Chief’s Briefs - Bryant Edition

[Chief00]

Depth can be overrated, if you expect it to carry the team. While nice, it is no substitute for a double/double center and an elite freshman shooter. However, with those two players it is a helpful supplement.

Our offense ran well with 17 assists but we did not convert shots in the second half. Demery was the story tonight with a triple double (10 - points, assists & rebounds). Thank you Tristen Newton Jr. The other star was Reibe, who scored 16 on 60% shooting and 100% (4/4 FT) with 6 rebounds. But, as most freshman, he needs to get stronger.

Karaban and Ball disappointed with a combined 5 for 21 shooting and 1 foul shot. Again, Alex is a better third or fourth option than a one or two.

Koroma and Ross played well within their roles combining for 8 rebounds with Ross showing the occasional explosion he is known for. Koroma shot 4-5 FG.

Foul shooting improvement from 50% last game to 77%. Rebounding we went from a 20 rebound disadvantage against AZ to a 15 rebound advantage tonight. On defense we held Bryant to 28% FG, but true we were playing Bryant.

So what do we need to do to ignite us on a run against good teams upcoming in our schedule?
1) Integrate Reed and Mullins into the starting lineup.
2) If someone makes a dumb foul do a Jim Calhoun and send them to the bench not to protect them from foul trouble but to teach them a lesson.
3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.
5) Reed needs to play underneath the high hedge unless his man can beat us from 3.
6). Our guys need to develop 3 point routines. Know your sweet spots and be comfortable and relax with body stability. Part of that is developing an inside out game.

 

[AllHusky]

Depth can be overrated, if you expect it to carry the team. While nice, it is no substitute for a double/double center and an elite freshman shooter. However, with those two players it is a helpful supplement.

Our offense ran well with 17 assists but we did not convert shots in the second half. Demery was the story tonight with a triple double (10 - points, assists & rebounds). Thank you Tristen Newton Jr. The other star was Reibe, who scored 16 on 60% shooting and 100% (4/4 FT) with 6 rebounds. But, as most freshman, he needs to get stronger.

Karaban and Ball disappointed with a combined 5 for 21 shooting and 1 foul shot. Again, Alex is a better third or fourth option than a one or two.

Koroma and Ross played well within their roles combining for 8 rebounds with Ross showing the occasional explosion he is known for. Koroma shot 4-5 FG.

Foul shooting improvement from 50% last game to 77%. Rebounding we went from a 20 rebound disadvantage against AZ to a 15 rebound advantage tonight. On defense we held Bryant to 28% FG, but true we were playing Bryant.

So what do we need to do to ignite us on a run against good teams upcoming in our schedule?
1) Integrate Reed and Mullins into the starting lineup.
2) If someone makes a dumb foul do a Jim Calhoun and send them to the bench not to protect them from foul trouble but to teach them a lesson.
3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.
5) Reed needs to play underneath the high hedge unless his man can beat us from 3.
6). Our guys need to develop 3 point routines. Know your sweet spots and be comfortable and relax with body stability. Part of that is developing an inside out game.

Nice, even Steven. Make some of the crazies read this over and over.

 

[CL82]

Depth can be overrated, if you expect it to carry the team. While nice, it is no substitute for a double/double center and an elite freshman shooter. However, with those two players it is a helpful supplement.

Our offense ran well with 17 assists but we did not convert shots in the second half. Demery was the story tonight with a triple double (10 - points, assists & rebounds). Thank you Tristen Newton Jr. The other star was Reibe, who scored 16 on 60% shooting and 100% (4/4 FT) with 6 rebounds. But, as most freshman, he needs to get stronger.

Karaban and Ball disappointed with a combined 5 for 21 shooting and 1 foul shot. Again, Alex is a better third or fourth option than a one or two.

Koroma and Ross played well within their roles combining for 8 rebounds with Ross showing the occasional explosion he is known for. Koroma shot 4-5 FG.

Foul shooting improvement from 50% last game to 77%. Rebounding we went from a 20 rebound disadvantage against AZ to a 15 rebound advantage tonight. On defense we held Bryant to 28% FG, but true we were playing Bryant.

So what do we need to do to ignite us on a run against good teams upcoming in our schedule?
1) Integrate Reed and Mullins into the starting lineup.
2) If someone makes a dumb foul do a Jim Calhoun and send them to the bench not to protect them from foul trouble but to teach them a lesson.
3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.
5) Reed needs to play underneath the high hedge unless his man can beat us from 3.
6). Our guys need to develop 3 point routines. Know your sweet spots and be comfortable and relax with body stability. Part of that is developing an inside out game.

Our failure to box out has been frustrating for years. It's been so consistent that in the past, I've thought that we were prioritizing blocking shots over it.

 

[homunculus]

A big frustration to me is the number of easy baskets we miss out on when the screener rolls to the basket. We scored dozens if not hundreds of points that way in 23 and 24. We have someone wide open user the hoop at least a couple times per game.

Everyone here blamed the size of the backcourt last season, but now our big, tier 1 PG misses these opportunities too.

 

[Son of Robert]

A big frustration to me is the number of easy baskets we miss out on when the screener rolls to the basket. We scored dozens if not hundreds of points that way in 23 and 24. We have someone wide open user the hoop at least a couple times per game.

Everyone here blamed the size of the backcourt last season, but now our big, tier 1 PG misses these opportunities too.

Samson Johnson and Donavon Clingan were both excellent at this, with either or both their length and jumping ability plus those backcourts were throwing up dimes. Let's see how Tarris makes it work as he gets going. Malachi and Silas I'm sure have the skills and I saw some footage of Mullins working on it too. He was quoted as saying it was part of his growth as a player here, learning new skills. I'm sure there are some other factors too, other defenders kept out of the play. I would think Reibe will get better at it too as he gets stronger, he is actually pretty light on his feet for a big man.

 

[gtcam]

Not much to talk about that effort last night
Yes Silas had a triple double but he should have driven the ball to the hoop - nobody on that Bryant team is going to stop him
I fully agree with benching for careless stupid fouls, something this team does with regularity, but I don't know if that is being done.
One thing I did notice last night is that Dan Hurley seems to be doing a lot of chirping with Nardi on the bench and has done it in other games - wonder what that is about?
AK and SB better figure out their shooting woes - this team needs them hitting their shots at a much higher clip.
Hopefully it's just a case of a bad game overall, however, play like that vs Illinois and Kansas and there might be another 30-0 type run going the other way.
UConn needs to show up on Friday vs Illinois.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Depth can be overrated, if you expect it to carry the team. While nice, it is no substitute for a double/double center and an elite freshman shooter. However, with those two players it is a helpful supplement.

Our offense ran well with 17 assists but we did not convert shots in the second half. Demery was the story tonight with a triple double (10 - points, assists & rebounds). Thank you Tristen Newton Jr. The other star was Reibe, who scored 16 on 60% shooting and 100% (4/4 FT) with 6 rebounds. But, as most freshman, he needs to get stronger.

Karaban and Ball disappointed with a combined 5 for 21 shooting and 1 foul shot. Again, Alex is a better third or fourth option than a one or two.

Koroma and Ross played well within their roles combining for 8 rebounds with Ross showing the occasional explosion he is known for. Koroma shot 4-5 FG.

Foul shooting improvement from 50% last game to 77%. Rebounding we went from a 20 rebound disadvantage against AZ to a 15 rebound advantage tonight. On defense we held Bryant to 28% FG, but true we were playing Bryant.

So what do we need to do to ignite us on a run against good teams upcoming in our schedule?
1) Integrate Reed and Mullins into the starting lineup.
2) If someone makes a dumb foul do a Jim Calhoun and send them to the bench not to protect them from foul trouble but to teach them a lesson.
3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.
5) Reed needs to play underneath the high hedge unless his man can beat us from 3.
6). Our guys need to develop 3 point routines. Know your sweet spots and be comfortable and relax with body stability. Part of that is developing an inside out game.

Love point #2.

 

[CL82]

Anyone else quietly feel like the lost time for Mullins and Reed, is going to help us in the long run? Stewart and Ross are getting more minutes. They not perfect, they look more confident every game, especially Ross. Koroma seems like he may turn into a pleasant surprise. I pretty much thought of him as a practice player, but he is turning out valuable minutes.

 

[boog204]

Anyone else quietly feel like the last time for Mullins and Reed, is going to help us in the long run? Stewart and Ross are getting more minutes. They not perfect, they look more confident every game, especially Ross. Koroma seems like he may turn into a pleasant surprise. I pretty much thought of him as a practice player, but he is turning out valuable minutes.

On the Stew/Ross angle, for sure... Especially for Ross who needs to string together quality games so he can trust himself and not be a total spazz. Stew is what he's always been, and I don't see that changing. He'll have games where he shoots it really well, shows you some athletic spark, and you think he's a major talent. Then the next game, you'll wonder if he actually was on the court.

I don't think it can be understated just how important Reed is to this team. It completely changes the complexion of this team and puts people in their best roles. That being said, Koroma has been a useful player, but I can't see him getting many minutes if Reed and Reibe are healthy. Tarris HAS to play 28-32/gm if we are going to be a FF4 quality team, and Reibe will take the rest.

 

[Sibeerian]

Anyone else quietly feel like the last time for Mullins and Reed, is going to help us in the long run?

This really accelerated Reibe's development and confidence. He is looking great and must feel ready for anything.

 

[nomar]

Depth can be overrated, if you expect it to carry the team. While nice, it is no substitute for a double/double center and an elite freshman shooter. However, with those two players it is a helpful supplement.

Our offense ran well with 17 assists but we did not convert shots in the second half. Demery was the story tonight with a triple double (10 - points, assists & rebounds). Thank you Tristen Newton Jr. The other star was Reibe, who scored 16 on 60% shooting and 100% (4/4 FT) with 6 rebounds. But, as most freshman, he needs to get stronger.

Karaban and Ball disappointed with a combined 5 for 21 shooting and 1 foul shot. Again, Alex is a better third or fourth option than a one or two.

Koroma and Ross played well within their roles combining for 8 rebounds with Ross showing the occasional explosion he is known for. Koroma shot 4-5 FG.

Foul shooting improvement from 50% last game to 77%. Rebounding we went from a 20 rebound disadvantage against AZ to a 15 rebound advantage tonight. On defense we held Bryant to 28% FG, but true we were playing Bryant.

So what do we need to do to ignite us on a run against good teams upcoming in our schedule?
1) Integrate Reed and Mullins into the starting lineup.
2) If someone makes a dumb foul do a Jim Calhoun and send them to the bench not to protect them from foul trouble but to teach them a lesson.
3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.
5) Reed needs to play underneath the high hedge unless his man can beat us from 3.
6). Our guys need to develop 3 point routines. Know your sweet spots and be comfortable and relax with body stability. Part of that is developing an inside out game.

On (2) I am chuckling, picturing in my head JC calling a TO, walking onto the floor, pointing to a player and then gesturing to the bench.

 

[Inyatkin]

Wouldn't be Chief if he didn't take a weird shot at "Euroball," defined here as the system that made us the most successful team in college basketball for two years.

 

[husky429]

3) Let’s look up court on rebounds and turnovers and develop a non Euroball running mentality.
4) Double down on boxing out and spending time in the weigh room to get stronger.

What is a euro-ball running mentality?

No one is gaining weight this time of year.

 

[NewBlood]

Anyone else quietly feel like the lost time for Mullins and Reed, is going to help us in the long run? Stewart and Ross are getting more minutes. They not perfect, they look more confident every game, especially Ross. Koroma seems like he may turn into a pleasant surprise. I pretty much thought of him as a practice player, but he is turning out valuable minutes.

Yes. For some reason, fans want this team to peak in November. I am confident that by Feb/Mar, Reed and Mullins will be the players we expected and need. With Reibe and Ross getting a lot of run and momentum, that’s huge.

That’s a pathway to peaking when it truly matters

Go 4-2 in this OOC slate missing 40% of your starters for a portion of it, we will be a top 2 seed somewhere

 

[Chief00]

On (2) I am chuckling, picturing in my head JC calling a TO, walking onto the floor, pointing to a player and then gesturing to the bench.

LOL -He had a pretty good track record at that and sometimes just seconds into the game.
Donovan said Hurley yells at the players in practice and not during the games.

Calhoun contrary to his image often would be very quiet in practice but would yell at players during games.

 

[Chief00]

What is a euro-ball running mentality?

No one is gaining weight this time of year.

What is a euro-ball running mentality?

No one is gaining weight this time of year.

I wrote “ develop a Non Euro ball running mentality”. We don’t have the mentality of looking up court and running until they stop us. Too often we are comfortable walking the ball up and then running our sets which in the second half yielded a poor percentage even when the set produced an open shooter. Often running puts an opponent back on their heals and gets one to the foul line, which might help us. There’s a place for your beloved Euro ball sets but it has also made us too complacent on offense.

 

[Chief00]

What is a euro-ball running mentality?

No one is gaining weight this time of year.

The weight room during the season builts strength and is not about gaining weight as the goal. Lol -guys use the weight room during the season.

 

[Inyatkin]

beloved Euro ball sets

Chief-speak for “getting good shots”

 

[Chief00]

Wouldn't be Chief if he didn't take a weird shot at "Euroball," defined here as the system that made us the most successful team in college basketball for two years.

Stand still and fall behind. If these sets are so brillant why are our opponents going to the FT line and not us. When you have a team that beats all their opponents in the tournament by double figures perhaps one reason we won was superior talent and rebounding not your Euro Ball fantasy.

 

[Chief00]

Chief-speak for “getting good shots”

32% FG and 20% 3PT last night.

 

[Inyatkin]

32% FG and 20% 3PT last night.

Your favored plan takes us to 1994, so not sure who’s really looking ahead here

 

[REB1094]

I’d be curious to see our pace statistics over the years. Felt like in 2023 we were a really good fast break team. Likely due to Andre Jackson grabbing a board, then 2 blinks later he’s finding Hawkins for a quick fast break 3. But there was a good mix of half court offense too

In 2024 we felt very slow. But when your backcourt is two poised 5th year all-conference and all-American players + two lottery picks, we could take our time and still demolish everyone

2025 felt very slow as well, but obviously without the personnel or success of 2024

This year we feel less slow as the last two years but not as fast as 2023. Stewart and Ross love to run. I see Solo making an effort to push pace as well. When Braylon comes back I’d love him to take the Hawkins role of raining threes on fast breaks. We have more fast break talent this year than last

 

[husky429]

I’d be curious to see our pace statistics over the years. Felt like in 2023 we were a really good fast break team. Likely due to Andre Jackson grabbing a board, then 2 blinks later he’s finding Hawkins for a quick fast break 3. But there was a good mix of half court offense too

In 2024 we felt very slow. But when your backcourt is two poised 5th year all-conference and all-American players + two lottery picks, we could take our time and still demolish everyone

2025 felt very slow as well, but obviously without the personnel or success of 2024

This year we feel less slow as the last two years but not as fast as 2023. Stewart and Ross love to run. I see Solo making an effort to push pace as well. When Braylon comes back I’d love him to take the Hawkins role of raining threes on fast breaks. We have more fast break talent this year than last

Hurley teams haven't ever been in the top half of pace in his career iirc. Just not his style. Our tempo per kenpom the last six seasons has ranked

308
343
330
204
300
309

Hurley's less talented teams actually played faster in order to compete (highest was 167). But clearly when Hurley teams are constructed how he wants it we're playing slower.

 

[Chief00]

Hurley teams haven't ever been in the top half of pace in his career iirc. Just not his style. Our tempo per kenpom the last six seasons has ranked

308
343
330
204
300
309

Hurley's less talented teams actually played faster in order to compete (highest was 167). But clearly when Hurley teams are constructed how he wants it we're playing slower.

How does the Kenpom measure pace, because I agree we ran in transition in 2023. Castle pushed the ball up court as well in 2024.

 

[Chief00]

Anyone else quietly feel like the lost time for Mullins and Reed, is going to help us in the long run? Stewart and Ross are getting more minutes. They not perfect, they look more confident every game, especially Ross. Koroma seems like he may turn into a pleasant surprise. I pretty much thought of him as a practice player, but he is turning out valuable minutes.

Agree on Stewart and Ross. Koroma is really the only guy besides Reed who uses his body successfully in the paint. The key for him getting minutes is when he gets 2-4 foul shots a game - is to make them so the possession won’t be empty.