I said before Diarra presence with the younger second unit will be huge . Having a unit without that experience at PG is a potential nightmare situation. I don’t care how talented freshman are under game pressure having a cool hand to get things grounded avoids panic .
Seems about right. Will vary by game and any of the guys in the 10-15 minute category could either play less or ball out and play more. Also could play more based on matchups, injuries, etc.
Agreed.
More like a great run, big difference. This season will be tougher.
Nope, a great team. They went undefeated in the nonconference winning every game by double digits.
PG - Newton 25, Castle 5, Diarra 10
I think of great all time teams as UNLV , Duke, 99/04 UConn but to each his own. This year will be much more difficult as I won’t count on seeing the same final four low seeds making it again. A lot of great college players this year.
Not me. Jabroni!
I didn’t say all-time great. I said there was a great team. And there was. And actually, now that you mention it, considering the margin of victory, it actually may be all-time great.
This will be a good team. It might be a great team. A lot needs to right to repeat. Winning the tournament is always a goal but not the only measure of a good or great team. Heck, the most talented team U- CONN ever had was upset in the first round years ago. Any way, this should be a fun year for both hoops teams.
What year was that?
'04 UConn team lost a bunch too. This team was great...we probably didn't know it at the time but this team was great. It was great, phenomenal, fantastic...
Tougher schedule. Bullseye target for having won the NCAA Title. On the positive side: while we lost a lot off the bench and a couple of starters we also have the immense benefit of experienced and battle tested Clingan, Karaban and Newton. Add what looks to be a sure leader on the floor and clutch shooter in Cam Spencer. These guys are going to put on a clinic for the younger or less experienced Huskies both in practice and games. Their character will be inspirational especially in their work ethic and winning attitude. Perhaps it's just "Boneyard Fever" but I think DH and his great staff can round them into shape for the Big East rockfights and then turn up the motor for the Big Dance. Last year showed us they stood up to every challenge when the bright lights were on. The coaches will remind them of that and the effort it took for every player to contribute. There will be some disappointing moments but there is likely to be more than pleasant surprises as well. Can't wait!
Totally agree! Final Four bound!
)
I don't think I've ever gone into a season with a goal of winning a national championship. Too many things you don't control have to go right. I start a season asking if we have the roster to win the conference, and/or to get to the Final Four. And I think this year's team is more than talented enough that those are both reasonable goals.
Obviously, our bench players can impact winning and season success and Hurley was offering up a cliche, but to be contrary, I'm going to go against the consensus and say Donovan Clingan is what will make or break the season whether the bench steps up or not. If he is off the court with foul trouble, injury, or illness, we are not going to have a better than .500 record vs other top 25 teams even if all the other kids play solidly, (think Gonzaga's chances losing Drew Timme last year). I just don't think there is dominant enough rebounding. (When Vital was the leading rebounder from the guard position, that wasn't optimal). IMO the season only breaks if we don't make the tournament, and it only 'makes' if we advance in the tourney. Based on the starters, I think we're going to make the tourney and advance a round or two even with spotty bench play. From the sweet 16 on, the refs control our fate with the timing of the first 2 fouls on Donovan (think Emeka vs Duke or Caron vs MD). He'll play less in the season, but 30 mpg in the 4-8 specific biggest games, I'll take us vs the field. To me that means Donovan is the 'make or break' factor.
Loved Hurley's extended comments re Solo Ball hitting 11 threes on the first day of practice whether that was an actual number or just delivering the impression he shot well. (Does beg the question as whether we defend the 3 well or step up on a hot shooter
For the record, I think the skill position bench freshmen will all make excellent contributions from day 1 and that Singare will be serviceable if he is need for a couple of spot minutes.
Also, for @husky429's satisfaction, I'll admit I was not a Ross or Ball believer watching Peach Jam a year ago, but, seeing Ball in person at Brewster and Ross at Hoophall, I completely changed my mind, and I'm 'all in' since the wintertime.
I was convinced about the 1998-1999 team. I had a bit of apprehension about the fact that we seemed unable to breakthrough to the final four until that season (and the Gonzaga game felt like an overly cruel form of torture) but there was no time, from before the season began, that I didn't view it as national title or failure. I also never considered failure as a possibility.
Especially after they beat #4 Stanford at Stanford without Rip.