Hurley on 2020 recruiting plan

[ctchamps]

BA is not an issue. I think he will improve but even if he doesn't he was playing a bit as a freshman. The guys I'm talking about couldn't get off the bench last year, whether it's talent or health, and for at least 1 not much reason to expect it to change

I see potential for BA. But there is no stretch of my imagination I can make a claim from last season that Hurley brought in a player with a significant upgrade in talent, the theme of several threads. If BA improves significantly than it indicates Hurley has a good eye for talent capable of playing at a high major level. If he doesn’t than it is reasonable to question BA’s recruitment.

 

[superjohn]

Really, you don’t think that Hurley knows what he’s doing? No one on this board is more qualified than him. Trust in him, we are in good hands, based on his track record, including 3 top 100’s already for ‘19. There are more than 100 D1 programs that want top 100 recruits, and we have 3 and counting. Better days are ahead!

I think Hurley is the perfect coach for us but not being able to clear a scholarship has already cost us getting a commitment from a much better player. It's a problem.

 

[navery12]

I see potential for BA. But there is no stretch of my imagination I can make a claim from last season that Hurley brought in a player with a significant upgrade in talent, the theme of several threads. If BA improves significantly than it indicates Hurley has a good eye for talent capable of playing at a high major level. If he doesn’t than it is reasonable to question BA’s recruitment.

Your ability to create these ideas from nothing continues to amaze me. Nobody has ever talked about Brendan Adams being the huge talent upgrade Hurley is bringing to the program. Your agenda is quite clear so props on that

 

[ucawn]

I like BA’s work ethic. Lots of hours at the gym, he’s bound to improve

 

[ctchamps]

Your ability to create these ideas from nothing continues to amaze me. Nobody has ever talked about Brendan Adams being the huge talent upgrade Hurley is bringing to the program. Your agenda is quite clear so props on that

Several posters including yourself have made an issue about not having enough scholarships available over the next two seasons to upgrade talent. Some of those posters although apparently not you have indicted KO's players but omit BA. In a reasonable discussion based on what BA has done this season he should be considered. I mistakenly thought you agreed with the position other posters have taken.

No way I'm writing BA off. But I wouldn't make an issue over the two players several posters want to see leave either.

I like BA’s work ethic. Lots of hours at the gym, he’s bound to improve

Good to hear. See my response above.

 

[navery12]

Several posters including yourself have made an issue about not having enough scholarships available over the next two seasons to upgrade talent. Some of those posters although apparently not you have indicted KO's players but omit BA. In a reasonable discussion based on what BA has done this season he should be considered. I mistakenly thought you agreed with the position other posters have taken.

No way I'm writing BA off. But I wouldn't make an issue over the two players several posters want to see leave either.


Good to hear. See my response above.

I do get what you're saying, but the difference is that Adams was recruited by Hurley. That makes a difference in that he fits his system, the other 2 do not

 

[ctchamps]

I do get what you're saying, but the difference is that Adams was recruited by Hurley. That makes a difference in that he fits his system, the other 2 do not

Point well taken.

OTH Sid, Josh, Alterique and CV were not recruited by Hurley and there are crickets about pushing them out by the majority of posters advocating room be made for future players. Tyler falls somewhere in the middle.

Given that some posters have made comments in the past that BA is at best another Donnell Beverly recruiting someone who fits a system does not guarantee a coach has recruited someone with an upgraded talent to fit the system.

OTH given that no one can predict the trajectory of players I'm not sure how anyone can be absolutely certain who to keep and who to send packing or how they will ultimately turn out. And for the record my position is not against BA. I believe he will turn out to be a better player than Donnell.

 

[the Q]

I think Hurley is the perfect coach for us but not being able to clear a scholarship has already cost us getting a commitment from a much better player. It's a problem.

Who? Did I miss something

 

[JMick]

Who? Did I miss something

I assume he means Ntwambe

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Given that some posters have made comments in the past that BA is at best another Donnell Beverly recruiting someone who fits a system does not guarantee a coach has recruited someone with an upgraded talent to fit the system.

This. Hurley made a commitment to Adams at URI, then carried that commitment through bringing him to UConn. That doesn’t de facto prove he’s the level player you all are pining for. It was originally for URI, after all. What it proves is that Hurley has honor.

 

[ToolzieFan]

The problem is he didn't have a wing lined up to replace him, even when he had to know he wasn't going to be here long

Well, Larrier got hurt, and Vance came in that year, so we weren't completely without a wing. Neither had close to the skill set of Hamilton, though.

 

[ToolzieFan]

I assume he means Ntwambe

Is there any evidence of this, or is it conjecture? @BoneyardInsiders

 

[Walker11]

Is there any evidence of this, or is it conjecture? @BoneyardInsiders

Super John read the same tweets we all did that said Joel had a great visit. "Costing us a player" is an exaggeration. It seems like Joel wasn't expecting to get this type of attention.

 

[superjohn]

Who? Did I miss something

Ntambwe would be here if they could've cleared space for him. They're still trying to work out a way where Diarra doesn't take up a scholly.

 

[Durks07]

Dan Hurley is glad the Bobby Hurley drama is over | Zagsblog
UConn is also involved for 2020 Westtown power forward Noah Collier, 2020 Oak Hill Academy wing Cam Thomas, 2020 Putnam Science shooting guard Demarr Langford and 2020 Putnam point guard Hassan Diara. Hurley and assistant Kimani Young were at Putnam on Friday.

“It’s a big class for us,” Hurley said, speaking generally. “We have to generally continue to get UConn-level talent and then positionally I think center is a real big spot for us with Josh Carlton graduating soon. We need a big-time center and big I think big wings are important.”

Can we get an updated scholarship grid and have it pinned at the top of the page?

 

[UconnU]

I havent seen Akok but Im pretty sure AG will not be going pro after next year unless he has a ridiculous year. Akok from what little I know of him is a two year guy unless he listens to the wrong people and jumps early.

Probably a 3 year kid. Still way too raw.

 

[intlzncster]

This. Hurley made a commitment to Adams at URI, then carried that commitment through bringing him to UConn. That doesn’t de facto prove he’s the level player you all are pining for. It was originally for URI, after all. What it proves is that Hurley has honor.

I think Hurley brought him along for a specific reason. To be part of the change in culture. I know we just kinda throw that out there and assume it'll happen, but it takes work. It takes buy-in. It takes grind. And it takes guys to set an example. Even if he's only a frosh, he's setting an example for older guys, who while more talented, may not work as hard. And by the time he's a Jr/Sr, he's going to be a team leader in that regard for the young kids coming in.

Some might think that's a waste of a scholarship, but it seems like it's pretty important to Hurley. And has been job number 1 since the day he got here. Job 1a being upgrade talent.

It's also good to not have a donut recruiting class.

 

[Son of Robert]

I think Hurley brought him along for a specific reason. To be part of the change in culture. I know we just kinda throw that out there and assume it'll happen, but it takes work. It takes buy-in. It takes grind. And it takes guys to set an example. Even if he's only a frosh, he's setting an example for older guys, who while more talented, may not work as hard. And by the time he's a Jr/Sr, he's going to be a team leader in that regard for the young kids coming in.

Some might think that's a waste of a scholarship, but it seems like it's pretty important to Hurley. And has been job number 1 since the day he got here. Job 1a being upgrade talent.

It's also good to not have a donut recruiting class.

Good post dude.

Brendan may also turn into a high percentage shooter and a solid guard for us as well.

 

[NJHoops]

#1) I would consider “clearing out” a guy if it was necessary to do so to get a high impact player who’s eligible immediately. I would not to get a guy who is not eligible until 20-21 and may bolt for a check before that.

#2) B. Adams is a program guy. A guy like Adams is important, especially as he gets older to push the younger, likely more talented guys. It’s tough to come in after a guy is fired and come up with a decent class. Not bad to get a solid piece and grad transfers as essentially place holders.

 

[Vancat]

Any updates on AG bring fully healthy again from the eye injury?

I have been wondering this myself.

 

[Kenny11]

Any updates on AG bring fully healthy again from the eye injury?

The writers that report on UConn do a great job for the most part and I'm sure some of them are having a UConn break since the end of the season, but updates on injuries have been a huge weakness for several years now. The public is never seems to be made aware of anything. I guess this is probably intentional for privacy, etc. But I would love an update on how Alterique is doing even if the article is more based on his goals for next season, how he feels about the team, and then an update on his recovery could be included.

 

[HuskyHawk]

#1) I would consider “clearing out” a guy if it was necessary to do so to get a high impact player who’s eligible immediately. I would not to get a guy who is not eligible until 20-21 and may bolt for a check before that.

#2) B. Adams is a program guy. A guy like Adams is important, especially as he gets older to push the younger, likely more talented guys. It’s tough to come in after a guy is fired and come up with a decent class. Not bad to get a solid piece and grad transfers as essentially place holders.

Agree on both counts. No way I move anybody who can play to get somebody who has to sit one. Never. If Diarra can actually physically play, I want him to play. If not, they will do the right thing to keep him on scholarship. Hopefully can make him team manager or give him a non-playing role.

As for Adams, every great UConn team has had guys like this. He has size, some skill, will improve his shot and ball-handling, get stronger, and likely be a beast by Junior year. Will he ever start? I doubt it, but he could become that veteran guy off the bench who comes in and gives you what you need. Scoring, defense, boards, whatever it is. That role is especially critical if we are lucky enough to have guys jump to the NBA. If Bouknight exceeds expectations (like Jeremy Lamb, who he resembles) and jumps after two years, you are going to want that veteran 6'5" Combo/wing to go with whatever freshman we get.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I don't have any delusions as to what it takes to have a top 25 hoop program, so this isn't commenting on naivete.

If anyone who was offered a scholarship, still wants to be here, they shouldn't be forced out.

1 or 2 extra scholarships won't make or break a program, and if a kid works hard, likes being in Storrs, and doesn't want to go I don't think they should be forced to be the sacrificial lamb for the failings of the prior regime.

 

[mauconnfan]

I don't have any delusions as to what it takes to have a top 25 hoop program, so this isn't commenting on naivete.

If anyone who was offered a scholarship, still wants to be here, they shouldn't be forced out.

1 or 2 extra scholarships won't make or break a program, and if a kid works hard, likes being in Storrs, and doesn't want to go I don't think they should be forced to be the sacrificial lamb for the failings of the prior regime.

I hear ya tough call for sure. But if you come into UConn to play basketball and get an education for free but don't improve enough to make an impact then you should be reviewed kind of like a job no? Cheerleaders don't get free rides and if that's all you end up then sorry, expectations are higher. Having said that if it's a great kid who's a great teammate, players love him how do make a decision in that case?

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I hear ya tough call for sure. But if you come into UConn to play basketball and get an education for free but don't improve enough to make an impact then you should be reviewed kind of like a job no? Cheerleaders don't get free rides and if that's all you end up then sorry, expectations are higher. Having said that if it's a great kid who's a great teammate, players love him how do make a decision in that case?

The way I see it is that if you get a kid to commit to your program and they are by all accounts a good citizen, student, and teammate it's just a bad job to run them off if they emphatically want to stay.

Think about it, you're running off a 19 or 20 year old kid, to help fix the problems created by a guy making $3M/year, when we have a guy making $3M/year in charge to fix it.

If the future of the program hinges on the 12th kid on the roster, we have bigger problems.

 

[mauconnfan]

The way I see it is that if you get a kid to commit to your program and they are by all accounts a good citizen, student, and teammate it's just a bad job to run them off if they emphatically want to stay.

Think about it, you're running off a 19 or 20 year old kid, to help fix the problems created by a guy making $3M/year, when we have a guy making $3M/year in charge to fix it.

If the future of the program hinges on the 12th kid on the roster, we have bigger problems.

Your point is well taken CHB. Here's how I will leave it because I do agree for the most part. If the kid clearly worked his tail off and did everything the coaches told him to do and the proof is you misjudged where he would be as a player then I'm all in on your thoughts. If the kid doesn't work hard or as hard as you expect, doesn't so his summer work to come back better and to top it off is not happy with not playing, you hear this through the other kids, then you should be able to show him the door though.

 

[aburks41]

The way I see it is that if you get a kid to commit to your program and they are by all accounts a good citizen, student, and teammate it's just a bad job to run them off if they emphatically want to stay.

Think about it, you're running off a 19 or 20 year old kid, to help fix the problems created by a guy making $3M/year, when we have a guy making $3M/year in charge to fix it.

If the future of the program hinges on the 12th kid on the roster, we have bigger problems.

Fair, and no one has ever said anything about MD and IW being bad teammates or kids, but UConn really, really cannot afford another couple seasons of mediocrity. This team needs an infusion of talent immediately and if there are a couple of sacrifices to make then Hurley should do it. Guys like Polley and Carlton are decent enough where Hurley can make them serviceable, but when you have a guy who literally cannot even jump, and another who was a cheerleader all year...it sucks but it’s something that needs to be done. If we have 9 or 10 4*/5* guys this wouldn’t be an issue but we dont have that luxury because thanks to KO, all those guys transferred away over the years and he left us with youtube dunkers and A10 kids lol

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Your point is well taken CHB. Here's how I will leave it because I do agree for the most part. If the kid clearly worked his tail off and did everything the coaches told him to do and the proof is you misjudged where he would be as a player then I'm all in on your thoughts. If the kid doesn't work hard or as hard as you expect, doesn't so his summer work to come back better and to top it off is not happy with not playing, you hear this through the other kids, then you should be able to show him the door though.

Totally agree with you on that.

Fair, and no one has ever said anything about MD and IW being bad teammates or kids, but UConn really, really cannot afford another couple seasons of mediocrity. This team needs an infusion of talent immediately and if there are a couple of sacrifices to make then Hurley should do it. Guys like Polley and Carlton are decent enough where Hurley can make them serviceable, but when you have a guy who literally cannot even jump, and another who was a cheerleader all year...it sucks but it’s something that needs to be done. If we have 9 or 10 4*/5* guys this wouldn’t be an issue but we dont have that luxury because thanks to KO, all those guys transferred away over the years and he left us with youtube dunkers and A10 kids lol

If Diarra isn't going to be medically ever able to play again - it's something worth looking in to. If there is a way to extend him an academic scholarship under the provision he foregoes athletic eligibility they should pursue it. I'm not sure how those rules work, so that's just pure speculation on my end.

 

[navery12]

I hope all these people preaching patience and commitment are preaching that same message the middle of next season. Something tells me we're going to start to see criticisms that the wins still aren't coming

 

[Crank]

Something tells me we're going to start to see criticisms that the wins still aren't coming

Well, you're probably right about people here complaining, but . . .
Our performance this year, with substantially the same cast as last year, was substantially better than last year, although that was not reflected in W/L. Others have posted the stats. It's indisputable.
We are losing J.A., a significant talent, to be sure, but a guy who, really, well represented the KO way of doing things. We will miss his talent, we won't be the worse for him going, IMO. No other loss is relevant.
Carlton has shown great improvement and he is likely going to be a stronger force next year.
AG and CV are returning, one year healthier and one year better.
Polly is coming back, improved.
Sid is coming back, improved.
2 young guards who are Hurley's kids coming in.
AA is is going to be holding weekly block parties under the rim.

The improved performance this year will translate to 3-7 more wins next year, I believe.

If people are expecting S16 next year, that's on them.