Chief’s Briefs - Butler Edition

[Malamute]

We beat a bad team that was undermanned. That some on this board think that is turning a corner, is comical. Now if we win on Wednesday and maybe put together four straight wins with the upcoming schedule then we will have turned a corner. But I will let the real experts that post on the BY give there more thorough data driven updates or briefs.

We didn’t fully turn the corner obviously because of the competition, but looking on the positive side we took care of business more impressively than anyone anticipated. Big step in right direction for team confidence which was sorely needed and part of the equation to get back.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

GUYS

We absolutely steamrolled a mediocre team like we should have. And we did it while only shooting average.

We shored up things that were contributors to a 1-5 stretch of bad basketball.

Dominated the boards. Kept guys in front of us and out of the lane much better. Played D without being as handsy and avoided foul trouble.

Ball movement was much better, better offensive flow. Newton and Diarra drove with purpose.

Sanogo high-hedged and did it well. Much to the chagrin of the Boneyard malcontents.

Samson got some minutes to get his feet wet, showed hustle, got into game flow, and hopefully his foot feels great.

Just what we needed in prep for Xavier.

HUSKIES

 

[KingAG]

He wasn’t huge.

Butler was worse today than stonehill. I took nothing positive out of this game except for the fact that maybe this win is the mental kick we need to compete again. Let’s hope. I sure do. We needed this.

We gave up the same open stuff that other teams have killed us with and butler couldn’t hit side of barn. And we got foul calls offensively on weak stuff we don’t get against the teams that beat us.

I know I will get a bunch of down arrows, I don’t care. But anyone who does give those, I ask you to rewatch first 8 minutes with starters and tell me Newton and Sanogo ( the two players who have to be good for us to turn this around considering hurleys plan) and tell me it didn’t look exactly how we’ve looked in our losses.

I watched today for more than a win, I watched it to quote @RobDauster, for an “identity” . I didn’t see it. We out talented a mediocre team playing even worse than they are with their best player injured, on our home floor, as we should.

I would’ve been happier with 15 point win with bates in and butler playing well. It would’ve helped us more.

But we had to have it and I’m glad. Hopefully it’s a building block with an awesome team coming in this week.

1. They defended MUCH better. There wasn’t nearly as many breakdowns and the switching was back to being elite.
2. Sanogo was used completely different in the first 8min. We were running the offense through our guards and giving different guys post touches. Andre got a post touch on the first possession. And I think I counted Newton with 2 post touches in the first 8 minutes.
3. While we’re on Newton, he was WAY more aggressive attacking the basket in the first 8 minutes. We haven’t seen him that aggressive since Oregon.
4. We already have an identity, we went away from it. But today we dominated the glass, got second chance points, we moved the ball, and played suffocating defense. We took 19 threes. Way less than we have been, which means they made a concerted effort to get action going towards the basket.
5. We also fouled MUCH less. We weren’t into the bonus in the first half until 2:02 remaining. And the second half until 4:38 remaining.

Yes it was only Butler and we shouldn’t be parading down the street. But they definitely played much better than they have been. And even much different than they have been. Wednesday is the real test. But I don’t understand how you can watch the game today and come away feeling bad about what you saw.

 

[Chief00]

Was Karaban ever in a slump? I feel he has been one of our most consistent players

I think his defense and rebounding was a vulnerability in certain games during the losing snap. The match-up against Hopkins of PC was an example. His offensive production also slipped.

 

[Chief00]

1. They defended MUCH better. There wasn’t nearly as many breakdowns and the switching was back to being elite.
2. Sanogo was used completely different in the first 8min. We were running the offense through our guards and giving different guys post touches. Andre got a post touch on the first possession. And I think I counted Newton with 2 post touches in the first 8 minutes.
3. While we’re on Newton, he was WAY more aggressive attacking the basket in the first 8 minutes. We haven’t seen him that aggressive since Oregon.
4. We already have an identity, we went away from it. But today we dominated the glass, got second chance points, we moved the ball, and played suffocating defense. We took 19 threes. Way less than we have been, which means they made a concerted effort to get action going towards the basket.
5. We also fouled MUCH less. We weren’t into the bonus in the first half until 2:02 remaining. And the second half until 4:38 remaining.

Yes it was only Butler and we shouldn’t be parading down the street. But they definitely played much better than they have been. And even much different than they have been. Wednesday is the real test. But I don’t understand how you can watch the game today and come away feeling bad about what you saw.

Good points and Wednesday will be a big test.

 

[jpeakin]

We beat a bad team that was undermanned. That some on this board think that is turning a corner, is comical. Now if we win on Wednesday and maybe put together four straight wins with the upcoming schedule then we will have turned a corner. But I will let the real experts that post on the BY give there more thorough data driven updates or briefs.

Yes, we should have won, but it wasn't the W that got me excited, it was some of the things we did that makes you think we are waking up. AJ with an actual drive to the basket...when was the last time we saw that? Newton taking it to the hoop - fantastic. Adama actually recognizing the double team a few times and actually passing the ball out. Yes, a lot to clean up too - FT's for one. They just showed some signs of life that they had earlier in the year.

 

[August_West]

1. They defended MUCH better. There wasn’t nearly as many breakdowns and the switching was back to being elite.
2. Sanogo was used completely different in the first 8min. We were running the offense through our guards and giving different guys post touches. Andre got a post touch on the first possession. And I think I counted Newton with 2 post touches in the first 8 minutes.
3. While we’re on Newton, he was WAY more aggressive attacking the basket in the first 8 minutes. We haven’t seen him that aggressive since Oregon.
4. We already have an identity, we went away from it. But today we dominated the glass, got second chance points, we moved the ball, and played suffocating defense. We took 19 threes. Way less than we have been, which means they made a concerted effort to get action going towards the basket.
5. We also fouled MUCH less. We weren’t into the bonus in the first half until 2:02 remaining. And the second half until 4:38 remaining.

Yes it was only Butler and we shouldn’t be parading down the street. But they definitely played much better than they have been. And even much different than they have been. Wednesday is the real test. But I don’t understand how you can watch the game today and come away feeling bad about what you saw.

I agree with number 4. Only on the 3’s part. That’s it.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Really liked the change on opening possession if putting Sanogo outside and Jackson in the post.
Really, really like Vlingan and later Sanogo passing from the top to cutters for layups.
That is a nice wrinkle.

 

[Chief00]

I find it kinda sad that chief has sold out. He is selling positivity over objectivity for the red fox deal.

I’m supporting it either way.

The last line in my OP said Butler wasn’t an overly physical team and we would need to do this against a muscle team to be back. In the opening line I talked about IF we win next Wednesday against Xavier then we could celebrate the turnaround.
As for Adama, I think I am being fair and objective. In 23 minutes, he had 17 points on 50% FG shooting and 5/6 from the FT line. Adama also had 14 rebounds, including 7 on offense. He also had 3 assists and only 1 turnover. So basically he addressed all his weaknesses. Adama played against his opponent, he can’t choose them.

 

[J187Money]

I'm in Ohio for the weekend so I could bet the game. Took Butler and the over - so it was a wash for me.

Basically I had little faith on the blowout - so even though this isn't a good Butler team - that was a decisive win. Our issue, however, is that we have lots of big wins, and we have lost most of our tight games. Need to get a win when we need to perform in the clutch!

 

[Chief00]

Now imagine Nova playing w/o Dixon. That's basically the handicap Butler had today w/o Bates - and Butler doesn't even have a Slater or Whitmore.

It's a much needed win, and a blowout at that for confidence. Probably the most one could/should read into it is that we handily beat a team that we should've beat handily, which wasn't the case vs Johnnies. But IDK if it means much regarding X or Creighton.

We should have beat St John’s at home and Seton Hall on the road, but did not. Appreciate the wins, but I agree other teams will be bigger tests.
I still believe without a Clingan/Sanogo Double Big, we won’t accomplish what we could. I have been consistent saying that.
I also think Hurley should wear the mask until we lose again. That would be fun and the refs seem to like that !

 

[geordi]

Yes, we should have won, but it wasn't the W that got me excited, it was some of the things we did that makes you think we are waking up. AJ with an actual drive to the basket...when was the last time we saw that? Newton taking it to the hoop - fantastic. Adama actually recognizing the double team a few times and actually passing the ball out. Yes, a lot to clean up too - FT's for one. They just showed some signs of life that they had earlier in the year.

I agree with most of this. Much more aggressive and, most importantly, they created offense through defense. That’s how they went on the season opening run. Gotta get that back and we’re back in business.

I don’t think FTs is a problem (other than Clingan and Diarra). We were 17 of 25 today - 73%. BUT Clingan was 0/4. Take those away and we shot over 80%. Clingan and Diarra are somewhere just north of 50%. Diarra can never get many minutes based on that. Clingan has got to learn to shoot them. As a team, even with C and D shooting poorly, we still shoot 74.5%.

 

[KingAG]

I agree with number 4. Only on the 3’s part. That’s it.

I’m glad we could agree somewhere Mr West

 

[HuskyinWRNY]

We played Butler at home. I don’t take much from this game. It’s good to blow someone out, but Butler likely is not even an NIT team.

Agreed, let's wait until Wednesday to see what's really what

 

[jpeakin]

I agree with most of this. Much more aggressive and, most importantly, they created offense through defense. That’s how they went on the season opening run. Gotta get that back and we’re back in business.

I don’t think FTs is a problem (other than Clingan and Diarra). We were 17 of 25 today - 73%. BUT Clingan was 0/4. Take those away and we shot over 80%. Clingan and Diarra are somewhere just north of 50%. Diarra can never get many minutes based on that. Clingan has got to learn to shoot them. As a team, even with C and D shooting poorly, we still shoot 74.5%.

17/25 = 68%. Luckily today was not representative of our FT% this season.

 

[coachn]

Hawkins has risen greatly in my eyes. He has become more of our go to guy. He's an elite player both defense and offense. Quiet leadership. Rebounds with authority. Team player.

 

[Hankster]

That was relaxing. Game wasn't in doubt.
Glad to see UConn take advantage of a depleted Butler team and pick apart every weakness of the short bench.

Butler missed some open 3's in first 10 min of game which would have made it interesting a little longer.

Things I like best- Sanogo aggressive on defensive boards, Newton aggressive driving to the hoop, Karaban with the catch and shoot.

Reading way too much in to it but going forward the team will showcase Hawkins as the primary scorer and Sanogo has to take a supporting role. Even against a smaller depleted Butler team Sanogo couldn't explode above and through the defense.
Fully healthy team heading in to X at home.
And you know the Gampel crowd will be up for it.

You are right about Butler. Depleted maybe. However we needed this game and win it huge. We did. Could you imagine if our boys won by a couple of points? A nail biter? Even though a win basketball world would look down on that. The voters would really think about.

 

[Hankster]

We got our mojo back, mid season slump over and done with. Win next Wednesday against Xavier and celebrate the turnaround at Andre’s Red Fox event Thursday. That’s Chief’s plan.

You are going to win most games when you have a 20% FG shooting advantage and a 2 to 1 rebounding advantage. Often the 4 out and 1 in beloved Casual Fans underestimate the value of rebounding and second shot attempts. In the first half when we built the lead, UConn had a 10 to 1 offensive rebounding advantage. We had more guys going to the both boards today and it made a difference. Gang rebounding is huge.

Maybe there’s something to Hurley bring masked up. LOL! We finally had the foul advantage. True, some of that was we went to the hoop more but was some of that psychological with the refs?

Hawkins, Newton and Diarra represented the backcourt well today. Still need to foul shooting better but defense, ball movement and FG shooting improved. I think Karaban is past his freshman slump and looking good.

After losing 5 of 6 was it really necessary to hold a rectangle object to block our draw up plays from someone’s view during timeouts? But, whatever seems to work, let’s go with it. They may know something I don’t.

Joey is pushing the ball on his 3 point shot and over shooting. He just needs to relax on his shot. He’s a good shooter.

Butter is not an overly physical team, so we need to repeat this performance against a muscle team to be 100% back. Double Big with Donovan and Adama is needed.

Sampson only took one shot I think. Everyone thinks highly of him. I will jump on that wagon in a few games. I especially watched him, Looked lost on "D". Of course first game back.

 

[Spaceman213J]

Butler wasn't very good today, but UConn can't control that. UConn played the type of defense they had been playing earlier in the season. They challanged almost everything, but the key was that they were under control.

The things I walked away with were:

-This is the defensive effor they need to put out every game to go on a run.
-Guys were much more active on offfense, even when the ball hit the hands of the bigs.
-Sanogo reading the where the double team is coming from and making the correct pass will be important in the future.
-Guys looked to penetrate, and it created opportunities for teammates and from the line.
-For the first time I can remember in a long time, they did not take their foot off the neck of an opponet that wad down.
-Sanogo is still getting too deep much of the time. Against some of the more skilled big men in the conference, he will continue to struggle at times.
-THEY WON. PERiOD! Take it, move on and get ready for the next game.

 

[zls44]

I still believe without a Clingan/Sanogo Double Big, we won’t accomplish what we could.

We know. Nobody is doubting your ability to keep being wrong about this.

 

[Chief00]

We know. Nobody is doubting your ability to keep being wrong about this.

I don’t believe I am wrong about that. We haven’t tried it and have lost 5 of the last 7. On NBA draft day some year soon, the guy who will be drafted likely the highest played 14 minutes today(Donovan Clingan). There is something really wrong with that reality and playing Donovan more takes one of our other top 3 players off the court using current rotations. I think that’s pretty crazy and won’t have a good end result.

 

[nomar]

We played Butler at home. I don’t take much from this game. It’s good to blow someone out, but Butler likely is not even an NIT team.

Are you suggesting we couldn’t beat a G League team or Real Madrid?

 

[zls44]

I don’t believe I am wrong about that. We haven’t tried it and have lost 5 of the last 7. On NBA draft day some year soon, the guy who will be drafted likely the highest played 14 minutes today(Donovan Clingan). There is something really wrong with that reality and playing Donovan more takes one of our other top 3 players off the court using current rotations. I think that’s pretty crazy and won’t have a good end result.

UConn's issue is guard play. Twin towers doesn't fix that. If anything, it makes it worse.

 

[gtcam]

First, it was a win and a win that UConn needed badly. A lost would have been beyond devastating.
High points - Joey C saw some of his shots go in - invaluable for him at this point of the season. Hawkins showed he can score more than 3s and can overcome a slow start- the kid is smooth as butter. The offense shows a more fluid style with DC in there - the ball moves better and quicker. Newton knew he had to drive more and did - the results were ok, Karaban continues to grow and HD played with more control and purpose. AJ proved he can drive to the hoop without any fanfare and get a hoop.
Other points - Butler shot absolutely horrible. Dan Hurley trotted out the same starting line-up and as AWest stated the 1st few minutes were not pretty save the Butler inability to hit the broad side of the barn. Samson played and glad he did get some run - not sure he's ready to tangle with better comp at this time.

Butler didn't offer much resistance throughout the game. Let's hope that the team is ready for Xavier because you know that Miller will have his team ready. On to Wednesday

Chief00- I hope your opening line was tongue in cheek.

A win is a win and it is a relief, but this one was little to prove the team has gotten over any substantial humps.

 

[ucp990411]

I think his defense and rebounding was a vulnerability in certain games during the losing snap. The match-up against Hopkins of PC was an example. His offensive production also slipped.

So if we with 2 bigs, who guards Hopkins?

 

[Scottobot]

I agree with chief. Sanogo + Clinton could lead to UConn dominance on boards. The offensive rebounds today were huge in getting us going. Sanogo can cover most teams #4.

If the other team 5 covers Sanogo on the post up, Sanogo can just throw up a shot and great chance for Clingan to clean up the put back on weak side.

Opponents defense don’t have the personnel to cover them both in the post up block.

This lineup would be particularly effective against teams that don’t shoot the 3 well. The lane would be clogged. Against smaller teams that shoot well I would stick with what we currently do, but vs teams like St John’s, Providence, Seton Hall Clingan/Sanogo a must.

 

[Billy Jack]

I don’t believe I am wrong about that. We haven’t tried it and have lost 5 of the last 7. On NBA draft day some year soon, the guy who will be drafted likely the highest played 14 minutes today(Donovan Clingan). There is something really wrong with that reality and playing Donovan more takes one of our other top 3 players off the court using current rotations. I think that’s pretty crazy and won’t have a good end result.

You don’t believe it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are wrong.

 

[bendm]

I don’t believe I am wrong about that. We haven’t tried it

Ok riddle me this. Clingan needs to be within 5’ of the basket on both ends of the floor to be effective, So what exactly would sanogos offensive role be when playing next to him?

If Clingan is in the game there would be an automatic double on sanogo whenever he catches the ball down low. Either because Clingan is standing on the perimeter and his defender isn’t guarding him, or because Clingan has brought his dendeder into the paint thereby bringing an extra defender into sanogo’s vicinity.

So it seems like sanogo would be forced to stand in the corner shooting 3s when Clingan is in the game and that’s not how to effectively use our leading scorer imo.

 

[Scottobot]

Ok riddle me this. Clingan needs to be within 5’ of the basket on both ends of the floor to be effective, So what exactly would sanogos offensive role be when playing next to him?

If Clingan is in the game there would be an automatic double on sanogo whenever he catches the ball down low. Either because Clingan is standing on the perimeter and his defender isn’t guarding him, or because Clingan has brought his dendeder into the paint thereby bringing an extra defender into sanogo’s vicinity.

So it seems like sanogo would be forced to stand in the corner shooting 3s when Clingan is in the game and that’s not how to effectively use our leading scorer imo.

The double team on Sanogo comes from a guard leaving a wing player. If Clingan was 5’ from hope and his man left him to double Sanogo, Clingan would be wide open for dunk.
2 post players has been a popular configuration throughout basketball history:
with UConn:
Okafor and Boone
Thabeet and Adrien
Voskhul and Freeman

Celtics:
Parish and Mchale

Both Clingan and Sanogo are often out on the perimeter setting screens, pulling the opponents largest defender out with them..

 

[Minicoop69]

Did Newton play better because he turned a corner or did he play better because he wasn't pressured all game the way he has been the last couple of games????

Did we not allow many drives to the basket because we fixed it, or did they just not have the penetrators like ST. Johns, Seton Hall, etc???

The win looks good, but I still have a lot of unanswered questions that a win on Wednesday would probably fix.