How good can we be?

[The Funster]

Like the FB team, undefeated.

 

[ElmCity40th]

I personally think we can definitely at least make the NCAA's with better coaching and an offensive scheme that makes sense...the cupboard is not bare on talent, these kids just need the direction coach Hurley was hired to give them...sky is the limit

Bleed Blue

 

[Edward Sargent]

Here is what I believe will be improved...

1) Offensive cohesion/efficiency --> While Hurley's teams are not known as offensive juggernauts, it seems that he understands spacing, matchups, and having players be triple threats. The spacing on KOs teams has been abhorrent the last few years.
2) Defensive intensity --> There's a lot of JC/Bob Sr. in Dan Hurley in that you will play D or you won't play.
3) Coaching consistency --> I think the players will finally know what to expect. KO seemed to be one type of guy on the trail, another during W's, and something very, very different during trying times. From the player's quotes, and of course grain of fluid salt bla bla bla, it seems like they already respect Hurley on a different level.
4) Toughness --> This may take a bit longer, but it spoke worlds to me that Dan Hurley basically called out our returnees at his freakin' intro press conference to get tougher. We have been pretty damn soft the last 4-5 years in that the majority of our toughness came from sub 6-2 players.

All that being said, I anticipate 17-20 wins this year even with "the worst roster" we have had in years. Coaching, chemistry, and cohesion can make a world of difference.

Having met him and spoken briefly I think he would put number 4 first.

 

[Tenspro2002]

I'm trying to keep my expectations down. We'd have to catch lightening in bottle to have a "good" season by UConn standards. I've said this before but what I'm hoping for is:

1) Competent offense that moves the ball with purpose to get open looks.
2) Three point defense, please god, let us have decent 3 point defense.
3) Beat mid-majors comfortably.
4) No 20 point + beat downs by opponents.
5) No quitting, especially on defense.
6) Chemistry, no negative body language, important for building the team back up.

If we get that we will have a shot at the NCAAs. I think that is a reasonable expectation.

I expect to see some actual coaching regarding #4-6.

KO never punished guys for giving bad effort, coasting through games, taking plays off, and generally failing to play with pride.

Should be night and day with Hurley.

 

[GetTheFacts]

I'm not sold on the talent level of this team outside of Adams and Gilbert. I think anywhere between 0-5 games above .500 is probably realistic.

 

[BFieldHusky]

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1. We play a much easier schedule than last year. Especially in the non-conference.
2. The conference as a whole is down this year.
3. For everyone saying we basically have the same team. Gilbert being back would be MASSIVE. We were 4-0 with him last year, and down only 1 at halftime to a Top 5 team. He immediately would make a huge difference.
4. We add Sid Wilson, who I think will be a better overall player than Larrier was last year. Maybe not offensively, but with rebounding and defense yes.

 

[CL82]

1. We play a much easier schedule than last year. Especially in the non-conference.
2. The conference as a whole is down this year.

Shhhhh.

 

[Chief00]

How good will we be next season? For now the question is how much fun will we have on June 23rd in Baltimore. Next season will come soon enough.

 

[tcf15]

How good will we be next season? For now the question is how much fun will we have on June 23rd in Baltimore. Next season will come soon enough.

2 Street 2 Chief

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

2 Street 2 Chief

I love the idea of Chief driving down to Baltimore to hang out at a day party with a bunch of people he doesn't know.

 

[champs99and04]

I'm all for the Chief caricature but when you're trying to live up to your rep in a thread that has zero connection to what you just posted and had actually generated on-topic discussion to this point, maybe it's time to walk it back a little bit.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I'm all for the Chief caricature but when you're trying to live up to your rep in a thread that has zero connection to what you just posted and had actually generated on-topic discussion to this point, maybe it's time to walk it back a little bit.

You'd almost think he was desperate for attention.

 

[TRest]

Remember, chief is at least over 50; if he was playing pickup games on campus when I was there. Failure to launch.

 

[Danzz]

NIT

 

[ctchamps]

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1. We play a much easier schedule than last year. Especially in the non-conference.
2. The conference as a whole is down this year.
3. For everyone saying we basically have the same team. Gilbert being back would be MASSIVE. We were 4-0 with him last year, and down only 1 at halftime to a Top 5 team. He immediately would make a huge difference.
4. We add Sid Wilson, who I think will be a better overall player than Larrier was last year. Maybe not offensively, but with rebounding and defense yes.

All this plus Hurley plus a more excited fan base excluding apologistas and I stick to my 24 - 29 wins this season.

 

[Blaneylover]

I have no clue how good we will be next year.

I'm sure there will be a learning curve. I don't think there will be too much pressure on Hurley in his first season.

Sid and the transfers will help. I don't think we addressed our center position. We have a lot of redundant
6-8 guys. I know our guard play should be solid to dare I say great with the return of both Adams and Vitale and AG.

I think Coach Hurley will get the kids to buy into his system. I'm just curious if they can put it all together this year.

It will be interesting to see. I want to keep my expectations in check, but I think good guard play can overcome weaknesses.

I think an NCAA trip is a possibility.

I agree with this list. Baby steps. Poor perimeter defense cost us three games, at minimum, this past season. As for the beatdowns, the days of being blown out of games at the half need to end.

If I get a full season of constant effort on defense, a healthy back court, and a recognizable offensive system, I will.be thrilled. 20 wins are a fair goal to shoot for.

 

[jibsey]

We assume the coaching is better, but does the coach make shots? How is our outside shooting which BTW was with the dregs of the nation any better this year?

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

All this plus Hurley plus a more excited fan base excluding apologistas and I stick to my 24 - 29 wins this season.

I don't care one bit if you're wrong, I like the feeling I get when you write like this. Besides, the question was, "How good can we be?"

 

[UConnDan97]

Like the FB team, undefeated.

I like the way you think!

Put me down as a non-drunk NCAA believer. I think folks are going to be pleasantly surprised to see how much kids improve when freshmen and sophomores become sophomores and juniors...

 

[TheChamps990411]

Other than improved coaching there is no reason people should assume we'll be much better.

The NCAA believers are drunk

Havent `11 and `14 taught you anything? You know nothing Jon Snow!

 

[TheChamps990411]

I have no clue how good we will be next year.

I'm sure there will be a learning curve. I don't think there will be too much pressure on Hurley in his first season.

Sid and the transfers will help. I don't think we addressed our center position. We have a lot of redundant
6-8 guys. I know our guard play should be solid to dare I say great with the return of both Adams and Vitale and AG.

I think Coach Hurley will get the kids to buy into his system. I'm just curious if they can put it all together this year.

It will be interesting to see. I want to keep my expectations in check, but I think good guard play can overcome weaknesses.

I think an NCAA trip is a possibility.

I say over 14 wins but under 20.

 

[buddy]

If Alterique is healthy and able to knock off the rust (big "IF") then we can definitely make the NCAAs. Him and Jalen could be a lethal 1-2 punch.

I don't think the "rust" will be an issue. I think you all have unrealistic expectations for this guy. I am hoping that he can actually play a few games and not get hurt again. Him and Jalen? How about He and Jalen?

 

[Mano]

If they buy in and play for each other with love and heart and love in their hearts as a family and a unit with resolve and desire knowing that only they can believe in each other and that believing in each other is the belief that will drive them to success on the court and in life then they can come together and push one another to great and amazing things.

So, like, hopefully 20+ wins.

 

[Chief00]

I love the idea of Chief driving down to Baltimore to hang out at a day party with a bunch of people he doesn't know.

Chief has always been inclusive - makes friends fast - and already knows a core
DMV crew.

 

[Chief00]

Remember, chief is at least over 50; if he was playing pickup games on campus when I was there. Failure to launch.

Chief launch past your sorry butt and never looked back.