Chiefs00 Briefs - Temple Edition

[Martin]

Deleting posts that gratuitously trash our players would be addition by subtraction.

Thank you. Amen!

 

[Bonehead]

Chief purposeful did not mention AG in his OP. It should be about the guys lacing up.

Chief warned everyone on Sunday the broom was out. As you can see, the starting lineup changed And the way we played. We all need self awareness and the ability to process feedback. Chief wishes everyone the best.

So broom out means a change in the starting lineup??

 

[HuskyFich]

Got home from a meeting tonight about 6:15, had a spontaneous urge to go watch the Huskies, and after getting an OK from the wife, rushed up to Storrs to take in the game. Arriving at 7:05, I was able to get a seat 6 rows behind the UConn bench for $15 (normally $44) from a scalper. This was only the 3rd game I've seen this season, but since I posted some observations after the other two games, figured I'd do the same for tonight's win:

- I first noticed only 2 players on the bench without their sweats on...looked like Hurley was going to use a short bench tonight. No one near me knew what was going on with Gilbert. The team played SMART in the first half, with only 1 player having more than 1 foul.

- A lot of us here on the Boneyard, me included, are often critical of Vital's decision making on the offensive end. But having such good seats tonight gave me a new appreciation for his hustle, anticipation, and effort on the defensive end. He's fighting against guys that are half a foot taller than he is, winning the rebounding battle (10 boards tonight!) and with 4 steals tonight, his average of 2.45 is tied for 12th in the country! His 89.8% free throw pct is also 12th in the country.

- Gaffney's going to be a real nice player for us, but he has got to pay attention to the shot clock. Twice in the second half, the Huskies had an inbounds play with 7 seconds left on the clock, yet he and the other players on the court were oblivious to it. SOMEONE has to be yelling from the bench to watch the shot clock.

- We haven't had many players who could dunk these past few years, and I had forgotten what an impact it makes in the building. Even though we were up by about 20 when Bouknight had his highlight reel slam, it electrified the crowd. Akok's dunk was also a beauty.

- Carlton had a nice game; I was a bit surprised that he sat the last 10 minutes or so.

- The free throw shooting was amazing, 28 for 30 for 93.3%. With everyone playing more minutes than normal, I would've expected tired legs causing poorer shooting. That helped overcome the struggles from the field tonight.

I will echo Chief's sentiment that we should all try to get to as many games as possible. It was a great atmosphere tonight. You might get as lucky as I did tonight:

View attachment 50420

I spy @microfich

 

[Tenspro2002]

Great post. Calhoun use to say the easiest way to improve foul shooting is having the right guys get fouled. When the ball moves like it did that tends to happen. I also agree with your CV comments. The kid just is sick of losing and wants to win so bad. Thanks for attending the game. The effort is appreciated.

Not only having the right guys fouled, but a lot of times it seems like FT shooting is contagious. When the rest of the team is locked in at the line, you might focus just a little more. And the result of all those makes likely adds confidence.

I can't imagine how deflating it must have been in the Houston game (I think, or maybe WSU) when Gilbert missed all of those free throws.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Got home from a meeting tonight about 6:15, had a spontaneous urge to go watch the Huskies, and after getting an OK from the wife, rushed up to Storrs to take in the game. Arriving at 7:05, I was able to get a seat 6 rows behind the UConn bench for $15 (normally $44) from a scalper. This was only the 3rd game I've seen this season, but since I posted some observations after the other two games, figured I'd do the same for tonight's win:

- I first noticed only 2 players on the bench without their sweats on...looked like Hurley was going to use a short bench tonight. No one near me knew what was going on with Gilbert. The team played SMART in the first half, with only 1 player having more than 1 foul.

- A lot of us here on the Boneyard, me included, are often critical of Vital's decision making on the offensive end. But having such good seats tonight gave me a new appreciation for his hustle, anticipation, and effort on the defensive end. He's fighting against guys that are half a foot taller than he is, winning the rebounding battle (10 boards tonight!) and with 4 steals tonight, his average of 2.45 is tied for 12th in the country! His 89.8% free throw pct is also 12th in the country.

- Gaffney's going to be a real nice player for us, but he has got to pay attention to the shot clock. Twice in the second half, the Huskies had an inbounds play with 7 seconds left on the clock, yet he and the other players on the court were oblivious to it. SOMEONE has to be yelling from the bench to watch the shot clock.

- We haven't had many players who could dunk these past few years, and I had forgotten what an impact it makes in the building. Even though we were up by about 20 when Bouknight had his highlight reel slam, it electrified the crowd. Akok's dunk was also a beauty.

- Carlton had a nice game; I was a bit surprised that he sat the last 10 minutes or so.

- The free throw shooting was amazing, 28 for 30 for 93.3%. With everyone playing more minutes than normal, I would've expected tired legs causing poorer shooting. That helped overcome the struggles from the field tonight.

I will echo Chief's sentiment that we should all try to get to as many games as possible. It was a great atmosphere tonight. You might get as lucky as I did tonight:

View attachment 50420

Had a similar view in Charleston. It does change you perception of some things for sure. I need to get down to Gampel for a weekend game soon, if we have any left.

 

[Chief00]

Had a similar view in Charleston. It does change your perception of some things for sure. I need to get down to Gampel for a weekend game soon, if we have any left.

One problem with the schedule is weekday games at Gampel and weekend games XL. It should be reversed.

 

[freescooter]

Gaff played well, but he needs to prove to me he can break down a good defender before I throw him starter minutes. His tendency to turn his back to the defender shows weakness/lack of confidence

He is getting starter minutes for the foreseeable future. He played really well. In control. Even made some shots. Now we have to see if this is a real thing or a combination of factors that won’t be repeated.

 

[Bonehead]

Quit baiting. It means that Hurley's patience with some players has run out. Under my own interpretation, based on no information other than what Hurley has said, it means that some players who could otherwise be back next year, won't be back. The fact that he keeps saying he's aggressively recruiting for more than one spot this spring, while we have zero open scholarships is a pretty clear indication. But the rules of this site don't allow us to speculate on individual potential transfers.

You forgot to mention APR...

 

[freescooter]

The guy who looked like a new man was Carlton. He scored rebounded. All around solid game. This team looked much more focused last night It happens sometimes when a team is really short handed. Some guys play over their heads. We will see if that is the case or if this team has at long last turned a corner. Let’s hope it is the latter.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Are you dense? He's saying that Al is with the team for the sake of protecting APR graduation rates.

Imagine being the guy who doubles down on this APR theory.

 

[joober jones]

I call bullsh^t.

Either you're really old or that coach is the oldest man in the world. And he is in fact a legend.

Amazon product ASIN 144227753X


Published 11/11/1958.

You obviously read the book too so I'll let you tell the rest of the BY what page that quote appears on and who said it.

Coach Reeves said it too. Remember when he threw the bullet pass toward the opposite side of the gym as Hayward was dribbling downcourt?

 

[glastonbury50]

The guy who looked like a new man was Carlton. He scored rebounded. All around solid game. This team looked much more focused last night It happens sometimes when a team is really short handed. Some guys play over their heads. We will see if that is the case or if this team has at long last turned a corner. Let’s hope it is the latter.

Yup. Love Hurley's reactions when Carlton goes up strong. He's really trying to motivate him and would not be surprised if he continues trending in the right direction and breaks out of his little slump.

 

[Waquoit]

One problem with the schedule is weekday games at Gampel and weekend games XL. It should be reversed.

Every year I think they are going to figure it out and every year I'm disappointed.

 

[HuskylnSC]

A strange take. A HOF coach did tell me that and many coaches might say that. The fact that it’s also mentioned in this book doesn’t surprise me - you could probably Google search some version of what he told me and get many hits. I just choose to reference what someone directly told me.

My high school coach told me that and he was not tht on top of things

 

[Chief00]

Every year I think they are going to figure it out and every year I'm disappointed.

It’s amazing - somebody is not earning their paycheck. Especially with seat donations, they need to understand their customers better.

 

[olehead]

Coach Reeves said it too. Remember when he threw the bullet pass toward the opposite side of the gym as Hayward was dribbling downcourt?

This is funny.

 

[Psolo12]

Imagine being the guy who doubles down on this APR theory.

I wasn't endorsing the theory, I was trying to explain what Chief was getting at which the guy clearly wasn't understanding and his lack of understanding the point attempting to be made, whether right or wrong, was irritating me.

 

[NJHusky]

Coach Hurley's post-game press conference told us a lot. He commented how the ball movement was better and there was more passing and less dribbling. He also indicated the three freshmen were excited about the opportunity to start together tonight. Coach Hurley talked about how the time has come for that group to lead the team going forward. I think that he has turned the page.

Maybe just be a piece of the puzzle instead of the focal point will also allow AG to just enjoy the rest of this season with a lot less pressure?

 

[Chief00]

Imagine being the guy who doubles down on this APR theory.

So you don’t think that APR is a consideration in how all this is being handled? The reality, given the circumstances, it’s more important to UConn’s MBB that he graduates than if he comes off the bench to play a handful of games in a back-up capacity. When you have a month left your senior year and your status is indefinite for personnel reasons - enough said.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Don’t discount it too much. Temple beat SJU aka the greatest collection of 3 point shooters ever assembled by almost 50.

 

[CbbisGreat]

It’s amazing what happens when the ball doesn’t stick. All the starting lineup scored between 5-8 points the first half.
Chief has been talking up Gaffney, even though he was injured most of pre season. Today you see why. He plays with poise and guys know they will get the ball if they work hard to get open in scoring position.
We played with 7 guys today and we had plenty of depth. Because every guy was into the game. Geno ball?
Last Sunday, Chief posted the broom was out, some understood what Chief meant, others didn’t. Now you all do.
Chief loves this team and the legend and history, which is UConn basketball. I have put my money where my mouth is the last 30 years. Now it’s time for everyone to put their butts in the seats. No exceptions! Cheer on the guys as Chief heads to NYC and Jersey February 7th to make next year great.
My one criticism tonight is that when you are up by 20+, with 7 minutes left you have to work the shot clock. But, hey that’s a nice problem to have.

Its nice shooting 90% from the foul line with over 20 foul shoots and having a point guard having a 5 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. These are winning statistics. We can shoot better from the field - more to come in building this team for 2021.
A legendary coach once told Chief the ball travels faster in the air than it can in the dribble - tonight was proof of that .

 

[CbbisGreat]

Legendary coach Bill Detrick used to say that all the time .

 

[Chief00]

Legendary coach Bill Detrick used to say that all the time .

The vintage Boston Celtic fast break off a made basket comes to mind. Calhoun used to practice it often. There was zip in the ball but no pass as the last resort blind sided fastballs. It was a thing of beauty to watch them practice up and down, up and down - the court they would go with everyone running at a good pace filling their lanes.