Floyd, Karaban, Clingan

[WhereistheDove?]

Yes. This place is delusional about his D. His man was open outside, because he so often had to rotate to cover the rim because the 5 was not in the paint and somebody else‘s man got by them. It’s why he had so many blocks. He rarely got a block on his own guy. His defense was fine. He’s the ideal 4 with Sanogo, and I expect Johnson to do similar things as well.

I’m sorry but just no. He consistently got lost on switches and screens, allowing incredibly easy baskets and got pushed around in the paint. I’m hoping it was rust because the switching/screen issue is clearly mental and not physical, but there’s a reason he very rarely saw the floor this year. His defense was basically unplayable when combined with his limited offensive game. I’d love for him to come back next year and be a key contributor but I think Hurley would be making a big mistake counting on major minutes from him.

 

[Stinger92860]

The only way Samson should be starting is if he can shoot. Otherwise we will have another situation of 3 guys on the floor who can’t score more than 2 feet from the basket.

Samson’s minutes will be determined by his defense. That’s the way Dan Hurley rolls.

 

[Stinger92860]

I’m sorry but just no. He consistently got lost on switches and screens, allowing incredibly easy baskets and got pushed around in the paint. I’m hoping it was rust because the switching/screen issue is clearly mental and not physical, but there’s a reason he very rarely saw the floor this year. His defense was basically unplayable when combined with his limited offensive game. I’d love for him to come back next year and be a key contributor but I think Hurley would be making a big mistake counting on major minutes from him.

Does he have to clean up certain aspects of his D? Absolutely, but that applies to almost everyone. He did some things well, especially the weak side help, and in his limited time he knocked down threes which was something we really need.

 

[imno1]

We saw pictures of a “pumped up Akok” last summer. Remember the comments of how muscular he has become but it was a joke. I don’t think it’s in his capability to transform his body to the strength he would need at that position. Naturally skinny dude. That said he can still get rebounds and make shots but he’s going to get pushed around which will limit his minutes and use ability.

I think Akok’s inability or unwillingness to put the ball on the floor really hurts his chances to play more. Did he once this season take more than 2 bounces before giving the ball up?

 

[UConnSwag11]

The only way Samson should be starting is if he can shoot. Otherwise we will have another situation of 3 guys on the floor who can’t score more than 2 feet from the basket.

Sanogo needs 4 guys out there who can space the floor for him so when he gets doubled, he can kick it out for a 3. Or it makes teams not double him and then he can dominate inside. Karaban should be penciled in to start at the 4 right now

It’s necessary that whoever is playing the 4 can be relied on to score when they get the ball in the post or for an open jumper. Playing Whaley at the four was a detriment on offense

 

[HuskyHawk]

I think Akok’s inability or unwillingness to put the ball on the floor really hurts his chances to play more. Did he once this season take more than 2 bounces before giving the ball up?

Now that is valid. He has to improve that. But until late season Polley never did it either. I don’t think he lacks the ability. He did it as a freshman. Clearly I’m an Akok fan, but I hope we all realize how much better the team will be if he can be a major contributor.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Now that is valid. He has to improve that. But until late season Polley never did it either. I don’t think he lacks the ability. He did it as a freshman. Clearly I’m an Akok fan, but I hope we all realize how much better the team will be if he can be a major contributor.

With small improvements that can mostly be confidence and playing related he is the ideal 4 everyone is calling to play next to Sanogo.

This board is writing off so many guys who didn’t get real chances on a team that went about 10 deep. Over the years guys have consistently stepped up when they have the opportunity. Idk why this would be different here. We’re talking about a 4 who shoots above 40% from 3 and can be one of the top shot blockers in the country. Is that not something we want to trust Hurley to coach over the season?

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Does he have to clean up certain aspects of his D? Absolutely, but that applies to almost everyone. He did some things well, especially the weak side help, and in his limited time he knocked down threes which was something we really need.

Everyone having aspects of their D they can work on does not mean that everyone is at the same level. Weak side help is great but ultimately the most important aspect is that each player can D up their man and Akok just couldn’t do that this past season. Again, I would love for him to come back with that area significantly improved, and I think it’s very possible, I just don’t think Hurley can count on it.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I hope we all realize how much better the team will be if he can be a major contributor.

I don’t think you’ll find any disagreement on this board about that. The differences of opinion are how much he needs to improve to get to that point and how likely that is.

 

[uconnfan68]

My friend the coach at one of the basketball focused prep schools in RI doesn't expect him to really see the court much at UConn. I asked why and he said "too slow" for that system. So I said, why recruit him? Answer was: "had to" for the optics.

So, he’ll be gone after 1 year, or after 1 semester?

 

[mauconnfan]

It’s necessary that whoever is playing the 4 can be relied on to score when they get the ball in the post or for an open jumper. Playing Whaley at the four was a detriment on offense

What Akok does on O, a couple of 3s and really nothing else including no offensive rebounds or keeping the ball alive, will not make up for what Whaley did overall especially on D. His improvement will need to be dramatic. Johnson as well and staying out of foul trouble which Samson did very well unfortunately. Hey I hope they both get better as they’re good kids with ability. But for now, our 4 is scary. May have to play small ball a lot I guess it depends on the portal as well.

 

[mauconnfan]

My friend the coach at one of the basketball focused prep schools in RI doesn't expect him to really see the court much at UConn. I asked why and he said "too slow" for that system. So I said, why recruit him? Answer was: "had to" for the optics.

Well glad your buddy isn’t one of our coaches. The kid has the skills at 7’1 to play and it’s up to the coach to find a way to make him fit despite the shortcomings early in his career. Then it’s up to him to get himself in shape to do more every year to adapt to Hurley’s system as well. But he can score and pass, rebound by mistake he will play. Up to him and Dan Hurley how much.

 

[jibsey]

Karaban is the real deal, I expect him to be first off the bench and maybe some starts later on. As for Clingan, Hurley can’t screw around with Clingan as a freshman, like Ollie did with Josh and Hurley continued doing. The kid is the real deal. Clingan needs to get thrown into the fire, with Moore, Young, and Hurley teaching along the way, doing that will pay big dividends later on. Floyd can shoot it, so he will see major minutes.

Yes.

 

[KingAG]

Yes.

We have no idea if Floyd can shoot it when it matters. Watch shoot around at a UConn game and Gaffney doesn’t miss. When it’s game time he doesn’t make lol.

 

[uconnfan68]

I'd like to see us adapt and play Clingan exclusively in drop coverage, even zone. Maybe give him some run in the high hedge vs cupcakes, but otherwise use it sparingly.

See, you do get it.

 

[the Q]

I'd like to see us adapt and play Clingan exclusively in drop coverage, even zone. Maybe give him some run in the high hedge vs cupcakes, but otherwise use it sparingly.

Completely agree.

Cannot have him chasing and making aggressive hedges 30 ft from the basket

 

[HuskyHawk]

We have no idea if Floyd can shoot it when it matters. Watch shoot around at a UConn game and Gaffney doesn’t miss. When it’s game time he doesn’t make lol.

Except for his sophomore year when he shot quite well. Last year was an anomaly. I expect his shooting to return.

 

[husky429]

See, you do get it.

Eh?

 

[KingAG]

Except for his sophomore year when he shot quite well. Last year was an anomaly. I expect his shooting to return.

He's never been a factor against high major teams sans a couple of moments. Sophmore Gaffney was not good. He just wasn't as terrible as Junior Gaffney