Dan Hurley's deep UConn roster will have players competing for minutes: 'The way it should be' (Mike Anthony)

[HooperScooper]

All the ways that used to work failed so I gave up after a few minutes. I'm sure I could figure it out if I kept trying or just signed up

Same way I've always used worked for me.

 

[Kitaman]

There’s the line-up that Danny may like but then we need the line-up that can respond with points when the other team inevitably scores - that’s the tension - and this year is a transitional year to a team that can respond with points.

He could simply be 'playing chess' with this squad (and perhaps us), meaning don't believe everything he says. For example, the freshmen may be D1 ready but he may not want them to become complacent if stated to the media. Just saying some coaches are reserve with player comments (i.e. accolades) knowing their personalities and potential reactions.

 

[navery12]

Sounds like he has 4 starters locked in, they are all very good players but if say our starters are Cole, Gaffney, Martin, Whaley, and Sanogo and they're getting the bulk of the minutes I fear the ceiling may not be as high as I thought...

Was hoping to hear a couple of the other guys emerged. I trust in Hurley and he's the one seeing them every day but I think he's shown in the past he tends to go with the guys he knows/trusts the most because he feels like they're a sure thing instead of going to the more talented higher ceiling guys...

I see spacing problems with those 4 locked in, I didn't think Whaley and Sanogo played all that well together as starters last year and we need an alpha to emerge who takes the big shots, it's hard to see that in that group. I was really hoping to hear Jackson, Akok, Hawkins emerged. I think it's likely the guy we'll want taking the big shots is Hawkins even though he's just a freshman.

To be fair the one spot not locked in from Hurley's comments is the one that was most likely to have a freshman step up and take (Hawkins at the 2). No idea if that'll happen but it wouldn't shock me, and don't see any way he doesn't take over that spot by January.

I actually feel like Hurley has been pretty quick to give the younger guys minutes when they've earned it. He may not start them right away but I felt like he was always getting them time. Hopefully Akok and Hawkins force his hand to start, if there's one thing we'll have is an incredibly motivated 2nd team when they're on the court

 

[444JR]

He could simply be 'playing chess' with this squad (and perhaps us), meaning don't believe everything he says. For example, the freshmen may be D1 ready but he may not want them to become complacent if stated to the media. Just saying some coaches are reserve with player comments (i.e. accolades) knowing their personalities and potential reactions.

I like this take. It's difficult to envision the staff landing all the 5-star talent they're recruiting if the talented freshman aren't given a shot to prove themselves in games. I imagine guys like Bol Bowen, Simeon Wilcher, and Matas Buzelis will want to see proof that their talent will be given a chance to shine early on. Hopefully Hurley is playing some 3D chess with the media, fanbase and players.

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

 

[businesslawyer]

I like this take. It's difficult to envision the staff landing all the 5-star talent they're recruiting if the talented freshman aren't given a shot to prove themselves in games. I imagine guys like Bol Bowen, Simeon Wilcher, and Matas Buzelis will want to see proof that their talent will be given a chance to shine early on. Hopefully Hurley is playing some 3D chess with the media, fanbase and players.

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

Good God. What did Hurley say that makes folks think he's not going to give talented freshmen a shot to prove themselves in games? We haven't even started official practices yet. How in the world do folks expect him to be handing out starting slots based on recruiting rankings, rather than actual production?

Not a sole, including Hurley, knows who is going to be on the court at the start of conference play in a close game. We have experienced players with lower "up sides" than inexperienced players. Before even getting into team chemistry or recovering from an Achilles. We know we have depth of good players. What we don't know is whether we'll have the all conference level players to lead the team. We don't even know who they would be.

But folks worrying because when having to name our best players he names the guys who were our best returning players at the end of last year? Don't folks have anything real to worry about?

 

[navery12]

I like this take. It's difficult to envision the staff landing all the 5-star talent they're recruiting if the talented freshman aren't given a shot to prove themselves in games. I imagine guys like Bol Bowen, Simeon Wilcher, and Matas Buzelis will want to see proof that their talent will be given a chance to shine early on. Hopefully Hurley is playing some 3D chess with the media, fanbase and players.

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

Since Hurley has gotten here these are the minutes the freshman have gotten, not sure there's really any freshman who haven't gotten the minutes they deserved. There may have been individual games where Sanogo or Jackson didn't get utilized correctly but overall freshman have played plenty

Brendan Adams - 12.7
James Bouknight - 25.9
Akok Akok - 28
Jalen Gaffney - 19.2
Richie Springs (Redshirt)
Andre Jackson - 16.1
Adama Sanogo - 17.0

 

[NJHoops]

Since Hurley has gotten here these are the minutes the freshman have gotten, not sure there's really any freshman who haven't gotten the minutes they deserved. There may have been individual games where Sanogo or Jackson didn't get utilized correctly but overall freshman have played plenty

Brendan Adams - 12.7
James Bouknight - 25.9
Akok Akok - 28
Jalen Gaffney - 19.2
Richie Springs (Redshirt)
Andre Jackson - 16.1
Adama Sanogo - 17.0

Hassan Martin - 25.8
EC Matthews - 32.5
Jared Terrell - 27.1
Jarvis Garrett - 25.8
Jeff Dowtin - 22.2
Christion Thompson - 18.1
Fatts Russell - 17.9
Cyril Langevine - 13.2
Nicola Akele - 13.6

 

[NJHoops]

I like this take. It's difficult to envision the staff landing all the 5-star talent they're recruiting if the talented freshman aren't given a shot to prove themselves in games. I imagine guys like Bol Bowen, Simeon Wilcher, and Matas Buzelis will want to see proof that their talent will be given a chance to shine early on. Hopefully Hurley is playing some 3D chess with the media, fanbase and players.

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

You’re right. Andre does need minutes. Some players need pressure applied externally. Others need to be managed so they don’t burn themselves out. Andre knows where he stands and what he needs to do.

James would have started from day one.

 

[jibsey]

Sounds like he has 4 starters locked in, they are all very good players but if say our starters are Cole, Gaffney, Martin, Whaley, and Sanogo and they're getting the bulk of the minutes I fear the ceiling may not be as high as I thought...

Was hoping to hear a couple of the other guys emerged. I trust in Hurley and he's the one seeing them every day but I think he's shown in the past he tends to go with the guys he knows/trusts the most because he feels like they're a sure thing instead of going to the more talented higher ceiling guys...

I see spacing problems with those 4 locked in, I didn't think Whaley and Sanogo played all that well together as starters last year and we need an alpha to emerge who takes the big shots, it's hard to see that in that group. I was really hoping to hear Jackson, Akok, Hawkins emerged. I think it's likely the guy we'll want taking the big shots is Hawkins even though he's just a freshman.

So Hurley is going with veterans to start as we always knew he would. PT for everyone is about who plays well.

 

[444JR]

Good God. What did Hurley say that makes folks think he's not going to give talented freshmen a shot to prove themselves in games? We haven't even started official practices yet. How in the world do folks expect him to be handing out starting slots based on recruiting rankings, rather than actual production?

Not a sole, including Hurley, knows who is going to be on the court at the start of conference play in a close game. We have experienced players with lower "up sides" than inexperienced players. Before even getting into team chemistry or recovering from an Achilles. We know we have depth of good players. What we don't know is whether we'll have the all conference level players to lead the team. We don't even know who they would be.

But folks worrying because when having to name our best players he names the guys who were our best returning players at the end of last year? Don't folks have anything real to worry about?

You should take a moment to reread the post I quoted, but you make quality points here.

 

[GruntCakes]

Well, don't sleep on Springs

No problem. I don’t go anywhere without my
Bob O Pedic!

 

[Chief00]

Good God. What did Hurley say that makes folks think he's not going to give talented freshmen a shot to prove themselves in games? We haven't even started official practices yet. How in the world do folks expect him to be handing out starting slots based on recruiting rankings, rather than actual production?

Not a sole, including Hurley, knows who is going to be on the court at the start of conference play in a close game. We have experienced players with lower "up sides" than inexperienced players. Before even getting into team chemistry or recovering from an Achilles. We know we have depth of good players. What we don't know is whether we'll have the all conference level players to lead the team. We don't even know who they would be.

But folks worrying because when having to name our best players he names the guys who were our best returning players at the end of last year? Don't folks have anything real to worry about?

I think every good team needs to know who their go to player or player(s) are. Maybe someone knows, but Chief honestly doesn’t, and that concerns me. Depth is nice to have, but without the go to offensively talented stud, depth loses much of its value. I do agree, prior to the season the typical coach thing is to talk about returnees. But, for Chief, I would be very disappointed if Andre hadn’t past Tyres. Again it comes down to putting the ball in the basket and last season neither did it with consistency. From what Chief has seen Hawkins and Johnson may make the jump - sooner than when some might expect.

 

[Mr. French]

To be fair the one spot not locked in from Hurley's comments is the one that was most likely to have a freshman step up and take (Hawkins at the 2). No idea if that'll happen but it wouldn't shock me, and don't see any way he doesn't take over that spot by January.

I actually feel like Hurley has been pretty quick to give the younger guys minutes when they've earned it. He may not start them right away but I felt like he was always getting them time. Hopefully Akok and Hawkins force his hand to start, if there's one thing we'll have is an incredibly motivated 2nd team when they're on the court

Funny, someone else thinks it’s definitely Gaffney and I think it’s gotta be Jackson.

And that’s not a criticism, more pointing out how wide open that spot is and it emphasizes our depth but also lack of a proven “guy”.

Jackson and Hawkins both seem to have star potential but at this stage are completely unproven.

 

[Chin Diesel]

It's a definitive statement and yes it looks like Cole, Martin, Whaley and Sanogo are starters.
The quote by Hurley about Akok needing to level up is the quote that stood out to me. Add in comments about Johnson and him competing for third spot on front court and it almost sounds like Akok has plateaued. Or needs a kick in the ass to stay motivated rather than being content.

 

[Chin Diesel]

It's what we all expected, or should have. I think Akok can push Whaley to the bench, but he's going to have to go out there and do it in games. Hurley is going to roll with Sanogo and IW as starters, as he should. We all knew Cole was a lock. We should have known Martin is a lock, he's our most complete player and consistently does the right thing. If AJax wants to push Martin to the bench, like Akok, he's going to need to force that with his play. Other than Martin, every guy at the 2-3 has a hole or multiple holes in their game, or in the case of Hawkins, is an unknown at this level. I expect Dan Hurley will flex those guys around and the guys that bring it at both ends will play. I'd be surprised if Gaffney isn't the SG on opening night.

Martin doesn't consistently do the right thing and has a major hole on his game. He can't finish and is a below average FT shooter.

 

[Stinger92860]

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

most importantly we need 1-2 guys would can hit the three and spread the floor. Whomever does this should play. If we can find those guys our inside-out game should be awesome.

 

[Jbirdp5]

It's a definitive statement and yes it looks like Cole, Martin, Whaley and Sanogo are starters.
The quote by Hurley about Akok needing to level up is the quote that stood out to me. Add in comments about Johnson and him competing for third spot on front court and it almost sounds like Akok has plateaued. Or needs a kick in the ass to stay motivated rather than being content.

It’s possible Akok has plateaued but from everything we know about his character and drive I don’t think he could possibly need a kick in the ass because of a lack of motivation. He’s not that type of kid imo

 

[TheChamps990411]

I think ultimately we`ll see RJ, Hawk, Ajax, Whaley and Sanogo as the starting 5 by the time February rolls around. I truly believe Hawk is special and is the next great Uconn guard and Ajax is going to be much better than what we saw last season.

 

[TheChamps990411]

most importantly we need 1-2 guys would can hit the three and spread the floor. Whomever does this should play. If we can find those guys our inside-out game should be awesome.

I think those two guys will be RJ and Hawk.

 

[UconnU]

Andre Jackson needs minutes -- that's all I have to say about that.

I don’t see how Jackson and Martin can play together, spacing would be atrocious. Surround Jackson with Hawk and Tyler.

 

[ucp990411]

He could simply be 'playing chess' with this squad (and perhaps us), meaning don't believe everything he says. For example, the freshmen may be D1 ready but he may not want them to become complacent if stated to the media. Just saying some coaches are reserve with player comments (i.e. accolades) knowing their personalities and potential reactions.

Remember when JC sais Justin Brown was outplaying Emeka during the pre season?

 

[husky429]

I don’t see how Jackson and Martin can play together, spacing would be atrocious. Surround Jackson with Hawk and Tyler.

Only way I could see it happen is if we have Whaley at the 5 and he's developed into a guy who can take 3-4 from deep a game at a decent %. Cole, Hawkins, Jackson, Martin, Whaley could be a killer lineup defensively.

 

[Huskyforlife]

I don’t see how Jackson and Martin can play together, spacing would be atrocious. Surround Jackson with Hawk and Tyler.

Jackson needs to be great so we can run this lineup.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Our highest upside lineup is Jackson-Hawkins-Polley-Martin-Whaley.

Everyone can switch defensively. Enough shooting with hawkins and polley. Enough rebounding with Jackson, Martin and Whaley. I don't expect people to agree with this.

 

[husky429]

Our highest upside lineup is Jackson-Hawkins-Polley-Martin-Whaley.

Everyone can switch defensively. Enough shooting with hawkins and polley. Enough rebounding with Jackson, Martin and Whaley. I don't expect people to agree with this.

Not enough ballhandling. I wouldn't mind trying it out vs cupcakes and seeing how it looks though

 

[Huskyforlife]

Not enough ballhandling. I wouldn't mind trying it out vs cupcakes and seeing how it looks though

This is assuming Jackson is a high level ball handler. You definitely couldn't run it the majority of the time, but for stretches it'd be deadly.

 

[uchusky32]

Not enough ballhandling. I wouldn't mind trying it out vs cupcakes and seeing how it looks though

Yea, who besides a much improved, would need to be, AJ is moving the rock and handling the pressure?

 

[QDOG5]

I think it's fantastic that we can roll out so many potential lineup combos. I don't have any predictions but Andre's athleticism and passing skills are fun to watch. I hope he rounds out his game this year. Also, big men tend to foul a lot and having 4+ talented ones is a good problem to have.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Our highest upside lineup is Jackson-Hawkins-Polley-Martin-Whaley.

Everyone can switch defensively. Enough shooting with hawkins and polley. Enough rebounding with Jackson, Martin and Whaley. I don't expect people to agree with this.

It's scary that people actually have thoughts like this in their head and then put finger to keyboard.

No. No lineup with a Polley, Martin and Whaley frontcourt is the high water mark.

 

[Huskyforlife]

It's scary that people actually have thoughts like this in their head and then put finger to keyboard.

No. No lineup with a Polley, Martin and Whaley frontcourt is the high water mark.

Ouch. I promise you that front court is statically better than playing 2 traditional bigs. Especially with a great playmaker in the backcourt.