Chief’s Briefs - Seton Hall Edition

[Drfla]

We have these rotations and regardless of how a player plays we stick to them. That has got to change. It is also tough to beat teams when you turn the ball over much more than your opponent. Turnover tonight 18 for UConn and 9 for Hall.

A fellow poster displayed some data that showed Sanogo gets fouled 1 of 20 attempts in the paint. That is outrageous and continued tonight.

True he could use some better sell techniques but he often gets fouled and no whistle by the Big East officials, who have been a disaster this season under a very weak commissioner. When Sanogo misses a post shot, there is no one in the zip code to rebound without a Double Big.

First half, 3 foul shots for UConn and 10 for Setan Hall. With 7 minutes left in the game 8 foul shots for UConn and 18 for Hall. For the game short end of 14 to 25.

Hawkins, Sanogo, Clingan, Jackson and Karaban are our 5 best players and it is a no brainer they should be our starting line-up. Time is running out for our coaching staff to recognize this. How much more evidence do they need that the current approach is not working?

Having said that, I liked Diarra game tonight. He can break the defense down off the dribble, but needs to improve his FT %.

But where did our ball movement go? And there’s a big price to pay without having a double big for the rebound at the end,

Diarra had 2 points, 1 assist, 4 fouls and two horrible 3 point attempts in 15 minutes. What did you like?

 

[AdamaNation]

Jackson is not one of our 5 best players, sorry. He got torched on defense, turned it over with sloppy passes, and is close to a zero on offense. He does jump high, though!

Cue in Kwintin Williams

 

[connVA]

Fact is Hurley is going to start Sanogo and he will play 25 mins a game so get used to nothing changing this season.

Correct. Stubborn is as stubborn does.

 

[coachn]

Great Briefs Agree with you Chief in all of your observations as usual.
We were 9 and 9 in the BE in 10-11season and came back.

 

[connVA]

Cue in Kwintin Williams

Agree with this. The ubiquitous fan-boying over AJ- from Hurley, media, other coaches- has jumped the shark. I get that he's a freak athlete but we're in year #3 and he's still undisciplined as ever on defense (spotty on-ball D, jumping all over the place like a pogo stick on every ball fake, and- despite the gaudy rebounding numbers- generally inconsistent blocking out, as repeatedly with Ndifo tonight) and a non-factor on offense once he passes the ball off to someone who wants to score (assuming one of his overzealous or overcasual passes- one extreme or the other- doesn't become a turnover). But he does have one highlight-reel dunk or block every game.

 

[Scrutineer]

I had Sanogo for at least 7 misses inside.......of course that's where 90% of his shots are taken, but still.
And all those misses were from 3 feet away, some forced.
Also at least 3, maybe 4, bad passes from AJ and TN to Sanogo and they weren't due to AS' bad hands.

Clingan 7 points, 6 rebounds, in 11 minutes and 4 fouls. They sure were very private fouls too. Unseen to most.

But think about this one: we had 64 points with 5 (Yes 5) minutes to go and lost 67-66.
Scored 2 (that's two) points in the last FIVE minutes.
Tell me no one on the bench could see or feel that happening and call a timeout to set up a play?

But, looking at it honestly, I'll repeat what I've said several times this year and earlier this week. We don't have a LEAD GUARD, someone who takes charge in the huddle on offense or defense.
Jackson reminds me of Shabazz the year after Kemba left and he tried to be the leader but no one listened to him.

Dan Hurley is bringing in 5 more guys that are big (except Ball) and unless Ball and Castle are two take charge guys I'm getting the feeling there won't be a happy ending to next year either.

 

[Chief00]

I really don't get how people continue to want double bigs. What has Sanogo shown over the last month to make you think he's one of our best 5? He's not been good playing at his correct position and people think playing him out of position is going to help?

Clingan has to stop fouling so much, because our only hope of salvaging our season is him playing 30 minutes a night from here on out. Sanogo needs to come in only when Donovan needs a breather or is in foul trouble.

What evidence have we seen that Double Bigs has not worked other than fan forum opinions? With the exception of trying and having it work for 4 minutes against PC, we have not tried it. The strength of our team is our front court - despite all their faults Sanogo and Clingan are shooting around 60%, even 45% last night. This 4 out stuff is NOT working, LOL what more evidence do you need? Let’s go with our strength.

 

[Chief00]

Diarra had 2 points, 1 assist, 4 fouls and two horrible 3 point attempts in 15 minutes. What did you like?

He is the one guy who can go by someone on offense off the dribble but agree what happens after that is not always pleasing.

 

[Chief00]

Totally agree Chief! If I heard Tim Brando right, it sounds as if this was Tom’s decision. He thought it was a great opportunity for Luke to get some head coaching experience. In a normal situation. Tom would’ve been right. However, with us losing so much recently and with a golden opportunity to get things going in the right direction again, tonight was not the time to put someone’s personal experience ahead of the team’s best interest.

It needs to be about fielding the best lineup to win both players and coaches. When the coaches put someone’s “career opportunity” before winning, what does that say to the players? When I see Alleyne trying to break his shooting slump by taking quick three pointers rather than slashing to get to the line, I understand how that mindset got built better now.

 

[Chief00]

He has zero hops to dunk the ball...we have seen it over and over. Sadly DC misses a good number of layups off the glass when he should be dunking the ball near to every time he shoots when down low.

Ironically, the less minutes Sanogo plays the less explosiveness and energy he seems to have. I can’t explain it. However, it is amazing the threshold a foul has to rise to, in order to send him to the line. Every game he gets fouled on numerous attempts there’s no whistle on.

 

[Northbound]

Few things here and some very obvious - I’m no basketball whisper - TL: DR - WTF is going on with some basic things

1) We have to box out - its a lot to ask Hawk to keep their dude off the glass At points in the game but the basic turn and get your ass into your man works
2) Dead legs are a thing and good god it look like AS has hit the dead legs portion of the season - he’s having and issue elevating obviously
3) AJ simply has to go to the hoop - do not even care if he makes them
4) Stop forcing it to AS - its as predictable as the sun coming uo and goodness out guards are being baited like a veteran CB baits a rookie QB
5) We have got to understand where the double is coming from - is not like were asking guys to split the atom - a prime example was early in the game Hawk’s guy on the left drops to double AS and he turns into the double and ball OOB - we have to communicate there early and move the ball before the double makes it next to impossible to pass out of it
6) Offense is stagnant - plenty if standing on the perimeter - maybe that’s the plan
7) We turn the ball over like we get paid for it - ball security - we cannot deal with hard defensive pressure - we stand, we bring defenders to the ball, off ball picks to free up a pass catcher - drove me nuts as a lacrosse coach drives me nuts here
8) Why does it seem like we wait way to long to initiate and be the aggressor in the offensive end - We do not have to use all the clock that’s not a rule - ive not analyzed it so perhaps im super attuned to the clockand its only an issue in my head
9) Get the big man from Bristol on the floor for the last defensive possession

i get it this is like old man yells at clouds.

 

[rjnardi007]

Diarra wasn't good tonight. I do agree the only hope for this team is to play both DC and Sanogo together. And we need to play zone. this team can't guard

Zone Zone Zone!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rjnardi007]

I'm all for this Chief. The starting lineup you outline is clear as day. Some posters here don't get it.

And can't agree with you more on the refs. It's gotten to a point where I'm fine being that guy to "blame" the refs. It's absolutely outrageous. There's gotta be some more good objective data out there that corroborates this.

Not the refs

ITS OUR COACHES
They are not coaching

 

[martyn]

The team got conceited by its early success. It lost its edge. In every loss the other team has been more focused, more energized, more determined. Last night, in the closing minutes, it was pathetic.

 

[jayfromfla]

Wrong assistant coach. Should have brought in Chris dailey

 

[2PointGuards]

Jackson needs to take the ball to the hoop and get fouled; Sanogo needs to pass (particularly to Karaban). Clingan and Calcaterra need to play much more.

 

[Edward Sargent]

We have these rotations and regardless of how a player plays we stick to them. That has got to change. It is also tough to beat teams when you turn the ball over much more than your opponent. Turnover tonight 18 for UConn and 9 for Hall.

A fellow poster displayed some data that showed Sanogo gets fouled 1 of 20 attempts in the paint. That is outrageous and continued tonight.

True he could use some better sell techniques but he often gets fouled and no whistle by the Big East officials, who have been a disaster this season under a very weak commissioner. When Sanogo misses a post shot, there is no one in the zip code to rebound without a Double Big.

First half, 3 foul shots for UConn and 10 for Setan Hall. With 7 minutes left in the game 8 foul shots for UConn and 18 for Hall. For the game short end of 14 to 25.

Hawkins, Sanogo, Clingan, Jackson and Karaban are our 5 best players and it is a no brainer they should be our starting line-up. Time is running out for our coaching staff to recognize this. How much more evidence do they need that the current approach is not working?

Having said that, I liked Diarra game tonight. He can break the defense down off the dribble, but needs to improve his FT %.

But where did our ball movement go? And there’s a big price to pay without having a double big for the rebound at the end,

Chief, the weak commissioner is a dead horse as is the foul differential. We don't have players or plays built to get fouls. Andrey's attempts to take it to the basket early in the second half resulted in TOs and missed floaters. We had 12 assists on 15 made baskets in the first half and were humming along. We ended up 16 assists for 22 made baskets. As for our five best players you list they were responsible for 14 of the 18 turnovers

 

[Edward Sargent]

I recall Jackson turn the ball over on passes three times..

I rewatched the early part of the second half because I couldn't believe what I saw, but Andrey attempted to drive and each time it resulted in a TO or missed floater. Jackson was only credited with three TOs, but TOs on those missed zip passes were credited to Adama and Donovan

 

[Edward Sargent]

Jackson needs to take the ball to the hoop and get fouled; Sanogo needs to pass (particularly to Karaban). Clingan and Calcaterra need to play much more.

Jackson is not very good at taking it to the hoop

 

[3rdbass]

We have these rotations and regardless of how a player plays we stick to them. That has got to change. It is also tough to beat teams when you turn the ball over much more than your opponent. Turnover tonight 18 for UConn and 9 for Hall.

A fellow poster displayed some data that showed Sanogo gets fouled 1 of 20 attempts in the paint. That is outrageous and continued tonight.

True he could use some better sell techniques but he often gets fouled and no whistle by the Big East officials, who have been a disaster this season under a very weak commissioner. When Sanogo misses a post shot, there is no one in the zip code to rebound without a Double Big.

First half, 3 foul shots for UConn and 10 for Setan Hall. With 7 minutes left in the game 8 foul shots for UConn and 18 for Hall. For the game short end of 14 to 25.

Hawkins, Sanogo, Clingan, Jackson and Karaban are our 5 best players and it is a no brainer they should be our starting line-up. Time is running out for our coaching staff to recognize this. How much more evidence do they need that the current approach is not working?

Having said that, I liked Diarra game tonight. He can break the defense down off the dribble, but needs to improve his FT %.

But where did our ball movement go? And there’s a big price to pay without having a double big for the rebound at the end,

The problem with Jackson at PG he really isn't playing great now. He is out of control on both sides of the ball(Trying to do too much?) and still don't like his instincts. Why didn't he just shoot the ball on the Hawkins 3 no attempt(foot on the line). Teams play so far off Jackson since they don't respect his offense that it isn't funny. I think it might be Diarra time at point for better or worst. Just tell him never to take a 3 point shot. LOL!

 

[Chief00]

Chief, the weak commissioner is a dead horse as is the foul differential. We don't have players or plays built to get fouls. Andrey's attempts to take it to the basket early in the second half resulted in TOs and missed floaters. We had 12 assists on 15 made baskets in the first half and were humming along. We ended up 16 assists for 22 made baskets. As for our five best players you list they were responsible for 14 of the 18 turnovers

So how do you explain Sanogo getting fouled on only 5% of his post attempts. He generally is fouled on at least half it them. Not once did my 5 guys play together, so your broken turnover prone offense does not refute my line-up.

 

[JB75]

I really don't get how people continue to want double bigs. What has Sanogo shown over the last month to make you think he's one of our best 5? He's not been good playing at his correct position and people think playing him out of position is going to help?

Clingan has to stop fouling so much, because our only hope of salvaging our season is him playing 30 minutes a night from here on out. Sanogo needs to come in only when Donovan needs a breather or is in foul trouble.

We ll never kno unless we try it- whats to lose?

 

[Chief00]

Wrong assistant coach. Should have brought in Chris dailey

Man that hurt.

 

[Chief00]

I remember Bob Cousy use to say, “ you don’t get extra points for degree of difficulty”. This team seems to forget that on their drives and attempts around the basket. Other times it is just not focusing their eyes on the rim. Too much else going on in their games.

 

[Conndog]

I counted at least 8. Despicable 2nd half. We implode at halftime every single game for the last 6 games.

I’d say fatigue could be factor, but why isn’t the other team fatigued ever?

 

[Eleven]

Beyond the very obvious PG problem, there’s this. When he is on the floor the first option is always AS. We lose about 5 possessions a game trying to force the ball to him while everyone else watches. If we do get it to him, he turns it over himself several times per game. When he doesn’t turn it over, he forces a shot through or over a double or triple team. He is a dynamic weapon when the ball comes to him in the flow of the offense, but force feeding it the way we do is insanity.
On the other end, he cannot or will not close down the paint. Opponents attack the rim with impunity after blowing by the perimeter defense. I’d love to see per minute stats comparing AS and DC on opponents attempts in the paint, shooting % on these attempts and defensive rebound %. I suspect it will be telling.

 

[HuskyHawk]

We have these rotations and regardless of how a player plays we stick to them. That has got to change. It is also tough to beat teams when you turn the ball over much more than your opponent. Turnover tonight 18 for UConn and 9 for Hall.

A fellow poster displayed some data that showed Sanogo gets fouled 1 of 20 attempts in the paint. That is outrageous and continued tonight.

True he could use some better sell techniques but he often gets fouled and no whistle by the Big East officials, who have been a disaster this season under a very weak commissioner. When Sanogo misses a post shot, there is no one in the zip code to rebound without a Double Big.

First half, 3 foul shots for UConn and 10 for Setan Hall. With 7 minutes left in the game 8 foul shots for UConn and 18 for Hall. For the game short end of 14 to 25.

Hawkins, Sanogo, Clingan, Jackson and Karaban are our 5 best players and it is a no brainer they should be our starting line-up. Time is running out for our coaching staff to recognize this. How much more evidence do they need that the current approach is not working?

Having said that, I liked Diarra game tonight. He can break the defense down off the dribble, but needs to improve his FT %.

But where did our ball movement go? And there’s a big price to pay without having a double big for the rebound at the end,

I hate the take from our fans that Sanogo is the problem. Even last night he was our best player, and it wasn't close really. Played excellent position defense in the paint and forced a bunch of turnovers and kick outs, where out wings got exposed. Had a fingertip block they didn't credit him with. Yes, he has problems dancing too, and not just going up with two hands like Barkley and dunking on these guys. He needs to learn that. Needs more impact on D.

Hawkins was excellent for a half, then vanished. He can't do that. I don't care how he's defended. He sold one foul where they held him. Needs to do more. His defense is regressing.

Karaban is so interesting. Good shooter, makes savvy cuts to the rim, alert passes. Then the defensive side comes. He never blocks out, he over-helps and abandons his man. These quick guys are just carving him up. His defense and rebounding work were awful.

Clingan, nice player. Not even close to as good as some posters think. Didn't do much of anything last night except foul people and give the ball away. He didn't have any big rim protecting impact either. Good rebounder, but his shot making aside from dunks is pretty poor.

Newton was better than people credit him for being. Actually brought the ball up against the press quicker than Diarra did and moved it around faster than Diarra did. Had a decent game on the offensive end. His D needs work, but he took a charge, which all of our guys need to do more of.

Jackson is a really good rebounder. At the moment his defense is atrocious. His passing has become reckless. He's just throwing the ball away. If there is a change in the starting lineup, he's the guy who should sit, at least until he stops trying to have an impact by stealing the ball and dunking every possession. Play position defense and rebound the ball.

Nobody else worth talking about. Alleyne did nothing. Diarra wasn't good. Joey hit a shot and made a couple passes but couldn't guard anybody.

 

[86.578]

A lot of focus here on the offense, However, without a true (good) PG, they have to rely on opponent misses and getting the board. Otherwise there’s ball pressure right from the inbound, and watching any of our guys bring the ball up is PAINFUL. Beginning of the year, rebounding, outlet, finding an open look 3, or getting it down low quickly was the bread and butter. They're not going to win in a slow, half court set, style, they don’t have the ball handlers, the dribble-drive ability....and AS is just not that good once he's doubled.

So…..what about the D…..how do they get stops? They can't keep guys in front of them. and once they blow by, no one is intimidated by AS. They don’t have a lockdown guy. AJ is ok, but he spends too much time off the ground. Because of their limitations on O, this is the problem to be solved.

Wasn’t for it at first but maybe 2 bigs is the way to go and hope they both don’t get in foul trouble. Would have to play some kind of zone though, and who do they have that could play the top of the zone?

Don’t have any answers, but without a PG, the only way to win is to run off of misses.

And for pete's sake, know where the OB line is! 3 or 4 last night, 4 or 5 v StJohns.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

I hate the take from our fans that Sanogo is the problem. Even last night he was our best player, and it wasn't close really. Played excellent position defense in the paint and forced a bunch of turnovers and kick outs, where out wings got exposed. Had a fingertip block they didn't credit him with. Yes, he has problems dancing too, and not just going up with two hands like Barkley and dunking on these guys. He needs to learn that. Needs more impact on D.

Hawkins was excellent for a half, then vanished. He can't do that. I don't care how he's defended. He sold one foul where they held him. Needs to do more. His defense is regressing.

Karaban is so interesting. Good shooter, makes savvy cuts to the rim, alert passes. Then the defensive side comes. He never blocks out, he over-helps and abandons his man. These quick guys are just carving him up. His defense and rebounding work were awful.

Clingan, nice player. Not even close to as good as some posters think. Didn't do much of anything last night except foul people and give the ball away. He didn't have any big rim protecting impact either. Good rebounder, but his shot making aside from dunks is pretty poor.

Newton was better than people credit him for being. Actually brought the ball up against the press quicker than Diarra did and moved it around faster than Diarra did. Had a decent game on the offensive end. His D needs work, but he took a charge, which all of our guys need to do more of.

Jackson is a really good rebounder. At the moment his defense is atrocious. His passing has become reckless. He's just throwing the ball away. If there is a change in the starting lineup, he's the guy who should sit, at least until he stops trying to have an impact by stealing the ball and dunking every possession. Play position defense and rebound the ball.

Nobody else worth talking about. Alleyne did nothing. Diarra wasn't good. Joey hit a shot and made a couple passes but couldn't guard anybody.

Against a BE team that throws a double-team at him, he has proven to be poison for the overall offense. Excluding the Creighton game (where he didn't get doubled...still a headscratcher strategy decision by McDermott), way too many turnovers, forced low-percentage shots, and dozens of missed opportunities for kickouts to wide-open shooters. They all add up as big net negatives that an already-struggling offense just can't afford.

You're being generous with your assessments of his defense. His help D is weak, his boxouts have been marginal at best.

He is one of the bigger problems in our 5 losses. I don't care what his boxscore ends up looking like in those games.

And it pains me to say this because I love the dude.

 

[Edward Sargent]

So how do you explain Sanogo getting fouled on only 5% of his post attempts. He generally is fouled on at least half it them. Not once did my 5 guys play together, so your broken turnover prone offense does not refute my line-up.

Maybe they are watching his feet more than his upper body because they sure are keeping an eye on his travels!!