Hurley threads (merged)

[Giddyup5]

This….is not a bad idea.

I agree. He is just too frantic. Posting up requires patience.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

The Andre dilemma has been discussed quite thoroughly, but aside from giving him fewer minutes there really has been no constructive solution offered.

Most posters are saying Hurley should give some combination of Allyene, Diarra or Clingan more minutes at the expense of Jackson.

This approach, of course, comes with pros and cons and many variables.

But even if his minutes were reduced, Jackson will play significant minutes going forward. Rebounding, defense, energy against his lack of offense is the dilemma.

My question is, what should be done when Ajax has the ball at the three point line and his defender is sagging way off and disrupting the offense?

Seriously, what can be done? Jackson can shoot, and probably needs to take the shot at least a few times a game, but that has most often not helped the team.

Instead, what sort of play or action can free sanogo or Hawkins? What is newton’s role in that situation? is there a way for Hurley to counter that defensive strategy? What are the Xs and Os here to result in a quality shot?

We haven’t seen a consistent answer yet in the games or on this board so I’m throwing it out there.

Putting Clingan in the game definitely will free up either Sanogo, Hawkins, or both.

 

[aburks41]

We already tried this. We ran this the first play of the game against Xavier. He posted up Kunkel a couple times. He missed all the shots.

It’s something he needs to work on in the offseason. He’ll likely never be a good shooter because his mechanics are poor, but that doesn’t mean he can’t find a different way to be an effective scorer. He has to provide something, literally any type of scoring threat, to help get us to that next level. You can only disguise a black hole in so many different ways before defenses catch on to it. Continually playing half court offense 4v5 is a recipe for disaster

 

[SubbaBub]

It's pretty easy actually. AJ is a chaos agent. Sometimes disrupting them. SSometimes disrupting us. It's Hurley’s job to figure out which it is early enough in the game and act accordingly.

Vs. Marquette AJ was a force for good. Vs Creighton it was the opposite. It's 100% on Hurley.

 

[Kathy]

I just checked his seton hall stats. Sub 30% 3 PT shooter….discuss

What's to discuss - his stats are his stats. I never regarded him as a good PG. But to put it in perspective he was up against some great guards - KO, Doron, Ray, Kittles, Murdock, Moten, Iverson - the BE was packed back then.

 

[wingsfan055]

AJ needs to play in the paint. Thats where his athleticism pays-off. It does no good standing on the perimeter and the defense sags off. Hurts the entire half-court game as the offense becomes stagnant. Its up to Hurley to draw up plays that will allow him to do that. That's his job!

 

[alphasigko]

"Wanting it more" is garbage 90% of the time. The time heart matters is sometimes rebounding and we won that battle.

What looks like a lack of "wanting it" is usually lack of defined roles or skill deficiencies.

Our team never lacks effort.

Effort without winning begs for a participation trophy.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Effort without winning begs for a participation trophy.

Hurley knows how to lead and motivate to get guys to want to play for him. He just doesn’t lead them in the right direction most times. But that’s what makes his potential as a coach so great because the 2nd part can be learned.

Question is how long will we give him to learn.

 

[husky429]

Effort without winning begs for a participation trophy.

Good thing we're still on track to be a 3-seed.

 

[jorge34]

Hurley has destroyed Jackson’s confidence by putting him in situations where he cannot perform. Instead of realizing this, he puts so much pressure on Jackson to do things that he can’t.

Bring him off the bench. They played their best when he was coming back and started off the bench.
Hopefully prevents the horrific starts they’ve been having. It’s also harder for the defense to adjust with gimmicks with him coming off bench.

He needs to dribble drive and dish. Post up. And yea, get into a rhythm and take some of those 3’s. Sometime Hurley has to coach the indecisiveness out of him

 

[Magic32]

Let him bring the energy off the bench. I'd like to see Joey C. get a start in his place so we start with shooters everywhere to open up the lane for Adama down low or even Newton driving. I feel for Andre because it's tough to watch., he has all the talent in the world but no touch and he's questioning himself.

 

[BGesus4]

Confidence is definitely playing a role too. The more open he’s left, the worse he shoots.

You’d think him dribble handing off to Hawkins, karaban and newton would be effective too. If his man stays sagged you’ve got an open 3. If he runs to recover Andre should be able to drive past and play make with the bigs. I’m sure I’m not touching on something the coaches haven’t analyzed but it seems like there should be more there than Andre just hiding in the corner while his man sags off.

 

[alphasigko]

Good thing we're still on track to be a 3-seed.

Genuinely hope so.... Depends on how they perform in the remaining games of the regular season and how how they do in the BET. Continue to play and be coached like they did/were yesterday, and all bets are off....

 

[Doctor Hoop]

What else is there except for now?

Point being not that it’s a current issue - it is. The one word question was flippant but was making the point that the X’s and O’s Issue has been evident for some time. I later responded with this;

…even going back as far as the search for a new coach I expressed doubts about Hurley’s x’s & o’s. And when he had lesser players he did what he’s doing now, what he’s always done. That’s play his standard defense and standard man offense, without much variation, and rely on the talent to make a play. Obviously that works better with better talent.

But it’s not infallible as Calipari can tell you. The more creative coaches will have several ways to get the guys they want shooting their shots. He’s not a bad coach, but he’s not a creative one. And that’s something that becomes important down the stretch of a tight game.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Lousy screens, and never - NEVER - a double screen. Why? I know I preach this ad nauseum, but why aren't fundamentals taught before the season starts?

Especially with AJ, if you aren‘t gong to shoot because of issues then become the “Dr. of good screens” and free up Hawkins, Karaban and Newton to do what they do,

Our base offense involves a big setting screens up high to free a shooter, usually Hawkins, or a ball screen for the ball handler. I don’t recall many down screens, curls off screens, or big to big screens in the paint, all of which would add to the creativity of the offense. These could help to free Jackson for the things he does best - dunk and offensive rebound.

 

[ElGreco]

I'm always puzzled as to how someone like AJ gets to this level without being able to put the ball in the hoop. Don't get me wrong, I love Andre, it just makes no sense.

Totally agree. It’s perplexing that with his tremendous (“most athletic athlete ever at UConn”) athleticism he can’t drive to the hoop and dunk or shoot 35-40% on short jumpers or beyond. I think he is capable but after the last dozen to so games his confidence is gone.

 

[buddy]

He's an NFL All-Pro wide receiver,if he wants to make his mark.

He needs to join the Mora revolution!

 

[Hunt for 7]

Unfortunately, part of the mental toughness well from which he & the players draw includes fan support, which includes comments like this in forums like this.

If only there were some way that posters could change how they present themselves. Is that also the head coach's responsibility?

And you really think they pay attention to what we are saying. Wow you have a bit of a self awareness issue perhaps placing a bit more relevancy to what we say impacting the the team. But thanks for validating my point….mental toughness comes from fan opinion. As a matter of fact if you are correct and then constructive criticism if correct should be helpful. I can’t make them believe they can do it when the game is on the line. That is what great leaders do they make there team believe. We the fans are along for the ride.

 

[SaeHusky]

AJ needs to play in the paint. Thats where his athleticism pays-off. It does no good standing on the perimeter and the defense sags off. Hurts the entire half-court game as the offense becomes stagnant. Its up to Hurley to draw up plays that will allow him to do that. That's his job!

Absolutely correct. If AJ is in the game he needs to ben in the post. When he's on the perimeter it's 4 vs 5. That said we need to go 2-3 zone and double big more often

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Yes he developed the 3 during the summer but what about the midrange? The 3 isn’t getting him to the next level

Are you referring to AJax or Adama here?

As far as Dan Hurley he needs a mentor for in game coaching. Yesterday was abysmal

I think I'm starting to get the co(s)mic timing in your posts.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Hurley was the one constantly talking about final fours and championships by season 4. He was the one letting everyone know they better get us now because it's coming...

What exactly is coming? Those teams are all still routinely beating us, we haven't won a Big East regular season. It's season 5 and we still haven't even made a Big East tournament final, haven't won a single NCAA tournament game, and are going to have our worst Big East regular season finish since Hurley has been here.

I feel as though everyone is being a bit disingenuous with the "year 5" comments as far as it pertains to big east and NCAA tourney comments. As you obviously know, we've only played in 2 and lost in the semis by 3 points both years. To frame it like a half decade of failings is pushing it.. same with the NCAA comment. Year 1 was a wash and we stood an outside shot of making it year 2 until COVID came..

i think it's a big year to get a win in the NCAA and hopefully the bet finals, but I'm not going to lose my mind if we don't.

maybe you can take a stab at this - what other programs should be our peers that we measure ourselves against? The way this board reads you'd think that there are 25 programs making the s16 every season.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

So you didn’t see an issue that in year 5, entering the season unranked and making the tournament was where we should be?

Btw, the voters were completely incorrect in leaving us out of the preseason poll. Anyone who actually follows college basketball could tell you that this team was going to be a top 25 teams very easily. And Oats currently has Bama playing like the best team in the country, and he has a S16 already. If we had got to the S16 last year, the Hurley critics would be quiet right now. But so far we have 0 tournament wins…I’m just saying, if we don’t make a S16 this year, his seat will be warm and the last thing we need is a majority of the fanbase turning on him.

We lost our best player in Cole and an NBA draftee in Martin, along with a few other mainstays. Is it shocking with that turnover we'd start the year unranked? Not really.

And again with the year 5 comments..year 1 a wash.. year 2 COVID and then obviously 1 and done 3 and 4, with this one to go.

Who would you rather have or what program should we be benchmarking ourselves against? Just to level set what you're expecting this era of UCONN hoop to be.

 

[Hamms30]

Ok so both Alleyne and Diarra couldn't throw the lob. For some reason I thought it was both on Diarra. That's 4 points we should have gotten there.

Only Newton and Joey have had any success with lobs on the break I believe.

The problem was, neither needed to be lobs. There were earlier passing lanes. Diarra's drive and wrap around pass to AJ just as easily could have been an easy dump to Clingan who was trailing behind both of them for an easy dunk. This could have wound up an "and 1" too since the defender was off balance not knowing where the play was going. They need to learn, we don't need highlight reels plays, just make the smart play and execute.

 

[AdamaNation]

Ha

The Andre dilemma has been discussed quite thoroughly, but aside from giving him fewer minutes there really has been no constructive solution offered.

Most posters are saying Hurley should give some combination of Allyene, Diarra or Clingan more minutes at the expense of Jackson.

This approach, of course, comes with pros and cons and many variables.

But even if his minutes were reduced, Jackson will play significant minutes going forward. Rebounding, defense, energy against his lack of offense is the dilemma.

My question is, what should be done when Ajax has the ball at the three point line and his defender is sagging way off and disrupting the offense?

Seriously, what can be done? Jackson can shoot, and probably needs to take the shot at least a few times a game, but that has most often not helped the team.

Instead, what sort of play or action can free sanogo or Hawkins? What is newton’s role in that situation? is there a way for Hurley to counter that defensive strategy? What are the Xs and Os here to result in a quality shot?

We haven’t seen a consistent answer yet in the games or on this board so I’m throwing it out there.

Sanogo and or other big should sag away from the rim and allow Ajax room to go right and to the rack and crash behind him. Ajax just had such confidence issues. He can get by guys now it should be demanded. They will respect him attacking. Or at lest an east jumper at the ft line. Less floaters.

 

[gsmooth]

Our base offense involves a big setting screens up high to free a shooter, usually Hawkins, or a ball screen for the ball handler. I don’t recall many down screens, curls off screens, or big to big screens in the paint, all of which would add to the creativity of the offense. These could help to free Jackson for the things he does best - dunk and offensive rebound.

Calhoun had a lot of what u are describing, flex cuts and so forth, as well as Cooley now at PC.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I agree. He is just too frantic. Posting up requires patience.

So true.

I'm amazed at the number of times he jumps when there is absolutely no reason to leave his feet. All I can think if as the reason is that he wants to show off his athleticism.

 

[LIuconn]

Ha. Someone said to play football

Maybe get him the ball off a screen at the elbow, drive and kick or loft one toward the hoop? I'm out of ideas, but it's clear hurley is letting his own loyalty get in the way of progress. Gaff was hurleys first real recruit, he thought Jackson was the next level, he isn't, and jackson needs to ay fewer mins

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Point being not that it’s a current issue - it is.

My reference is to a different now. See below.

The one word question was flippant but was making the point that the X’s and O’s Issue has been evident for some time. I later responded with this;

I direct no contradiction toward your content or concerns here or previously.

What you quoted from me was intended to make that clear, and I thought I did so. Assuming that I failed on first try, I have no problem re-stating it with the same intent.

Keep only in mind that I also don't embrace any particulars, whether yours or somebody else's.

The "now" I speak of is our collective moment and the need for all parties who wish for maximized UConn MBB success to band together in common purpose more so than with common particulars.

We seem quite clearly incapable of aligning on common particulars. Can anybody credibly argue otherwise?

I'm asking everybody to reduce & release the hyperbusy conflict-generating mindset that results in confusion & clutter. Instead, clear the psychic space for team success.

Mine is a clarion call for everybody to get out of their own way. It's no dumber or ridiculous than staying stuck where you already are.

There are between 80-100 fan bases who want their team to be in the NCAA Tournament. It's possible that all of them have a majority belief that their team will not win the National Chasmpionship, and this is supported with good reason and strong emotions. One of those fan bases will be wrong. Why not us?

 

[Deleted at users request]

Calhoun had a lot of what u are describing, flex cuts and so forth, as well as Cooley now at PC.

Yup, it doesn’t seem like we run many plays to get shots at the rim. Just to get guys open for threes.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

And you really think they pay attention to what we are saying. Wow you have a bit of a self awareness issue perhaps placing a bit more relevancy to what we say impacting the the team.

That isn't what I wrote. That's what you read.

But thanks for validating my point….mental toughness comes from fan opinion.

Fan expression can affect mental toughness in either helpful or unhelpful ways. It's surely not the source. I neither validate your point nor wholy reject its entirety.

As a matter of fact if you are correct and then constructive criticism if correct should be helpful.

There's really no fact there, and there's no way to reliably determine which criticisms are correct enough to be helpful, especially when they are mixed in with ones that are not constructive, let alone unwise or mutually contradictory of others.

I can’t make them believe they can do it when the game is on the line. That is what great leaders do they make [their] team believe.

You can help the leaders and the payers by not adding to their burden.

We the fans are along for the ride.

Maybe not you precisely, but some would be best to stop yelling at the driver from the back seat.