Love Hurley as our coach, but his monotone delivery kills me every time.
Some Notes:
Gaffney - has the talent needs consistency if he want to go from 6th man to starter.
Analytics - Hurley getting more into the analytics recently, but RJ Cole has a good mid-range game, but he's been on the guys about shot selection and not taking the "tough two." Hurley got an analytics company referral from Nate Oats. Hurley used it to analyze transfers both in and out. It's a tool.
Portal - We kicked the tires on some guys while Polley was undecided. Staff made some initial calls, but Hurley didn't speak with them. It didn't "line up" with current team versus transfers he was comfortable bringing (i.e., not an upgrade.) But he's okay with doing it if it makes sense.
Style of Play - Not going to be anywhere near the same focus on perimeter game. Adama will be a focus point. Will play big at 4-5
Adama/Whaley, Adama/Akok, Adama/Samson (Note the reoccuring theme. Whaley will back up Sanogo. Can play four out with Polley or Martin at the four and Whaley at five. Can play skill line up or big line up. If playing big less dribbling, better screens.
Last year - Too much deferral to Bouk.
Murray - Bring value both recruiting and as a coach. Brilliant mind. Constantly brings ideas, some right for the team, some not.
Front Court - Could be (and should be) on of the best in the nation. Adama has established as low post scorer. IW has to make 30 years. Akok needs establish shooting so people guard him. "If we are going to struggle guarding guys at the arc need to punish them in the paint for making us chase them around." Samson has wall potential, just needs to eliminate freshmen mistakes. IW could be on the best 4/5 swingmen if he makes his threes. Was a little cryptic about Akok. Springs - "could play this year."
Hawkins looks pretty good. First round NBA draft potential. High level getting into shot, good footwork, but needs to get sturdier, better ball security, needs to play defense. Has a chance to be a huge factor this year. Interviewer mentioned mole on the staff praised Hawkins. Hurley said as soon as he gets back he'll root him out... only half joking imo.
Miscellaneous
- Wife thinks DH is like is Larry David because he lives by a weird code.
- Football will get reestablished, but UConn is a basketball school.
- Two scrimmages against really high level teams. He's lost a lot (4-12), but he doesn't run a lot in (because he doesn't want sets leaking out.) Other coaches, might take it a little more seriously. But he did flip out on a official one time. John Gwynn (!) tried to make peace, but Hurley wasn't having it. They threatened to throw him out but it was his gym and a scrimmage and he refused to leave. "There was no security to make me leave so it was an empty threat."