Coach Ollie - 3 games, 10 toes, 10 feet in. | The Boneyard

Coach Ollie - 3 games, 10 toes, 10 feet in.

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IMO, the promise of KO is, as least, as high as Amida Brimah, I have detailed all the coaches he played point guard for in other posts. It follows that he has discussed Xs and Os with the many of the best.

Seth Greenburg who might want to coach again someday seems to be using his press pass like a ticket to a clinic. First, it seems Ollie runs an intense practice teaching more in less time. That makes sense as all the players are improved under him since last year. It is especially impressive that he is adding new layers of skill to someone at Shabazz' level. I bet few coaches would know how to help him.

Here is what I see. Ollie has picked a style that players love to play. All player are being taught to read defenses and to know how to exploit what they see. It is fast and sets up highlight reel scoring chances. Incidentally, this is an amazing recruiting tool.

On recruiting, he forms relationships with player very well. Remember, that he got very close to Jabari Parker, despite the immense recruiting disadvantages he had with the temporary contract. Rodney Purvis know where to go when it didn't turn out as planned because KO had made his impression. I think KO knows why Hamilton hasn't signed and I am not worried about it. Hamilton came east for a reason and after UTEP, it is not so surprising that a Hamilton would not sign a LOI. Look at the other gets. Did anyone believe that Samuels or Brimah would be contributing like this? That speaks to his eye for ability and potential.

He recruits multiple PGs, (three this year, 2-3 next year) so there can be multiple players on the court who can handle, penetrate and dish. These player force the D to compact toward the basket, but the rest of the team are fleet wing players who shoot the three proficiently and can finish. This formula with persistent passing usually results in an un or poorly contested shot. He has them looking to score in transition, but he has emphasized the 3 on breakaways. So, if you are one of the defensive players over-matched on a UConn breakaway, you don't only have to worry about the cylinder, but you have to watch the pull up 3 or kickout 3.

I do think that it is harder to get offensive rebounds when your forwards are cutting to free themselves for threes or waiting for a pass in the corner instead of packing the lane waiting for a rebound. I think the long term plan is for a 5 to do that. Also, if the 5 is a shot blocker, it allows for a different style of defense.

KO is getting the pieces put together, meaning his prototypical 5 (like Brimah) is a solo block and rebound machine who runs the court like a small forward. We already have great guard play, but I think Ollie would prefer longer guards. We may be watching the development of a system that spreads through basketball.

Best of all, Ollie is true to himself. His style requires players with character. There has to be an incredible amount of conditioning which is aided by depth. Players have to be selfless enough to put team goals first. Nobody can take a play off. Less deep, disciplined or even slightly lazy teams will not be able to stay on the court with UConn in KO's system.

Ten toes, ten feet in.
 
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