Chief’s Briefs - Illinois Edition

[Tenspro2002]

Yes, by the time he left. Reibe already doing things that Clingan struggled with. Different players.

Reibe isn't nearly the rim protector that Clingan was, but his offensive game is more well rounded and refined. Clingan was a more effective rim-runner, but we have many other ways to run offense.

 

[Palatine]

Reibe isn't nearly the rim protector that Clingan was, but his offensive game is more well rounded and refined. Clingan was a more effective rim-runner, but we have many other ways to run offense.

Indeed, there are many ways to skin a cat. Although, personally, I am very opposed to cat skinning.

 

[CL82]

Although, personally, I am very opposed to cat skinning.

Conspiracy Kitty says:
I approve of this post.

 

[mauconnfan]

Well done Chief.

Malachi MVP played well overall but most importantly 2nd half after an immediate 3rd foul on Silas. Actually when he came out late about 5/6 minute mark thought he should’ve returned a minute later after a rest, in place of Solo who was ineffective the 2nd half. Great to have a back up like that, so lucky.

Reibe was really good, most importantly a couple late offensive rebounds to allow us to grab more clock. Kid is growing right before our eyes.

Alex tremendous on both ends. Good cuts and finishes on the offensive end and moved his feet and guarded really well on the other end. Need that in most games but he showed up for BYU and Illini for sure.

Silas played a solid first half even in foul trouble, but was amazed how much trouble he had with Boswell. But everyone did, Malachi a little better but both Boswell and even Petrovic got to the lane too easy. Fortunately the back line D was active making the passing lanes tough.

Solo solid first half but after scoring fast 2nd half and 1, he disappeared couldn’t make a shot and threw some rocks up, scary honestly from 3 right now. He worries more about kicking his legs out for a foul than making shots. Last year you felt like when he shot it, it was amazing it didn’t go in. Now you hope we have a chance for a rebound and it’s not an air ball.

Stew was better than most give him. Played solid D, 5 rebounds and mixed it up physically. Missed a couple he should’ve finished but also made a 3 and a nice driving bank shot when we were extending our lead early. Ross also solid minutes, active and made his open look. A couple confident drives to the rim he just needs to get more creative in finishing. These guys are playing hard.

Reed was off never found rhythm although we made him start the offense with 3 or more dribbles which never ends well. He will be fine.

Mullins is going to be something special and soon. Just the way he moves on the court and acts like he belongs is special, he’s a player and when he starts making shots he’ll be tough to keep off the floor. The rebound that he went high for and immediate finger roll was sweet just needs to finish. The ball fake and stepping into the 15 footer over the 7’ on coming defender was smooth. Can’t wait for that breakout, might be Tuesday.

Nice win. Neither team had their A games but UConn did long enough in the first half to keep the lead. They rebounded and battled every loose ball, fun to watch and lots to like!

Allen Field House, here we come!

 

[ucp990411]

Smith is John Gwynn 2.0

That’s funny. John Gwynn played for one reason - to score. He might still be looking for his first assist.

 

[Spaceman213J]

So solid for stewart is poor shooting and no stupid turnovers? Raise the bar

His defense was very good this game. Even when he got beat initially he was able to recover and make things tough. Aside from Boswell, who had to work to get his, who had a good offensive game for Illinois?

 

[Spaceman213J]

Reibe is more advanced than Clingan at the same point on the offensive end. Clingan was more advanced defensively.

I thought when he committed he even made statements about coming to UConn to advance his defensive skills under Hurley & staff.

Either way, you can tell he is smart and is learning. He's been thrust into the fire early with Reed's injury and he's not withering, he's getting stronger.

 

[prankster]

That’s funny. John Gwynn played for one reason - to score. He might still be looking for his first assist.

I believe that this is where I am supposed to disagree vehemently. Just so we can milk this thread out three more pages of increasingly vitriolic posts.

 

[gtcam]

I feel like the 2nd string UConn squad could be a ranked team

 

[Scrutineer]

Good sober assessment. Just last week people were saying Smith can't play at this level.
In actuality, Some people just can't post at this level. The BY is too much for them.

Based on how Dayton played us last year, and BYU this week, it looks like we should try to portal one of their guys every year!

 

[Scrutineer]

C’mon. DC was a complete beast. Reibe is a nice piece, but please respect how dominant DC was.

Reibe seems to be a more capable offensive player than DC at this stage of their careers. Reibe has shown some great moves and he seems to be a better shooter at this point. DC was better defensively but Reibe's no slouch and seems to have improved markedly from game to game.
It'll be fun to watch and enjoy his development.

 

[AllHusky]

Based on how Dayton played us last year, and BYU this week, it looks like we should try to portal one of their guys every year!

Absolutely, was thinking same. Have you watched them enough to have am opinion yet?

 

[AllHusky]

Indeed, there are many ways to skin a cat. Although, personally, I am very opposed to cat skinning.

Even Wildcat skinning? Bearcat skinning?

 

[Edward Sargent]

I was actually pleasantly surprised by how he looked physically. He’s no Aidan Mahaney.

He’s a lot taller than I thought

 

[Edward Sargent]

Reibe isn't nearly the rim protector that Clingan was, but his offensive game is more well rounded and refined. Clingan was a more effective rim-runner, but we have many other ways to run offense.

I would like him to start taking those top of the key threes if he’s open. He’s still hesitant which is never good.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Absolutely, was thinking same. Have you watched them enough to have am opinion yet?

Portal RW III

 

[businesslawyer]

Yes, by the time he left. Reibe already doing things that Clingan struggled with. Different players.

Stop. Go on line, watch the 3 games DC played in Portland before coach decided that he was going to ride Sanogo and DC was never getting more than 10-12 minutes a game and then tell me you are standing by that comment.

 

[superjohn]

Yes, by the time he left. Reibe already doing things that Clingan struggled with. Different players.

Reibe and Clingan are just so different besides the passing. They are both very good passers, Clingan is an elite passer for a center. Reibe is more advanced scoring the ball than Clingan. DC was basically just rim running/alley oops. Reibe has some post moves and a lefty feathery touch out to three point land. Clingan is more advanced defensively and a much larger human being than Reibe. He can and will become a good defender but I don't ever see Reibe becoming the dominant force Clingan is/was on defense.

Reibe measured 6'11.75 in shoes with a 9'1 standing reach, and 7'1 wingspan. Clingan measured 7'1.75 barefoot, with a 9'7 standing reach and 7'6.75 wingspan.

 

[Waquoit]

TBF, there is hardly anyone in the NBA that's the dominant force Clingan is/was on defense. But DC still doesn't have much of an offensive game.

 

[Chief00]

Well done Chief.

Malachi MVP played well overall but most importantly 2nd half after an immediate 3rd foul on Silas. Actually when he came out late about 5/6 minute mark thought he should’ve returned a minute later after a rest, in place of Solo who was ineffective the 2nd half. Great to have a back up like that, so lucky.

Reibe was really good, most importantly a couple late offensive rebounds to allow us to grab more clock. Kid is growing right before our eyes.

Alex tremendous on both ends. Good cuts and finishes on the offensive end and moved his feet and guarded really well on the other end. Need that in most games but he showed up for BYU and Illini for sure.

Silas played a solid first half even in foul trouble, but was amazed how much trouble he had with Boswell. But everyone did, Malachi a little better but both Boswell and even Petrovic got to the lane too easy. Fortunately the back line D was active making the passing lanes tough.

Solo solid first half but after scoring fast 2nd half and 1, he disappeared couldn’t make a shot and threw some rocks up, scary honestly from 3 right now. He worries more about kicking his legs out for a foul than making shots. Last year you felt like when he shot it, it was amazing it didn’t go in. Now you hope we have a chance for a rebound and it’s not an air ball.

Stew was better than most give him. Played solid D, 5 rebounds and mixed it up physically. Missed a couple he should’ve finished but also made a 3 and a nice driving bank shot when we were extending our lead early. Ross also solid minutes, active and made his open look. A couple confident drives to the rim he just needs to get more creative in finishing. These guys are playing hard.

Reed was off never found rhythm although we made him start the offense with 3 or more dribbles which never ends well. He will be fine.

Mullins is going to be something special and soon. Just the way he moves on the court and acts like he belongs is special, he’s a player and when he starts making shots he’ll be tough to keep off the floor. The rebound that he went high for and immediate finger roll was sweet just needs to finish. The ball fake and stepping into the 15 footer over the 7’ on coming defender was smooth. Can’t wait for that breakout, might be Tuesday.

Nice win. Neither team had their A games but UConn did long enough in the first half to keep the lead. They rebounded and battled every loose ball, fun to watch and lots to like!

Allen Field House, here we come!

Great Summary - I am just coming to the conclusion that Ball is a streaky shooter - it’s what it is - sometimes it works in your favor and other times it doesn’t.

 

[Chief00]

He’s a lot taller than I thought

6-6

 

[Chief00]

That’s funny. John Gwynn played for one reason - to score. He might still be looking for his first assist.

He knew his role and executed it - lol

 

[Chief00]

Malachi's combination of pace and control was very impressive. He showed at Dayton that when he is healthy he can defend and knows how to find people. Needed him with the Demary's 2nd half. Get the comps to Hassan, but Smith can score and has that reputation. He averaged around 18 as a frosh, I believe.

Wouldn't be surprised if Hurley asks Reed to just carve out some space and grab some rebounds against Kansas like today and then rests him for East Texas A&M.

Mullins is only going to get better.

Guys have to continue to move when Karaban does take it on himself to drive. He has great vision for a PF and is selfless enough to give it up to any open player. Had a really nice find to Ross when the team needed it.

Ball & Stewart were solid. Stewart didn't have a good shooting day, but he played tough defense and didn't have any 'gift' turnovers to Illinois.

Team show glimpses of what they can be. Just need to shoot it more consistently and as coach Calhoun used to say, "Step on the neck of the opponent." Can't give guys the chance to pull themselves off the mat. It could cost them. Still, it is a double digit win against a quality team with Reed far less than 100%, nothing from Demary in the 2nd half, Ball not shooting it great from outside and not a great day with the refs either.

To be honest - I was surprised how much Reed’s injury limited his footwork and movement. It was so limiting we did not really get to the point to see how rusty his skills were.

 

[Chief00]

Reibe seems to be a more capable offensive player than DC at this stage of their careers. Reibe has shown some great moves and he seems to be a better shooter at this point. DC was better defensively but Reibe's no slouch and seems to have improved markedly from game to game.
It'll be fun to watch and enjoy his development.

I am old enough to remember the Bill Russell era and his defense set the tone for others in various aspects of the game.