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

[Deleted at users request]

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

In a case like Ross, I don’t see how developing his dribble drive skills and working with him on it over the summer would harm the team. That’s what I don’t get about the either or. He has a reputation as a shooter already.

Like I’m pretty sure Lamb’s 3 point FG% went down his sophomore year but he wasn’t known for being any less of a shooter than he was while he picked up much needed play creation ability for his NBA future.

 

[Mr. French]

In a case like Ross, I don’t see how developing his dribble drive skills and working with him on it over the summer would harm the team. That’s what I don’t get about the either or. He has a reputation as a shooter already.

Like I’m pretty sure Lamb’s 3 point FG% went down his sophomore year but he wasn’t known for being any less of a shooter than he was while he picked up much needed play creation ability for his NBA future.

I think you’re conflating 2 things. Hurley never had the take that he doesn’t care if he ever develops it, nor did anyone ever suggest they do nothing to work on it in the offseason.

Hurley talking about him “not needing to do that” is specific to THIS team, right now. He’s going to keep developing every weakness, but you’re not going to hyper focus on something he can’t do NOW because he’s not asking him to do that role NOW. Hence the idea he “doesn’t care.”

It IS mutually exclusive because he’s only talking about right now, this roster, this skillset.

 

[dennismenace]

For those who didn't watch the 10 minute video from the summer, where they had a five-minute in-depth video of the coaches in their meeting room before practice, they were talking about how Ross just had to figure out what they want him to be- a dawg on D and a catch and shoot and finisher at the rim. Hurley specifically mentioned how Ross was struggling with dribble penetration and how Hurley didn't care because Ross wasn't going to be doing that in games. It was a great display of Hurley noticing a deficiency and simultaneously dismissing it because UConn doesn't need that skill from that player.

Skip to around the 4:35 mark to see the discussions about Ross.

Not surprised that Dan Hurley leans quite heavily on Dog D. That has always been a hallmark of his teams. The shooting is now what separates his teams from the past ones. This will not change going forward so the shooters to be will have to demonstrate they are serious about defense. With a very deep, talented and dog bench he will get this point across. Going to be a different team for sure but really excited about watching Dan Hurley and staff get these guys going.

 

[dennismenace]

In a case like Ross, I don’t see how developing his dribble drive skills and working with him on it over the summer would harm the team. That’s what I don’t get about the either or. He has a reputation as a shooter already.

Like I’m pretty sure Lamb’s 3 point FG% went down his sophomore year but he wasn’t known for being any less of a shooter than he was while he picked up much needed play creation ability for his NBA future.

I am impressed that he has taken such big steps and if he has that kind of drive the summer may very well be where he can polish some of those skills like Kemba and Hawkins did. Good for him!

 

[dennismenace]

I remember reading once a couple of years ago when Ross first came into the program, an early recruiting story if you will, that Ross was playing the point as a fifteen-year-old, a sophomore in high school, before he suddenly shot up in height from like 5'11 to 6'4 or so, and his coaches moved him into the frontcourt. Just sayin.

Same thing as Andre J but not sure if his coaches moved him to the frontcourt.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I think you’re conflating 2 things. Hurley never had the take that he doesn’t care if he ever develops it, nor did anyone ever suggest they do nothing to work on it in the offseason.

Hurley talking about him “not needing to do that” is specific to THIS team, right now. He’s going to keep developing every weakness, but you’re not going to hyper focus on something he can’t do NOW because he’s not asking him to do that role NOW. Hence the idea he “doesn’t care.”

It IS mutually exclusive because he’s only talking about right now, this roster, this skillset.

Agree to disagree on the mutual exclusivity. I don’t ever see a reason to not want a player to work on something they’ll eventually need. I understand he doesn’t “need” it but it wouldn’t hurt the roster if that was a skill that we could teach him either.

Maybe the choice of words is the problem. Saying “it’s something we’re developing but it’s okay if he isn’t great right now with this roster” is a lot different than “I don’t care if he can’t do it because he doesn’t need to with this team.”

The latter sounds like reactive development when it affects winning instead of having a proactive development plan from the beginning for a player.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Maybe the reason Hurley said he is not going to be asked to do that, is because he knew the comment was going to be recorded and he used it to pass on some misinformation.

I think he mixed in a little truth, the comment about being a long lean quick defensive machine, because we need that from him, but from what I have seen Ross can go to the basket. He is not great but he is long with very good hops, he has nba size and athleticism he can get his shot off and that is the most important thing he will learn how to finish.

He has a super high ceiling and I think we should not underestimate what this kid provides this year.

And in his post game interview Hurley says if Ross was healthy he would have started. That could be a motivational volley. But in the same quote he also says Ross has been a beast getting to the rim……hmmmmmmm

 

[JerseyAlum]

And in his post game interview Hurley says if Ross was healthy he would have started. That could be a motivational volley. But in the same quote he also says Ross has been a beast getting to the rim……hmmmmmmm

Appreciate the info - Ross was inconsequential and now we (I?) know why. Starter? Not sure he would be > McNeeley, but watching the game las tnight Hurley really wanted to see 20+ minutes for 9 guys and the starting 5 got the minutes less Samson due to fouls gave Reed Jr enough time to shine. From a distance Reed Jr looked like Joel Embiid to my tired eyes.

Anyway I guess we will see vs UNH how Ross handles his time but must say:
1. Maheney looked comfortable but innocuous and quiet
2. Stewart was doing his best impression of Andre Jackson, Jr. nibbling at all stats
3. Nowell + Ball as the backcourt was fun to watch in spots in the 2nd half.
4. Anyone can bring up the ball based on the D - McNeeley did, AK did - I saw one or two where AK was bringing it up and dished to Haas who I didn't even think was playing.

 

[Hunt for 7]

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.

You still sure that Ross won’t play the 2 at all?

 

[Mr. French]

You still sure that Ross won’t play the 2 at all?

Most people on here just like talking.

 

[ddent68]

I mentioned positionless basketball in another thread but besides the center spot and Alex it feels like the combinations at the other three spots are limitless. You could go big or more traditional whatever suits a particular game. This year is going to be fun but definitely different than the last two.

 

[freshler40]

And in his post game interview Hurley says if Ross was healthy he would have started. That could be a motivational volley. But in the same quote he also says Ross has been a beast getting to the rim……hmmmmmmm

Getting to the rim by our guards last evening was a problem. Our forwards did it with ease.

 

[scotty0330]

The One who seems to be getting less air time from Hurley is Stew. Said ball was poised for huge improvement and has been starting. Ross now has made a leap to contributor. Stew had the nice moments last year but it’s gonna be uphill if he wants PT commensurate with a guy with league potential.

Abraham looks to have the Ross role from last year and I could see taking a redshirt if health doesn’t force him into action.

 

[navery12]

The One who seems to be getting less air time from Hurley is Stew. Said ball was poised for huge improvement and has been starting. Ross now has made a leap to contributor. Stew had the nice moments last year but it’s gonna be uphill if he wants PT commensurate with a guy with league potential.

Abraham looks to have the Ross role from last year and I could see taking a redshirt if health doesn’t force him into action.

Redshirting is not an option after he played yesterday

 

[Lambeau]

Based on yesterday, could it break down:

Karaban 30
McNeeley 30
Ball 30
Reed 25
Ross 20

Samson 15 (fouls out)
Diarra 15
Mahaney 15
Stewart 10
Nowell 10

 

[AllHusky]

What is Ross injury? Searched everywhere, couldn't find. Thx

 

[Chin Diesel]

Based on yesterday, could it break down:

Karaban 30
McNeeley 30
Ball 30
Reed 25
Ross 20

Samson 15 (fouls out)
Diarra 15
Mahaney 15
Stewart 10
Nowell 10

Put me down for a hunnid that McNeeley is below 30mpg.

 

[aceboon]

What is Ross injury? Searched everywhere, couldn't find. Thx

 

[UCONNFAN179]

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

I think it's more likely that since McNeeley has been out the last 2 weeks, Ross has taken advantage of the extra run with starters in practice and has been showing out, which is great! I don't see him starting over McNeeley though, and in spite of Danny's comments about having Liam on the ball more and being excited to see a lineup with Ball/Ross/McNeeley/AK/center, I don't buy that that will happen for any significant stretches. I expect we'll see one of Mahaney, Diarra, or Nowell on the floor the majority of the time. So, no... I don't think Ross will start unless someone else is hurt. He may have started last night if he wasn't hurt, but probably only because Liam hadn't been practicing.

It does seem Ross is making the case for more minutes though... I think he was always going to get some minutes at the 3, splitting say 15/25 with Liam, but maybe he'll also get some at the 2 when Ball needs a breather and we'll see a little less of Mahaney there than originally expected. Probably depends who's hot on a given night.

 

[Seamus84]

Kudos to Jayden for putting in the work this summer to grow his game so much. Almost feels like an Andre Jackson situation. I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t see it coming from the limited PT last year. Excited to see what Danny’s talking about.

 

[jibsey]

If true it’s going to surprise a lot of UConn fans because we’ve seen so little of him playing so far. Does he have the strength to rebound in the BE?

 

[Slick]

The One who seems to be getting less air time from Hurley is Stew. Said ball was poised for huge improvement and has been starting. Ross now has made a leap to contributor. Stew had the nice moments last year but it’s gonna be uphill if he wants PT commensurate with a guy with league potential.

Abraham looks to have the Ross role from last year and I could see taking a redshirt if health doesn’t force him into action.

Disagree. Abraham much more physically ready to play then Ross was last year

 

[aceboon]

If true it’s going to surprise a lot of UConn fans because we’ve seen so little of him playing so far. Does he have the strength to rebound in the BE?

What do you think the BE is? BE looks pretty sweet so far through this opening week, I don't think we need to inject Ross with compound V in order to compete as a wing at his size.