Dan Hurley on UConn's Jayden Ross: "A Switch Has Been Flipped."

[HuskyInfinity]

The thing with Andre was that Hurley told him to focus on 3 point shooting throughout his time here. He adjusted when it was accepted that wouldn’t be a thing and it hurt the team and then asked him to attack more and play closer to the rim. He should’ve asked him to do that from day 1 but didn’t for similar reasons we’re hearing about Ross dribble penetration, it wasn’t needed at the time. It was a very reactive instead of proactive way of developing him.

I don’t think focusing on overall player development and winning have to be mutually exclusive.

And you don’t think there’s correlation between this moment and the macrocosm of Hurley figuring “it” out ? I agree I think Hurley gave Andre every opportunity to prove his shooting development, but also Hurley then is not Hurley now. He has far more resources, carte Blanche and leeway to construct the team while having confidence in this approach. I think everything before this moment is predictive of Hurley learning from a philosophy that is not optimal for winning or positioning his players to be the best they can be.

Totally agree there was some reactive decision making there but how could he not bc he wasn’t getting the results he did after the fact. It is in this way why he is not asking Ross to be a dribble drive creator/scorer. His bag is 3-D wing and that’s what will get him to the league and another championship, the rest is gravy.

 

[Citrusdog]

He's hyping Ross up before tipoff.

True but, he looks terrific when he is on the floor. There’s no need to compare him to anyone - just watch how he integrates in our system. To me although just a fan - with some polishing he looks he could play at the next level. There is always work to do but, he ain’t no bench warmer. Props to the one who spotted him and got us to re riot him. I’m already a big fan of JR.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

The above "debate" reminds me of a quote from the head coach of the Chinese ping pong national team when asked about an upcoming player that had an excellent forehand but a weak backhand... He said we're going to make his forehand so world class dominant that the status of his backhand will become a moot point. Now, ping pong and basketball are certainly different games, but the point was to play to a player's strengths. That player, by the way, went on to dominate the world ping pong scene.

 

[freshler40]

huh? It's not like Ross is sitting out dribble penetration drills in practice. It's not a strength of his, ok, but he's a 3 and D guy generally. I don't think Hurley is overly concerned that Ross isn't great yet at a skill that UConn isn't going to need him for this year. It's like Clingan and 3's. Got great form, but Hurley didn't want to hear about it, because it wasn't what DC's job was. I don't see any abdication of developmental coaching.

Thanks guys, for the above coaches incites about players and what they bring to the team.

 

[freshler40]

He's hyping up all 3 sophomores

So much for the one and dones and the transfer market. That may work some, but the mix and fan loyalty go a long way toward making a great team. This is what Hurley, and his staff bring every year.

 

[RuffRuff]

He's hyping up all 3 sophomores

On multiple occasions he’s specifically pointed to Solo and Ross making big leaps, leaving out Stew. And in at least one he mentioned Stew having to catch up. I’m sure it’s motivational, but he’s omitting Stew from the leap convo for a reason. Will be curious to see how that looks on the floor.

 

[pj]

I hope you’re right about this development plan for Ross. I’m of the opinion that it’s best to add to player skills to help them be more well rounded rather than maximizing skills they already have.

In the summer is when you focus on building new skills. In the season is when you focus on what helps the team win.

As Hurley said, there's a "me time" and there's a "we time".

 

[FreeKlaiber]

No that’s not what I said at all. They failed him because they pushed all their chips into him becoming a 3 pt shooter and nothing else until it was too late.

Which makes my skin crawl when I see him dismissing a need for Ross to develop other offensive skills outside of just shooting. There’s more to offense than just telling guys to become better 3 point shooters but it’s all we seem to teach.

"pushed all their chips into him (AJax) becoming a 3 pt shooter"

Really? They only had AJ shooting 3's because teams were sagging off him to the point of embarrassment. They were trying to make someone who couldn't shoot at all (I said it) into someone the opponents at least had to COVER. If there is no shot option from a player, its hard to play 4 on 5. It was same thing with watching the Wrench toss up threes senior year. They were both learning on the court (IMO) so that we could space floor and not have Scheierman standing under the hoop playing one man zone. Hard to run effective backdoor cuts when there is an opponent standing under the hoop.

We were (mistakenly) doing what you seem to be advocating for: force players into using weak parts of their game IN the game. It didn't work, and then we bailed on making believe we could fix that form, and went to his individual STRENGTH. I prefer going to your strengths, and not have Nowell posting up or Singare shooting 3's.

Or Ross doing alot of dribble penetration at this point

 

[Deleted at users request]

In the summer is when you focus on building new skills. In the season is when you focus on what helps the team win.

As Hurley said, there's a "me time" and there's a "we time".

Did that comment not take place during summer practices? If not my apologies.

 

[navery12]

On multiple occasions he’s specifically pointed to Solo and Ross making big leaps, leaving out Stew. And in at least one he mentioned Stew having to catch up. I’m sure it’s motivational, but he’s omitting Stew from the leap convo for a reason. Will be curious to see how that looks on the floor.

Sure, but there is literally a quote, from yesterday,where he's talking about Stewart breaking out this year. What he said weeks or months ago doesn't matter, despite your vested interest in having Stewart underperform

 

[gtcam]

My God, I didn't know the Hurley family had so many BYers.
HW611 has an opinion of a certain subject - player development in some players - and EVERY coach has a different way of approaching it. I always felt that Dan Hurley and staff didn't work with Hawk enough on his driving to the hoop and ball handling. That doesn't mean they are lacking in coaching skills; it just means that they look at development a bit differently than some of us. They have won back to back NCs and have several recent players now in the NBA so it is quite obvious that what the staff has been doing OVER ALL has been brilliant.
However, there is still room for continued improvement in some areas and I strongly feel that Dan Hurley and staff would agree.
Opinions are opinions

 

[August_West]

There are always going to be guys with that ability. If Hurley doesn’t want to take that time for him to invest in Ross doing that now what will change next year?

That mindset is what kept Andre from being developed offensively until his last year when it effected winning. I’d appreciate if Hurley could be more proactive about developing some of the really great talent we have here without waiting for it to affect winning first.

This is a championship college basketball program, not the G league. He will develop, but not at the expense of team goals.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Ross tweaked an ankle in practice. Sounds like there is more of a chance that McNeeley plays than Ross playing.

Practices must be getting brutal with everyone vying for playing time.

I think it’s remarkable that Hurley gets them from being crazy competitive in practice against each other and then once there is another opponent they are connected.

 

[ddent68]

This is not a great thing as a development coach to me and makes me sigh. Like if a player has a deficiency why is the mindset to coach around it instead of developing it?

Ross will need to learn that eventually at the next level. Punting on doing that for a year is not good development.

So he should have parked Donovan at the three point line because he needed that skill in the NBA? Donovan worked on it himself outside of games. Ross can do the same thing.

 

[Mr. French]

My God, I didn't know the Hurley family had so many BYers.
HW611 has an opinion of a certain subject - player development in some players - and EVERY coach has a different way of approaching it. I always felt that Dan Hurley and staff didn't work with Hawk enough on his driving to the hoop and ball handling. That doesn't mean they are lacking in coaching skills; it just means that they look at development a bit differently than some of us. They have won back to back NCs and have several recent players now in the NBA so it is quite obvious that what the staff has been doing OVER ALL has been brilliant.
However, there is still room for continued improvement in some areas and I strongly feel that Dan Hurley and staff would agree.
Opinions are opinions

Everyone here is stating opinions, they overwhelmingly disagree with the premise presented.

Now, that normal and civil disagreement, with facts, is met by you claiming everyone must be a Hurley family member.

Think about who’s making it an issue beyond opinions. You might be surprised.

 

[Lambeau]

Big opportunity for Ross tonight--can't wait to see the new Jayden. McNeeley's minutes may be limited to rest the ankle.
Or will it be Abraham at the 3?

 

[RuffRuff]

Sure, but there is literally a quote, from yesterday,where he's talking about Stewart breaking out this year. What he said weeks or months ago doesn't matter, despite your vested interest in having Stewart underperform

If you think I’m interested in Stew underperforming you have me pegged about as wrong as it gets. I’d be thrilled, like I would be for any Husky, to work their way into the lottery and be an absolute killer. I’m always most interested in seeing every kid on the team reach max potential. I try to keep some objectivity around it. I hope Stew crushes it, and curious to see what plus skills he presents this year.

 

[UCONNFAN179]

On multiple occasions he’s specifically pointed to Solo and Ross making big leaps, leaving out Stew. And in at least one he mentioned Stew having to catch up. I’m sure it’s motivational, but he’s omitting Stew from the leap convo for a reason. Will be curious to see how that looks on the floor.

It could be partly due to having AK. Solo's & Ross' leaps can potentially translate to additional minutes at the 2/3 immediately over other "comparable" players. No matter how much Stew improves, it's highly unlikely it'd be enough where he's taking away any of AK's allotted minutes.

 

[7774]

Big opportunity for Ross tonight--can't wait to see the new Jayden. McNeeley's minutes may be limited to rest the ankle.
Or will it be Abraham at the 3?

 

[JerseyAlum]

Love me Hurley psychology on display. Jacking up Ross and simultaneously being disappointed in his play or off court actions. Ross is not going to be a 2, he is a 3 by size and bk acumen and just needs to be better on catch and shoot 3s and driving to the rim.

Our backcourt "situation" is having too many guards.
1. Maheney - I see as a combo guard, 2 year starter, learning Hurley's offense
2. Diarra - A true point guard, can drive, hit a 3, dish, and protect the ball.
3. Nowell - I see as an understudy to Diarra - learning the college game, offense, and can shoot and dish.
4. Ball - I see as a shooting guard more than point or combo.
5. Diaby (walk on) - 6'5" will be used if Hurley wants to send a message to 1-4 above for lack of effort or decision making.

I can see a Maheney/Ball backcourt as much as I can see a Diarra/Ball back court...likely depends on opponent/game situations/trend of practices and play. Diarra/Maheney could still work as all guards can shoot the 3, drive, and dish and protect the ball.

Wings - AK, McNeeley, Stewart, Ross, Abraham - 2 will start and 3 will rotate in to give starters a rest, or sub in for fouls mounting, etc. Probably the most minutes will be Stewart and Ross but Abraham as a frosh can get 2-3 min and more if he plays well.

Centers - Johnson, Reed Jr, Singare - I predict 2 on the court at some point if we want really good big protection like Johnson and Reed Jr. with AK makes a hell of a front court. But largely one will play at a time.

So much of this is team chemistry though - which 5 gel best and that will take some games, and some practices to take shape.

 

[Deleted at users request]

This is a championship college basketball program, not the G league. He will develop, but not at the expense of team goals.

I’m not sure why the assumption is that these have to be mutually exclusive.

 

[Deleted at users request]

So he should have parked Donovan at the three point line because he needed that skill in the NBA? Donovan worked on it himself outside of games. Ross can do the same thing.

You’re talking to the wrong guy about 3 point shooting being a necessary NBA skill for someone who is 7’2 before he has a post game.

 

[Umami Zen]

Not sure where the concern on Ross's handle is coming from. Was a PG early in his HS career until he hit a growth spurt which dictated a change in position. Does he have a PG handle now? No. Is it functional for his CBB position as a SF/SG(3)? I think so. We have plenty of primary and secondary ball handlers on this team. He's going to be a key contributor for us this year when he's in the rotation.

Edit: Danny has said its very important to have excellent ball security-value the ball-and move the ball within our offensive schemes/sets. The ball moves much faster with a pass than a dribble. Jayden will play the role needed and not stop the ball from moving and finding the open man.

 

[RuffRuff]

Love me Hurley psychology on display. Jacking up Ross and simultaneously being disappointed in his play or off court actions. Ross is not going to be a 2, he is a 3 by size and bk acumen and just needs to be better on catch and shoot 3s and driving to the rim.

Our backcourt "situation" is having too many guards.
1. Maheney - I see as a combo guard, 2 year starter, learning Hurley's offense
2. Diarra - A true point guard, can drive, hit a 3, dish, and protect the ball.
3. Nowell - I see as an understudy to Diarra - learning the college game, offense, and can shoot and dish.
4. Ball - I see as a shooting guard more than point or combo.
5. Diaby (walk on) - 6'5" will be used if Hurley wants to send a message to 1-4 above for lack of effort or decision making.

I can see a Maheney/Ball backcourt as much as I can see a Diarra/Ball back court...likely depends on opponent/game situations/trend of practices and play. Diarra/Maheney could still work as all guards can shoot the 3, drive, and dish and protect the ball.

Wings - AK, McNeeley, Stewart, Ross, Abraham - 2 will start and 3 will rotate in to give starters a rest, or sub in for fouls mounting, etc. Probably the most minutes will be Stewart and Ross but Abraham as a frosh can get 2-3 min and more if he plays well.

Centers - Johnson, Reed Jr, Singare - I predict 2 on the court at some point if we want really good big protection like Johnson and Reed Jr. with AK makes a hell of a front court. But largely one will play at a time.

So much of this is team chemistry though - which 5 gel best and that will take some games, and some practices to take shape.

Hurley has recently stated running a lineup of 3 big wings 2-4, to help the 5s on the glass, is an option. Solo doesn’t qualify as a big wing. He’s also stated not for-seeing a lot of minutes of 2 small guards together.

Take a look at Duke, not that they’re the gold blueprint, but Foster and Proctor are neither traditional PGs and 6’5” and 6’6”. Their advantage is length to guard the 3. The game is changing, more position-less, less dribbling on ball. We will absolutely see a Ross or Liam at the 2. And it’s exactly how he recruited this last class of guards.

 

[August_West]

Sure, but there is literally a quote, from yesterday,where he's talking about Stewart breaking out this year. What he said weeks or months ago doesn't matter, despite your vested interest in having Stewart underperform

I get the feeling Stewie isn't the greatest practice player and that it may be similar to the Tristen situation where the styles of the coaching staff and the player aren't automatically aligned and will be feeling each other out to reach a mutually beneficial scenario.

 

[HooperScooper]

5. Diaby (walk on) - 6'5" will be used if Hurley wants to send a message to 1-4 above for lack of effort or decision making.

Hurley has enough "mouths to feed" and options. Unless things go horribly wrong (like the year Sami Ameziane had to play or during one of the Ollie years where a walk-on had to take the last shot in a 1 possession game) I'd be shocked if a walk-on gets any minutes besides garbage time.

 

[August_West]

I’m not sure why the assumption is that these have to be mutually exclusive.

They never are, not entirely, but it depends on what the teams needs are first and foremost.

 

[Umami Zen]

Hurley has recently stated running a lineup of 3 big wings 2-4, to help the 5s on the glass, is an option. Solo doesn’t qualify as a big wing. He’s also stated not for-seeing a lot of minutes of 2 small guards together.

Take a look at Duke, not that they’re the gold blueprint, but Foster and Proctor are neither traditional PGs and 6’5” and 6’6”. Their advantage is length to guard the 3. The game is changing, more position-less, less dribbling on ball. We will absolutely see a Ross or Liam at the 2. And it’s exactly how he recruited this last class of guards.

Valid points. Solo does play bigger than his size due to his wing span-athleticism-vertical jumping capability to help on the glass and disrupt on D and in passing lanes.

 

[UCTitleTown]

I think we're going to have to play with two basketballs this season with all these options.

 

[Scottobot]

Hurley was on Jon Rothnstein’s College Hoops Today podcast and had some pretty glowing comments on Ross.

Would be a great development if Ross ends up being a big time contributor on the team. He looked super confident in the Rhode Island scrimmage.

Dan Hurley on UConn's Jayden Ross: "A Switch Has Been Flipped."

UConn coach Dan Hurley has high praise for sophomore Jayden Ross.

www.fanduel.com

So when Ross is healthy is he now projected to be a starter?