Chief’s Briefs - MES Edition

[Chief00]

And now it starts. We have the Driscoll /CBS Sportswriter on one side and the Hurley led UConn team on another.

The three guys who led us in rebounding - none started - until Stewart filled in for Karaban yesterday. Reed (12), Ross (10) and Stewart (7).

We finally had some parity in foul shots and impressively McNeeley (7-7), Stewart (7-8) and Mahaney (new role 4-5) combined for 90% shooting on 20 attempts. Yes, having 16.7 less foul shot attempts per game than your opponent (Maui) matters, especially when you knock down 90% of them. The CBS sports writer may not realize that, but Hurley does.

As the guy, who pointed out all the wrong stuff we did in the previous cupcake games, Chief is excited that McNeeley, Reed, Stewart, Ross and Ball are starting to emerge in various aspects of the game. Ball will need to be the guy to take people off the dribble to score. Abraham may also be a great player next year. Don’t underestimate Mahaney in the role he should have been in all along (shooter off bench).

Usually with Hurley teams I look at two things (rebounding and assist totals), as the barometers. We led rebounding 47-23 and assists 23-4 vs. a much weaker opponent but nevertheless the effort, toughness, and teamwork were there.

I am concerned still about our 3 point shooting. I think we need to focus on the quality of the 3’s we are taking: Right guy in right spot in flow of game? Too many don’t seem to be that.

I think as Diarra tightens up his ball handling (more assists less turnovers) and continues to emerge as a leader with intensity, but also John Wooden quick but don’t hurry approach - we are going to start turning heads again.

 

[GHSWolverines]

Time will tell. The next 3 games are going to be tough.
DH and staff are tinkering with different combinations out on the court. Hopefully that ends soon. From what I have observed:
1. HD and AN should handle the point guard duties. AM seems more comfortable playing the 2 and should come off the bench.
2. TR should start over Samson Johnson. Need to set the tone early in the game. He rebounds well and is more of a force.
3. I give the edge to JS over JR. I just like his overall game better.
4. The defense is going to be a work in progress.

 

[Sphinx]

(snip> As the guy, who pointed out all the wrong stuff we did in the previous cupcake games, Chief is excited that McNeeley, Reed, Stewart, Ross and Ball are starting to emerge in various aspects of the game. <snip>

This is true today only to the extent it was true coming out of Maui. This latest cupcake farce doesn't change any assessment of anybody. And, Chief, you forgot to mention the most important piece of all -- the most likely solution to our greatest problem -- Ahmad Nowell.

 

[UConnJim]

Ball is the conundrum. His 3 point shooting is good, he is physical and should be able to drive to the hoop, but his defense is not good. It seems like he is not quick enough to stay in front of his man. If he can improve his defense, he can be a special player.

 

[Hunt for 7]

we are going to start turning heads again.

If we actually beat a real Division 1 basketball team then we might be noticed. But you know most everybody other than our fans are kind of liking this team struggling.

That was a quick departure from being inevitable to incapable……..

 

[Glastonhusky]

And now it starts. We have the Driscoll /CBS Sportswriter on one side and the Hurley led UConn team on another.

The three guys who led us in rebounding - none started - until Stewart filled in for Karaban yesterday. Reed (12), Ross (10) and Stewart (7).

We finally had some parity in foul shots and impressively McNeeley (7-7), Stewart (7-8) and Mahaney (new role 4-5) combined for 90% shooting on 20 attempts. Yes, having 16.7 less foul shot attempts per game than your opponent (Maui) matters, especially when you knock down 90% of them. The CBS sports writer may not realize that, but Hurley does.

As the guy, who pointed out all the wrong stuff we did in the previous cupcake games, Chief is excited that McNeeley, Reed, Stewart, Ross and Ball are starting to emerge in various aspects of the game. Ball will need to be the guy to take people off the dribble to score. Abraham may also be a great player next year. Don’t underestimate Mahaney in the role he should have been in all along (shooter off bench).

Usually with Hurley teams I look at two things (rebounding and assist totals), as the barometers. We led rebounding 47-23 and assists 23-4 vs. a much weaker opponent but nevertheless the effort, toughness, and teamwork were there.

I am concerned still about our 3 point shooting. I think we need to focus on the quality of the 3’s we are taking: Right guy in right spot in flow of game? Too many don’t seem to be that.

I think as Diarra tightens up his ball handling (more assists less turnovers) and continues to emerge as a leader with intensity, but also John Wooden quick but don’t hurry approach - we are going to start turning heads again.

Good point on the 3 point shooting. Before the season started, I thought this would be one of the best 3 point shooting teams ever, but Mahaney has struggled and even Liam has been inconsistent. Ross hit a couple yesterday and then threw up a couple wild ones, he seems to be rushing things. Hopefully when the roles are better defined, things will improve.

Good to see Darius Adams in the house last night.

 

[dogpause]

I think our 3-point shooting will be elite, but as Chief pointed out, we're being a bit too quick and the UConn swagger is not yet in full force.

 

[sdglast]

I agree on the fact that this game is meaningless in figuring out what this team is. That being said, they needed a "get right game" where they get at least some good vibes after the Maui debacle. Hurley was uncharacteritically calm tonight with the officials despite a few questionable calls. He seeemed to spend less time away from the huddle talking/arguing with officials and more time in the huddle coaching. It's one game against a very bad team, but hopefully the start of a trend. That's the biggest take I have from this game.

 

[Chief00]

Good point on the 3 point shooting. Before the season started, I thought this would be one of the best 3 point shooting teams ever, but Mahaney has struggled and even Liam has been inconsistent. Ross hit a couple yesterday and then threw up a couple wild ones, he seems to be rushing things. Hopefully when the roles are better defined, things will improve.

Good to see Darius Adams in the house last night.

Darius is going to be a good one.

 

[Chief00]

I think our 3-point shooting will be elite, but as Chief pointed out, we're being a bit too quick and the UConn swagger is not yet in full force.

Legend John Wooden again: “Be quick but don’t hurry”

 

[bendm]

Did I miss the Dayton brief?

 

[Chief00]

Did I miss the Dayton brief?

It’s amazing Chief went from being criticized for being pessimistic during all the 3-Peat nonsense with 1 returning starter to now being the optimist when compared to so many. I did not want to pile on and redundantly point out all our obvious pitfalls against mediocre Dayton. And I said what I wanted to say about the officiating in the Hurley/Officials thread. So I decided to wait and flip the page for the MES game.

 

[Chief00]

This is true today only to the extent it was true coming out of Maui. This latest cupcake farce doesn't change any assessment of anybody. And, Chief, you forgot to mention the most important piece of all -- the most likely solution to our greatest problem -- Ahmad Nowell.

Agreed, Nowell is a key piece. Perhaps, I see that becoming more apparent next season but I agree he will progress this season.

 

[Son of Robert]

Darius is going to be a good one.

He looked all of 6'5, tall, lean, and athletic, which is to say he moved well. Some people just have an overall relaxed ease of movement and composure, and I could see this with Darius.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

I am concerned still about our 3 point shooting. I think we need to focus on the quality of the 3’s we are taking: Right guy in right spot in flow of game? Too many don’t seem to be that..

Completely agree. There are plenty on the team capable of hitting 3s, but the quality of the shot is so important. Just because the shot is there in a certain moment does not mean that is the correct shot in that moment. The pieces will fall in place.

Defense is still my biggest concern. Our deficiencies are hidden against much lesser competition. Once they tighten up and work efficiently as a unit on the defensive end this team will start to roll.

 

[coachn]

And now it starts. We have the Driscoll /CBS Sportswriter on one side and the Hurley led UConn team on another.

The three guys who led us in rebounding - none started - until Stewart filled in for Karaban yesterday. Reed (12), Ross (10) and Stewart (7).

We finally had some parity in foul shots and impressively McNeeley (7-7), Stewart (7-8) and Mahaney (new role 4-5) combined for 90% shooting on 20 attempts. Yes, having 16.7 less foul shot attempts per game than your opponent (Maui) matters, especially when you knock down 90% of them. The CBS sports writer may not realize that, but Hurley does.

As the guy, who pointed out all the wrong stuff we did in the previous cupcake games, Chief is excited that McNeeley, Reed, Stewart, Ross and Ball are starting to emerge in various aspects of the game. Ball will need to be the guy to take people off the dribble to score. Abraham may also be a great player next year. Don’t underestimate Mahaney in the role he should have been in all along (shooter off bench).

Usually with Hurley teams I look at two things (rebounding and assist totals), as the barometers. We led rebounding 47-23 and assists 23-4 vs. a much weaker opponent but nevertheless the effort, toughness, and teamwork were there.

I am concerned still about our 3 point shooting. I think we need to focus on the quality of the 3’s we are taking: Right guy in right spot in flow of game? Too many don’t seem to be that.

I think as Diarra tightens up his ball handling (more assists less turnovers) and continues to emerge as a leader with intensity, but also John Wooden quick but don’t hurry approach - we are going to start turning heads again.

What a great analysis as usual. The pieces are there to make this work. Love the young players. Look forward to watching them develop and get confidence. Wish we could have met up at Marquete game last year.
.

 

[coachn]

Time will tell. The next 3 games are going to be tough.
DH and staff are tinkering with different combinations out on the court. Hopefully that ends soon. From what I have observed:
1. HD and AN should handle the point guard duties. AM seems more comfortable playing the 2 and should come off the bench.
2. TR should start over Samson Johnson. Need to set the tone early in the game. He rebounds well and is more of a force.
3. I give the edge to JS over JR. I just like his overall game better.
4. The defense is going to be a work in progress.

Love JR.and JS. Both deserve to be on the floor at the same time as there is chemistry between them.

 

[Scrutineer]

This is true today only to the extent it was true coming out of Maui. This latest cupcake farce doesn't change any assessment of anybody. And, Chief, you forgot to mention the most important piece of all -- the most likely solution to our greatest problem -- Ahmad Nowell.

If MSU could play a freshman PG as a starter in Maui and if AN is as good as he's shown in glimpses, I think he needs lots of time so he'll be ready to shine in March!

 

[GHSWolverines]

Love JR.and JS. Both deserve to be on the floor at the same time as there is chemistry between them.

Good point. But if one of LM or AK sits down, I prefer JS

 

[Chief00]

What a great analysis as usual. The pieces are there to make this work. Love the young players. Look forward to watching them develop and get confidence. Wish we could have met up at Marquete game last year.
.

Thank you

 

[Chief00]

What a great analysis as usual. The pieces are there to make this work. Love the young players. Look forward to watching them develop and get confidence. Wish we could have met up at Marquete game last year.
.

Completely agree. There are plenty on the team capable of hitting 3s, but the quality of the shot is so important. Just because the shot is there in a certain moment does not mean that is the correct shot in that moment. The pieces will fall in place.

Defense is still my biggest concern. Our deficiencies are hidden against much lesser competition. Once they tighten up and work efficiently as a unit on the defensive end this team will start to roll.

I agree, we want to take the shots we want to take not the ones our opponents want us to take.