Hurley Article on next years roster

[Sphinx]

This team is just two baby steps away from having NO point guard next year. All it takes is Jalen going pro and Alterique suffering a setback in his recovery. Both events are outside of Dan Hurley's control. The need to recruit a PG is beyond critical; it is existential. If Larrier stays, Dan Hurley has NO available scholarship, so Larrier staying is not an option. Dan Hurley MUST recruit a PG, and he must do it immediately. Further, he should be taking every step necessary to groom CV as a back-up point and Sid Wilson as a SG. The possibility of losing both Jalen and AG is real, and if it happens, Dan Hurley will have a problem putting a team on the floor next year -- or even running a practice.

 

[3rdbass]

This team is just two baby steps away from having NO point guard next year. All it takes is Jalen going pro and Alterique suffering a setback in his recovery. Both events are outside of Dan Hurley's control. The need to recruit a PG is beyond critical; it is existential. If Larrier stays, Dan Hurley has NO available scholarship, so Larrier staying is not an option. Dan Hurley MUST recruit a PG, and he must do it immediately. Further, he should be taking every step necessary to groom CV as a back-up point and Sid Wilson as a SG. The possibility of losing both Jalen and AG is real, and if it happens, Dan Hurley will have a problem putting a team on the floor next year -- or even running a practice.

Sid Wilson's skill set is more SF/PF and not SG. Maybe you mean EM the recruit as he could play some SG. Though with 4 teams playing small with only one traditional big that having 4 guys who can shoot at 1-4 is more effective in college than having bruisers up front. I prefer SW plays SF or PF than SG.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

hell yes - that's a nice class.

Bravo, dude.

 

[Tenspro2002]

The Boneyard: "we need shooters more than anything!"

Also the Boneyard: "Terry Larrier, a proven 38% college 3-point shooter despite playing in a broken offense after missing two years and coming back from a devastating injury sucks and wouldn't even play for us!"

Morans.

He was a good shooter.

The problem was, he was supposed to be much more than that, but was a ball-stopping turnover machine when he got it in his hands, and was Charmin-soft on the glass and on the defensive end.

 

[Towney007]

Well step one is seeing who's coming back. Right now the core seems like a pretty competent group.

Coming Back - Vital, Gilbert, Wilson

Probably coming back - Diarra, Cobb

50/50 - Adams, Whaley, Polley, Kisinius, Matthews

Seem like a foot out the door, but we've got a shot - Carlton, Williams

Long Shot - Larrier, Akinjo

I'm actually pretty optimistic he gets most of these guys back. To me, Adams is the lynchpin. Because if he comes back, they have a chance to play post season basketball. I think if he comes back, the other guys in the 50-50 group are probably coming sans maybe one. If he doesn't it gets a little dicier I think.

For the long shot guys - I just can't see Terry coming back. College has been a disaster for him - from the VCU transfer to the injury last year and then suffering through this year. I just think there's too much going on. Akinjo I think is west coast bound, but of the two - I think he'd be the guy that's more worthwhile to spend the time on because he fits a big time need.

So here's my two hypothetical rosters:

If Adams says YES

PG Gilbert
SG Adams
SW Vital
SF Wilson
C Diarra
BNC Cobb
BNSW - One of the 50/50 guys
BNSW - One of the 50/50/Long Shot guys

That's 8 slots filled up

The obvious need is a PG. But I'm also going hard for a big.... somewhere. Kisinus would be a nice get to have come in and make a little noise and gobble a few minutes, but I really think you go the grad route and get a guy with some P5/big game experience who just grabs boards and is a defensive presence. If no Kisinius, then this becomes more of a priority, but either way I think you need one.


If Adams says NO

PG Gilbert
SG Vital
SF Wilson
F - Who knows
C - Diarra
BNC - Cobb


Then you've got some real concerns, I think. I'd be surprised to see them lose all their 50/50 guys, so that'll fill a spot, but which ones fall where means a lot towards what you have to have outside of a ball handler. Because now you need a guy who can really score. Now you def need another presence in the post and then a swing type for depth. That's asking a lot. There are just sooooo many questions after that happens.

So to me - it's all hands on deck for Jalen just because he takes care of the most problems on his own and is the easiest to get. Plus takes pressure off of anywhere of 4-5 other problem spots on the roster that you'll have if he's not here.

 

[HawkHusky]

I know that’s the conventional wisdom on Gilbert. Chief though thinks he will be ok.

Conventional wisdom or casual wisdom?

 

[djct1999]

The keys to UConn's success next year really fall on the return of Adams and Carlton. Assuming CV and AG stay and Mathews honors his commitment, there is a huge void in talent on our frontline. Carlton is the one guy that can fix that. Plug in a graduate transfer or two and we are instantly competitive. If Carlton transfers, that front line is too bare for Hurley to truly work with.

 

[the Q]

Well step one is seeing who's coming back. Right now the core seems like a pretty competent group.

Coming Back - Vital, Gilbert, Wilson

Probably coming back - Diarra, Cobb

50/50 - Adams, Whaley, Polley, Kisinius, Matthews

Seem like a foot out the door, but we've got a shot - Carlton, Williams

Long Shot - Larrier, Akinjo

I'm actually pretty optimistic he gets most of these guys back. To me, Adams is the lynchpin. Because if he comes back, they have a chance to play post season basketball. I think if he comes back, the other guys in the 50-50 group are probably coming sans maybe one. If he doesn't it gets a little dicier I think.

For the long shot guys - I just can't see Terry coming back. College has been a disaster for him - from the VCU transfer to the injury last year and then suffering through this year. I just think there's too much going on. Akinjo I think is west coast bound, but of the two - I think he'd be the guy that's more worthwhile to spend the time on because he fits a big time need.

So here's my two hypothetical rosters:

If Adams says YES

PG Gilbert
SG Adams
SW Vital
SF Wilson
C Diarra
BNC Cobb
BNSW - One of the 50/50 guys
BNSW - One of the 50/50/Long Shot guys

That's 8 slots filled up

The obvious need is a PG. But I'm also going hard for a big.... somewhere. Kisinus would be a nice get to have come in and make a little noise and gobble a few minutes, but I really think you go the grad route and get a guy with some P5/big game experience who just grabs boards and is a defensive presence. If no Kisinius, then this becomes more of a priority, but either way I think you need one.


If Adams says NO

PG Gilbert
SG Vital
SF Wilson
F - Who knows
C - Diarra
BNC - Cobb


Then you've got some real concerns, I think. I'd be surprised to see them lose all their 50/50 guys, so that'll fill a spot, but which ones fall where means a lot towards what you have to have outside of a ball handler. Because now you need a guy who can really score. Now you def need another presence in the post and then a swing type for depth. That's asking a lot. There are just sooooo many questions after that happens.

So to me - it's all hands on deck for Jalen just because he takes care of the most problems on his own and is the easiest to get. Plus takes pressure off of anywhere of 4-5 other problem spots on the roster that you'll have if he's not here.

I like a lot of this. This late in the game if we aren’t getting akinjo back or Williams, I’m ok going grad transfer at both pg and Big man. Of the 50/50 guys akinjo and Matthews are the most important for me. But I also just really like Whaley. I can see a more springy Kevin freeman in there.

 

[Candyman]

Well step one is seeing who's coming back. Right now the core seems like a pretty competent group.

Coming Back - Vital, Gilbert, Wilson

Probably coming back - Diarra, Cobb

50/50 - Adams, Whaley, Polley, Kisinius, Matthews

Seem like a foot out the door, but we've got a shot - Carlton, Williams

Long Shot - Larrier, Akinjo

I'm actually pretty optimistic he gets most of these guys back. To me, Adams is the lynchpin. Because if he comes back, they have a chance to play post season basketball. I think if he comes back, the other guys in the 50-50 group are probably coming sans maybe one. If he doesn't it gets a little dicier I think.

For the long shot guys - I just can't see Terry coming back. College has been a disaster for him - from the VCU transfer to the injury last year and then suffering through this year. I just think there's too much going on. Akinjo I think is west coast bound, but of the two - I think he'd be the guy that's more worthwhile to spend the time on because he fits a big time need.

So here's my two hypothetical rosters:

If Adams says YES

PG Gilbert
SG Adams
SW Vital
SF Wilson
C Diarra
BNC Cobb
BNSW - One of the 50/50 guys
BNSW - One of the 50/50/Long Shot guys

That's 8 slots filled up

The obvious need is a PG. But I'm also going hard for a big.... somewhere. Kisinus would be a nice get to have come in and make a little noise and gobble a few minutes, but I really think you go the grad route and get a guy with some P5/big game experience who just grabs boards and is a defensive presence. If no Kisinius, then this becomes more of a priority, but either way I think you need one.


If Adams says NO

PG Gilbert
SG Vital
SF Wilson
F - Who knows
C - Diarra
BNC - Cobb


Then you've got some real concerns, I think. I'd be surprised to see them lose all their 50/50 guys, so that'll fill a spot, but which ones fall where means a lot towards what you have to have outside of a ball handler. Because now you need a guy who can really score. Now you def need another presence in the post and then a swing type for depth. That's asking a lot. There are just sooooo many questions after that happens.

So to me - it's all hands on deck for Jalen just because he takes care of the most problems on his own and is the easiest to get. Plus takes pressure off of anywhere of 4-5 other problem spots on the roster that you'll have if he's not here.

This is a Hurley team so please no more skinny stretch 4's and no more 3 guard lineups. Unless they can all drive and shoot like Nova i don't want a three guard line up. Give me,

Adams
Vital
Wilson
Diarra
Carlton

Vital takes bad shots gets pulled and sees bench with Gilbert coming in. That right there is a team that if Carlton and Diarra get stronger has a shot at a tourney berth.

 

[Palatine]

We need another PG. I have the over/under on Gilbert participation at 8 games. You just cannot count on him. Adams need to be taken off the ball to starve off exhaustion. If coach Hurley can hang onto everyone else PG is the glaring need.

 

[Hoophound]

Larrier was a ball stopping machine because he wasn’t coached not to be. I didn’t see anyone screaming at him to move the ball when he didn’t have an open jumper. I didn’t see KO jump off the bench and give him the hook. Larrier needs to be taught where to find his offense.

Also, the cries that he can’t defend are silly. He’s a great athlete. MAKE him defend or sit him down. Coach him for goodness sake. Steve Nash had mismatches all day Long on D, especially late in his career. He was still an amazing player because he brought so much more to the table. Let’s stop making excuses for the KO, certain players etc. It is very simple. In a a well thought out game plan, Larrier is at best, a knock down shooter with athleticism and at worst, a good shooter with serviceable athletic ability to defend in college. He is a victim of lack of development by his coaches. Just like Brimah and Purvis, Larrier will find a niche at the next level. He may or may not be an NBA player, but he’ll at least be a hell of a player in Europe.

 

[mauconnfan]

Larrier was a ball stopping machine because he wasn’t coached not to be. I didn’t see anyone screaming at him to move the ball when he didn’t have an open jumper. I didn’t see KO jump off the bench and give him the hook. Larrier needs to be taught where to find his offense.

Also, the cries that he can’t defend are silly. He’s a great athlete. MAKE him defend or sit him down. Coach him for goodness sake. Steve Nash had mismatches all day Long on D, especially late in his career. He was still an amazing player because he brought so much more to the table. Let’s stop making excuses for the KO, certain players etc. It is very simple. In a a well thought out game plan, Larrier is at best, a knock down shooter with athleticism and at worst, a good shooter with serviceable athletic ability to defend in college. He is a victim of lack of development by his coaches. Just like Brimah and Purvis, Larrier will find a niche at the next level. He may or may not be an NBA player, but he’ll at least be a hell of a player in Europe.

Did you watch the games at all? Coaching had little or nothing to do with why he's a ball stopping machine you people need to get that crap out of your head. He is just that because he can't pass, can't dribble and isn;t a very good basketball player. He lost his athleticism we saw at VCU obviously and is a rail thin stand up shooter and that's it. He puts little to no effort into defending anyone and any time he tried they left his standing there holding his jock. He wasn't awful he was dreadful one of the absolute worst defenders we've ever seen, it really is that simple. Add to that he's a TO machine and you guys want him back to waste a schools we may need for many other vital areas? Crazy

 

[Exit 4]

Causal fan here with a two cent opinion. This team needs at least one new PG recruit and at least two if Adams does not return. Anything else Hurley accomplishes this off season with the roster is a bonus (adding one big man).

 

[Hugo]

We need another PG. I have the over/under on Gilbert participation at 8 games. You just cannot count on him. Adams need to be taken off the ball to starve off exhaustion. If coach Hurley can hang onto everyone else PG is the glaring need.

Definitely our biggest need is another PG. As weak as it is, we can get by with our frontcourt, but absolutely need help in the backcourt. We need a shooter and more importantly another PG regardless if JA stays or leaves. Can't rely on AG being healthy and even if he is, he will have almost 2 years of rust that will limit his effectiveness.

 

[the Q]

This is a Hurley team so please no more skinny stretch 4's and no more 3 guard lineups. Unless they can all drive and shoot like Nova i don't want a three guard line up. Give me,

Adams
Vital
Wilson
Diarra
Carlton

Vital takes bad shots gets pulled and sees bench with Gilbert coming in. That right there is a team that if Carlton and Diarra get stronger has a shot at a tourney berth.

A big problem is that we have little spacing with our bigs.

I hope Wilson can stroke it, because those bigs are gonna clog the lane again.

 

[djct1999]

Did you watch the games at all? Coaching had little or nothing to do with why he's a ball stopping machine you people need to get that crap out of your head. He is just that because he can't pass, can't dribble and isn;t a very good basketball player. He lost his athleticism we saw at VCU obviously and is a rail thin stand up shooter and that's it. He puts little to no effort into defending anyone and any time he tried they left his standing there holding his jock. He wasn't awful he was dreadful one of the absolute worst defenders we've ever seen, it really is that simple. Add to that he's a TO machine and you guys want him back to waste a schools we may need for many other vital areas? Crazy

So who in your mind played good defense? In criticizing Larrier, while not entirely wrong on the surface, you aren't answering the questions as to why. Larrier's season highlights how bad this team was coached. Scouts understand that. Larrier has the ability to be coached up and like most players here, has not improved because no coach was in place to develop him. His downside is age. His upside at the next level is higher than Adams. Larrier is much better than he showed this season and while I doubt he gets drafted, I could very easily see him sign a two way and dominate the G-League. He is not a bad player. He was a good player on a horribly coached team that opponents could focus on and take out of his game.

 

[the Q]

So who in your mind played good defense? In criticizing Larrier, while not entirely wrong, you aren't answering the questions as to why. Larrier's season highlights how bad this team was coached. Scouts understand that. Larrier has the ability to be coached up and like most players here, has not improved because no coach was in place to develop him. His downside is age. His upside at the next level is higher than Adams. Larrier is much better than he showed this season and while I doubt he gets drafted, I could very easily see him sign a two way and dominate the G-League. He is not a bad player. He was a good player on a horribly coached team that opponents could focus on and take out of his game.

the biggest question is what position is he guarding in the NBA?

There's a role for him as a guy who literally just stands in the corner and hits 3.

But his defense is just not going to cut it at the NBA level.

 

[jibsey]

the biggest question is what position is he guarding in the NBA?

There's a role for him as a guy who literally just stands in the corner and hits 3.

But his defense is just not going to cut it at the NBA level.

And neither will his 3 point shooting.

 

[the Q]

And neither will his 3 point shooting.

I can see his shooting being NBA level. Strength and shooting are 2 things that tend to improve at the NBA level.

 

[Hoophound]

Did you watch the games at all? Coaching had little or nothing to do with why he's a ball stopping machine you people need to get that crap out of your head. He is just that because he can't pass, can't dribble and isn;t a very good basketball player. He lost his athleticism we saw at VCU obviously and is a rail thin stand up shooter and that's it. He puts little to no effort into defending anyone and any time he tried they left his standing there holding his jock. He wasn't awful he was dreadful one of the absolute worst defenders we've ever seen, it really is that simple. Add to that he's a TO machine and you guys want him back to waste a schools we may need for many other vital areas? Crazy

You keep beating the same drum. It was the coach and the players that stunk. However, many of the players stunk because the coach didn’t make them better. An awful lot of teaching goes into good defense. Larrier is not a player that can’t defend at this level. His physical attributes ensure that he can defend.

 

[djct1999]

the biggest question is what position is he guarding in the NBA?

There's a role for him as a guy who literally just stands in the corner and hits 3.

But his defense is just not going to cut it at the NBA level.

I am not saying he will be a star but to totally dismiss his ability is simply a joke. He will certainly need to bulk up but he has potential and many scouts view him as more of a prospect than Adams. I would say he was in a bad system the last two years but that would acknowledge us actually having a system. There aren't many guys that would watch Adams hold the ball on top of the key for 25plus seconds, have the other guys stand still, receive a pass with the shot clock under 10, and score efficiently. Some of this is on TL but a lot of isn't. Most NBA personnel will look at TL in a different way than the boneyard.

 

[the Q]

I am not saying he will be a star but to totally dismiss his ability is simply a joke. He will certainly need to bulk up but he has potential and many scouts view him as more of a prospect than Adams. I would say he was in a bad system the last two years but that would acknowledge us actually having a system. There aren't many guys that would watch Adams hold the ball on top of the key for 25plus seconds, have the other guys stand still, receive a pass with the shot clock under 10, and score efficiently. Some of this is on Larrier but a lot of isn't. Most NBA personnel will look at Larrier in a different way than the boneyard.

where did i dismiss him?

I've continuously said a guy with his height/length and shot has the potential to carve out an NBA role.

But he also can't dribble, pass or defend anyone right now. Those are major question marks.

And those 2 sentences above are not mutually exclusive.

 

[Sphinx]

I'll just say it again, "The need for a PG is beyond critical; it is existential." And if one of our natural SG's must play point, than one of our natural SF's had better learn to play SG. Wilson is a slight 6-6, 170, built to be a SG. Appoint me coach, and I'd get CV and Sid working on their ball-handling tomorrow. Matthews, a stronger 6-7, and a proven high school rebounder, is the better SF candidate behind Polley.

Amazing to me how much talk there is here of getting Larrier to stay or bringing in this or that frontcourt addition when the team has no available scholarship if Larrier stays. The current available scholarship MUST be used to get a PG, and Dan Hurley has not the luxury of waiting until Jalen decides. He must be casting his net now.

 

[JimHurley]

I'll just say it again, "The need for a PG is beyond critical; it is existential." And if one of our natural SG's must play point, than one of our natural SF's had better learn to play SG. Wilson is a slight 6-6, 170, built to be a SG. Appoint me coach, and I'd get CV and Sid working on their ball-handling tomorrow. Matthews, a stronger 6-7, and a proven high school rebounder, is the better SF candidate behind Polley.

Amazing to me how much talk there is here of getting Larrier to stay or bringing in this or that frontcourt addition when the team has no available scholarship if Larrier stays. The first available scholarship MUST be used to get a PG, and Dan Hurley has not the luxury of waiting until Jalen decides. He must be casting his net now.

Completely agree. Let’s forget about getting Larrier to stay. Get a PG.

 

[David 76]

People screamed that KO had no back up plan for Gilbert knowing he was an injury risk. Now people are advocating for the same mistake.
If Adams stays, we need a pg. If he goes, we need another guard. Top priorities.
That is why I hope a couple of our superfluous bigs leave and give us a chance for upgrades. Get Carlton to stay. Others have potential, but we can't have a bunch of Biggs who aren't ready to play and 3 or 4 guards especially with Gilbert.

 

[mauconnfan]

You keep beating the same drum. It was the coach and the players that stunk. However, many of the players stunk because the coach didn’t make them better. An awful lot of teaching goes into good defense. Larrier is not a player that can’t defend at this level. His physical attributes ensure that he can defend.

Seriously? I don't give 2 craps about what he was or wasn't t taught by KO, did Shaka teach him anything? Did anyone try to instill EFFORT into his game? Even if they didn't, which is highly doubtful, the fact he didn't give any tells me he's not worth our time. Why would we keep a guy who doesn't work hard to be good at his craft, because unless you're blind he didn't at all. He was a chair on defense, a weak one at that. He rebounded when he felt like it, more often watching from the outside or trying to leak early after a weak attempt at a hand in the face of a shooter. Can he be a piece, that's up to Hurley. But anyone watching this past season I would think would want to leave that spot open for someone more willing to compete as we expect while wearing that uniform.

 

[Danzz]

Wish list: resign Akinjo, keep Carlton, and sign a thug PF. Let Larrier go and don't even make an attempt to convince him to stay.

 

[jibsey]

I don't want Larrier back for reasons many have stated already. Hurley's success next year can't ride with what we have currently or coming, it ain't close to enough. We need a good point guard but also a muscular power forward who has a handle and can rebound. It's asking a lot but Hurley needs to earn the big bucks, and recruiting is a piece of that. He's not a magician.

 

[mauconnfan]

So who in your mind played good defense? In criticizing Larrier, while not entirely wrong on the surface, you aren't answering the questions as to why. Larrier's season highlights how bad this team was coached. Scouts understand that. Larrier has the ability to be coached up and like most players here, has not improved because no coach was in place to develop him. His downside is age. His upside at the next level is higher than Adams. Larrier is much better than he showed this season and while I doubt he gets drafted, I could very easily see him sign a two way and dominate the G-League. He is not a bad player. He was a good player on a horribly coached team that opponents could focus on and take out of his game.

OMG what the heck are you guys seeing? He's not a even a good player on an awful team. Adams is a good player on an awful team who at times also could use a little kick in the butt on defense, but he will prove to be better with Hurley doing just that I am sure. Larrier dominating he G league? He's lucky to play in the G League, he's a skinny shooting SF with no ball handling skills (suppose that's on Ko and the staff tooLOL) and he's very weak, can't get to the rim. His defense will be fine in the G league because they don't play any. Coached up is so overrated on a kid that age - he should be a ton better just by maturity alone and he's not. 2 coaches here remember Shaka too, so no one go through to him because he's talented yet he's not too good. But instead of blaming a 22-23 year old kid let's blame all the coaches. Any of you read what Bobby Hurley Sr said because it's right on - SPOT ON actually. Don't have it verbatim but he said the next 6 months are crucial to each kid because they need to have a plan and work that plan from now until practice begin so they are ready to get coached. Off season making yourself better is so important to these kids and we get kids lately who don't get better. How can a guy with TL's ability not be able to keep his handle in traffic ever, he's awful?? Because of him not the coaches at all. Bobby SR is right and maybe KO never left these guys with a plan to get better, shame on him I am sure Danny will and they will have expectations when they get in the gym in October. Hard to think the Husky we all loved because of his hard work and effort which kept him the game for 13 years at the highest level didn't offer some guidance as to how to come back ready and better than when they stopped playing. Or maybe these guys just aren't as good as we think? Maybe Larriers knee will be stronger than it was this past year because the guy I saw was like a colt with no explosion doing anything. He dunked more as a freshman at VCU by tons than we saw this year, very few. All I know is I'd much prefer to save that slot for a PG or a shooter who can play on both ends. But that's just me, you can take back the guy you think needs to be coached up.

 

[Candyman]

Wish list: resign Akinjo, keep Carlton, and sign a thug PF. Let Larrier go and don't even make an attempt to convince him to stay.

We have 5 PF's in Cobb, Williams, Whaley, Diarra and Kisunas. Unless a few transfer I doubt we go and try an sign another for this season.