Hassan Diarra Practice Highlights

[McLovin]

I see a lot of Kemba Walker in how he plays. Not expecting him to have a Kemba level season, but he has that old school tough NYC guard game.

 

[awy]

the leveled out shot and adding range is interesting. learning from steph curry?

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Can’t be…all the analytics folks demand only 3s and basket 2s.

Ugh, this misconception about analytics needs to die already. A wide open mid-range shot by a good shooter is still a good shot. A contested mid-range jumper or a shot from a mediocre shooter just inside the arc is not.

 

[Jimdish255]

Diarra is going to be key this season. You don't win championships without depth at guard.

 

[Huskybass]

Love Hassan Diarra. Nobody is tougher than him. All time Dog.

 

[IndyLives]

Can’t be…all the analytics folks demand only 3s and basket 2s.

3pt Attempts is the most critical metric for success at the NBA level. Just look at the Celtics. No one came close to them this year.

However, I'm not sure if this holds at the College level. Good question for Danny.

 

[RichCTBB]

just for the sake of continuity and establishing leadership, Hass should start. but hurley runs a competition based culture and it may just involve Hass leadership actually producing enough value to win that competition.

Let's not forget that our offense is incredibly complex. I'd be surprised if Aidan or Solo were better at running and initiating the motions at this point.

 

[Umami Zen]

I see him playing under control and with pace-Not too dissimilar from Tristen's style last year. He has plenty of speed but the game seems to have slowed down for him. He's seeing things much better. Looking forward to his contributions this year.

 

[Huskybass]

Passing, penetration, perimeter...alliteration proclamation. Clyde Frazier would be proud.

 

[inWV]

Plays under control, has added nice looking shots to his arsenal and is always on task when it comes to D. It's the first thing that is bringing him more minutes and his familiarity with who the coaching staff wants to do things is the thing that will probably have him starting.

 

[Umami Zen]

Passing, penetration, perimeter...alliteration proclamation. Clyde Frazier would be proud.

Perfectly put. Cannot hide Clyde's pride inside

 

[imno1]

Passing, penetration, perimeter...alliteration proclamation. Clyde Frazier would be proud.

Hass was swishing and dishing

 

[Staven]

I love this team! Can't wait to begin the 3-peat! Go Huskies!

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Ugh, this misconception about analytics needs to die already. A wide open mid-range shot by a good shooter is still a good shot. A contested mid-range jumper or a shot from a mediocre shooter just inside the arc is not.

Precisely. Any wide open shot from somebody who can shoot is a good shot anywhere on the floor.

With defenses utilizing analytics and focusing on defending the rim and the 3pt line, the mid range is left open. As the game continues to evolve the mid range is going to come back in play because it will provide open looks.

 

[444JR]

I know its the Yard, but why is Hass starting being questioned. I remember when freshman Boatright was going to start over Bazz pre-season . Hass is an experience leader with a Championship pedigree matters in college ball, especially at point guard. Hass knows Hurley's offense and is ready to lead.

I know we have some damn good freshman, but as of November Hass will be the Man, its his throne to lose. I have confidence he will keep that throne, especially not losing it to an unproven talented freshman in practice. That's not the Husky Hass way.

Danny needs Hass more than anyone this year to repeat again, we're fine at point guard. By the way Nowell advancement alongside Hass will be like Hass' advancement alongside Newton. Just saying Hass will make Nowell better and ready to take us to a get more future Championships.

Karaban and Mahaney are assumed starters by many. Samson Johnson or Taris Reed Jr will start at center. McNeeley and Stewart may both be so good they need to start.

If one of McNeeley or Stewart sits Hass will definitely be starting.

I wonder if Mahaney could come off the bench and if Diarra, McNeeley, Stewart, Karaban has enough shooting and ball handling to be a starting lineup for UConn. Mahaney 6th man of the year.

 

[Shoulder god]

Last year we had some Dawgs with Cam, Tristen, Steph and DC killing it. Hass fits that mold and so do others. Gonna be fun to see who is top alpha Dawg this year!

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

A contested mid-range jumper or a shot from a mediocre shooter just inside the arc is not.

Tell that to the stars of the NBA lol

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Mid range J's have been in all the guard and wing videos.
Gotta believe UConn knows something the rest of college basketball better figure out.

Maybe they’ve been reading my rants

 

[DogMania]

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone more deserving of a most improved player award. He’s contributed beyond expectations his entire time here and was a vital cog in The Machine.

One player that comes to mind is Hilton Armstrong. Never in my wildest imagination did I think he would develop into the player he turned out to be during his last season at UConn. With that said, Diarra had an amazing transformation last season. I remember so many people on the Boneyard complaining about his mistakes and turnovers, and I must admit at the beginning of last season I felt like I was at the edge of my seat waiting for him to make a mistake, but game after game he just kept on improving. Instead of making mistakes he would consistently make plays. Diarra is a playmaker. I can't wait to see his Improvement this upcoming season.

 

[DogMania]

The more I watch these practice videos, the more it seems like Samson Johnson is going to have a monster year- he looks so confident in his game.

I noted Hilton Armstrong in the post just before this one. He's a fitting comparison for Johnson if he can elevate his game to a new level this coming season. I'm not saying they have the same game, but I think we're going to see some huge Johnson moments this coming season as he rises above the rim for some of his vigorous rim rocking alley oop dunks. Maybe when it's all said and done, they'll erect a statue in his honor.

 

[DogMania]

We have folks here who are adamant he's coming off the bench. It's wild to me. Almost disrespectful dare I say.

Based on how well he played throughout most of last season and especially down the stretch last season, and how much he'll continue to improve, I can see a case for him starting. But I wouldn't be all that shocked to see Hurley bring the Diarra off the bench to infuse the team with a jolt of energy. It's not who starts that's important, but it's who's on the floor at the end of the game when winning is on the line.

There's a lot of talent on this team so nothing will surprise me as to who starts and what players earn more playing time than others.

 

[Hoophound]

Might be crazy talk, but I won’t be surprised if he’s debatably our best player all things considered. He does nothing but get better and he’s a great defender. I could see him creating similar value as Tristen did. Over the last two years, his shooting is better, finishing at the rim is multitudes better and he takes care of the ball.

 

[AllHusky]

From 2023 to 2024 his improvement was astonishing. Like he'd never been coached before he got here levels. Even if the curve isn't as steep from 24 to 25, thats still a heck of a player. He HASS to start!