Chief’s Briefs - Xavier Edition

[Umami Zen]

Newton has to have a Plan B when he goes to the hoop. Too many times tonite he had very few options .. He was forcing stuff when there wasn't any play to be made.

 

[Conndog]

The foul disparity is noted and the Hurley / Uconn bias is caked in particularly on the road.

We were outcoached today and did not take advantage of our strengths which was our bench. Offensively we played passive and did not force our physicality on Xavier. This would have forced the officials to call fouls and it had the effect of bailing Xavier out defensively.

Defensively, we were exposed meaning our lack of discipline defensively. A well coached, offensively talented team like Xavier took advantage. Miller expected to win this game.

Lastly, the lack of having a go to scorer in crunch time hurt us in this game. Getting buckets when the pressure is on during a road game is a whole different kind of skill that the team hasn't developed yet. Sanogo should be that guy. Jackson should be that guy as a facilator. Hawkins has the skill set however his lack of experience shows in these moments. Hurley will need a more disciplined approach to the offense in these competitive games at crunch time. There have been too many dead possessions and turnovers and we were bit today. You ask what our biggest weakness is and it is the lack of elite point guard play. Jackson is still developing at the position.

Now the season begins and they got their fill of some Xavier humble . The team will get better from this. These issues can be fixed so we should feel good about that. The tools are there. Coaching included.

Reading the line “Miller expected to win this game” was like a gut punch- he truly did! He knew how to exploit UConn, but Hurley didn’t know how to exploit Xavier.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Newton has to have a Plan B when he goes to the hoop. Too many times tonite he had very few options .. He was forcing stuff when there wasn't any play to be made.

Looked to me like he was expecting to get the touch foul calls but the refs swallowed the whistles. Chief makes a good point

 

[Chief00]

Looked to me like he was expecting to get the touch foul calls but the refs swallowed the whistles. Chief makes a good point

It was very uneven and it should not be a secret to anyone what’s going on. Regardless, of what one may think of Danny’s antics. This isn’t right. The refs need to be more professional. Shame on the Big East for allowing this.

 

[Umami Zen]

Looked to me like he was expecting to get the touch foul calls but the refs swallowed the whistles. Chief makes a good point

Don't disagree.. Touch fouls go to home team.. "Visitors" have to get hammered for the call..

My complaint/observation.. Were the calls consistent??.. Meaning-- X got every call that was a judgment call.. UConn had to really get hammered on an obvious call before the whistle was blown.. "House whistle" favors the home team..

Would UConn performing better/making shots they normally make-- have changed the outcome without the refs?? Of course.

 

[alphasigko]

Newton has to have a Plan B when he goes to the hoop. Too many times tonite he had very few options .. He was forcing stuff when there wasn't any play to be made.

Shades of AG...

 

[UconnU]

I disagree about Joey’s minutes. His minutes should be completely matchup dependent. Only play him vs stationary perimeter pieces(like Akok lol) or multiple undersized guard situations. If a team is bringing big guards off the bench he becomes unplayable. He gets exploited in PnR and on switches.

Next go around we will put a fresh Samson Johnson on ZF and he won’t get a clean look.

 

[coachn]

It was the flops that pi$$ed me off. They called the first one, then let the next 5 go. I guess you have to give Miller and Xavier credit for knowing that the refs aren't going to call a 2nd one, especially at home. So, they took clear advantage. Perhaps the Huskies should take a 20 minute coaching/practice session on flopping for their next home game.

Had a drill using a wrestling matt to fall on and having the man with ball dribble into the defender who has his foot on the base line. No body wants to play offense with someone who can draw the charge.

 

[coachn]

Anyone who feels we don’t have an issue of how we are perceived by Big East officials - how much evidence do you need? The touch fouls called on us and not on them. 19 personal fouls vs 8. 25 ft attempts to 9. Our second foul shot of the game mid way through the second half. The late T on Hurley. All that in an other wise even game. Wake up, it is an issue!

Not exploring the Double Big this season hurt this game, probably lost the game today. Karaban tried hard but defensively got exploited. Meanwhile, Clingan who played very good, spent too much time on the bench. Clingan was one of the few game changer type players today and spent most of the game on the bench. No excuse for that.

The High Hedge results were brutal today. What a well coach team like Xavier exploits is a pass or two away from the hedge action and the mismatch that has its origins during the hedging action.

I have been focusing on these 3 above factors and people say why, we won anyways. Now you know why.

Our ball movement was. Good with 15 first half assists. Would like to see Joey C get more time but with Diarra playing so well setting uptempo that’s difficult.

Early in the second half, that was a Larry Bird move by Andre, I am not behind the line, so he calmly dribbles behind the line and lets it fly with a swish.

Agree with you about the official bias but sometimes you have to beat 7 men. Suck it up and do it.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Part of the problem may be that Jackson and Newton are similar players in what they bring to the offense. Defensively no, but offensively. Both are questionable from 3. Both look to pass more than shoot, and in doing so their passes can be predictable. Neither seems to reliably finish at the rim. This is solvable, but it’ll take some creativity by Hurley & his brain trust to do it.

 

[uconnfan68]

Agree with you about the official bias but sometimes you have to beat 7 men. Suck it up and do it.

The 8th guy kills you though.

 

[uconn_jack]

I do think we play better with Donovan out there - he can change a game. Karaban is a good player but can be physically overwhelmed in certain matchups until he gets stronger. Sanogo statistically is one of our best three ball guys % wise on our team - so where’s the give up. Time to play them together starting NOW.

I always look forward to your analysis, I think you are usually on point about most things, but I just don't get the idea of playing AS/DC at the same time. In some matchups, maybe I could see the benefit defensively (including rebounding) of them together, although you take some risk of both picking up fouls. I just don't think it would work very well offensively, at least not unless and until AS is able to pass out once he's started to make his move, especially when double teamed. Offensively, AS should have an advantage posting up against most 4's, but Clingan at the 5 would have to clear out of the paint to give him room to work and would not be in position to rebound a potential miss. And worse, what's to stop Clingan's defender from doubling on Adama since he's unlikely or unable to pass out to a free Clingan (or other player) moving to the basket? If Adama figures this out, they could be a deadly combo, otherwise I just don't see how they complement each other offensively at this point.

 

[Chief00]

I always look forward to your analysis, I think you are usually on point about most things, but I just don't get the idea of playing AS/DC at the same time. In some matchups, maybe I could see the benefit defensively (including rebounding) of them together, although you take some risk of both picking up fouls. I just don't think it would work very well offensively, at least not unless and until AS is able to pass out once he's started to make his move, especially when double teamed. Offensively, AS should have an advantage posting up against most 4's, but Clingan at the 5 would have to clear out of the paint to give him room to work and would not be in position to rebound a potential miss. And worse, what's to stop Clingan's defender from doubling on Adama since he's unlikely or unable to pass out to a free Clingan (or other player) moving to the basket? If Adama figures this out, they could be a deadly combo, otherwise I just don't see how they complement each other offensively at this point.

One consideration is getting guys who give you the best chance of winning on the court. We may have differing theories about how AS/DC would work together on the court but at some point we need to actually try it for periods of time against particular match ups where Karaban is overmatched inside. We have seen those matchups the last two games. In the Corporate World, we call it Proof of Concept. Sometimes you need to put egos aside and try something to see if it works or not.

 

[Chief00]

Totally agree. I get the fouls discrepancy and the high percentage of 3’s etc, but IMO the 16 turnovers killed us. We had two straight chances to take the lead late and put pressure on them and turned it over. Then the tech and the rest is history. We need to tighten this up quickly if we want to be elite.

True, turnovers was another key fact, especially late.

 

[mauconnfan]

Newton has to have a Plan B when he goes to the hoop. Too many times tonite he had very few options .. He was forcing stuff when there wasn't any play to be made.

Tristan can be Earl Kelley he just needs to be sure of his next move, pass when getting to the lane. We used to be a good offensive rebounding team, so no reason Newton can’t get to the rack and create his own shot, and everyone go get it. To me it has continued to look like he’s trying to be UConns “point” guard than that creative kid from ECU that was a scorer. Let him loose, ask him to be a bit more selfish, attack.

 

[Edward Sargent]

It was very uneven and it should not be a secret to anyone what’s going on. Regardless, of what one may think of Danny’s antics. This isn’t right. The refs need to be more professional. Shame on the Big East for allowing this.

What’s the solution. Our AD sits down with BE office?

 

[jibsey]

I do think we play better with Donovan out there - he can change a game. Karaban is a good player but can be physically overwhelmed in certain matchups until he gets stronger. Sanogo statistically is one of our best three ball guys % wise on our team - so where’s the give up. Time to play them together starting NOW.

Yes. Do we play them together with Andre in the lineup or only when he’s out? I ask because he’s not as much a perimeter shooter although his 3 % is the same as Newton and Alleyne. Will Hurley likely do this do you think?

 

[Dibbie]

What’s the solution. Our AD sits down with BE office?

 

[businesslawyer]

Totally agree. I get the fouls discrepancy and the high percentage of 3’s etc, but IMO the 16 turnovers killed us. We had two straight chances to take the lead late and put pressure on them and turned it over. Then the tech and the rest is history. We need to tighten this up quickly if we want to be elite.

The Diarra turnover with the game tied was the single key moment, as it wasn’t a physical mistake, or even one where he was under pressure. Just made an incredibly boneheaded decision by throwing a long pass that wasn’t there and wouldn’t have led to a layup if he got the ball there, and then bouncing it to boot. He’s played well lately, and I wish he played more yesterday, but that was a brutal decision at a critical time

 

[freshler40]

I always look forward to your analysis, I think you are usually on point about most things, but I just don't get the idea of playing AS/DC at the same time. In some matchups, maybe I could see the benefit defensively (including rebounding) of them together, although you take some risk of both picking up fouls. I just don't think it would work very well offensively, at least not unless and until AS is able to pass out once he's started to make his move, especially when double teamed. Offensively, AS should have an advantage posting up against most 4's, but Clingan at the 5 would have to clear out of the paint to give him room to work and would not be in position to rebound a potential miss. And worse, what's to stop Clingan's defender from doubling on Adama since he's unlikely or unable to pass out to a free Clingan (or other player) moving to the basket? If Adama figures this out, they could be a deadly combo, otherwise I just don't see how they complement each other offensively at this point.

Always liked making the other coach adjust, the twin towers, at times would do that. We seem to run too long with what is hurting us. Nova did that with the back-downs and other teams are repeating that offensive move to good effect.

 

[freshler40]

Tristan can be Earl Kelley he just needs to be sure of his next move, pass when getting to the lane. We used to be a good offensive rebounding team, so no reason Newton can’t get to the rack and create his own shot, and everyone go get it. To me it has continued to look like he’s trying to be UConns “point” guard than that creative kid from ECU that was a scorer. Let him loose, ask him to be a bit more selfish, attack.

Amen, the reins are too tight????

 

[jdb50]

Lately Newton seems to be driving less and when he does he is looking to pass and gets in a jam. He should be driving to score and if a big is wide open then pass it but at least he could draw a foul or we get a rebound. His rebounding was a big positive as usual but we need him to be a factor scoring too.

 

[Chief00]

Amen, the reins are too tight????

I agree he’s more of a scorer and not a PG QB.

 

[Chief00]

What’s the solution. Our AD sits down with BE office?

Good question. Apparently, the senior refs are in the ACC/Big East Scheduling Consortium now. The conferences don’t have or don’t exercise the common sense powers they did in the Dave Gavitt Days or even when Mike Tag was running things. I will need to understand this better.

 

[Chief00]

Thanks for sharing this that Tom Penders agrees with me.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

It was very uneven and it should not be a secret to anyone what’s going on. Regardless, of what one may think of Danny’s antics. This isn’t right. The refs need to be more professional. Shame on the Big East for allowing this.

it's 1 pm on a sunday. u got plenty of time to call all those voters for tomorrows poll, and tell them aboot 'the grand conspiracy' and that, despite their personal experience and/or viewing from afar all things danny, that he really is misunderstood on the 'whiny brat' persona of the past few years.
that should work.

i don't sit near our bench anymore. there's a weird vibe by some nearby akin to some in a crowd at a car race hoping for a crash, or those at an ice game hoping for a fight as far as danny's performance that day. im there for a game, and not antics. it's like those folks walk in loaded for bear, ready to be offended at any slight, and acting like we deserve something, anything, everything. i won't yell 'enuf already! pipe down!' cuz most of the normal folks cheering our squad on also don't want to hear that from me, while others be like 'get'em danny!'
i am not qualified to judge his true mental profile as i did not sleep at a holiday inn last night. i just grabbed some coats, threw them in a tub and just snoozed off for a bit in the wee hours, as i was done with the festivities. 'wake me when its time to go home.'
it's all a bit too much, and i know my limits.
hey danny! play donno, free tris, and put a sock in it! u wearing out a pantload of folks. prolly some of those voters, too.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

it's 1 pm on a sunday. u got plenty of time to call all those voters for tomorrows poll, and tell them aboot 'the grand conspiracy' and that, despite their personal experience and/or viewing from afar all things danny, that he really is misunderstood on the 'whiny brat' persona of the past few years.
that should work.

i don't sit near our bench anymore. there's a weird vibe by some nearby akin to some in a crowd at a car race hoping for a crash, or those at an ice game hoping for a fight as far as danny's performance that day. im there for a game, and not antics. it's like those folks walk in loaded for bear, ready to be offended at any slight, and acting like we deserve something, anything, everything. i won't yell 'enuf already! pipe down!' cuz most of the normal folks cheering our squad on also don't want to hear that from me, while others be like 'get'em danny!'
i am not qualified to judge his true mental profile as i did not sleep at a holiday inn last night. i just grabbed some coats, threw them in a tub and just snoozed off for a bit in the wee hours, as i was done with the festivities. 'wake me when its time to go home.'
it's all a bit too much, and i know my limits.
hey danny! play donno, free tris, and put a sock in it! u wearing out a pantload of folks. prolly some of those voters, too.

'im there for a game, and not antics.'
edit- except for Providence games. of course, i don't want anyone hurt and no one ever really is, unless u ask dr boneyard where he'll tell u that a scratch or a bruised ego should immediately be sent to sloan for an mri. someone really should make a movie aboot the quintessentially New England dynamic ('we don't hate u, we don't dis u, we just want to kill u...') when we play them. i have never witnessed a continual live sports dynamic quite like us v. them. big fun, always. for like a century.
records at the time -irrelevant.
not even the NFA-New London football game, 1875, oldest hs game in history, has the same edginess. tradition, tradition!

 

[Chief00]

it's 1 pm on a sunday. u got plenty of time to call all those voters for tomorrows poll, and tell them aboot 'the grand conspiracy' and that, despite their personal experience and/or viewing from afar all things danny, that he really is misunderstood on the 'whiny brat' persona of the past few years.
that should work.

i don't sit near our bench anymore. there's a weird vibe by some nearby akin to some in a crowd at a car race hoping for a crash, or those at an ice game hoping for a fight as far as danny's performance that day. im there for a game, and not antics. it's like those folks walk in loaded for bear, ready to be offended at any slight, and acting like we deserve something, anything, everything. i won't yell 'enuf already! pipe down!' cuz most of the normal folks cheering our squad on also don't want to hear that from me, while others be like 'get'em danny!'
i am not qualified to judge his true mental profile as i did not sleep at a holiday inn last night. i just grabbed some coats, threw them in a tub and just snoozed off for a bit in the wee hours, as i was done with the festivities. 'wake me when its time to go home.'
it's all a bit too much, and i know my limits.
hey danny! play donno, free tris, and put a sock in it! u wearing out a pantload of folks. prolly some of those voters, too.

Did I say Danny is misunderstood? Given the game situation and since it was not out of character to what was going on all game, unless he said something especially bad, the ref shouldn’t have let that perhaps determine the game with a couple minutes left.
As far as the calls - all season there has been an imbalance and despite rather ref(s) like Danny they have a responsibility to be fair to the players. Unfortunately, even after adjusting for driving less but also adjusting the other way for having two viable post Bigs - something needs to be addressed and as I said with the ACC/Big East officials scheduling Consortium it is more difficult to do than in the past.

 

[Husky25]

This tech may have been due, in part, to Coach's reputation. I haven't heard anyone arguing against that possibility. However, if it was assessed on rep, it was the 1st one this year that was, IMO. I do not believe it was remotely assessed due to Bouknight getting ejected from Gampel 10 months ago, which was the insinuation (at least in part) vs. Georgetown.

The free throw disparity has been addressed. UConn took an inordinate amount of jump shots. Shooting fouls typically occur closer to the paint.

Xavier is "experienced" and good and they won on their home court. Hopefully, UConn can get them back on the 25th.

On to Providence.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

Part of the problem may be that Jackson and Newton are similar players in what they bring to the offense. Defensively no, but offensively. Both are questionable from 3. Both look to pass more than shoot, and in doing so their passes can be predictable. Neither seems to reliably finish at the rim. This is solvable, but it’ll take some creativity by Hurley & his brain trust to do it.

FWIW, I'll take two questionable 3pt shooters who are currently shooting a combined 13/36 (36%) in Big East play any time