Hurley found out one thing last night...

[Chin Diesel]

Tough to judge Karaban on last night. He had a difficult match up which he made more difficult by committing two early (and not very smart) fouls. It is way, way past time for him to have learned this lesson.

I still think this team needs a guy who can go off for 30 --like Liam did against Creighton last year-- for this team to reach an elite level.

Tough to judge a four year starter who took himself out of the flow of the game with "two early (and not very smart) fouls"?????

No. He shouldn't be committing those fouls at this point in his career. He needs to play better. But, he's human, and he isn't perfect. He had a stinker.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I think it’s not anything to worry about. Arizona coach said postgame that they game-planned to be all over AK and Solo.

Late in the game an announcer mentioned how "unkempt" Solo was with his shirt hanging out. As he said it, there was a break and Karaban walked by Solo and his shirt was also out.

The amount of grabbing Arizona got away with the entire game (I believe there were two holds called, while nearly every time one of our guys tried to run around a screen they were being grabbed).

This bothered me only because there were a number of ticky tak fouls called on us. If they're going to let them play, let both teams play.

 

[Waquoit]

Last year's season came down to playing a top team tough the entire game, and coming up short in winning time. Just like the other night. Who on this team can we count on to get a bucket in the big spot? I think Alex is more Sylvio than Tony.

 

[thekollieman]

Late in the game an announcer mentioned how "unkempt" Solo was with his shirt hanging out. As he said it, there was a break and Karaban walked by Solo and his shirt was also out.

The amount of grabbing Arizona got away with the entire game (I believe there were two holds called, while nearly every time one of our guys tried to run around a screen they were being grabbed).

This bothered me only because there were a number of ticky tak fouls called on us. If they're going to let them play, let both teams play.

I definitely hear you on all that and don’t disagree, but my perspective on reffing has come around to this: it’s a nearly impossible job and overall I prefer them to err on the side of fewer whistles. I also saw plays where I was sure they were gonna call against UConn and didn’t, but then again the off ball holding probably goes unnoticed a lot more.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Last year's season came down to playing a top team tough the entire game, and coming up short in winning time. Just like the other night. Who on this team can we count on to get a bucket in the big spot? I think Alex is more Sylvio than Tony.

I think everyone agrees Karaban is best as a supporting figure.
Right now,it appears no one can just get a bucket whenever it's needed.
My gut says the Reed and Demary will be those players by season's end.

 

[boog204]

Late in the game an announcer mentioned how "unkempt" Solo was with his shirt hanging out. As he said it, there was a break and Karaban walked by Solo and his shirt was also out.

The amount of grabbing Arizona got away with the entire game (I believe there were two holds called, while nearly every time one of our guys tried to run around a screen they were being grabbed).

This bothered me only because there were a number of ticky tak fouls called on us. If they're going to let them play, let both teams play.

People here whined all year about the grabbing and clutching on D. Can we just get over it already? We do it too, and, like it or not, it isn't called. Same with whining about push-offs, etc.

The million fouls that we do get called for are usually legit fouls when we get beat off the dribble, and we body guys trying to catch up, or any number of our players just have zero body control and legit just run into people. Ross, Reibe, Solo, Stew, and Silas did it at least once against 'Zona.

I think everyone agrees Karaban is best as a supporting figure.
Right now,it appears no one can just get a bucket whenever it's needed.
My gut says the Reed and Demary will be those players by season's end.

It's next-level obvious, but the key is Tarris. When he's on the court, we have an interior presence that forces the other four defenders to be aware and try to help or deny the interior. That opens things up. Without him on the court, we have five guys around the perimeter running off screens and motion. With a guy like AK, you just play him tight and challenge him to put the ball on the floor, which we know is far from a strength. If you have a superior athlete defending him and you take away his catch-and-shoot options, the rest of his game is not strong enough for him to be a major factor. AK thrived when he was the 4th or 5th option, and so much attention had to be paid to more well-rounded offensive players.

As it stands, again (and it annoys out of me), we really only have one guy who has shown he can be a true triple threat, and that's Demary. Solo should be there at some point, but he's forcing 3's. Ross and Stew have the skills, but are still too hesitant and inconsistent.

 

[QDOG5]

Arizona consistently got a hand on the body of the guys they were defending especially the player with the ball. Even the announcers mentioned they were handsy. It really slowed us down getting into offensive sets. I would like us to adopt some of that tactic. Zona didn’t get a foul call doing that the entire game.

 

[superjohn]

People here whined all year about the grabbing and clutching on D. Can we just get over it already? We do it too, and, like it or not, it isn't called. Same with whining about push-offs, etc.

The million fouls that we do get called for are usually legit fouls when we get beat off the dribble, and we body guys trying to catch up, or any number of our players just have zero body control and legit just run into people. Ross, Reibe, Solo, Stew, and Silas did it at least once against 'Zona.

Clutching and grabbing players prohibiting freedom of movement are supposed to be legit fouls too. We don't do it nearly as much as our opponents because our opponents don't run the same action as us, we have the most complex offense in the country.

 

[Excalibur]

Last year's season came down to playing a top team tough the entire game, and coming up short in winning time. Just like the other night. Who on this team can we count on to get a bucket in the big spot? I think Alex is more Sylvio than Tony.

It will be Demary, like it was at the end of the BYU game. I don't know why you're harping on this.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Last year's season came down to playing a top team tough the entire game, and coming up short in winning time. Just like the other night. Who on this team can we count on to get a bucket in the big spot? I think Alex is more Sylvio than Tony.

These comparisons to last year's team based on a 4 point loss to the fourth ranked team in the country down two starters almost have to be read to be believed.

 

[T-Squared]

We have not even seen anything yet from Mullins so impossible to say he would have made a difference. I will wait to see Mullins prove himself before calling him a major piece. I know not many share my opinion on this. He should be good by April, but now??? I won’t believe it until I see it.

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. The kid hasn’t played a minute yet. So many on here assume that he’ll be a double-digit scorer, based on stuff that they read or saw about him during his recruitment. I hope he is that good. But I remember overzealous expectations were applied to Hawkins his freshman year, and they weren’t met.

 

[Kitaman]

The season is early. AZ was a top 5 team who also will be improving over the season. Its tempting to reason this loss due to being without our starters, but in January we would win this game without them. By then they will know each other, have more consistency and have confidence in each other. The tangibles (production, talent, etc.) are evident, its the intangibles are obviously a work in progress with so many new players and freshman.

This team is a January-March squad with construction having already started. We may lose a couple more next month, but we UConn fans can see the completed project designs, which is why we are so excited.

I still think that Alex is the key to our success. Even when he is not playing well he needs to still be controlling the game. His opponents are younger and less experienced than him. He has 2 Championships and other notable awards.

My biggest question is can Alex be aggressive and dominate (or impact) games especially close games in an All American way? Hopefully he also learned from this defeat, when a victory was within reach.

 

[superjohn]

Yep, one of our highest rated recruits in program history won't make any difference.

The stuff that gets said here is wild.

 

[navery12]

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. The kid hasn’t played a minute yet. So many on here assume that he’ll be a double-digit scorer, based on stuff that they read or saw about him during his recruitment. I hope he is that good. But I remember overzealous expectations were applied to Hawkins his freshman year, and they weren’t met.

Not sure why you arbitrarily picked Jordan Hawkins and not the recruits we've had over the past few years who were actually ranked similarly to Mullins. But we're also talking about a guy who put up 16 points against SEC champion Auburn in his 3rd game that season, so by any comparison yes I think we can safely say Braylon Mullins will make a difference

 

[Travelman6]

Losing by 4 to a top 5 team without BOTH your lead scorer and best freshmen....just be healthy by March and just you wait, thats all I gotta say.

 

[alphasigko]

How many minutes were they on the court together? Or are you being sarcastic? I don't remember them playing together much. I remember one game they did but that's the only one I can think of.

Found this. That's probably the game I'm thinking about. 6 minutes total together in 2 other games.

Why UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley paired Donovan Clingan, Adama Sanogo vs. Providence​

I meant, but it was not clearly stated, that Riebe will get his minutes subbing for Reed, like. Donavan did with Sanogo.

 

[AllHusky]

Tough to judge Karaban on last night. He had a difficult match up which he made more difficult by committing two early (and not very smart) fouls. It is way, way past time for him to have learned this lesson.

I still think this team needs a guy who can go off for 30 --like Liam did against Creighton last year-- for this team to reach an elite level.

Thats Alex reverting back to last year, "I've got to be the one who carries the team", in this case because Tarris was out. I posted that he is a star after BYU. I see what those calling him a "complementary" piece are getting at. Not the Ringleader.

 

[AllHusky]

Yep, one of our highest rated recruits in program history won't make any difference.

The stuff that gets said here is wild.

none whatsoever!! 😁

 

[freshler40]

9 for 18 and AZ making 19 FT's, plus the Rebounding differential is why we lost a game we win by double digits in the 2026 tournament.

One thing we can control is making our own foul shots. That difference, when we tend to foul a lot, is very hard to overcome. This problem also puts us in foul trouble much too early in top games against good foul shooting teams.
We can complain about the refs all we want but the evidence of excessive fouling is something obvious. This issue has put our top players switching with a long bench in some cases.

 

[SwingDog]

We lost. Last year coach talked about our national championship caliber team. Last night he saw it. Our undermanned team almost toppled the #5 team. I know he said we got punked but he won't see it again this year because if everyone is healthy they won't let it happen again. He saw Reibe played a big time game against a big time opponent. He doesn't have to wait until the end of the year for Reibe not to play like a freshman. AK is what Calhoun sees...he's a good college player. No more. Not being harsh but he was outclassed by Peat. Still want him on this team. Demary fighting for that jump ball possession may not seem like much but it shows his not backing down to anyone. This team showed last night that the sum of the parts are going to be gritty and dynamic. Going to enjoy this ride!

I agree with everything except one point: I believe Karaban will carve out a role at the next level.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Hurley said as much prior to the game. He noted that Reibe has to play 14-16 minutes a game to get Reed rest. He grew up last night, and hopefully it will be a catalyst for better play moving forward. You can't have Koroma out there beyond 2-3 minutes in an emergency. He's just not that good. Plus getting Mullins back reduces minutes for Steward and Ross to what they should be playing...Steward 18 or so and Ross 10. Mullins also gives you a much better scorer on the floor. This team should really shine as the season goes on.

I think it might be hard to keep Tarris healthy if we don't get 15 minutes a game from Reibe

 

[HooperScooper]

I think it might be hard to keep Tarris healthy if we don't get 15 minutes a game from Reibe

Not to argue about a few minutes here or there but 28-29 mpg feels about right for Reed. 25 feels too light. So 11-12 from Reibe would be needed. Reed played 34 in the BYU game. I'm hoping that isn't the norm. We'll see how Hurley plays this out once Reed is fully healthy.

 

[Waquoit]

These comparisons to last year's team based on a 4 point loss to the fourth ranked team in the country down two starters almost have to be read to be believed.

The situation was similar. Hey, the folks that were there were good enough to win, imo. They let it get away.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Not to argue about a few minutes here or there but 28-29 mpg feels about right for Reed. 25 feels too light. So 11-12 from Reibe would be needed. Reed played 34 in the BYU game. I'm hoping that isn't the norm. We'll see how Hurley plays this out once Reed is fully healthy.

Speaking of Tarris' health anything more on how long he will be out with the high ankle sprain. Isn't that what took out Liam last year for 5 or 6 games?

 

[ElPresidente]

I may be the only fan smiling after a loss to a top 5 team while being 20-25% handicapped offensively.

Hurley did learn a lot about the game, and should every member here!!!!
1. We have a great team!
2. We're gonna be just fine with Reibe playing 15-20 mins per game when Reed is not availabe.
- A freshman big hitting threes is a point guard/wing dream!
3. Everybody needs to rebound! The 22' 23' are great examples.
- 20 rebound deficit will always be a recipe for desaster.
4. We'll see them again in Indianapolis at full strength.
5. We have Kansas and Illinois to remind the everyone UConn is the BB capital of the world.

Best,
El Presidente
UConn 04'