minutes at PG because that is his NBA spot and he needs to develop his skills there, just as Sanogo will get 3 pointers to gain experience judging when to shoot/pass/drive from the perimeter and to showcase his NBA fit. But I see Jackson at PG more as a developmental effort than as the ultimate arrangement. At best in March, he'll be the second PG echoing the Kemba-Shabazz, Khalid-Ricky, Ollie-Sheffer tandems. Which can be a very good pairing! Newton will be the primary PG. Diarra on the court splitting offense/defense with Joey in closing time. Hurley takes care of his seniors and Newton will get his chance to shine for the NBA and learn how to orchestrate a team of NBA-talented teammates (which he's already made tremendous strides to achieving). Diarra on the other hand is not a senior and doesn't need to be showcased, he'll be groomed to be the experienced leader and mentor to Stephon Castle next year. Diarra's time will come next year. If he's 50-50 with Newton, which is unlikely, Newton will still play because Hurley wants to get him to the NBA.

 

[HailUConn]

I think we have perfect combo between Newton and Jackson, a mix of fire and ice. Newton has the poise and cool demeanor that nothing seems to rattle him while Jackson brings in instant intensity and energy. Both are needed when the right time calls. It’s up to Hurley and coaching staff to find the right timing or situation to plug them in accordingly.

 

[Waquoit]

I feel the need to riff on a classic Seinfeld exchange:

Do you feel confident when he's bringing the ball upcourt?
Sure
Can he take the ball to the hole?
Well, he does draw a lot of fouls
Can he shoot and pass?
He did just have a triple-double
Any leadership skills?
He never forced anything while playing the most minutes in a pasting of a top team, even though he was on fire the night before.
Well, I'll tell you what you got here. You got yourself a point guard.

 

[Chief00]

Nah. Newton is our point and is our clear leader in terms of running the offense. If you mean “our point guard isn’t our best player like the last two championship runs,” well yeah. But we all knew that coming in. Adama is the clear leader of this team, but he’s not going to be running the offense. Our leader wasn’t a PG for most of our dominant teams in the 90s and aughts.

So you don’t think Khalid El Amin was a point guard leader in 1999? There’s a difference between best player and leader. Ironically, our coach during that era, Jim Calhoun, was impressed by Diarra at practice. What that means IDK but I wouldn’t completely ignore the his observation.
At any rate, what I said was arguments have been made by posters here for the various guys I mentioned. That’s true. Personally I agree Newton is the leader today, but there are other guys in the mix for significant minutes and things can change. And he will have to consistently have a better assists to turnover ratio than he did at ECU. The other issue, will he view himself as a pass first or score first guy? Sometimes it’s ok to say, we simply just don’t know all the answers yet, no matter how smart we may think we are.

The Boneyard usually overrates the last couple games and underrates other bodies of work and the possibility of something different playing out in the future. Many here had that issue with Randy2 in football, they were tied to the past. We will see how the assists this season play out.

 

[Waquoit]

The other issue, will he view himself as a pass first or score first guy? Sometimes it’s ok to say, we simply just don’t know all the answers yet, no matter how smart we may think we are.

If it was an issue, I'm thinking we would have seen at least a glimpse of it versus Alabama. He came in off an all-time night and never played anything less than team ball. Sometimes it's OK to not to create problems out of thin air.

 

[Chief00]

Another reality check is the shooting % of the guys in PG contention: Newton 37%, Diarra 33% and Jackson 27%.

Compared that with Clingan 68%, Sanogo 66%, Joey California 65% and Karaban 50%.

It is clear that the ability for the first group to get the second group the ball will be key.

Assists per game: Newton 4.9, Jackson 3.9, Diarra 3.7.

So yes, Newton is ahead at this point but he’s shooting 4% better than Diarra with 1.2 more assists per game. Personally, I think it will be him but arguments could be made for others if things change and they could.

Newton is statistically ahead and by the eye test but many here are overstating things. Sure, if he plays liked he did against Oregon he will be an All American. But, last game his assists (8) and foul shooting 6-6) were good while going 1-6 from the floor. If he does more of those two good things he will probably be the guy.

 

[Kenny11]

I'm just saying if he's going to be playing say 28 minutes, something like 8 points would provide a bit of an X Factor as opposed to 4 points.

Definitely. I wish he was more of a finisher..then he would be able to score off the break more, allyoops, getting fouled on drives, etc. but it seems like he’s a natural facilitator. I think the 8-11 points per game is coming though.