Dom Amore: UConn coach Dan Hurley calls it ‘total chaos’ in college basketball as new rules allow flood of players into transfer portal

[navery12]

Are there still any sharpshooters left from the portal? Is so, who are they?

This is the list of guys who shot above 40% from 3 on >2 attempts per game

 

[NJHoops]

Except Jumpman. He pretty much wanted no part of long term anything with Kwintin.

I forgot Kwintin, so am amending my earlier statement! Make that 4 non-graduating transfers in Hurley’s programs in the last 9 years.

 

[auggie22]

He has a specific approach to implementing his program, that was a step. This last season was another step. He’s good at recruiting because he can communicate what he wants to do and how that guy fits in a pretty good narrative. I don’t know really listen because I don’t really care and thet’s not for me. Don’t confuse them marking off some check boxes with them thinking they’ve reached the end goal.

A few of the guys they reached out to in the portal were in case any of their own guys decided to surprisingly leave. They didn’t. No one ever wants to leave his programs (3 non-graduating transfers in the last 9 years, I think). Recruit well (the trend upward is positive), retain guys until they enter the draft or graduate but be honest with your upperclassmen, and get some transfers when it makes sense.

He’s right that this year is particularly chaotic with the extra year and immediate eligibility. I like chaos. I agree that there can be a benefit to a sit-out year, but I don’t think it should be mandated.

They’ll add one guy for 21-22 (any more than that would be a surprise at this point). Real recruitment is able to start on June 1st to finish adding to their ‘22 class (three more to join Corey to start).

Chaos is a ladder.

 

[freescooter]

I did not like how we shrunk to end the season. Creighton was a bad rebuilding program loss, Maryland was a bad program loss. No one, including DH, should be running around doing the parade wave because we made the tournament. On the contrary, DH and Co. should be viewing the way the season ended, with those last two losses, as big misses.

Welcome to the new UConn. My concern is that we are not interested in being elite any longer. We are happy to make the tournament. And Hurley will want a parade if we beat Villanova. There are a few coaches and programs that start every season thinking how do we win the whole tournament. And there are 330 coaches and programs who start the season thinking how do we make the tournament. We were one of the few. Now we are Seton Hall or Providence. Or at least it seems that way.

 

[Jluc]

Welcome to the new UConn. My concern is that we are not interested in being elite any longer. We are happy to make the tournament. And Hurley will want a parade if we beat Villanova. There are a few coaches and programs that start every season thinking how do we win the whole tournament. And there are 330 coaches and programs who start the season thinking how do we make the tournament. We were one of the few. Now we are Seton Hall or Providence. Or at least it seems that way.

One of your worst posts yet somehow

 

[Vuce]

Welcome to the new UConn. My concern is that we are not interested in being elite any longer. We are happy to make the tournament. And Hurley will want a parade if we beat Villanova. There are a few coaches and programs that start every season thinking how do we win the whole tournament. And there are 330 coaches and programs who start the season thinking how do we make the tournament. We were one of the few. Now we are Seton Hall or Providence. Or at least it seems that way.

Said no one but you

 

[navery12]

Welcome to the new UConn. My concern is that we are not interested in being elite any longer. We are happy to make the tournament. And Hurley will want a parade if we beat Villanova. There are a few coaches and programs that start every season thinking how do we win the whole tournament. And there are 330 coaches and programs who start the season thinking how do we make the tournament. We were one of the few. Now we are Seton Hall or Providence. Or at least it seems that way.

 

[UconnU]

He has a specific approach to implementing his program, that was a step. This last season was another step. He’s good at recruiting because he can communicate what he wants to do and how that guy fits in a pretty good narrative. I don’t know really listen because I don’t really care and thet’s not for me. Don’t confuse them marking off some check boxes with them thinking they’ve reached the end goal.

A few of the guys they reached out to in the portal were in case any of their own guys decided to surprisingly leave. They didn’t. No one ever wants to leave his programs (3 non-graduating transfers in the last 9 years, I think). Recruit well (the trend upward is positive), retain guys until they enter the draft or graduate but be honest with your upperclassmen, and get some transfers when it makes sense.

He’s right that this year is particularly chaotic with the extra year and immediate eligibility. I like chaos. I agree that there can be a benefit to a sit-out year, but I don’t think it should be mandated.

They’ll add one guy for 21-22 (any more than that would be a surprise at this point). Real recruitment is able to start on June 1st to finish adding to their ‘22 class (three more to join Corey to start).

A surprising amount of 2022’s have committed already. I forget the number but something like 2/3rds of the rivals 150. I don’t understand how teams are evaluating these kids there’s limited junior year tape. 15u AAU from 2 seasons ago and the first half of their sophomore year? Corey started for a good team his sophomore year and has been on the national scene since 8th grade. He was the exception not the rule. Teams have to be guessing, going off their internet rankings?

 

[SubbaBub]

Fair enough. Kids enter the portal because they want more PT. We can’t promise that with the amount of depth that we have. Our guys are just gonna have to step up and make big strides in their shooting abilities this summer.

I think Cole, Polley returning to form, and Hawkins is a good start. But man we are really going to need Gaffney, Akok, and maybe Whaley to make that extra leap.

And then whatever Martin and Diggins can contribute from outside would be gravy. I don’t know if it’s even possible to wish for Jackson to get above 30% after watching those airballs last year lol

Unless you are looking to recruit transfers over current projected starters/key contributors, who are you really going to add that will make a bit of difference. It only makes sense if you are looking to kill your locker room because you think your current guys will accept a lesser role or transfer themselves and you think your incoming class can't be counted on for big contributions (which I think is always the assumption.)

Brass tacks, you'd be looking for someone to take minutes from Cole, Gaffney, Polley, Whaley, Akok or Martin and by extension Jackson and the incoming class.

My default is that you are mostly inheriting other people's problems except in rare cases. If you can get a senior 3pt specialist or extra ball handler/defender great, that's always a good fit. And while the end of the Ollie era was ripe for a wholesale roster shuffle, it's not a good year for Hurley to be taking that approach nor would it ever be if Hurley gets the program where everyone wants it. Most guys are in the portal because the weren't getting playing time at their former schools. Do we really think those guys would make a difference?

Hurley has the right approach here, see what's out there and if there is anyone that would make the team better, not just a guy with stats or hype, the pursue them it's a good fit. It should be a rare occurrence.

 

[superjohn]

One of your worst posts yet somehow

He's the worst poster in the history of this board. We all get it, he hates UConn. You would think he would've moved on to trolling on another team's message board by now.

 

[Jimdish255]

So this means we're not getting a shooter. He had a lousy attitude about this from the beginning and now we're going to pay the price. Great.

 

[Kolumbo]

Whether intentional or by accident, I think it's a major plus that UCONN hasn't been as active as other programs vis-a-vis the portal. We've had more consistency. Maybe it's the coach, the program, or just timing. Polley and Whaley should give UCONN a big advantage in experience over other younger programs.

 

[SubbaBub]

I think we end up with at least 4 good 3-pt. shooters next year, and improve greatly compared to this year. let's face it, Bouknight was awful from 3-pt territory at 29.3%. in fact, he took 281 shots from beyond the arc, and Cole took 1 less at 280. Bouknight made 75...and Cole hit 101!!!

So Cole is our first certified 3-pt shooter: 38.6% this year, after years of 38.7% and 35.9%, so he's proven it during his college career.

Second is Polley, who slumped this year to 35.5% (due to the injury?), but his previous 3 years were 40.5%, 38.0%, and 41.7%. My guess is that Diggins will be the kind of drive and dish PG that Polley needs to give him open 3 pointers all day.

Third is Gaffney who hit 36.2% and I believe he'll get even better and hit 38-39% next year.

Fourth IMO is incoming freshman Hawkins who's supposed to be the second coming of Ray Allen as an outside shooter. If he hits 35%+ he gives us our 4th outside threat.

Hurley takes the next step with the team winning 22-24 games before the tournament.

I believe the saying is your mouth to God's ears. If we have three regulars hovering within a point or two of 40%, it will be a very good year.

 

[UconnU]

So this means we're not getting a shooter. He had a lousy attitude about this from the beginning and now we're going to pay the price. Great.

What we may lose being down a guard/shooter we gain in stability, team unity/cohesion. My hope is that, unlike last year, the team stays together this off-season. We have a chance to be the most cohesive unit in the big east here. We have an opportunity to have a big early advantage in things like knowing each other’s tendencies, knowing how to get each other open, etc.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

It is obvious we need to step up our recruiting and get some outside shooters. Polley is not our answer, he is a streaky shooter and his defense is not good.

71st post of the threa, eh? Yeesh.

And then we got this one, which others have already put in its proper place.

Welcome to the new UConn. My concern is that we are not interested in being elite any longer. We are happy to make the tournament. And Hurley will want a parade if we beat Villanova. There are a few coaches and programs that start every season thinking how do we win the whole tournament. And there are 330 coaches and programs who start the season thinking how do we make the tournament. We were one of the few. Now we are Seton Hall or Providence. Or at least it seems that way.

I’m no DiMauro fan, but the one part of that hit piece he did on Hurley that rang true was Hurley’s constant sales pitch about how devastated the program was when he took over, how he has rebuilt every program he’s taken over, and how he has already done that here, blah, blah, blah.

Before this past season, I'd figured that I'd be through with this angle after this year. I find myself willing to extend one more.
Is it the pandemic?
EVERYBODY getting another year?
The transfer portal chaos?

Yes.

I think that @Vuce properly suggested that those who don't like Hurley's quotes shouldn't read them.

As to rebuilds, NCAA Tourney announcers fell all over themselves saying Scott Drew has done the greatest total rebuild in history, and it took him 18 years. And Tara went 29 years between Championships. I think that with 5 more games, this year's team would have improved its seeding and worked out some kinks, giving DH his first Sweet 16, maybe better.

Next season, I'd really like to see a team that doesn't take such a high percentage of bad shots.

I don't really care how it happens, whether it's a revamped offense; Diggins being a solid, make-it-happen, pass-first PG; everybody getting just that much better; Rocket Watts joining as a penetrating playmaker without pretensions of becoming a more frequent shooter (but shooting better nonetheless). There are a lot of paths.

And now, I'l actually read the article...

EDIT: I liked the article, and didn't dislike Hurley's quotes as I'd been somewhat setup to do.

 

[7774]

A surprising amount of 2022’s have committed already. I forget the number but something like 2/3rds of the rivals 150. I don’t understand how teams are evaluating these kids there’s limited junior year tape. 15u AAU from 2 seasons ago and the first half of their sophomore year? Corey started for a good team his sophomore year and has been on the national scene since 8th grade. He was the exception not the rule. Teams have to be guessing, going off their internet rankings?

26 of the Rivals 150 are committed. So your confusion probably stems from your entire premise being false.

 

[WestCoastHusky]

Turning college into the NBA free agency is just crazy. America is a self entitlement culture and many are just about "me me me".

It would make sense allowing players to transfer without sitting out if there is a coaching change, but it's crazy to allow everyone to do so.

 

[olehead]

Anytime someone goes against BY mainstream led by (insert name) they are trashed as worst poster ever? Come on now.

So many railed against posters for wanting out of the AAC, defeating the high level football dream, then when it happens, of course everyone is on board.

The herd mentality on here is comical. We all speculate. No one (at least I dont believe so), is on the meetings/strategy sessions so what do we really know? One poster tells another worst post ever, really? Based upon what or who? Super John? Smh.

 

[navery12]

Anytime someone goes against BY mainstream led by (insert name) they are trashed as worst poster ever? Come on now.

So many railed against posters for wanting out of the AAC, defeating the high level football dream, then when it happens, of course everyone is on board.

The herd mentality on here is comical. We all speculate. No one (at least I dont believe so), is on the meetings/strategy sessions so what do we really know? One poster tells another worst post ever, really? Based upon what or who? Super John? Smh.

There's going against the grain and then there's freescooter. I'd read his post history before you go defending him

 

[Husky68]

71st post of the threa, eh? Yeesh.

And then we got this one, which others have already put in its proper place.



Before this past season, I'd figured that I'd be through with this angle after this year. I find myself willing to extend one more.
Is it the pandemic?
EVERYBODY getting another year?
The transfer portal chaos?

Yes.

I think that @Vuce properly suggested that those who don't like Hurley's quotes shouldn't read them.

As to rebuilds, NCAA Tourney announcers fell all over themselves saying Scott Drew has done the greatest total rebuild in history, and it took him 18 years. And Tara went 29 years between Championships. I think that with 5 more games, this year's team would have improved its seeding and worked out some kinks, giving DH his first Sweet 16, maybe better.

Next season, I'd really like to see a team that doesn't take such a high percentage of bad shots.

I don't really care how it happens, whether it's a revamped offense; Diggins being a solid, make-it-happen, pass-first PG; everybody getting just that much better; Rocket Watts joining as a penetrating playmaker without pretensions of becoming a more frequent shooter (but shooting better nonetheless). There are a lot of paths.

And now, I'l actually read the article...

EDIT: I liked the article, and didn't dislike Hurley's quotes as I'd been somewhat setup to do.

I like what you said, add one thing: like UConn to also make more of their easy/layup type shots (especially Whaley and Martin).

 

[UCSouth]

Anytime someone goes against BY mainstream led by (insert name) they are trashed as worst poster ever? Come on now.

So many railed against posters for wanting out of the AAC, defeating the high level football dream, then when it happens, of course everyone is on board.

The herd mentality on here is comical. We all speculate. No one (at least I dont believe so), is on the meetings/strategy sessions so what do we really know? One poster tells another worst post ever, really? Based upon what or who? Super John? Smh.

You could always stay on the WBB board where it's always lollipops and gumdrops.?

 

[the Q]

I think we end up with at least 4 good 3-pt. shooters next year, and improve greatly compared to this year. let's face it, Bouknight was awful from 3-pt territory at 29.3%. in fact, he took 281 shots from beyond the arc, and Cole took 1 less at 280. Bouknight made 75...and Cole hit 101!!!

So Cole is our first certified 3-pt shooter: 38.6% this year, after years of 38.7% and 35.9%, so he's proven it during his college career.

Second is Polley, who slumped this year to 35.5% (due to the injury?), but his previous 3 years were 40.5%, 38.0%, and 41.7%. My guess is that Diggins will be the kind of drive and dish PG that Polley needs to give him open 3 pointers all day.

Third is Gaffney who hit 36.2% and I believe he'll get even better and hit 38-39% next year.

Fourth IMO is incoming freshman Hawkins who's supposed to be the second coming of Ray Allen as an outside shooter. If he hits 35%+ he gives us our 4th outside threat.

Hurley takes the next step with the team winning 22-24 games before the tournament.

whcih is why a guy like Richmond was a perfect fit.

beither Cole or Gaffney is a pure point, having someone who can create off the bounce and set them up for spot up 3s would’ve made them better shooters.

neither of them should be doing much shooting off the dribble.

 

[8893]

@Vuce made the best recommendation: don't read his quotes.

That doesn’t sound realistic to me.

 

[olehead]

You could always stay on the WBB board where it's always lollipops and gumdrops.?

Huh. Stay?

 

[olehead]

There's going against the grain and then there's freescooter. I'd read his post history before you go defending him

Oh.