Hurley postgame presser

[RuffRuff]

It may not be that easy. Obviously, we need an experienced PG and maybe a combo guard but beyond that could we find players in the portal that will be better than junior versions of Stew, Ross etc. Of course, if a couple of kids leave it becomes easier but as of now it's not an easy problem to solve.

If this team flames out in March it’s going to make for an interesting offseason. There is no way Hurley wants anything that looks like a repeat experience and there is also no way you can rely on 4 freshman to move the needle that much.

 

[Drfla]

It may not be that easy. Obviously, we need an experienced PG and maybe a combo guard but beyond that could we find players in the portal that will be better than junior versions of Stew, Ross etc. Of course, if a couple of kids leave it becomes easier but as of now it's not an easy problem to solve.

What will the junior versions of Stew, Ross? More of the same, a little better or significantly better. Can Dan Hurley take the chance that it will be significantly better?

 

[navery12]

taking Brea over Mahaney and adding a replacement level PG to back up Hass would have solved many of this team’s problems

And as has been stated here 100+ times already, the choice was not Brea vs Mahaney. It was Brea vs Ball and it was unequivocally the correct choice

 

[jibsey]

Solo said he was leaving if Brea came? Brea was going to be a backup point guard. Show me Solo or Hurley confirming that.

 

[Glastonhusky]

What will the junior versions of Stew, Ross? More of the same, a little better or significantly better. Can Dan Hurley take the chance that it will be significantly better?

Most kids improve from year to year, how much is up to them. Remember the soph class didn't get much PT last year, now at least they have some valuable game time experience. Hurley will have to make that evaluation, that's why he gets the big bucks.

 

[UCLJ0211]

UConn is a victim of its own success. I think it’s easy for someone to try to compare this year’s team to the past couple years, and it’s really no comparison.

 

[giddyup]

Evaluating players who you don’t have yet is an art, not a science. Unless you’re Duke getting the very top players (and even then to some extent), you are making educated guesses. Not everyone Calhoun brought in was able to play at our level.

Last year, we got lucky that a stiff we really wanted went to Kansas and we had to settle for Cam Spencer. This year, almost every team in America would have gladly taken Mahaney. He was a far, far better WCAC player than Joey California was. Sometimes players are who you think they can be and sometimes they aren’t. NBA scouts left and right thought Ball and Stewart were ready to be big time players making a case for the NBA. They weren’t.

This club was vastly overrated coming into the season, by both us and experts, and it hasn’t even come together and achieved what people would have expected were we not two time defending champions.

It’s a ride. This year‘s ride is relatively ugly. But there’s more to go. Keep hoping the team can make enough plays, game by game.

And by the way, had the team just made shots before the last 8 minutes, it would have looked fine.

I think most if not all appreciate that dynamic but it arguably misses and obscures the point. The issues have little to do with talent discrepancy and more to do with recurring really bad execution in predictable and known situations (I.e., getting a ball in against pressure). The team is wound so tight they panic and watching AK’s implosion is surely symptomatic. I fear the psychological composition of this team has been mismanaged.

 

[alphasigko]

What will the junior versions of Stew, Ross? More of the same, a little better or significantly better. Can Dan Hurley take the chance that it will be significantly better?

There is hope for Stew, Ross IMO, not so much. That being said, I have no problem being wrong about Ross.

 

[upstater]

Many good players need 2 years of development. Not all of them come on instantly. People tend to forget that some of our best players of the recent past really didn't show until they were sophomores. And they weren't at their optimal best until they were juniors. I'm not saying we have the next Ajax or Sanogo on this team, but those 2 elevated in their last year. heck, people wanted to bench Ajax midway through his junior year. Newton took a lot of criticism as well.

Obviously, for Mahaney, this doesn't count since he was already producing elsewhere and it's shown he's not a great fit here and is better in another offense. Some of the players will never come around even with 2 solid years under their belt.

Next year, with Reibe, Reed, Stewart, Mullins, Ball & Nowell, you can add to this by bringing in a PG in the portal (they'll have a great opportunity here) and a guy who can create/drive (which is sorely needed). Then you wait to see if Abraham can spell Stewart at the PF position, or are you going to need to grab a guy in the portal there as well? We've seen Stewart body up bigger players the way Alex does, but half the time Stewart is fouling too much. So if you don't address the PF, you may have trouble. If you bring someone in over either Stewart or Abraham, that's also a consideration. Unfortunately you can't play Reed at PF since he gets lost so easily.

If Reibe can shoot the way some here think he can, we may have enough from the outside with him, Mullins, Ball and say 33% from Nowell and Stewart. This is why I prefer someone who can slash and open things up.

 

[Scoe]

I really don't care what Hurley has to say because there is nothing you can say after a loss like this. I'll steal a line from Marvin Lewis here "IT'S YOUR TEAM FIND A WAY TO FIX IT, REACH DOWN AND BE A FN PRO".

Here's the speech it applies to the whole team but the end of it applies to Hurley too,

 

[Glastonhusky]

There is hope for Stew, Ross IMO, not so much. That being said, I have no problem being wrong about Ross.

You're probably right about Ross. Although I guess I could see him as a defensive stopper off the bench if he puts in some work over the summer. As for Stew, I see him strictly as a 4, I don't think he has the handle to play the 3 spot. Now what if AK comes back and you also have Abraham waiting in the wings. some tough decisions to be made.

 

[bmayuc]

I don’t think Hurley has done a marvelous job with this particular group. There are a few guys getting minutes when they have not produced anything all year and there are some players who we keep hearing about how we need a spark from them and they never get in the game.

But we lost two underclassmen the draft and this isn’t Duke where ESPN recruits for us, so I am not surprised that there was a step back. You also gotta nail the portal these days and after a few years of wizardry, we did not. It’s not a perfect roster that is badly managed at times.

I know these players are coached pretty hard - we’ve seen it over the past two years. It’s on them for not picking things up this season. There are four or five players who are on their own page way too often.

Simple solution - replace them.

I think much of this is a bit of ozymandias stuff.

He absolutely A+ the roster construction and coaching to his roster the last couple years - but this year they did a poor job of self-assessment of the roster and how he would commit to roles - and instead of adjusting early he has doubled down despite lack of production, unreliability, and inconsistency.

So you don't crush roster construction and don't have the right plan defensively... And this is what you have.

We can't complain after the last couple years, but it's surely a stick in the eye with Danny's "best coach in the game" bravado.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

If this team flames out in March it’s going to make for an interesting offseason. There is no way Hurley wants anything that looks like a repeat experience and there is also no way you can rely on 4 freshman to move the needle that much.

Already booking your flights of fancy, I see.
What're ya stirring up for us? Build that brand!

 

[uconnfan68]

You're probably right about Ross. Although I guess I could see him as a defensive stopper off the bench if he puts in some work over the summer. As for Stew, I see him strictly as a 4, I don't think he has the handle to play the 3 spot. Now what if AK comes back and you also have Abraham waiting in the wings. some tough decisions to be made.

You might be able to call him a defensive stopper if he could play defense. He plays a half step behind, on offense and defense. Seems to have the tools, but forgets to use them.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I think most if not all appreciate that dynamic but it arguably misses and obscures the point. The issues have little to do with talent discrepancy and more to do with recurring really bad execution in predictable and known situations (I.e., getting a ball in against pressure). The team is wound so tight they panic and watching AK’s implosion is surely symptomatic. I fear the psychological composition of this team has been mismanaged.

Are you considering, suggesting, or ignoring that the players take on characteristics of their most vocal fans?

 

[DMIL]

I don’t think Hurley has done a marvelous job with this particular group. There are a few guys getting minutes when they have not produced anything all year and there are some players who we keep hearing about how we need a spark from them and they never get in the game.

But we lost two underclassmen the draft and this isn’t Duke where ESPN recruits for us, so I am not surprised that there was a step back. You also gotta nail the portal these days and after a few years of wizardry, we did not. It’s not a perfect roster that is badly managed at times.

I know these players are coached pretty hard - we’ve seen it over the past two years. It’s on them for not picking things up this season. There are four or five players who are on their own page way too often.

Simple solution - replace them.

The staff missed on roster construction and the team lacks true glue guys. The leadership you typically get from the seniors is not there. Part of that leadership is when their play is consistent with the talk and the coaching including executing at a high level on the court. Others will follow suit. With a young team it's a delicate balance. This is why, despite the talent, they've lost a number of games that they should not have and this team simply doesn't have the margin. We expected or hoped for the following.

1. Alex playing at an All American level
2. Samson elevating his game and being consistent (highly dependent on elite guard play)
3. Solo's sophomore jump on both sides of the ball.
4. Hassan being a steady consistent 2 way floor general.
5. McNeeley playing his way into the NBA. lottery.
6. Mahaney being that lightning in a bottle off the bench perfectly knowing his roll.
7. Stewart taking that sophomore jump.
8. Ross taking that sophomore jump at least defensively.
9. Reed developing into a consistent double, double machine.
10. Nowell being able to contribute in spots adding relief at point guard.

What we are actually seeing.

1. Signifant drop off defensively and rebounding.
2. Drop in 3 point shooting percentage
3. Inability or unwillingness to go inside establishing the in and out game when the 3 point shot is not falling.
4. Karaban flat lining.
5. Inconsistency from Samson and Reed
6. Inconsistent Hassan, mostly due to injury.
7. McNeeley ascension however missed considerable time due to injury.
8. Mahaney, largely ineffective.
9. Stewart, Inconsistent
10.Ross, Inconsistent and not effective offensively.
11.Solo's ascension offensively and improving defensively.
12. Nowell injuries
13. Inability to draw fouls, drop off in free throw shooting percentage.
14.Inability to create turnovers from the. opponent.
15. Ineffective PG play.
16.Turnovers
17.Inability to consistently in bound the basketball.
18.Lack of set plays or execution of set plays.
19. Over reliance on the 3 point ball.

On a positive note, they still have time to put it together as there is considerable talent on this team. Hurley has struggled to figure out this year and lack of consistent high level guard play makes it difficult. They are what they are until they show us something different and are consistent.

 

[RuffRuff]

Already booking your flights of fancy, I see.
What're ya stirring up for us? Build that brand!

Hans you have Sprung, in this case a leak in your cerebral cortex. All executive functioning has come to a screeching halt.

 

[husky429]

Solo said he was leaving if Brea came? Brea was going to be a backup point guard. Show me Solo or Hurley confirming that.

Brea is not a point guard in any sense of the word. Have you watched him play? All he does is shoot 3s. His averages 1 AST and 0.4 TO a game.

Let me say it again: You would know this if you paid 11$ a month to Storrs Central. Solo was leaving if we took Brea. This isn't up for debate in the real world any more.

 

[businesslawyer]

The Mahaney and Diarra experiment has ran its course for this year but Hurley will run it until it all goes to dust. Nowell and Abraham need to play more to see what we have for next year.

Game speed and game experience are important for growth. We don’t know if Abraham is better or worse than Ross and Stewart, and we don’t know if Nowell is better or worse than Diarra and Mahaney. We’re more than 3/4 through the season and they’ve barely played. Changes need to be made and they should’ve been made games ago.

Losing to one of the worst teams in college basketball killed the “but practice argument.”

We are two time defending national champions. The thought that Hurley isn’t going to play to get them as far as humanly possible this year to better prepare for next year is absurd. We have a number of good wins this year. Hurley is going to do exactly what i said — fight as hard as he can each game this year until it ends. You can’t seriously expect him to do otherwise. It’s not is his DNA.

 

[TroyHall98]

We are two time defending national champions. The thought that Hurley isn’t going to play to get them as far as humanly possible this year to better prepare for next year is absurd. We have a number of good wins this year. Hurley is going to do exactly what i said — fight as hard as he can each game this year until it ends. You can’t seriously expect him to do otherwise. It’s not is his NDA.

How do you know about his non disclosure agreement?

Sorry..couldn’t resist

 

[UConnSwag11]

We are two time defending national champions. The thought that Hurley isn’t going to play to get them as far as humanly possible this year to better prepare for next year is absurd. We have a number of good wins this year. Hurley is going to do exactly what i said — fight as hard as he can each game this year until it ends. You can’t seriously expect him to do otherwise. It’s not is his NDA.

There needs to be a spark or change. Maybe I shouldn’t have said for next year, but they should be playing at least for several minutes a game each

 

[businesslawyer]

I think most if not all appreciate that dynamic but it arguably misses and obscures the point. The issues have little to do with talent discrepancy and more to do with recurring really bad execution in predictable and known situations (I.e., getting a ball in against pressure). The team is wound so tight they panic and watching AK’s implosion is surely symptomatic. I fear the psychological composition of this team has been mismanaged.

Couldn’t disagree more. The team’s biggest problem is that it’s not as talented as we want and need it to be.

 

[MrJoe]

Staff missed thinking Mahaney could make same transition as Newton which effected everything else . Team development hurt when Liam missed a month . We beat the two best teams we played on the road . We are a decent team who could make a sweet 16 run and then you never know or we could be beat in like the 7/10 or 8/9 . If this was the year following the teddy atlas game we would be positive/hopeful but this is the team following an all time great team .

 

[Stinger92860]

The Mahaney and Diarra experiment has ran its course for this year but Hurley will run it until it all goes to dust. Nowell and Abraham need to play more to see what we have for next year.

Game speed and game experience are important for growth. We don’t know if Abraham is better or worse than Ross and Stewart, and we don’t know if Nowell is better or worse than Diarra and Mahaney. We’re more than 3/4 through the season and they’ve barely played. Changes need to be made and they should’ve been made games ago.

Losing to one of the worst teams in college basketball killed the “but practice argument.”

If Nowell is worse than AM we may need 3 guards in the portal.

 

[Stinger92860]

I think much of this is a bit of ozymandias stuff.

I’m trying to figure out who you are referencing with this sentence. Fishy or Hurley?

 

[JB75]

What has gone better than expected this season?

Solos development. Reed. McNeeley being better than advertised. Maybe Diarras overall contributions.

Everything else has been less than we’d hoped. Alex. Mahaney. Stewart. Ross. Nowell. Team defense. Perimeter defense. Offensive execution. You can’t have so many things fail and still be a top tier team.

Agree with this except reed has not been better than expected. (Maybe before Xmas he was) and it’s not nowells fault he saw no run early in year and has been hurt. Other than those 2 things I agree with u

 

[Milo65]

Couldn’t disagree more. The team’s biggest problem is that it’s not as talented as we want and need it to be.

I agree with you both. Not as talented as they believe they are and what they need to be. Also, mentally weak.

 

[August_West]

What will the junior versions of Stew, Ross? More of the same, a little better or significantly better. Can Dan Hurley take the chance that it will be significantly better?

We will thankfully not have to find out on one of them.

 

[MrJama100]

I'm surprised by the takes here. This is not that hard. Things fell into place the past two years (and really just last year - no one expected 2023). This a solid team but with some glaring weaknesses. Small point guards, no perimeter defense, foul-prone centers, inconsistent shooters, turnovers. And yes - some lapses in coaching. I was amazed by some of the predictions on this board early this season - like Stewart and Ball were All Big East, Mahaney was a can't miss superstar, Ross was a hidden gem, Samson would fit right into Clingan's shoes, etc etc.

Give me a break guys. This team is fine for following two Nattys. More than fine. Replacing National Champions is not jard, it's nearly impossible. Hurley is an incredible coach, and he has an incredible staff. I feel like a Kansas City Chiefs fan whining about losing the superbowl, The fact that we are worried about NOT competing for an NC shows how great this program is. Come on now.

Yes, let's figure out how to inbound the ball. Let's fix the perimeter D. Let's get past the injuries, and get some consistency for our shooters and post-ups. But I tell you this, if this team gets healthy, fixes a few issues, gets some confidence, they can go on a run. So they aren't favored to make the FF or win the Big East. But no one would be surprised to see this team playing on Saturday in the Big East Tourney or scaring one of those top SEC teams as they try to get to the Final Four. Keep the faith.

 

[Dogdeacon]

I think much of this is a bit of ozymandias stuff.

He absolutely A+ the roster construction and coaching to his roster the last couple years - but this year they did a poor job of self-assessment of the roster and how he would commit to roles - and instead of adjusting early he has doubled down despite lack of production, unreliability, and inconsistency.

So you don't crush roster construction and don't have the right plan defensively... And this is what you have.

We can't complain after the last couple years, but it's surely a stick in the eye with Danny's "best coach in the game" bravado.

A few things can be true at the same time.
1. Dan Hurley is the reigning best coach in the game, two titles is a compelling argument
2. For 24-25 Hurley isn't winning coach of the year and as you & others point out the roster construction (and all that entails including talent eval), style of play and player development have all been well below prior year's A+.
a. This probably means Hurley isn't the greatest coach of all time maybe b/c he's not capable of developing a top-10 team with varying styles of team play + talent.
b. But heck neither was Calhoun (who always had a step back year after a national championship contending year) and the vast majority of coaches do best with certain styles of teams and players.
c, When NBA teams with the best coaches don't win its deemed to be because of talent b/c its viewed as a players league, just cuz the college game is more of a coach's sport, it doesn't mean the best coach is a ticket to annual 30 win seasons.
d. Yet UConn gets to be the defending national champions until someone beats us in the NCAAs and Hurley can be still be the best coach in the game or one of the best without being the best of the best every year.
e. It is possible that the Kevin Ollie experience has made UConn fans particularly vulnerable to worries about coaching slips after national championships, I don't think that's the case even one little bit here, but I can see that the fanbase may be more susceptible to panic about that.
3. Last year's team was insanely talented. Just watching Steph Castle last night reinforces what emerged in various games esp. towards the end of last year when other teams couldn't stop him on O as he shut down their best players on D - and yet he was our 5th leading scorer! And the team had Clingan, and Newton and Spencer - any of those 4 would easily average 20+PPG (Steph 30+) on this year's team and elevate the team to top-10. Hurley did a great job of developing the players and coaching them AND that was one of the most talented college basketball teams of all-time.

A long winded (sorry rainy cold Sunday in NE) way of saying I'd obviously take Hurley over anyone else from the date UConn hired him. We can be critical of the decisions made this season without it being a referendum on Hurley overall and definitely not causing anyone to re-think what he's accomplished thus far at UConn or capable of doing with future teams.