Columbia Post Game Thread

[ctchamps]

This is why we ease into the schedule. There isn’t going to be end to end perfection. Not concerned about the O and the D will get better. There is good speed on the floor. I am concerned about battling on the glass. My impression is we might struggle against a long athletic team. Could be wrong but that’s my worry.

I don’t believe Tarris is playing at his full potential. He’s either not fully recovered, needs more time to get into game shape, or is being somewhat cautious in a blowout.

Let’s see what he does in the BYU game before we get concerned.

Reibe is another matter. He’s still learning the speed of the college level game, learning to integrate with more experienced players, and learning UConn’s system. He has the tools. Hurley is using the easier games to help him develop. I expect Koroma to get more playing time in the BYU game before at his expense.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Our issue with BYU will be Dybantsa fouling out our whole front line and the game never getting into a flow because of it. If the refs forget their whistles we are in good shape.

Watching a number of games, there are a bevy of guards out there that are driving to the rim with speed. I have been unimpressed with Demary defending drives and that will become important. I thought that was a key attribute he would bringing us.

Maybe focus on Rob Wright and preventing Dybantsa from getting the ball?

 

[ctchamps]

With the way Ross is playing, I almost wonder if he should start over Stewart. I’ll be very interested to see if he can keep this up against better competition; tonight, he looked very confident while Stewart had one of his invisible nights

Ross is more adaptable imo. And can cover 2-4. Better to let Stewart start and bring in Ross as defense requires. In the Columbia game Ball was struggling defensively and Ross came in for him.

The first three fouls on Ross were legitimate. The final two were ridiculous. Did Refs get ticked off by Hurley? Or did they feel sorry for Columbia and decide to take out our best perimeter player?

 

[husky429]

This is not exactly a hot take but they're so much better when Reed is on the floor. He's going to have to play at least 30-32 minutes in the close games against better competition. I hope he's ready for that and can stay out of foul trouble.

Crossing my fingers. Only 3 fouls in 42 mins of play so far. I hope that means something

 

[husky429]

If a player blocks a shot and comes down with the ball, does it also count as a steal?

I call that "the drummond"

 

[ctchamps]

Hurley must of told the guys to get into Kodiak more during half time. Need to feed the bear.

That plus the refs wanting to make their mark on the game changed the way offense was played in the second half.

Koroma didn’t get much playing time because Hurley is using the cupcake games to develop Reibe.

 

[husky429]

All the centers he has played so far have been forced to take fade away 12ft jump shots rather than try and score at the rim. They have hit a bunch but nobody is going to stop those shots.

It's not by accident they're making those shots on him but not Reed. Reibe needs to be more physical pre-catch and take guys off their scoring spot.

 

[M.S.G.]

Ross has finally passed Stewart, hate to admit it..

Totally fine with it though.

 

[homunculus]

People talk ish in the chat room. It's a dingy basement with a pony keg and a bong where the hot takes flow like wine. Please don't ruin it by bringing those hot takes upstairs into the light. Let the chat stay where it belongs in the chat room.

It already doesn’t stay in the chat.

 

[Scot-e]

BYU not playing super great so far. I think we should win this one, and I'm just dying to know who/how we guard AJD.

Great first half, Ross' best half of his career. Bummer to see him disappear in the second half, as it shows the inconsistency we all come to know.

Reed/Demary/Smith/Ball/AK look like they're ready.

Reibe is concerning - he lools like a fawn out there right now. Let's just hope his backup minutes are against their backup 5. Stew was non existent.

Let him get his points and shut down everyone else. The “Purdue “ method.

 

[ctchamps]

Yep. The shooting is awesome but he also just knows how to play and he's quick/fast with his movements and decision making. We're also going to be very quick on defense when he's back and Ross gets to sub in for him.

Would love to see a lineup of Demary, Ross, Mullins, Karaban and Reed.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

Most of the 2nd half was a perfect storm of a few things that made it total poo-poo.

To their credit, Columbia made a defensive adjustment in the 2nd half to start overplaying our perimeter offense. Rather than attack it with relentless blowby drives and cuts/backdoor cuts, we just kinda stagnated and forced lousy dangerous East-West passes. This happened for a bunch of possessions. Those chastising Ross for "disappearing" in the 2nd half should realize that he, like JStew, is the 4th/5th option for offense. They almost always will not be getting the ball as a 1st/2nd scoring option. Our sets never progressed enough to get Ross good looks.

The refs started calling things tighter, which took away all the game flow of the 1st half.

We got uninspired/complacent on defense for a bunch of possessions. Guys out of place, getting blown by, resulted in a lot of bad positioning/rotating (and fouls). In contrast, our D was swarming in the first half and resulted in a bunch of transition offense.

Some other things too, but you get the idea.

Hurley in his presser said something to the effect that the team fell victim to "human nature" in the second half (getting complacent when there wasn't much to worry about). We all know that there will be game film sessions over the next few days (probably pictures posted in front of urinals too) of things that we can't be doing on Saturday if we want to end up with a winning effort.

Early season, work in progress, but we're making progress. Other Top 20 teams are going through the same things if you watch games, look at box scores, game logs, etc.

 

[aceboon]

I'm stunned at the comments regarding Reibe. I thought a couple of his rebounds were really strong statement boards. All the centers he has played so far have been forced to take fade away 12ft jump shots rather than try and score at the rim. They have hit a bunch but nobody is going to stop those shots. He has helped and mixed it up just fine, and he has stayed out of foul trouble. Offensively he has missed a couple 5ft shots on low volume but looks good taking them and a percentage will fall. What in the world were guys expecting in the early part of the kid's freshman year? Count me in the camp that is thrilled with him.

The expectations on the boneyard for backup centers have become way out of wack due to how good Clingan was as a backup his freshman year. We saw it with how Samson got killed his junior year(and we still have certain posters here taking shots at him every chance they get) and now it appears that Reibe will be the new whipping boy if he's not dominant in his 12 mpg.

 

[RedStickHusky]

I couldn't disagree more, every one of those losers deserves to be shamed endlessly

The easy and obvious solution is "don't go"... Only an HOA Karen goes down in the basement to yell at people. Or does everybody everywhere have to accommodate your sensibilities?

 

[RuffRuff]

The expectations on the boneyard for backup centers have become way out of wack due to how good Clingan was as a backup his freshman year. We saw it with how Samson got killed his junior year(and we still have certain posters here taking shots at him every chance they get) and now it appears that Reibe will be the new whipping boy if he's not dominant in his 12 mpg.

I'm not sure anyone is looking to whip him. It's a simple recognition that he doesn't appear quite ready, showcases some basic gaps that can become liabilities against really good competition. Could you imagine him on the floor with a guy like Zubi?

 

[HW611]

Ross is more adaptable imo. And can cover 2-4. Better to let Stewart start and bring in Ross as defense requires. In the Columbia game Ball was struggling defensively and Ross came in for him.

The first three fouls on Ross were legitimate. The final two were ridiculous. Did Refs get ticked off by Hurley? Or did they feel sorry for Columbia and decide to take out our best perimeter player?

I'm always of the thought that defense starts off games. You get to put Ross on the other teams best offensive player and get him to get off to a slow start.

Then bring in the more offensive minded player with the bench unit. Let Ross play next to the starting guys where he can comfortably be the 5th option.

Let Stew come off the bench with Smith where he's now a guy who can have priority in the offense.

 

[Gurleyman]

Are they recording team rebounds for dead ball missed free throws??

Edit: they are doing this, at least per the ESPN app play-by-play. My real question is why on earth are they doing that? There literally is not a rebound occurring.

A deadball rebound doesn’t count towards a team total. It’s a separate category. Every missed shot has to have a rebound associated with it, so misses when the play is dead for the rebound - foul shots, end of the half or quarter, airballs on shot clock violations, ball going over the top of the backboard, are considered deadball and put in a separate category (just to account for the missed shot)

A ball going out of bounds is considered a team rebound and does count towards the team total - since the ball was live and it was contested.

 

[navery12]

The easy and obvious solution is "don't go"... Only an HOA Karen goes down in the basement to yell at people. Or does everybody everywhere have to accommodate your sensibilities?

Of course they don't, that's why you've seen a grand total of 0 messages from me in the chat room. I never go in that cesspool. But I very much enjoy when people shame the idiots who do in the post game threads

 

[RedStickHusky]

Of course they don't, that's why you've seen a grand total of 0 messages from me in the chat room. I never go in that cesspool. But I very much enjoy when people shame the idiots who do in the post game threads

That strikes me as odd; I'm generally not one of those hot take posters but I love seeing the silly stuff that comes out in the heat of the moment. Sometimes someone will admit they were over the top... Much more fun to watch when they double down. I don't need to see anyone shamed though. We all have our own way to fan.

 

[Mr. French]

I'm stunned at the comments regarding Reibe. I thought a couple of his rebounds were really strong statement boards. All the centers he has played so far have been forced to take fade away 12ft jump shots rather than try and score at the rim. They have hit a bunch but nobody is going to stop those shots. He has helped and mixed it up just fine, and he has stayed out of foul trouble. Offensively he has missed a couple 5ft shots on low volume but looks good taking them and a percentage will fall. What in the world were guys expecting in the early part of the kid's freshman year? Count me in the camp that is thrilled with him.

Here’s the thing: most posters are dopey.

 

[ctchamps]

Ross has finally passed Stewart, hate to admit it..

Totally fine with it though.

I’m not sure we need to make this a contest between our players. Both Ross and Stewart are improving and make UConn a deep and dangerous team come postseason if Mullins comes back strong from his injury.

Stewart’s problem is he has an all American 4 in front of him that has to be on the court for most of the game. The rare time Alex is out doesn’t allow for game time development for the position he’s best at. We should be grateful he’s willing to stay at UConn until Alex graduates.

Ross’s defense is potentially at an elite level. He’s finally getting enough playing time to get comfortable and show flashes of it. His development and ability to prove himself is the major compensation for Mullins injury.

 

[ctchamps]

The easy and obvious solution is "don't go"... Only an HOA Karen goes down in the basement to yell at people. Or does everybody everywhere have to accommodate your sensibilities?

I’m calling you out for being what you dislike.

 

[thekollieman]

A deadball rebound doesn’t count towards a team total. It’s a separate category. Every missed shot has to have a rebound associated with it, so misses when the play is dead for the rebound - foul shots, end of the half or quarter, airballs on shot clock violations, ball going over the top of the backboard, are considered deadball and put in a separate category (just to account for the missed shot)

A ball going out of bounds is considered a team rebound and does count towards the team total - since the ball was live and it was contested.

My understanding of team rebounds is that they are precisely for all of those deadball rebound situations you mentioned. If those don’t count towards team rebounds, then team rebounds as a category wouldn’t need to exist. ESPN describes Solo missing his very first free throw of the game (first out of two attempts) as a “UConn Deadball Team Rebound.” Are you saying they don’t count that as a team rebound?

 

[ctchamps]

I'm not sure anyone is looking to whip him. It's a simple recognition that he doesn't appear quite ready, showcases some basic gaps that can become liabilities against really good competition. Could you imagine him on the floor with a guy like Zubi?

You’re just stating the obvious. Most of us are aware he’s not at that level yet. It’s the continuous need to point it out that some of us have an issue with your posts. You’re not some poster who lacks the understanding of the game like many of us. You offer a lot to this forum. Your knowledge is extensive. It’s your journey but I think you can be much more admired if you chose a less contentious approach.

 

[Punkbo]

Quick reality check: Our 2004 National Championship team only beat Yale by 10 and got pounded by Georgia Tech in November. This type of thing can happen early in the season.

Whether we win every pre-conference game or not, the current team is very good and can compete with anyone in the country. The team will be even better when we get Mullins back. I agree that rebounding is the biggest concern, but let’s stay calm. It’s November.

 

[mauconnfan]

This is not exactly a hot take but they're so much better when Reed is on the floor. He's going to have to play at least 30-32 minutes in the close games against better competition. I hope he's ready for that and can stay out of foul trouble.

Really the most important factor is Tarris staying on the floor and healthy. Foul trouble will be an issue if he goes back to overplaying and reaching. He’s a huge piece for this team. 28-32 minutes a must.

 

[Dove]

You really think Dan Hurley, along with Luke Murray and Kimani, aren't designing plays and are out spending too much time on a book tour? Really?

My comment was a call back to a silly comment made in chat by the Yarder I replied to. Only about 6 people here would get it and I risked it.

 

[Kenny11]

Ross has finally passed Stewart, hate to admit it..

Totally fine with it though.

I don't think so (unless Ross keeps making 3's) but we will see. I thought Stewart was fine even though he didn't score much. He is a very good passer. It will be interesting to see how Ross is used in the BYU game and if he can play that intense defense without fouling.

 

[Palatine]

We have watched five game now, so there is a little data. I think Reibe has good hands but not strong hands. He has to make up for that with aggression and toughness. As his body fills out and he gains some man strength he should be a very good player. But that will not happen overnight. He is going to have some difficult games.

On defense, he can not and probably should not high hedge at this time. His teammates also need to help him a little when he gets bullied under the basket. Don't know if that will happen as Hurley probably prefers he gives up a two rather than the ball being passed out the arc.

On offense, he looks like he can roll to the basket well. And his height should get him some junk. We still haven't seen the three pointer that Hurley said makes him a "cheat code."

But if he can give us an adequate 12 minutes a game, he can help this team.

 

[aceboon]

I'm not sure anyone is looking to whip him. It's a simple recognition that he doesn't appear quite ready, showcases some basic gaps that can become liabilities against really good competition. Could you imagine him on the floor with a guy like Zubi?

He's a freshman center who is not a one and done(and even those have their warts, ala Dereck Lively), if you accept that he's not gonna be dominant and a clear step down from Reed then it's much easier to digest his play and not rant and rave about his performance after every single game. I just think this board spends too much time crying and complaining about backup center minutes, some teams don't even have good centers, the vast majority of backup centers are not supposed to be all that good. When Ryan Kalkbrenner was at Creighton for the past decade I couldn't even name who was their backup center, same with Edey at Purdue his last couple of years. If Reed is the center we all expect him to be and plays to his level, however Reibe plays will be the least of my concerns. I'm just looking for good signs and growth for him to eventually take over that spot in a year.