Chiefs Briefs - PC Edition

[Chief00]

A great win against a home team that had guys have the shooting night of their careers. Hurley and I had the same two observations just before and at halftime. First, our centers were overplaying the high hedge and not getting back to their man soon enough. Second, PC had 8 foul shots to zero. The guy that most impacted was Reed, who was being fouled every play with no whistle.
Making an issue of that changed the second half for Reed who ended up with 20 points and 8 rebounds.
Another key was 25 assists to 12 turnovers. Four guys had 20-24 points as we found the open man (Reed 20, Demary 23, Karaban 23, Mullins 24). Altogether these guys shot a combined 55%.
Rebounding was big at the end but for the game we had a 37-33 deficit.
Reibe played like a freshman in his 8 minutes and Smith despite some skills will be held back in close games due to his 50% FT shooting and not being respected as a FG shooter. Hopefully, Ross fully recovers from his injury soon and Stewart focuses on what he can do well. I often feel preseason talk about depth is overrated and this was one of those nights.
Hurley commented after the game, that some people say he can’t win close games. I have not heard that from anyone - but when he won championships they won tournament Games by +20 points because they were that much better. Last season we probably overreached against FL and lost by a few points. It is amazing someone so successful is focus on negative narratives about him or complaining about people on social media not identifying themselves and their employer before criticizing Hurley. Not sure if these things really upset Danny or if he is using it more as a motivator?
But, who cares, what was nice tonight was quieting the PC fans who drank beer all night. Was it $2 beer night again?

 

[nomar]

Hurley commented after the game, that some people say he can’t win close games. I have not heard that from anyone

Seriously? You have never seen anyone here say that, seriously or in jest???

He was joking because it’s been a thing since before he won his first title. At first it was a real knock, then it was a joke because we destroyed everyone, and know it’s an even bigger joke because this season we’ve won a lot of close games.

 

[uh-no]

Seriously? You have never seen anyone here say that, seriously or in jest???

He was joking because it’s been a thing since before he won his first title. At first it was a real knock, then it was a joke because we destroyed everyone, and know it’s an even bigger joke because this season we’ve won a lot of close games.

hurley goes to bed looking at the trends in our kenpom luck metric.

 

[CL82]

It is amazing someone so successful is focus on negative narratives about him or complaining about people on social media not identifying themselves and their employer before criticizing Hurley. Not sure if these things really upset Danny or if he is using it more as a motivator?

I think both are true. Hurley is innately a fighter and is always manufacturing slights as motivation.

 

[Matias]

If you look at every game record from 2019 through the 24 championship you’ll see either wide margin wins or close losses, with practically zero close wins. It’s almost comical looking through it. For a long time it became a running joke that Hurley couldn’t win close games with some recurring concern for his end game coaching.

Clearly he has very much upped his end game coaching big time, especially as of late. His management of T~Reed with 4 fouls was particularly masterful tonight.

But I think it’s fitting that he brought up the issue tonight because this game proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his teams can win even the closest of games.

 

[Chief00]

Seriously? You have never seen anyone here say that, seriously or in jest???

He was joking because it’s been a thing since before he won his first title. At first it was a real knock, then it was a joke because we destroyed everyone, and know it’s an even bigger joke because this season we’ve won a lot of close games.

I for one have never said that - and I don’t recall anyone in my Briefs threads saying that. Maybe some popular #2-#100 Casual Fans have said it, but I instantly discounted it for the reasons you cite and forgot?

 

[Chief00]

I think both are true. Hurley is innately a fighter and is always manufacturing slights as motivation.

True, always looking for bulletin board material to get the us against the World narrative and the fighter thing we definitely saw before halftime. To be clear, that’s pissed me off too, that we had zero fouls shots going against PC’s very aggressive defense, despite 8 the other way. For the game it was 18 to 27, so they had 50% more FT attempts, however 8 of that 9 attempt spread was built in the first half.

 

[Chief00]

If you look at every game record from 2019 through the 24 championship you’ll see either wide margin wins or close losses, with practically zero close wins. It’s almost comical looking through it. For a long time it became a running joke that Hurley couldn’t win close games with some recurring concern for his end game coaching.

Clearly he has very much upped his end game coaching big time, especially as of late. His management of T~Reed with 4 fouls was particularly masterful tonight.

But I think it’s fitting that he brought up the issue tonight because this game proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his teams can win even the closest of games.

Maybe I am rationalizing but did we overachieve in his “close early loses” during 2019/2022? I also think in a close game getting zero foul shots in a half becomes an even bigger factor. So that’s typically what I complained about rather than us not winning the close ones.

 

[GHSWolverines]

1. PC was shooting the ball out of their arses.
2. SD was a dawg tonight with 15 assists, great defense, and 23 points. I hope this game is a spring board for him.
3. TR made some good adjustments in the 2nd half both offensively and defensively.
4. Dan Hurley practiced what he has preached recently. SB was a liability on defense and road the pine most of the 2nd half.
5. Kudos to JS. I thought he was pesky on defense.

 

[uconntoatl]

What happened to Solo Ball?

 

[husky429]

What happened to Solo Ball?

He was -17 in his minutes. Couldn't stay in front of anyone so Hurley benched him. Defend or ride the pine.

 

[Chin Diesel]

This thread is for trolls and casual fans.

 

[CL82]

This thread is for trolls and casual fans.

Which one are you?

 

[JustbrewitMan]

Maybe I am rationalizing but did we overachieve in his “close early loses” during 2019/2022? I also think in a close game getting zero foul shots in a half becomes an even bigger factor. So that’s typically what I complained about rather than us not winning the close ones.

That was the thing for anyone who was a rationale fan (yes I know, what fan is rational?)

A lot of those close losses were in the early days of Hurley UConn where he was still building culture, improving the roster. A lot of those “close losses” were indeed overachieving.

Then some of it had to do with the definition of close losses/wins that some would use. Wins/losses within 2/3/4 pts. Without any regard for the game flow coming down the stretch. A game that was 1-2 possession game near the end that concluded as a 5/6pt win wasn’t a “close win”.

Yes, there were also a few instances of questionable coaching decisions as well.

But for the most part, it was nonsense.

But the early Hurley haters and doubters clung onto it like dog hair to a black sweater.

It was indeed a running joke/argument here and in other discussion circles for quite some time.

 

[TheShot1990]

A great win against a home team that had guys have the shooting night of their careers. Hurley and I had the same two observations just before and at halftime. First, our centers were overplaying the high hedge and not getting back to their man soon enough. Second, PC had 8 foul shots to zero. The guy that most impacted was Reed, who was being fouled every play with no whistle.
Making an issue of that changed the second half for Reed who ended up with 20 points and 8 rebounds.
Another key was 25 assists to 12 turnovers. Four guys had 20-24 points as we found the open man (Reed 20, Demary 23, Karaban 23, Mullins 24). Altogether these guys shot a combined 55%.
Rebounding was big at the end but for the game we had a 37-33 deficit.
Reibe played like a freshman in his 8 minutes and Smith despite some skills will be held back in close games due to his 50% FT shooting and not being respected as a FG shooter. Hopefully, Ross fully recovers from his injury soon and Stewart focuses on what he can do well. I often feel preseason talk about depth is overrated and this was one of those nights.
Hurley commented after the game, that some people say he can’t win close games. I have not heard that from anyone - but when he won championships they won tournament Games by +20 points because they were that much better. Last season we probably overreached against FL and lost by a few points. It is amazing someone so successful is focus on negative narratives about him or complaining about people on social media not identifying themselves and their employer before criticizing Hurley. Not sure if these things really upset Danny or if he is using it more as a motivator?
But, who cares, what was nice tonight was quieting the PC fans who drank beer all night. Was it $2 beer night again?

"Making an issue of that changed the second half for Reed "

I said exactly the same thing in my post-game message. I overwhelmingly HATE technicals but this one made the point. Not only was Reed getting clobbered and illegally taken out of the game, but so were other players. Silas was jumped on and thrown to the floor by Oswin and hurt his wrist and no call.

 

[dogpause]

I consider the "not winning close games" criticism comical. Great coaches can lose close games because their team overachieved. Getting blown out doesn't mean you're a great coach. When we lost to Florida in the NCAA, it wasn't because Hurley couldn't win close games, but because we almost beat the eventual NC.

Demary showed why he is here. What a display of leadership and willing your team to victory.

Reed is a force. Wow!

Karaban used to frustrate me. Not anymore. He's really matured.

That was one of the best non-tournament wins in all my years as a UConn fan.

 

[JonnyRI]

I consider the "not winning close games" criticism comical. Great coaches can lose close games because their team overachieved. Getting blown out doesn't mean you're a great coach. When we lost to Florida in the NCAA, it wasn't because Hurley couldn't win close games, but because we almost beat the eventual NC.

Demary showed why he is here. What a display of leadership and willing your team to victory.

Reed is a force. Wow!

Karaban used to frustrate me. Not anymore. He's really matured.

That was one of the best non-tournament wins in all my years as a UConn fan.

It’s hard to fathom how much we (fans) will miss AK next year and years to come. Truly lucky to have him and Danny together for 4 years.

 

[gtcam]

If you don’t come out aggressive from the opening whistle you have to end up fighting for your lives and that is what we saw last night. Yes UConn won a thriller for their fans but it should not have been as close a game.
I had no problem with Dan Hurley in the face of the refs the first half- the officiating was horrible:
To me, Reed is a mystery. He was inked as all conference yet he had to have Dan Hurley in his face in both the Marquette and Providence to wake him up. The PC big was having his way until he had foul trouble and had to sit but you could also say that some of those fouls by the PC big should have been called in the 1st half. Jones is quite a player on Providence and the minutes he missed due to that football block did change the game. Jones is a handful and would love to see him in a UConn uniform.
Demery’s second half 3s were crucial: they kept the Huskies close early in the second half. His defense and hustle was impressive. His best game to date and staying on the floor shows how important he is to this team.
Ball and AK had tough defensive assignments and it had an overall effectiveness on the offensive side. AK with a huge 3 with a minute left in regulation .Stevie had a tough game offensively but had a crucial 3 with 2:30 left in regulation.
People here kill Mullens but the kid is a freshman and has ice water in his veins. He did so many little things on both sides of the ball during the game to keep it close. He is a winner. Hitting those 3s in OT was amazing.
English has taken a lot of crap as a coach but I felt he had a really good game plan. His team is scrappy and some say are better than their record but to lose a double figure lead at home with all the momentum is not a good look.
Finally, Floyd Jr.- makes you wonder if he had stayed what type of player he would be in a UConn uniform.
A huge win for this team and a bad loss for PC. UConn showed during the OT it has the patience and the mental toughness of a winner.

 

[Donyell 360]

"Making an issue of that changed the second half for Reed "

I said exactly the same thing in my post-game message. I overwhelmingly HATE technicals but this one made the point. Not only was Reed getting clobbered and illegally taken out of the game, but so were other players. Silas was jumped on and thrown to the floor by Oswin and hurt his wrist and no call.

I saw it differently. Reed was tentative in the first half, missed some close ones, seemed sped up by PC's greater energy. Sure, lack of calls played a part but let's not blame the refs for everything. We don't want them calling everything. Those are boring games. This was an amazing game. Let's give the refs credit for not getting in the way of an instant classic!

 

[Donyell 360]

If you don’t come out aggressive from the opening whistle you have to end up fighting for your lives and that is what we saw last night. Yes UConn won a thriller for their fans but it should not have been as close a game.
I had no problem with Dan Hurley in the face of the refs the first half- the officiating was horrible:
To me, Reed is a mystery. He was inked as all conference yet he had to have Dan Hurley in his face in both the Marquette and Providence to wake him up. The PC big was having his way until he had foul trouble and had to sit but you could also say that some of those fouls by the PC big should have been called in the 1st half. Jones is quite a player on Providence and the minutes he missed due to that football block did change the game. Jones is a handful and would love to see him in a UConn uniform.
Demery’s second half 3s were crucial: they kept the Huskies close early in the second half. His defense and hustle was impressive. His best game to date and staying on the floor shows how important he is to this team.
Ball and AK had tough defensive assignments and it had an overall effectiveness on the offensive side. AK with a huge 3 with a minute left in regulation .Stevie had a tough game offensively but had a crucial 3 with 2:30 left in regulation.
People here kill Mullens but the kid is a freshman and has ice water in his veins. He did so many little things on both sides of the ball during the game to keep it close. He is a winner. Hitting those 3s in OT was amazing.
English has taken a lot of crap as a coach but I felt he had a really good game plan. His team is scrappy and some say are better than their record but to lose a double figure lead at home with all the momentum is not a good look.
Finally, Floyd Jr.- makes you wonder if he had stayed what type of player he would be in a UConn uniform.
A huge win for this team and a bad loss for PC. UConn showed during the OT it has the patience and the mental toughness of a winner.

Lot of good points here. I think the problem with Reed (if you want to call it that) is he is too nice. He doesn't have a killer instinct. He is what he is in that regard. He came up huge for us in the second half, most notably, the game tying put back with 12 seconds left. Clutch. Glad he's a Husky! Credit Hurley for seeing something in him and making something of him.

To say the officiating was horrible feels a bit hyperbolic and a homer perspective. Of course the officiating was bad, we were losing!

Jones is impressive and I thought they would struggle when he went down but Mela came in and was a revelation. I like his offensive game. I like Vaaks and Sellers and Powell too. The problem is, PC is not great defensively. Duh, we scored 104 points in 45 minutes.

Who is killing Mullins here? He is worth the price of admission by himself. It is so exciting waiting to see what his potential will produce. Loved Hurley's comment on the court after the win, "get used to this." or something like that. Exciting times!

I like Kim English too. Not sure why he gets so much criticism. It is not easy to win at PC, small school with a small budget. Hurley said he is a good coach so that's good enough for me. Maybe that is just coaching fraternity speak but he didn't have to complement him.

I didn't remember Corey Floyd Jr. transferred from UConn. That explains why Hurley spent so much time talking to him after the game.

 

[bendm]

I for one have never said that - and I don’t recall anyone in my Briefs threads saying that. Maybe some popular #2-#100 Casual Fans have said it, but I instantly discounted it for the reasons you cite and forgot?

You only read the threads you start?

 

[Chief00]

1. PC was shooting the ball out of their arses.
2. SD was a dawg tonight with 15 assists, great defense, and 23 points. I hope this game is a spring board for him.
3. TR made some good adjustments in the 2nd half both offensively and defensively.
4. Dan Hurley practiced what he has preached recently. SB was a liability on defense and road the pine most of the 2nd half.
5. Kudos to JS. I thought he was pesky on defense.

I agree certain PC guys had a once a year shooting game. Jones is a tough guy to stay in front of when he is on. Give Corey Floyd credit too, he was the guy we recruited last night. Hurley had a conversation with him after the game.
Given that we had a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio as a team while PC had 2 more turnovers than assists. So it was more individual guys making plays and also be sloppy for PC.

 

[Donyell 360]

"Making an issue of that changed the second half for Reed "

I said exactly the same thing in my post-game message. I overwhelmingly HATE technicals but this one made the point. Not only was Reed getting clobbered and illegally taken out of the game, but so were other players. Silas was jumped on and thrown to the floor by Oswin and hurt his wrist and no call.

Count me as one who is skeptical of the effectiveness of strategic technical fouls. Giving the other team two extra free throws does not seem like a good strategy. Who am I to question Hurley but it seemed to me he wasn't happy about the Tech. If it was a strategy, wouldn't he be smirking? I guess he could be irritated that he felt it HAD to come to that. I just have a hard time believing we would not have won that game if Hurley had avoided crossing that line. Maybe we would have won in regulation. Who knows, pure speculation.

 

[QDOG5]

 

[Chief00]

I consider the "not winning close games" criticism comical. Great coaches can lose close games because their team overachieved. Getting blown out doesn't mean you're a great coach. When we lost to Florida in the NCAA, it wasn't because Hurley couldn't win close games, but because we almost beat the eventual NC.

Demary showed why he is here. What a display of leadership and willing your team to victory.

Reed is a force. Wow!

Karaban used to frustrate me. Not anymore. He's really matured.

That was one of the best non-tournament wins in all my years as a UConn fan.

Agree with your Demary, Karaban and Reed observations. With this group Karaban has a real good sense when he needs to come up with a great play for the team and usually does. Last year there wasn’t that connection with everyone.