I’ll clarify, for those who point out that Hawkins is a good shooter. I agree, so I stand corrected. Though in my defense recall that it took half the year to get him any PT on a team that clearly needed that skill, and even then marginally used until his concussion.
Sadly, I was not surprised with the loss to NMSU. Given how the season played out, I don't think anyone on the Boneyard should be surprised about the outcome of the last game. Although not heralded, they had good team size and had the taste of winning, having won their league regular season and conference tournament. On the other hand, except for the wins against Auburn, Villanova and one or two other Big East games, essentially, our team lost around 75% of our
BIG games this season.
Our team's and our players' shortcomings are well documented on the Boneyard. Without casting too many aspersions on individual players who've played hard all season, we need more consistent Division I level shooting and scoring ability. After last year's late season losses to Creighton and Maryland, contemplating our offensive shortfalls, like others on the Boneyard, I found myself all off-season hoping Hurley would bring in a shooter and/or penetrator. Although I initially viewed it as disloyal and cutthroat, all top coaches recruit over their existing players. DH decided otherwise, probably showing loyalty to Gaffney, Polley and the incoming Hawkins and Diggins. Unfortunately, Gaffney regressed and the young guards didn't get enough playing time to develop.
A lot, deservedly so, has been brought up about the lack of coaching adjustments during games and our coaching inability or unwillingness to change strategies in reaction to opponents' playing tactics. With our game plan, we should anticipate and have thought-out and prepared-for counter strategies to respond to how other teams can and should play against us.
As alumni and fans, with college kids playing, we must realize that some of our strategies and tactics will work and others will not. As others point out, Coach Hurley has done an excellent job re-stablishing our team's winning culture and bringing higher-rated recruits to UConn. Just as players must improve their overall game when they move on and play at a higher level, so too must coaches. As Calhoun did, I am hopeful that Coach Hurley will continue to improve his coaching acumen and performance as the seasons progress.
