I admire this team

[mauconnfan]

I would submit what you saw today in Storrs ought to be the source of embarrassment, not those pointing out the obvious.

It's only embarrassing to see people pile on a no-win situation. You want embarrassing, ask KO and staff how they feel. Ask the players who go out undermanned but still feel they can win, wonder how they feel. I really don't give a rats a** how you feel or anyone else for that matter. I feel frustrated as we've become a program that expects to play in March and April, I do. But when everything fell apart early i already took the pressure off the team and staff to a point. I certainly like wins but look at the team, if you expected to win 20 with this team then I guess you just didn't know the make up of the team left to put on the court. There's reality somewhere in anyone who really appreciates who KO is and as I've stated a million time to throw the pile on his this year to me is ridiculous. But hey pile away!

 

[Towney007]

Your reality is far from real. There have been at least two teams with a losing record since 1960. If I remember correctly on of them was 5-19 (1968-69?). John Wooden couldn't with a team with only one ball handler, especially since that one ball handler has been hobbled since late December.

OK great - one losing season since Callhoun took over (his 1st year - also a 30 year gap between losing seasons). Doesn't change the fact that this team is *objectively* awful. We just keep going in circles with you guys.

244th in DI in FG%
322nd in FG
156th in 3P%
332nd in points scored.
300th in ppg.

I mean is that not awful? The bottom fifth in the country in offensive numbers across the board. And sure I get it - injuries were a factor - but it's not a get out of jail free card. Sorry. Not when you're losing to Wagner, Northeastern and barely escaping a Division II team fully loaded. And then losing to teams like East Carolina. Meanwhile the same issues, game after game, year after year, I mean it's watching the same, exact movie on repeat for three years. I LIKE KO. I want him to do well. But he's not getting the job done right now when he *has* to get the job done. Circumstances contribute to that urgency fairly/unfairly, but he signed his extension knowing that..

 

[yukonyc212]

Watched the game. And lots are disagreeing with you and those who agree with you. SO who is right?
There are lots of people who believe the earth is round and a lot who believe the earth is flat. There are many who believe Elvis is dead and many who don't. Do you always rely on a group to validate yourself. Stand up like a man and go head to head with mau. Don't rely on others to come to your aid.

I called him out several times today on various different threads. Anyone who disagrees with that guy is some sort of a hole, dope, moron, jerkoff... But as we keep getting embarrassed game in and game out it becomes harder and harder for him to defend this crap. He just said if it's the same results next year he's in the Ollie must go camp to. I'll leave it at that. This season was lost long ago. I'm done wasting energy on it. Maybe things will turn around going forward but I'm skeptical. Hopefully if we don't win the AAC tournament we shut the season down and not accept a bid to the CBI where our seniors will be even less motivated than they were today on senior day.

 

[UConnDan97]

All of this on a thread titled "I Admire This Team". I'll never understand some people...

 

[Mr. Hand]

I would submit what you saw today in Storrs ought to be the source of embarrassment, not those pointing out the obvious.

A source of embarrassment?

Take a vacation from fandom for awhile, you've lost all sense of perspective.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Not really actually not at all. And there is no tantrum, just stating it as I see it. Not at all impressed by those who pile on this year. It's not like I'm happy with any of this, why would I be. But it wasn't in the books from about the 3rd-4th game what can you do? And Brimah vs KO - not even close comparison wise to me.

If you feel like you're a fair weathered fan then so be it. I don't believe I have ever mentioned you as one, disagree with some of your stuff on KO no doubt but understand. I like most of your stuff so quite honestly I don't put you in the "fans" I speak of, why would I consider you a huskymagic, yukon, Athlete94 type you actually know the game? Wasn't ever pointing at you but if you feel I was then oh well.

If they play like this next year I will be joining I promise, no reason to start this year is all I have to offer, no reason. The constant bashing for a guy who has poured his heart into it for how many years as a player coach? Way too much for me, to me the man can coach and will prove it again, hope everyone hangs out for that?

Fair post Mau. Guess I misinterpreted comments that werent intended for me. My bad.

It's not so much this season for me with KO due to injuries but rather the Boat senior season and last year with a loaded roster and disapointing.

Guess we have no choice but to sit back and wait til next season.

 

[mauconnfan]

Fair post Mau. Guess I misinterpreted comments that werent intended for me. My bad.

It's not so much this season for me with KO due to injuries but rather the Boat senior season and last year with a loaded roster and disapointing.

Guess we have no choice but to sit back and wait til next season.

Frustrating year CHB.. hell I may have replied to one of your posts in error while thinking about putting the hammer down on someone else so if I did my apologies. I get some of what you say and respect it, hell agree with some I'm not "all in" on everything he does at all. As I have said, just can't with the hand that he was dealt to me unfair.

 

[gtcam]

I called him out several times today on various different threads. Anyone who disagrees with that guy is some sort of a hole, dope, moron, jerkoff... But as we keep getting embarrassed game in and game out it becomes harder and harder for him to defend this crap. He just said if it's the same results next year he's in the Ollie must go camp to. I'll leave it at that. This season was lost long ago. I'm done wasting energy on it. Maybe things will turn around going forward but I'm skeptical. Hopefully if we don't win the AAC tournament we shut the season down and not accept a bid to the CBI where our seniors will be even less motivated than they were today on senior day.

I'm so happy your not wasting any more energy. Be as skeptical as you want- skeptic away Mr glass half empty.
And glad you are into all 3 of the seniors heads and you can read a motivation level, if not, that is not an equitable statement to make on those guys. Motivation and physical ability/talent do not go hand in hand
Seeing you are done - adios and don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out

 

[LIUCHusky]

I'm 43. This is the worst team since the formation of the Big East.

There are some valid excuses but this team is awful.

Not nearly as awful as some posters on this board

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Last year, I learned how to make good use of the Ignore feature on this board. A number of games bothered me and made me feel like I was wasting my time to watch live so diligently.

This year, I learned how to ignore the games better. Because the team was likely to be less competitive, I scheduled better quality leisure time. I may have even spent more time on The Boneyard than watching games.

There's still more people for me to Ignore. And I'd like to see better basketball next year. Who wouldn't?

I really liked the Rolling Stones' "Exhibitionism" in NYC today. Highly recommended if you're a fan. It closes next Sunday (hint, hint).

Yale has its inaugural Schwarzman Center jazz program with Anat Cohen Quartet, Maria Schneider Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis on Friday & Saturday this coming week.

We'll be hosting grandkids for brunch on Sunday.

And yes, the AAC Tournament could be worthwhile & merit a trip to Hartford.

Be thankful for options. I sure am.

 

[jayteeman]

It's unfortunate that the favorite sports time of the year....Husky basketball, was marred by injuries, but gotta think boys who became men sooner than expected will pay off.
With Brimah and Facey leaving....it will be the first time since 2007 that we will not have a national champion on the roster, which will be a span of 10 years. Not sure any team can boast that in recent memory.
Can the guys pull it off next season to keep the streak alive......

 

[huskymagic]

Honestly this is the last thread we need during this horror-show of a season. How can anyone admire what we are seeing from the coaching and player front. What we and by we I mean Ollie is to be so ashamed that he makes sure this never happens again at UCONN so we can laugh nostalgically about this season not lament the beginning of the end.

 

[yukonyc212]

I'm so happy your not wasting any more energy. Be as skeptical as you want- skeptic away Mr glass half empty.
And glad you are into all 3 of the seniors heads and you can read a motivation level, if not, that is not an equitable statement to make on those guys. Motivation and physical ability/talent do not go hand in hand
Seeing you are done - adios and don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out

And you keep on being an apologista with ur crew mauconnfan & uconndan69. Blaming everyone and everything but the obvious. Ya let's bring this team to the CBI tournament where they most likely will lose in the 1st game. The team they'll play will certainly be better than ECU. Cool! That will surely help the program out!

 

[ctchamps]

I called him out several times today on various different threads. Anyone who disagrees with that guy is some sort of a hole, dope, moron, jerkoff... But as we keep getting embarrassed game in and game out it becomes harder and harder for him to defend this crap. He just said if it's the same results next year he's in the Ollie must go camp to. I'll leave it at that. This season was lost long ago. I'm done wasting energy on it. Maybe things will turn around going forward but I'm skeptical. Hopefully if we don't win the AAC tournament we shut the season down and not accept a bid to the CBI where our seniors will be even less motivated than they were today on senior day.

I'd be surprised if you've finished "wasting your energy".

I've seen you throw in adjectives in your posts that are intended to insult. Maybe you didn't apply it as frequently as @mauconnfan but certainly more frequently than many other people who post in this forum. And to be fair to both of you regarding this behavior I haven't been completely above reproach.

From my perspective (I acknowledge I have limited info) I actually think the two of you are cut from the same cloth. Both of you are highly driven, intelligent, successful, passionate individuals who work in the business world. And you both share a passion for the UConn men's bb team.

In a different world if this were a successful season and the two of you came across one another for the first time in a bar the two of you probably would have gotten along really well, offering to buy each other drinks while reminiscing about your experiences with regards to the program.

But your first encounter was over a really bad season. When bad things happen people tend to react in a much more diversified and charged manner than when things are going well. The two of you crossed swords over how to factor in the parameters about this season and as a result you went to war over how people should react and how we should demonstrate this reaction regarding this season.

From my perspective the disagreement over the issue (the season) exposed some underlying flaws. Both of you took things personally. You about the season, mau about your take on the season. And then a vicious cycle kicked in because both of you share a second flaw and that is both of you are driven. The drive and determination that makes the two of you successful in business works against both of you when you bump heads with other people. Now you both are probably the rule and not the exception in this forum. So I figured even if you can't get something from the effort I took in writing this post maybe one of the other people reading it might gain some benefit.

 

[Spaceman213J]

There are parts of this team that I admire and parts that have been extremely frustrating.

First, I hope the team stays healthy next year and we can see a healthy Jalen Adams the entire year. He's been pretty amazing with what's been going on.
I also admire the Jackson and Vital for having to learn on the fly. They at times have been frustrating, but we have to remember they're freshmen who
have been thrown into the fire at a program like UConn. I love seeing it finally click with a guy like Facey. I'm encourage by the potential of Enoch and Durham,
but Enoch needs to make the leap forward next year. Then there is Purvis who is on both lists for me. I admire his heart, both the emotional aspect and how
physically tough he is as well.

I know next year I'll miss him, but I can't wait to see Brimah go. He has been the most frustrating player to watch for me. His results are inexcusable for a
man that physically talented. He has size. He can run. He can jump. But for some reason he has not really improved much since his freshmen year. He never
learned to block with his left hand, and even more basic, he always is underneath the basket or backboard on a rebound. Also, I don't know if it's fatigue or lack
of instinct, I've seen him watching balls, some even hitting the floor. Also, as many physical gifts as he has, catching the ball is not one of them. Okafor, Armstrong
and Thabeet blocked shots, but they learned they don't have to try and block everything to be the most effective.

At times, the entire team on defense. They make the same mistake over and over that let's people get open. Know where your man is, especially if he's a
shooter camped out on the three point line.

Rodney Purvis-He is a quality player but he like all the guards loses his man way to often on the defensive end. Also, he's good at shooting 3's and shoots out onto
the fast break like a bullet, but never really developed the rest of his game. He is awful from medium range and way to often relies on refs to blow the whistle when
he drives to the hoop. There have been some games when you realize fairly early the refs are just not going to call it, but he continues to do it anyways. Which leads
to:

Making adjustments. This team (I don't know if it's coaching; I don't think so) is slow to make the adjustment. The don't make some players drive off hand when
you can tell quickly it's not their best thing. The 3 point coverage again.

Still, to me they are still not as frustrating as the last year Dyson and Robinson were in the program and it looked like everyone was playing for themselves.

And finally, I still have hope with Adams, Jackson, Vital, Larrier, Gilbert, and Enoch next year. Diarra and a few of the freshmen will need to step up quickly though.

 

[IMind]

There are parts of this team that I admire and parts that have been extremely frustrating.

I agree 100%... I think this is definitely a case where the whole is less than the sum of it's parts. They're just not a good team...

 

[mauconnfan]

I'd be surprised if you've finished "wasting your energy".

I've seen you throw in adjectives in your posts that are intended to insult. Maybe you didn't apply it as frequently as @mauconnfan but certainly more frequently than many other people who post in this forum. And to be fair to both of you regarding this behavior I haven't been completely above reproach.

From my perspective (I acknowledge I have limited info) I actually think the two of you are cut from the same cloth. Both of you are highly driven, intelligent, successful, passionate individuals who work in the business world. And you both share a passion for the UConn men's bb team.

In a different world if this were a successful season and the two of you came across one another for the first time in a bar the two of you probably would have gotten along really well, offering to buy each other drinks while reminiscing about your experiences with regards to the program.

But your first encounter was over a really bad season. When bad things happen people tend to react in a much more diversified and charged manner than when things are going well. The two of you crossed swords over how to factor in the parameters about this season and as a result you went to war over how people should react and how we should demonstrate this reaction regarding this season.

From my perspective the disagreement over the issue (the season) exposed some underlying flaws. Both of you took things personally. You about the season, mau about your take on the season. And then a vicious cycle kicked in because both of you share a second flaw and that is both of you are driven. The drive and determination that makes the two of you successful in business works against both of you when you bump heads with other people. Now you both are probably the rule and not the exception in this forum. So I figured even if you can't get something from the effort I took in writing this post maybe one of the other people reading it might gain some benefit.

I guess this is in regards to a reply from one of my "buddies", but I don't know what it is as they are ignored. I am sure yukon is still blabbing and I doubt we are cut from the same cloth. I actually am very careful who I drink with so while your intent is applauded here fleudy I am thinking it's all for naught, at least with us I am sure. But nice try and thank you for the effort put forth. Probably overly passionate on my end (not probably LOL) and the name calling was stupid, I even apologize for that. But some have continued on and I have moved on. While I have offered why I am taking this year off for criticism, these types of individuals just keep digging inon the subject with every chance they get, to the point of being just ridiculous. They aren't like me sorry, if people have a clue I am more than respectful to that and that's not the case with a chosen few. CHB and I discussed our disagreement like respectful fans I just doubt this could happen with some. One never knows though, people like you try to keep the lines of communication open and I like that.

 

[yukonyc212]

I'd be surprised if you've finished "wasting your energy".

I've seen you throw in adjectives in your posts that are intended to insult. Maybe you didn't apply it as frequently as @mauconnfan but certainly more frequently than many other people who post in this forum. And to be fair to both of you regarding this behavior I haven't been completely above reproach.

From my perspective (I acknowledge I have limited info) I actually think the two of you are cut from the same cloth. Both of you are highly driven, intelligent, successful, passionate individuals who work in the business world. And you both share a passion for the UConn men's bb team.

In a different world if this were a successful season and the two of you came across one another for the first time in a bar the two of you probably would have gotten along really well, offering to buy each other drinks while reminiscing about your experiences with regards to the program.

But your first encounter was over a really bad season. When bad things happen people tend to react in a much more diversified and charged manner than when things are going well. The two of you crossed swords over how to factor in the parameters about this season and as a result you went to war over how people should react and how we should demonstrate this reaction regarding this season.

From my perspective the disagreement over the issue (the season) exposed some underlying flaws. Both of you took things personally. You about the season, mau about your take on the season. And then a vicious cycle kicked in because both of you share a second flaw and that is both of you are driven. The drive and determination that makes the two of you successful in business works against both of you when you bump heads with other people. Now you both are probably the rule and not the exception in this forum. So I figured even if you can't get something from the effort I took in writing this post maybe one of the other people reading it might gain some benefit.

I've never gone in on anyone here that didn't go in on me first. I know that's very sophomoric but I suppose it is what it is. I also understand that coming here and complaining about how bad things are isn't going to be popular with the natives. That also is what it is. But I got to a point where I'm sick of the results the past several years and I'm sick of the people here making all kinds of excuses for them. In the "real world" if you don't produce you don't really get to make excuses for your performance. If you're a lawyer who doesn't win any cases, a salesmen that can't make sales, or a coach that can't win games. Now if you have a guaranteed salary that pays millions I suppose you do get to make excuses for performance, however that only lasts until it's time for a new contract. Ultimately if you get to the very top of your profession you need to justify being there on a continual basis with results. There's always someone else that thinks / knows they can do it better and will gladly take your place if you fail to produce. Now I can't do much about the losing except complain and stop donating / getting season tickets, but I wouldn't do that, and I need the tax write off. We are Uconn and in reading all of these posts a lot of you don't realize that. We are a top 4 program in the 30+ years of the tournament era right up there with Duke, UNC and KY. We shouldn't have to put up with below expectations and mediocrity. I know that sounds spoiled, but Jim Calhoun spoiled us. He built that legacy and I'm sure he'd like it to continue. We pay our staff comenserste with the other top Blue Bloods of the world... why shouldn't we expect the same results. Hell I'd be happy with just making the tournament every year. I understsnd the limitations of being in this conference. But there are only 2 "good" teams in this conference. We should be able to finish top 3 on a yearly basis. Not finish 6 - 9 every season. That is pathetic. I've had accounts on here for long stretches in the past. Several of them were gone when I tried to log into them, and another one I couldn't associate the email to the account to retrieve the password so i had to start a new one. I'm not as some of you say a "noob" here. I was here years back when this was associated with the recruiting site... scout / rivals? So yea... while it may come off as "complaining" there's not much else I can do. I'm not happy with the results the past few years and I think irreparable damage will be caused if we continue having seasons like this. I understand there were mitigating circumstances this year with regards to injuries so that's why I'm willing to wait and see what happens next season. If we're still middling around in this mid major conference next year I truly hope we make a change. I don't want us to become UNLV or Georgetown because that's where we're headed.

 

[Stainmaster]

We are Uconn and in reading all of these posts a lot of you don't realize that. We are a top 4 program in the 30+ years of the tournament era right up there with Duke, UNC and KY. We shouldn't have to put up with below expectations and mediocrity.

You and the other crazies failing to re-calibrate your expectations after losing the best GD coach of all time and being booted from the best GD conference of all time into CUSA 2.0 is your own fault.

 

[mauconnfan]

You and the other crazies failing to re-calibrate your expectations after losing the best GD coach of all time and being booted from the best GD conference of all time into CUSA 2.0 is your own fault.

Me Stair?

 

[Stainmaster]

Me Stair?

Nah, Yukon-tool. I feel bad picking on someone who's so clearly a middle school student, but one can only take so much self-righteous crap. "The fan base cannot lower their expectations or it will kill the program!" These guys' ego's must be gigantic to think that their expectations have any sway over the fate of the team.

 

[yukonyc212]

You and the other crazies failing to re-calibrate your expectations after losing the best GD coach of all time and being booted from the best GD conference of all time into CUSA 2.0 is your own fault.

And once again if you read my post... I did "recalibrate my expectations". I guess it just didn't sink into your thick skull. I said "id just be happy making the tournament every year." It cool... maybe reading comprehension wasn't your thing.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I've never gone in on anyone here that didn't go in on me first. I know that's very sophomoric but I suppose it is what it is. I also understand that coming here and complaining about how bad things are isn't going to be popular with the natives. That also is what it is. But I got to a point where I'm sick of the results the past several years and I'm sick of the people here making all kinds of excuses for them. In the "real world" if you don't produce you don't really get to make excuses for your performance. If you're a lawyer who doesn't win any cases, a salesmen that can't make sales, or a coach that can't win games. Now if you have a guaranteed salary that pays millions I suppose you do get to make excuses for performance, however that only lasts until it's time for a new contract. Ultimately if you get to the very top of your profession you need to justify being there on a continual basis with results. There's always someone else that thinks / knows they can do it better and will gladly take your place if you fail to produce. Now I can't do much about the losing except complain and stop donating / getting season tickets, but I wouldn't do that, and I need the tax write off. We are Uconn and in reading all of these posts a lot of you don't realize that. We are a top 4 program in the 30+ years of the tournament era right up there with Duke, UNC and KY. We shouldn't have to put up with below expectations and mediocrity. I know that sounds spoiled, but Jim Calhoun spoiled us. He built that legacy and I'm sure he'd like it to continue. We pay our staff comenserste with the other top Blue Bloods of the world... why shouldn't we expect the same results. Hell I'd be happy with just making the tournament every year. I understsnd the limitations of being in this conference. But there are only 2 "good" teams in this conference. We should be able to finish top 3 on a yearly basis. Not finish 6 - 9 every season. That is pathetic. I've had accounts on here for long stretches in the past. Several of them were gone when I tried to log into them, and another one I couldn't associate the email to the account to retrieve the password so i had to start a new one. I'm not as some of you say a "noob" here. I was here years back when this was associated with the recruiting site... scout / rivals? So yea... while it may come off as "complaining" there's not much else I can do. I'm not happy with the results the past few years and I think irreparable damage will be caused if we continue having seasons like this. I understand there were mitigating circumstances this year with regards to injuries so that's why I'm willing to wait and see what happens next season. If we're still middling around in this mid major conference next year I truly hope we make a change. I don't want us to become UNLV or Georgetown because that's where we're headed.

Even if your posts weren't uniformly terrible no one is going to read that crap unless you hit the "Enter" key a couple times and mix in some paragraph breaks.

By the way, "comenserste" is an absolutely savage attempt at spelling commensurate.

 

[Stainmaster]

And once again if you read my post... I did "recalibrate my expectations". I guess it just didn't sink into your thick skull. I said "id just be happy making the tournament every year." It cool... maybe reading comprehension wasn't your thing.

Except no, you wouldn't. No matter what the outcome would be, it wouldn't have been good enough. People have been calling for Ollie to be fired since February of 2015 - a couple of posters wanted him jettisoned mid-season 10 months removed from winning a national championship. The man wins a title in his second year on the job, and it's "he won it with Calhoun's players," "Calhoun was doing all of the coaching and scouting undercover, Ollie was just a figurehead," etc. And then we have people talking about in the Top 10 all year, rattling off 30-4 regular seasons and beating UK for recruits.

Don't forget that before '11, there were people trying to run Calhoun off. I can only imagine what the mood was like on the 1990s incarnation of the Boneyard before he made that first Final 4. This is a frontrunning fanbase that never appreciates how lucky it has been.

 

[yukonyc212]

Nah, Yukon-tool. I feel bad picking on someone who's so clearly a middle school student, but one can only take so much self-righteous crap. "The fan base cannot lower their expectations or it will kill the program!" These guys' ego's must be gigantic to think that their expectations have any sway over the fate of the team.

And yet another bag that doesn't read the entire post and just takes bits and pieces and forms their own conclusions. Why

Even if your posts weren't uniformly terrible no one is going to read that crap unless you hit the "Enter" key a couple times and mix in some paragraph breaks.

By the way, "comenserste" is an absolutely savage attempt at spelling commensurate.

Ever hear of auto correct bag?

 

[ctchamps]

And yet another bag that doesn't read the entire post and just takes bits and pieces and forms their own conclusions. Why


Ever hear of auto correct bag?

like I said you are what you hate.

 

[yukonyc212]

Except no, you wouldn't. No matter what the outcome would be, it wouldn't have been good enough. People have been calling for Ollie to be fired since February of 2015 - a couple of posters wanted him jettisoned mid-season 10 months removed from winning a national championship. The man wins a title in his second year on the job, and it's "he won it with Calhoun's players," "Calhoun was doing all of the coaching and scouting undercover, Ollie was just a figurehead," etc. And then we have people talking about in the Top 10 all year, rattling off 30-4 regular seasons and beating UK for recruits.

Don't forget that before '11, there were people trying to run Calhoun off. I can only imagine what the mood was like on the 1990s incarnation of the Boneyard before he made that first Final 4. This is a frontrunning fanbase that never appreciates how lucky it has been.

Cool... glad to know you know what I think. I'll just ignore you and the other apologists that's cool.

At least if you're going to quote something from the post, quote something that I actually said. Not something that you made up in your dim-witted feeble mind.

 

[mauconnfan]

Nah, Yukon-tool. I feel bad picking on someone who's so clearly a middle school student, but one can only take so much self-righteous crap. "The fan base cannot lower their expectations or it will kill the program!" These guys' ego's must be gigantic to think that their expectations have any sway over the fate of the team.

Oh sorry it's blocked so I did not see the reply to which you reacted to. I have to get used to this, thanks!

 

[yukonyc212]

like I said you are what you hate.

Yup and once again I only respond to people that go in on me. Never initiate.

 

[ctchamps]

Yup and one again I only respond to people that go in on me. Never initiate.

Yeah but you upped the ante!