I think the season comes down to two things

[jibsey]

So we need him to be the NPOY now?

OK when it's said he has a high FG % it can't be compared to Okafor, Towns or many other centers who don't get the bulk of their points on alley oops. Nothing to do with him having to be anything. To get that FG he needed DHam. Can he get the ball by himself in the post and get anything close to that? No. And against better players prob not either. I hope he continues to get the easy ones but develops his own way to score inside. I don't expect Kareem to appear anytime soon, and he doesn't need to be for us to be successful anyway, but his FG % deserves qualification, no?

 

[Sky ball]

If we consistently score more points than our opponents, I like our chances.

That won't work. We need our opponents to consistently score fewer points than us then I like our chances.

 

[Palatine]

I think the season comes down to two things. Offense and defense.

And coaching. Darn that's three things.

 

[ctchamps]

Brimah might be the most polarizing player in UConn history, discussion involving him also seems to expose posters who have no idea what they're watching out there on the court.

Brimah is not even the most polarizing player on this team. That would be Rodney. Then there was TSam before he left and Omar. In prior years you had Alex, Taliek, Jerome........

 

[ctchamps]

I've banned myself from talking about Amida Brimah because frankly this entire board is driving me batty when it comes to the things they use to define his performance and the ways he impacts games that they choose to ignore. However, I can't 'not answer this question. Who cares?

It IS a unique skill to be able to quickly elevate (and therefor jump later) so that its easier to time a lob dunk. It's the same skill that makes AB an effective shot blocker. Amida goes and gets the ball anywhere in a large radius around the rim and finishes it. Sometimes he takes the ball down and lays it up reverse. He has an uncanny knack to finish round the rim even when the rim is behind him. You can't separate out the things he does well and his role in the back half of that connection. Yes Hamilton has to beat his man off the dribble and force the help defense but Amida is no slouch on the other end and its the way we are offensively designed to exploit both strengths.

Why this board is hell bent on minimizing Brimah's impact when he's on the court is beyond me. We all agree he needs to play smarter so that he can stay on the floor longer but I think its well over the line to minimize his top 5 in the country FG% because its just dunks.

We're not running the lob play for Phil.

I'll now return to biting my tongue.

Can't speak for others but my remarks about hoping to see improvement in AB's game were meant to distinguish a team that might make it to a sweet sixteen vs. winning it all. I've never been down on Brimah.

 

[OkaForPrez]

@jibsey

I think the issue here is the context of your original reply.

Poster A says Amida has to improve over last year or we're in trouble.
Poster B says Amida shot in the high 60's last year at 10 ppg and that was plenty for what we need.
Then you say its a deceiving statline because all he's doing is finishing plays others create.

In the context of all points made, it suggests the manner in which Brimah scored efficiently somehow validates Poster A and not Poster B's rebuttal.

The point about playing down against the best competition is valid. Hopefully consistency against better competition is the growth.

 

[aceboon]

Brimah is not even the most polarizing player on this team. That would be Rodney. Then there was TSam before he left and Omar. In prior years you had Alex, Taliek, Jerome...

That's not close to being true. When TSam couldn't shoot or pass or dribble, he had very little impact on the game, same thing with Omar when he struggled. The difference with Brimah is that even with his struggles on the boards and with scoring in the post, it was obvious that he was a difference maker on the floor and UConn was a much better team with him out there because of his rim protection and the threat of blocking shots that might deter players from venturing inside. He also helped open things up on offensive because defenders have to stay attached to him or give up that lob off of penetration. There are posters on here who look at the boxscore and look at Brimah's line and say he has no positive impact on the game and that is just simply not the case, that's what makes him so polarizing.

 

[ctchamps]

That's not close to being true. When TSam couldn't shoot or pass or dribble, he had very little impact on the game, same thing with Omar when he struggled. The difference with Brimah is that even with his struggles on the boards and with scoring in the post, it was obvious that he was a difference maker on the floor and UConn was a much better team with him out there because of his rim protection and the threat of blocking shots that might deter players from venturing inside. He also helped open things up on offensive because defenders have to stay attached to him or give up that lob off of penetration. There are posters on here who look at the boxscore and look at Brimah's line and say he has no positive impact on the game and that is just simply not the case, that's what makes him so polarizing.

I guess the difference in our opinions is that I would describe what you are saying as people being very inaccurate (which I agree with) vs. polarizing. For me polarizing comments are inflammatory comments vs. discussion of skill sets.

 

[SouthBayHusky]

If we consistently score more points than our opponents, I like our chances.

I don't know about that strategy. Are you sure that would work?

 

[CTBasketball]

Brimah just needs to bulk up and learn how to box out/rebound. The only time he hurts the team when he's on the floor is when he's fouling like a madman or he watches his defender grab offensive rebounds from the weak side because he doesn't know how to box out.

 

[polycom]

KO has to go back to being KO. After talking with some of the players it was clear the family matters effected him. He was rumored to have a much shorter temper this past season, which was also detrimental to the team.

 

[nyhusky89]

I can see dham being encouraged to make plays for his teammates when available, but I would say one key will be the degree that Gibbs can be the quarterback and run the offense. We really need someone who can attack a zone defense effectively and I think that has to be our PG. I have no idea how well Sterling can do that. Someone wrote that SHU played a lot of zone, so maybe that will help him to know how to attack it. Other teams have often gone to zone against UConn and we have struggled with it when we have not had a skilled point guard to break it down.

I didn't phrase it well because I wanted to keep each player to one line bc its god damn may, but what i mean is that he will have the most plays run for him and much of our offensive action (outside the PG/C PnR) will be focused on him. He will generally have the biggest mismatch both athletically and skill wise, so more so than anyone but AB, i expect his O to come in the half court off sets for him or iso's.

Purvis on the other hand, may end up 2nd in attempts and will certainly be running around screens to get those wing 3's and be put in the PnR, I just expect it more with Hamilton because he can distribute as well as score. Gibbs primary job other than nailing 3 3's/game on 44% is handling the ball/running sets/getting people involved, but I expect him to be more Price like-knowing when to pick his spots but always being conscious of getting the ball to AB/RP/Dan Hurley.

I think Miller will fit in very well as he would not have committed without KO saying "RP/Dan Hurley/JA/AB (and now gibbs) are all ahead of you for shots, you're here to rebound, defend and keep the D honest on the other end-he's going to be a glue guy and be good. Brimah, by virtue of being older and having a full off season will be better and the D was already far better with him on the court-having Miller to clean the glass AND chip in with rim protection will also make life much easier on guards who now have 2 competent defenders behind them. Brimah is not a dominant player all around and tends to beat up on weak opponents who just aren't athletically in his league-but he is ALWAYS an asset on D and even with no tangible skill development (which there will be) he will score 10 ppg.

I truly believe this teams biggest obstacles are Gibbs finding the score/distribute balance, Purvis embracing a stopper role on D and continuing his aggressive play from the end of the year and however much better Hamilton is with the game being a bit slower in his 2nd year. We had talent last year and i still think if we hold on against TX and Yale we win 5 more games, not just 2, because of the confidence the guys would have had. Instead it felt like all year they were trying to convince themselves they were a uconn-quality team instead of just playing ball. I DONT KNOW but I am bored so tell me how stupid i am.

 

[Rico444]

KO has to go back to being KO. After talking with some of the players it was clear the family matters effected him. He was rumored to have a much shorter temper this past season, which was also detrimental to the team.

This should go over well.

 

[ctchamps]

This should go over well.

Do not disparage the rumors which this board creates!

 

[hoophuskee]

I think outside shooting and rebounding killed us last year and we have to hope we improve in those 2 spots this year. If we can spread the floor with at least 2 solid three point threats, it opens up the court. Then guys can slash and dunk or pass (to insert bigman here). I think thats our game. Also getting out on fast breaks with good defense. Add in some solid rebounding so that we limit opponents second chances and get more chances on our end of the court and we'll have an amazing season. Easier said then done!

I agree with this. So with that said - OP spoke of two things
My vote for 2 keys is for the 2 newcomers Gibbs and Miller must produce big time. They relate to our need of outside shooting and rebounding. I haven't seen either play.

Gibbs MUST be able to shoot and not only that but must be a scorer from the outside. Really good teams will be able to key on Hamilton. He makes everyone's game much easier if he can be Nappier/Boatright. This team needs a Nappier/Boatright from the pg position.

Miller seems small. When Brimah helps or vs really good athletes, can he rebound? And can he defend? He is very little help to this team unless he can rebound amongst the other trees and he has to be able to play defense.

If these two guys can fill these two roles, then we become very dangerous. The tournaments are on a lot by guards. Formula - hold the fort with your bigs. Just have to compete / defend in there. Then look to win the game with your guards and wings. In order to win big games IMO Gibbs gotta be a real real good scorer.

 

[HooperScooper]

Miller seems small. When Brimah helps or vs really good athletes, can he rebound? And can he defend? He is very little help to this team unless he can rebound amongst the other trees and he has to be able to play defense.

It remain to be seen how Miller translates what he did in the Ivy League to a higher level but I think he will be able to contribute rebounding and defense at UConn. Here's what his coach at Cornell said about him when he committed to UConn.

Miller is an elite defensive player and a “monster defensive rebounder,” according to Courtney. “He just goes and gets it. He’s got an incredible knack.”

“He’s 6-7 and can guard any position on the floor, from point guard to center,” the coach said. “He’s an elite-level defender. His offensive game has developed in his time at Cornell. He’s a terrific athlete and offensive/defensive rebounder....."

http://www.nhregister.com/sports/20150508/shonn-miller-was-wanted-and-needed-at-uconn

 

[hoophuskee]

It remain to be seen how Miller translates what he did in the Ivy League to a higher level but I think he will be able to contribute rebounding and defense at UConn. Here's what his coach at Cornell said about him when he committed to UConn.

Miller is an elite defensive player and a “monster defensive rebounder,” according to Courtney. “He just goes and gets it. He’s got an incredible knack.”

“He’s 6-7 and can guard any position on the floor, from point guard to center,” the coach said. “He’s an elite-level defender. His offensive game has developed in his time at Cornell. He’s a terrific athlete and offensive/defensive rebounder....."

http://www.nhregister.com/sports/20150508/shonn-miller-was-wanted-and-needed-at-uconn

The highlights I've seen on youtube he looks like he can compete well. Plus it seems like he has long arms. As you sya though - it remains to be seen how his game translates.

 

[David 76]

AB will be able to laugh his way into the NBA.

 

[444JR]

This is not the thread for this, but you mentioned roles which is something i've been thinking about recently. here is what i envision at first blush.

Gibbs 30mpg-Run the O/hit your 3's/defend.
Purvis 29 mpg-Defensive bulldog/run at every chance/2nd option behind Hamilton
Hamilton 32 mpg-O runs through him/Quick, aggressive decisions/natural progression should be perfect.
Miller-27 mpg Glue guy/defend/rebound/do the little things/get 8-9 pts on dirty plays.
Brimah 30 mpg-D.D.D/PnR finisher-shouldnt need iso attempts, but 1-2 per half would be great
Adams 25 mpg-6th man/scoring punch/strong D/2nd ballhandler
Facey 12 mpg-No idea-rebound/defend, if he can get the J to 12-14 feet, him and AB can play without clogging the O
Calhoun 7mpg -doesnt have to do a lot/spread the floor
Nolan 8 mpg-Just come in, be smart, defend and rebound-same thing we've always asked in the same role-more mature player

Very well thought out. I can practically envision it. What you said with Hamiltion's natural progression will be key; plus an improved stroke from distance. If Purvis is consistently on and able to prove himself as the second weapon, I won't even begin to illustrate my cockiness level in this team. Gibbs and Adams.. add the fact th Miller may end up a reliable outside shooter and dominant rebounder (like hamiltion but bulkier) . This team has what it needs to be successful. Thanks to KO and co.. You can't tell me Nolan, Facey, and ENOCH won't improve as the season progresses; battles will be won and lost every day between the 5 bigs. Competition will be incredibly stiff b/t the 6 back-court guys as well. As long as Cassell and Calhoun make shots and contribute on D they will find their minutes. Words couldn't describe my perpetual state of anticipation for the upcoming season(maybthey just did). My only damper would be the lack of a regular season match up with Duke and the "#1 recruiting class" in the nation. If they added grad transfers, Ollies 2015 recruiting coup,UConn would have to be considered in the top five. Literally every major basketball need was met. It will come down to heart, defense, cohesiveness, and clutchness.

 

[hoophuskee]

Very well thought out. I can practically envision it. What you said with Hamiltion's natural progression will be key; plus an improved stroke from distance. If Purvis is consistently on and able to prove himself as the second weapon, I won't even begin to illustrate my cockiness level in this team. Gibbs and Adams.. add the fact th Miller may end up a reliable outside shooter and dominant rebounder (like hamiltion but bulkier) . This team has what it needs to be successful. Thanks to KO and co.. You can't tell me Nolan, Facey, and ENOCH won't improve as the season progresses; battles will be won and lost every day between the 5 bigs. Competition will be incredibly stiff b/t the 6 back-court guys as well. As long as Cassell and Calhoun make shots and contribute on D they will find their minutes. Words couldn't describe my perpetual state of anticipation for the upcoming season(maybthey just did). My only damper would be the lack of a regular season match up with Duke and the "#1 recruiting class" in the nation. If they added grad transfers, Ollies 2015 recruiting coup,UConn would have to be considered in the top five. Literally every major basketball need was met. It will come down to heart, defense, cohesiveness, and clutchness.

I don't see Purvis as the 2nd weapon. IMO he is 3rd. We have a 5th year senior from Seton Hall who will have the ball in had hands a lot- I see him as a more dangerous weapon. And I don't think as a Soph Hamilton can be consistently 1st weapon. That's okay- imo you need 3 weapons - we have them.

Then between Calhoun,Adams, Brimah and Miller (maybe Cassell and our other forward) each one can step up as weapon if any of the other are off.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

The depth of strategic basketball knowledge on the BY is staggering.
Or is that just their physical condition.

 

[444JR]

I don't see Purvis as the 2nd weapon. IMO he is 3rd. We have a 5th year senior from Seton Hall who will have the ball in had hands a lot- I see him as a more dangerous weapon. And I don't think as a Soph Hamilton can be consistently 1st weapon. That's okay- imo you need 3 weapons - we have them.

Then between Calhoun,Adams, Brimah and Miller (maybe Cassell and our other forward) each one can step up as weapon if any of the other are off.

Agree 100%. The best part about landing Gibbs is that Hamilton won't have to consistently be the 1st weapon. I'm looking for Purvis to build off of the way he ended last season with confidence and assertiveness. If he does and Hamilton fills out a bit more and starts shooting with rip like confidence, plus gibbs comes in and adapts his fantastic game for team oriented winning ball, we will have a 3 headed monster with a shot blocking juggernaut on the other end. I'm optimistic the addition of Jalen Adams will assure that we don't see the massive drop off in quality once the starters go out that we saw this past season.

 

[tzznandrew]

Depending on how we're using the term "weapon," I'm not sure I agree.

I'd bet, still, that Purvis will be our leading scorer. He doesn't have the passing ability of Hamilton or Gibbs, so the offense won't run through him the way it may through the two of them. In that sense, maybe their bigger weapons. But Purvis found consistency, and I don't think anyone can stop him, especially when you won't be able to sag off him or help off our 4 this year.

 

[UConnNick]

I think we are ignoring the fact that our failure to make the NCAAs last season was all "Johnnie Time" Selvie's fault.

 

[hoophuskee]

Depending on how we're using the term "weapon," I'm not sure I agree.

I'd bet, still, that Purvis will be our leading scorer. He doesn't have the passing ability of Hamilton or Gibbs, so the offense won't run through him the way it may through the two of them. In that sense, maybe their bigger weapons. But Purvis found consistency, and I don't think anyone can stop him, especially when you won't be able to sag off him or help off our 4 this year.

I don;t see this happening. Because it appears the pg will have the ball a ton and Hamilton a ton - - and I think Purvis's outside shot will still be a bit erratic, I see him as number 3 if we are to be very, very successful. If he moves up in the scoring ranks of 1st- then I don't look for a strong season from UCONN. IMO the leading socrer on your team has to be able to make elite type of decisions. I have yet to see that as a strength from Purvis.

I think ti can be a strength from a 5 year pg. And Hamilton, he looks like he can pass very well for his size and I'm expecting that soph jump.

 

[tzznandrew]

I don;t see this happening. Because it appears the pg will have the ball a ton and Hamilton a ton - - and I think Purvis's outside shot will still be a bit erratic, I see him as number 3 if we are to be very, very successful. If he moves up in the scoring ranks of 1st- then I don't look for a strong season from UCONN. IMO the leading socrer on your team has to be able to make elite type of decisions. I have yet to see that as a strength from Purvis.

I think ti can be a strength from a 5 year pg. And Hamilton, he looks like he can pass very well for his size and I'm expecting that soph jump.

Purvis averaged 17ppg in March against the best opponents. He can score.

We'll see, and this isn't something that really matters to me. I just think if we win a title, Hamilton will be our best player and Purvis our leading scorer.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Depending on how we're using the term "weapon," I'm not sure I agree.

I'd bet, still, that Purvis will be our leading scorer. He doesn't have the passing ability of Hamilton or Gibbs, so the offense won't run through him the way it may through the two of them. In that sense, maybe their bigger weapons. But Purvis found consistency, and I don't think anyone can stop him, especially when you won't be able to sag off him or help off our 4 this year.

I see gibbs being the floor general and having the ability to score and bail us out when need be. We have weapons surrounding him that if he can just run the offense and get guys where they'll be most effective well be solid. This team seems assembled to be one of the fast break on offense and in your face full court pressure

 

[hoophuskee]

Purvis averaged 17ppg in March against the best opponents. He can score.

We'll see, and this isn't something that really matters to me. I just think if we win a title, Hamilton will be our best player and Purvis our leading scorer.

Sure he can score-- as our 3rd option. Daniels was our 3rd option two years ago.

But in March -- we were .500. Purvcis's decision-making in 8 games resulted in 11 assists and 20 turnovers-- and it's not like he was playing against Duke. IMO you are not going to get winning performances consistently from a sg that isn't much of a decision-maker.

I'm hopeful Hamilton and Gibbs are 1/a and 1b - don't care about the order.

IMO it would be a mistake to assume Purvis is "Rip." Not saying you are saying that -- but I just don't see him consistently making winning plays as the top scorer. I think championship caliber teams have a legit triple threat as their top scorer - at least UCONN's last 2 were. That's the formula I'd like to see. Our experience with our 5th year sr in Gibbs and the talented soph Hamilton as 1 and 2. Maybe one of them can be 3rd scorer behind Purvis but imo not both.

 

[Stainmaster]

But in March -- we were .500. Purvcis's decision-making in 8 games resulted in 11 assists and 20 turnovers-- and it's not like he was playing against Duke. IMO you are not going to get winning performances consistently from a sg that isn't much of a decision-maker.

Please tell me you're not putting our late-season losses all on Purvis. We didn't come up short at the end of the regular season because he stepped out of bounds. There were other problems with this team, which have been discussed here ad nauseam.

 

[hoophuskee]

Please tell me you're not putting our late-season losses all on Purvis. We didn't come up short at the end of the regular season because he stepped out of bounds. There were other problems with this team, which have been discussed here ad nauseam.

I'm not.

But I'm not putting his 17 ppg on a pedestal that would imply that he is going to be "the man" as the top scorer for a top-tier team.

I mentioned more than once on here that he doesn't make decisions make well enough to be the top scorer. That in no way meant "it was his fault that we weren't that good." It's just that his 17 ppg isn't as good as some might think. Many bad teams have a scorer that averaged 17 ppg and it doesn't mean that 17 ppg scorer in the last8 games is going to be the top scorer for a title contender the next year.