Chief’s Briefs - St Mary’s Edition

[Chief00]

He still had some starters in. That's my issue with it.

St Mary’s took the position the game was still winnable - a Hail Mary sure but possible

 

[Waquoit]

We kicked their ass.

 

[AdamaNation]

It was actually more like 2:02 when we started to sub. But I want to understand why that was too early. It was 15 or more points at that point. What would be gained by leaving the starters in?

This seriously feels like a casual fan approach to winning a championship.

I loved the psychology presentation to the other teams. Similar to Ollie leaving no one in the lane during free throws. Gangster and absolute confidence within a little middle finger to everyone else. 2023 JC would do this out of proud and spite.

 

[Chief00]

Great win, just can’t understand why Hawkins has been so bad in the 1st half, nerves?
Would like better bb iq in end of game situations, just too many boneyard err bonehead turnovers

Remember, Jordan was a Coach Hunter recruit, who kept his commitment after Coach Hunter left. He has over-all made great progress this season and when he is on his game, we are the best team in the country, firing on all cylinders. Adama and Donovan consistently shoot 60% combined throughout the season. So when we see the NBA Jordan it overwhelms our opponents.
I still think Jordan would benefit from getting stronger and achieving greater consistency by in part executing the type of plays that work when his 3 doesn’t. I hope he does what’s best for him in the context that next year there will be two guys gifted in getting him the ball at the right spots and times, which will enable him to move up to the very top of the draft. He would have pieces with him here that don’t exist at any other school to make it special and worth it for him. He’s earned the choice, I hope he knows how loved and appreciated he is at UConn. We are fortunate to have him and while his initial suitor has left the love is still here for him.
Jordan gifts us with that extra gear that gives us a higher ceiling than any other college team in the country.

 

[Chief00]

We kicked their ass.

Wow - and that is the second half truth. Their coach had no answers, esoecially after the back injury.

 

[Chief00]

I loved the psychology presentation to the other teams. Similar to Ollie leaving no one in the lane during free throws. Gangster and absolute confidence within a little middle finger to everyone else. 2023 JC would do this out of proud and spite.

It does put the other coach in a tough position, if he thinks there’s still a 1-100 chance of winning, he has a responsibility to try. Yet, his bench guys or their families aren’t happy they are not getting their boxscore entry and moment on TV as the opposing coach is doing with their bench.

It is a middle finger to everyone else and that may make us “Arrogant” UConn to Ed Cooley and the Big East refs. We may love it but we must be willing to pay the price it brings too. It isn’t going to put Danny up there on the alter of worship with other coaches.

While I appreciate the advantages and attitude it brings - the bench players could stand out there and watch someone dribble the ball with a minute left rather than two and us not having to pay the unforced error price with other coaches etc.

We will need to be really good for this type of thing to be in our advantage, I hope we are ready for that. At the end of last season Chief warned our beloved Casual Fans about the price we would pay for James not being escorted out of Gampel after ejection, we paid that price this season with Big East officiating.

All I am saying is we own the consequences.

 

[Magic32]

I was blown away with them pressing at the end.

Total clown move.

F Bennett and St Mary’s. Classless move.

On we go to Thursday!!!

Found myself yelling at the TV because it was such a bush league move. We took our foot off early by subbing 5 in with just under 2 minutes left.We then sub another 5 in and he goes full pressure.

 

[FreeKlaiber]

Tonight is a great example of what both of these guys can do to dominate a game. To split 40 minutes rather than 50-55 is foolish.

the rest of the board doesnt want to tinker with this lol, BUT...would be good time to show a different 2 bigs look after a timeout against arkansas, an athletic team that slashes, without emphasis on the 3 ball...matchup 2-3, packed in shell man, even 1-3-1, not for the whole game, but i hope we see the progression as i think DC is clearly one of our top 4 players, and we may need him on court more...

just as Danny said in quote, "we didnt know hed (DC)be this dominant"....well now we know...AJ had trouble stopping penetration from slow PG from St marys in first half, pre-CLingan effect...id rather take that drive game away rather than replay the first St Johns defensive effort....

 

[EBonz30]

When we were down 6-8 in the first half- told my buddy I was shocked that St. Mary’s was actually running with us & not slowing the game down & told him that will probably come back to bite them in the second half, which it absolutely did. Hurley was smart in pressing in the beginning of the game to get the pace he wanted & it worked- didn’t press really at all the second half but the pace was still there- great win.

 

[ucp990411]

Not after tonight's game. Three wide open layups in the first half while Sanogo was outside with his back to the basket.

2 of the 3 were because Newton did not rotate

Tonight is a great example of what both of these guys can do to dominate a game. To split 40 minutes rather than 50-55 is foolish.

Dan Hurley knows more basketball and his team than anybody on the boneyard

 

[J187Money]

Funny - after we blew it on D on a couple of high hedges I pictured Chief screaming at his TV. We must have done it 20 times, and it is effective, but when you do it wrong it is an automatic bucket.

 

[Husky25]

Why is Hurley so against using Sanogo in drop? Is it because his height?

Drop defense vs. the Pick and Roll is less effective vs. opponents who can shot from range, which Ducas and Mahaney can, leading St. Mary's to 38% as a team from the outside. UConn caught a break when Ducas left the game with back spasms, but he may have been feeling subpar far earlier. He didn't score after 14:04 and was out of the game at 4:52.

UConn hedges in most cases because Sanogo has the quickness and footwork to pull off a quality recovery and Clingan has obscene length to block the passer's vision. One can generally tell how effective the hedge works by how many assists the opponent has. SMC had 9 on 19 made baskets out of 39 FGA.

Not after tonight's game. Three wide open layups in the first half while Sanogo was outside with his back to the basket.

I'd say that three (Two actually) layups out of approximately 30 1st half offensive possessions is relatively decent. Offensive plays are called because they work for that particular team. UConn does it too. St. Marys' offense involves setting a lot of screens, against which a hedging defense is perfectly appropriate. When the center goes out to cover, it is the 3 and/or 4's responsibility to cover the paint.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Why is Hurley so against using Sanogo in drop? Is it because his height?

Because drop does nothing to disrupt the offense and ball handlers. Sanogo was incredibly effective on defense yesterday, disrupting things outside and getting back to guard the big. It didn't cost us baskets but really bothered St. Mary's. He also had a nice block at the rim.

One of the more absurd things I constantly see on this board is people blaming the center when guards or wings score at the rim. Even Clingan gives up hoops in that scenario or fouls much of the time. He alters and blocks more shots than Sanogo, sure, but there are trade-offs to that defense.

I'm much less worried about what the centers do than everyone else performing their roles. Both Alex and Andre did a great job sliding over when Adama was outside disrupting. It's when that fails that we give up easy baskets.

 

[Excalibur]

Drop defense vs. the Pick and Roll is less effective vs. opponents who can shot from range, which Ducas and Mahaney can, leading St. Mary's to 38% as a team from the outside. UConn caught a break when Ducas left the game with back spasms, but he may have been feeling subpar far earlier. He didn't score after 14:04 and was out of the game at 4:52.

UConn hedges in most cases because Sanogo has the quickness and footwork to pull off a quality recovery and Clingan has obscene length to block the passer's vision. One can generally tell how effective the hedge works by how many assists the opponent has. SMC had 9 on 19 made baskets out of 39 FGA.


I'd say that three (Two actually) layups out of approximately 30 1st half offensive possessions is relatively decent. Offensive plays are called because they work for that particular team. UConn does it too. St. Marys' offense involves setting a lot of screens, against which a hedging defense is perfectly appropriate. When the center goes out to cover, it is the 3 and/or 4's responsibility to cover the paint.

I spent some time re-watching. We gave up one layup on a missed rotation, and one when the hedging defender left the ball handler too soon.

The rest of SM’s layups were off of isolation. The hedge was very effective, and the rotations are not difficult concepts for anyone not wanting to play in the style of the 1960’s.

 

[Husky25]

I spent some time re-watching. We gave up one layup on a missed rotation, and one when the hedging defender left the ball handler too soon.

The rest of SM’s layups were off of isolation. The hedge was very effective, and the rotations are not difficult concepts for anyone not wanting to play in the style of the 1960’s.

As I am wont to do at this stage in my life (mid 40's, two kids: 10 & 7), I record UConn games for potential delayed viewing (basketball), re-watching if I am at the venue (football, some basketball), or mindless entertainment (hockey). I watched the game live yesterday, but against my better judgement, I charted SMC's first half possessions this morning and noted the same thing you did.

The first breakdown was a 6:57 to go. Sanogo switched and ended up doubling the ballhandler with Jackson. Newton was in the paint but gave up the gimme layup. 21-18, SMC.

The other wide open dunk was not really off a hedge. Sanogo got lost in the weave (1st time SMC ran it) and lost Wessels in the process. 27-25, SMC.

 

[Excalibur]

I doubt, by the way, that we will hedge as aggressively as we have in the past few games on Thursday.

 

[Chief00]

Funny - after we blew it on D on a couple of high hedges I pictured Chief screaming at his TV. We must have done it 20 times, and it is effective, but when you do it wrong it is an automatic bucket.

Funny you should say that, it was my ex wife’s birthday party and she accused me of dropping the “F” word twice when that was going on. I pleaded guilty. Co-Parenting has its challenges.

 

[Chief00]

As I am wont to do at this stage in my life (mid 40's, two kids: 10 & 7), I record UConn games for potential delayed viewing (basketball), re-watching if I am at the venue (football, some basketball), or mindless entertainment (hockey). I watched the game live yesterday, but against my better judgement, I charted SMC's first half possessions this morning and noted the same thing you did.

The first breakdown was a 6:57 to go. Sanogo switched and ended up doubling the ballhandler with Jackson. Newton was in the paint but gave up the gimme layup. 21-18, SMC.

The other wide open dunk was not really off a hedge. Sanogo got lost in the weave (1st time SMC ran it) and lost Wessels in the process. 27-25, SMC.

LOL - anytime Adama is playing 25 feet from the basket at the top of the key - he is there to high hedge - you can call it a “weave” or whatever. But, you can’t talk your way out of something we behaved ourselves into.
I have no idea what you think your charting but when it breaks down it is often the second or third pass after the high hedge implosion that finds the guy open as a result of the chain reaction.

You are correct though, there were a few times we failed to get onto the hedge quick enought so the result was a drive while we were still disorganize.

That’s like blaming Jackson for taking too many threes when our offensive scheme sometimes is designed to have him spread the floor by standing on the 3 line.

 

[Hunt for 7]

The high hedge is here to stay so you can yell from the rooftops but it’s going nowhere.

As long as an open three is the best shot in basketball the high hedge is here to stay.

 

[Hunt for 7]

I doubt, by the way, that we will hedge as aggressively as we have in the past few games on Thursday.

Well that makes sense. Arkansas is a dribble penetration team more than a spot up three team which = less high hedges. Clingan will play more if we are getting beat off the dribble. Sanogo is great but 7’2” is daunting to look at if you beat your defender.

 

[huskyharry]

Chief, sing it from the mountain top. Adama is not good at hedging. As you say, he often needlessly chases the guard and when he releases, he retreats with his back to the play and is then frequently out of position. I just don’t see what we gain.
Great win, just can’t understand why Hawkins has been so bad in the 1st half, nerves?
Would like better bb iq in end of game situations, just too many boneyard err bonehead turnovers

Although, it did help to prevent some direct dribble penetration, poor rotations led to at least 3 easy dunks. It also seems silly to have Adama come out to the center logo sometimes on defense then have to sprint back to try to get into position...clearly wears him out some for no good reason.

 

[Husky25]

Open looks typically develop when the Center hedges too long and/or the ball is swung to the offensive player whose defender is covering the lane. However, If a score occurs when when all defenders are back in position, the hedge is not to blame. This can occur off any double team, not just a hedge. Of course he gets beat on occasion, but when it's working, Sanogo usually has the timing to know when to peel off and disrupt the passing lane.

Because I was questioned, this is what I saw upon second viewing.

1. The first Ducas layup to make it 2-0 was from the wing around a faked-out Hawkins. SMC showed pick and roll early, but Jackson slipped it and Karaban did not switch. Sanogo was on the block, boxed out by Saxen.

2. 2 unsuccessful P&Rs, Hawkins rotated to the lane both times leaving Ducas open but also recovered both times before Ducas could shoot. Hawkins foul on the floor.
2a. Hawkins defends ball out of bounds.
2b, Hedge forces a pass to the weakside corner, touch pass to top of the key, Bowen dribble penetration. Missed layup. Jackson defending. Sanogo pushed out of bounds on the rebound.

3. Off ball pick set by Saxen on Newton for Ducas. Sanogo stays home (drop). Ducas wide open for a missed 3.

4. Sanago hedged and recovered. Looks like the officials missed a kick ball, which went right to Mahaney who drove passed a crossed-up Jackson. Short jumper: Good.

5. No hedge needed.

6. Bowen (guarded by Karaban) threw a shoulder into Jackson. Offensive foul.

7. Sanogo hedged and nearly stole the ball. Recovered to the paint and Logan Johnson drove past Newton for an 'and 1.

8. No hedge. Johnson direct pass to Ducas in transition for 3.

9. No hedge. UConn applied "token" pressure. Johnson again direct pass to Ducas for 3 (Sanogo guarding). Incidentally, other than a defensive rebound, this is the final mention of Ducas in the Play-by-play.

10. No Hedge. Newton's lazy pass stolen by Johnson. Goaltend by Jackson in transition.

11. No Hedge. Mahaney stutter-stepped by Jackson and put the ball in off the glass over Clingan.

12. Two hedges. Diarra, Clingan, and Jackson played them both nearly perfect. SMC timeout.

12a. No hedge. Fall away baseline jumper followed by an offensive pushing foul on the rebound (Smash cut to blond drinking the "Oil can" of White Claw.)

13. Wessels attempted to set a pick but rolled before Johnson could use it. Ended up being doubled by Clingan and Diarra , who was blocking the passing lane back to Wessels and shorted a layup (UConn with nice ball movement at the other end. Clingan dunks off the extra pass, cutting the lead to 6. Tide of game might be turning?).

14. No Hedge. Mahaney drives around Joey C. into the lane and misses a 10 footer over Clingan. (Make-up non-travel on the other end as Diarra picks up his dribble, slips, and drops to a knee. Unfortunately, ball don’t lie, as Diarra misses the 3.).

15. No Hedge. Transition layup attempt missed by Mahaney, who also misses both FTs. Foul on Joey C. (Under 12 TVTO where Hurley mentions they have to do better at not leaving Ducas open for 3, unaware that he might already be hurt.).

16. Lots of picks being set: A) handoff that Joey C. fights through. B) Another Wessels phantom pick; No issue for Diarra. C) Hedge, but Marciulionis does not get close enough to Wessels and ends up passing out of a Joey C/Clingan double-team to Bowen. Airball. Shot clock violation.

17. 3 guys above the key. Joey C. goes above both picks but is called for (What Hurley thinks is) a phantom handcheck.
17a. Sanogo back in. No hedge, but he's guarding Saxen with the ball 24 feet away from the hoop. Drops back as soon as Saxen hands it off and recovers for the block. Ends up committing a foul, attempting to block Bowen’s follow-up. Never mind a FG. SMC went scoreless for 4:25 before Bowen’s free throws. 19-16, SMC. OTOH, defense travels.

18. SMC attempts to run P&R at :16 on the shot clock, it goes unused again by Marciulionis, who and is doubled by Joey C. and a hedging Sanogo. Marciulionis misses the bunny off a pseudo-post up of Joey C.

19. P&R, but Sanogo actually played off (i.e. drop defense). Uncontested (but off-balance) layup missed.

20. Offensive foul drawn by Joey C. in transition. (After the time out, TV shows Sanogo speaking with the ref to presumably draw attention to SMC’s handsy defense).

21. At 6:57 to go, SMC finally got the better of UConn's Hedge Defense. Sanogo switched and ended up doubling the ballhandler with Jackson. Newton was in the paint, but gave up the gimme layup. 21-18, SMC.

22. 2 Hedges: A. Sanogo switched with Alleyne onto Mahaney. Newton covered the paint, and Alleyne recovered, allowing Sanogo to relieve Newton. Marciulionis (shooting-wise, SMC’s Jackson) was open wide open for 3. B. Saxen dribbled off his foot and reset the offense with 8-9 seconds left. Jackson manned the paint. Ducas left open but turned down the 3PA (feeling spasms?). Johnson missed from about 25 feet. (On the other end, Sanogo breaks UConn's 2:08 scoring drought).

23. High P&R...No hedge. Karaban just switches. UConn feigns hedge on the 2nd P&R, but Sanogo drops with Saxen. Missed 3pt attempt over Karaban.

24. SMC is up 21-20 with 4:52 left, Ducas goes down in a heap and ref calls time immediately.
24a. Hedge. Sanogo switches with Joey C. but is playing loose D until Joey C. recovers. Sanogore-acquires Saxon in the paint, Joey C. allows a short jumper.

25. Multiple picks up top but no Sanogo hedge. Traveling violation. UConn down by 1, but the pro-UConn crowd smells blood without Ducas, and Uncle Mo is moseying to the stage-left end of the court. For roughly the next 24 minutes, UConn outscores SMC by 16.

26. Hedge on the far wing but UConn recovers and SMC resets without taking advantage. SMC gets into the paint without the benefit of a P&R. Joey C. was playing very loose on Johnson.

27. No Hedge per se, but sloppy. SMC runs a weave, which draws Sanogo to the 3 point line and loses his man. Easy dunk.

28. Sanogo hedges and Karaban is manning the paint. P&R ineffective.

29. No Hedge. SMC pulls up in transition and make a straight dribble drive that misses. Joey C. defending (On the other end Joey C. pulls up from 3 for a 1 point lead).

30. Hedge worked again. Jackson compensating in the paint. OTOH Mahaney's 3 pointer comes off the offensive rebound. Hurley no happy with the stonehands. Timeout UConn with 15.1 remaining to set up the final play of the half…Incidentally, Wessel didn’t hedge and left Newton wide open from 24 feet. 31-30, UConn take lead headed into the, "Penzoil At The Half, brought to you by Quaker State."