Gonzaga Post Game Thread

[TXHuskyFan]

That 10 seconds violation was disgustingly bad. I was screaming WTF are you doing he just stopped bringing the ball up like he had all the time in the world.

I think he was trying to slow things up after racing up and down the court six times in 30 seconds and just slowed it too much. Still no excuse for an experienced guard but an explanation

 

[305Husk]

Where was the in-game thread?

 

[TheHorde]

Mahaney and quick don't go together. LOL!

I’m not convinced Liam or Stewart couldn’t guard the guys Ball and Mahaney have largely been guarding about as well with their length. I don’t see this “skittish” play DH has referred to with Stewart at all. DH did say in the postgame remarks that he considers the Ball/Stewart/Ross upside and potential to be a key factor in how the remainder of the season guys. It’s gotta be difficult dividing minutes since Liam obviously deserves huge minutes, as does Alex, for obvious reasons.

 

[3rdbass]

I agree Mahaney should be playing off ball, coming off screens.

People are writing off Mahaney just like they did Fagnano (“the worst QB in UConn history”), just like some folks did with AJax before the first natty (people on this site wanted him at the end of the bench or off the team).

So people can run their mouths now (inexplicably, after a big win, when there are so many good things to single out). I look forward to the Mahaney redemption arc in March.

I didn't write off. I mentioned that he should be starter all year long. Mahaney will have his time but he is no Joe Fagnano. bad comparison.

 

[UCan3]

unsung play of the night was Sigare.. On defense he was reminiscent of Cling Kong.

When he come in, yes we lose a bit on offense in terms of scoring but nothing on Defense and even on offense the kids snags more rebounds than the others.

He is a solid sub - put him in for 10-15 a game dan!

 

[temery]

Where was the in-game thread?

In the chat during a game

 

[Chasm64]

It almost looked like he had the wind knocked out of him.

That’s what I thought.

 

[3rdbass]

I’m not convinced Liam or Stewart couldn’t guard the guys Ball and Mahaney have largely been guarding about as well with their length. I don’t see this “skittish” play DH has referred to with Stewart at all. DH did say in the postgame remarks that he considers the Ball/Stewart/Ross upside and potential to be a key factor in how the remainder of the season guys. It’s gotta be difficult dividing minutes since Liam obviously deserves huge minutes, as does Alex, for obvious reasons.

It is nice that Stewie and Ross are playing 2 guard at times.

 

[Leebo]

Where was the in-game thread?

There isn't one. The chat is used during games.

 

[SoFla Steve]

Where was the in-game thread?

There is never an in-game thread. Use the chat.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

But so far, is he wrong?

If you really want me to answer, I think it’s beyond idiotic to write off a kid who was an all-American last year and a first team all WCC player who’s clearly playing out of position and has had an undeniably rough start to his UConn career.

It’s the role of our best coaching staff in America to figure out a way to integrate him into what this team wants to do. But we have a whiny, entitled fan base that sucks the enjoyment out of absolutely everything. We’re either the best team in the country or bound for the NIT game to game. A bunch of spoiled clowns who want this kid “bolted to the bench.” This place was on suicide watch after Maui and then they beat Baylor, Texas and Gonzaga and there are people who still want to use the occasion of a nationally televised win over a top ten team to rip the kid. It sucks. Do your thing.

 

[3rdbass]

unsung play of the night was Sigare.. On defense he was reminiscent of Cling Kong.

When he come in, yes we lose a bit on offense in terms of scoring but nothing on Defense and even on offense the kids snags more rebounds than the others.

He is a solid sub - put him in for 10-15 a game dan!

With the way our bigs fould I wouldn't be surprise he gets those minutes especially against bigger centers where Karaban can't compete physically.

 

[gsmooth]

His confidence is clearly shot right now. There was one play where he had an open look in the corner, just couldn’t pull the trigger, and instead fired a dangerous cross court pass.

I am glad I am not the only one who noticed that. I know AK missed the wide open 3, but Mahaney can shoot and he did not want to shoot that 3 which was wide open.

IMO, UConn fans shouldn't be saying, "get rid of him", or "bolt him to the bench" or whatever else. The guy can play. I watched plenty of St. Mary's games. But he needs to play off the ball for the majority of his minutes with maybe 1 or 2 possessions where he plays the PG. Then next game maybe make 2-4 possessions at PG with the rest of it being off the ball. When he enters the game, he should start his playing time playing off the ball to get him comfortable with what he does best right now and as the season progresses slowly wean and increase his playing time to PG.

 

[UCTitleTown]

Ross keeps showing flashes. There's obviously a ton of potential there. If he can find it this year it would help our chances a lot.

I thought he was going to throw it down for another ESPN highlight.

 

[alphasigko]

GREAT gut check win! McNeeley is a bona fide STUD!

 

[SeattleHoop]

Great win!

But can someone please tell Diarra to stop taking the big final minute shots?

Instead get the ball to:
A) Karaban
B) Mcneeley
C) Solo

That’s the one thing that really frustrated me near the end of the game

 

[Jaydumo20]

I think we'll see a more productive Mahaney when he's back in a role he's comfortable in.

I usually agree with you. This time is no different. Spoken like someone who knows the game.

 

[Kowalski]

Unlike Joe. Mahaney has only showed us flashes. Joe should of been the starting QB for UConn all year long while Mahaney is a backup SG trying to play PG. It will never work. Mahaney is more like Evers. Overhyped. I hope once Nowell gets healthy Mahaney can just play the 2G where he looks more natural.

The difference is Mahaney has proven himself as a college player. He was first team all conference as both a freshman & sophomore on teams that won regular season conference championships & made it to the NCAA tourney.

 

[Smp7598]

Stevie could play more and Ross defended what Mahaney couldn’t. Our great coaching staff is working their magic.

I saw 2 threes The Zags made in the first half where Ross was lost defensively!

 

[Jhuskie89]

They ran sets!!!!!

 

[superjohn]

I wouldn't trade McNeeley for any freshman including that guy at Duke. He is the heart of this team right now.

He's our best player and our Cam. Sometimes he shoots poorly but he's always rebounding, driving, passing, and his defense gets better and better.

Alex is also a stud but he gets too stuck on chucking deep threes when they aren't falling.

 

[UCan3]

Great win!

But can someone please tell Diarra to stop taking the big final minute shots?

Instead get the ball to:
A) Karaban
B) Mcneeley
C) Solo

That’s the one thing that really frustrated me near the end of the game

I agree but Karaban couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn tonight and he tried!

He needed to be 3 ft from hoop to score tonight.

 

[PAHusky]

If you really want me to answer, I think it’s beyond idiotic to write off a kid who was an all-American last year and a first team all WCC player who’s clearly playing out of position and has had an undeniably rough start to his UConn career.

It’s the role of our best coaching staff in America to figure out a way to integrate him into what this team wants to do. But we have a whiny, entitled fan base that sucks the enjoyment out of absolutely everything. We’re either the best team in the country or bound for the NIT game to game. A bunch of spoiled clowns who want this kid “bolted to the bench.” This place was on suicide watch after Maui and then they beat Baylor, Texas and Gonzaga and there are people who still want to use the occasion of a nationally televised win over a top ten team to rip the kid. It sucks. Do your thing.

Pretty sure he wasn’t an all American. I do think calling him garbage is too far but the white knighting for the dude being called out for playing incredibly poorly for what is now the entire non conference slate isn’t crazy, quit the pearl clutching.

I agree that Mahaney needs to be given a chance at his natural SG position but it’s not like the dude is doing anything positive now when he’s playing off ball. May be in the team’s best interest long and short term to get nowell in there instead.

Nice win overall. Liam huge. Karaban’s hopefully worst game at UConn. Trick or treat Diarra

 

[AllHusky]

Two concerning things jumped out at me from Hey Adriens Zaga scouting report
1. This was a much tougher Gonzaga team than the last few years.
2. Better depth as well…..

…..And we out toughed them and deep depth guys Singare and Ross came up with critical contributions. Great response by the Huskies.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I am glad I am not the only one who noticed that. I know AK missed the wide open 3, but Mahaney can shoot and he did not want to shoot that 3 which was wide open.

IMO, UConn fans shouldn't be saying, "get rid of him", or "bolt him to the bench" or whatever else. The guy can play. I watched plenty of St. Mary's games. But he needs to play off the ball for the majority of his minutes with maybe 1 or 2 possessions where he plays the PG. Then next game maybe make 2-4 possessions at PG with the rest of it being off the ball. When he enters the game, he should start his playing time playing off the ball to get him comfortable with what he does best right now and as the season progresses slowly wean and increase his playing time to PG.

The problem of course is that if his role is relegated to running off screens and being a catch and shoot off-ball guy, there’s a lot more competition for minutes in that role.