If you care about Uconn basketball

[sammydabiz]

I think some people here would love for him to be fired right now.

What if the team makes the tournament? Not looking likely, obviously, but what if it does? Should Benedict fire him?

In all seriousness, if Ollie somehow finds a way to turn this around and prove me wrong , I'd be more than ecstatic, and happily eat my crow.


I just don't see it though, but I hope he does

 

[NielsisGood]

Yes, that was an understatement. If we limp into the AAC tourny and then squeak by a few teams to win it and thereby sneak into the NCAA tourny, I doubt anyone would be that impressed.

I'm not sure what time frame you're talking about. The rest of the year or next year?

The rest of this year. Say the next several games play out like the last couple have and it becomes apparent that Ollie isn't turning this around. Wouldn't you say there's additional risk of further damaging/development of bad habits with the current team if Ollie were allowed finish out this season as a total lame duck McAdoo type? Under that scenario, I'd rather KO be cut loose before the end of the season and see if the team and some of these kids can finish this season on a relative high note.

 

[Whtdmd]

Stop the non-sense. There is no will to replace Ollie n his buyout in the UCONN administration. They r talking about big cuts to the medical school education. The state leg control the UCONN funding. They already know about the subsidies to the AD. One way to get further funding cuts is to spend another $10 million in replacing a coach now. UCONN nearly got $100 million in additional cuts this year.

 

[TyroneShoo]

Not looking likely is a bit of an understatement, no? I would still want him gone even if he makes a token appearance like a couple years ago.


On the flipside, wouldn't you say there's additional damage to be done in the event that things continue on their current trajectory and we keep Ollie on as a lame duck Bob McAdoo type?

Wright is in a slightly better position than Few or Marshall, but how is Nova's current situation any different than what UConn can be? The same rules apply to both. I would rather be in Nova's position where the program's biggest worry is whether Wright would ever leave for a job like Indiana (or maybe Duke/Ville to be more current) than be in our current situation.


We also need to consider how extremely rare it is for a coach to stay at any program, no matter the level, for the length of time that a guy like Calhoun was at UConn. We might not ever see the likes of a Calhoun, Coach K, Izzo, etc stay with 1 program for this length of time once this generation is done.

Nova fans don't worry about Wright leaving for any college program. NBA someday. But no other college. He has turned down huge jobs over the years.

 

[Letsgohuskies11]

I never said that at all, but why do you think he’s laughing when they aren’t even as bad as they were last year?

Our big men suck this year, a year in which we needed someone to develop and work with them. For whatever knock there was on Miller, at least the guy had 2 championships under his belt.

 

[nomar]

The rest of this year. Say the next several games play out like the last couple have and it becomes apparent that Ollie isn't turning this around. Wouldn't you say there's additional risk of further damaging/development of bad habits with the current team if Ollie were allowed finish out this season as a total lame duck McAdoo type? Under that scenario, I'd rather KO be cut loose before the end of the season and see if the team and some of these kids can finish this season on a relative high note.

I don't think it's a good idea. I think it would get even uglier if they fired him during the season. Like the Arkansas game over and over. That's my view.

Before I figured out you were talking about the Giants, I was racking my head trying to think of which team Bob McAdoo coached. Was he a player-coach in the Buffalo Braves?

 

[NielsisGood]

It's only different because Ollie has blown the opportunity to keep UConn at a high level. I'd rather be in Nova's position too. They kicked Penn's butt tonight while went to OT against Columbia. No argument from me there, or on your second point (although I'm sure there will be some schools fortunate enough to have long-time coaches). We for a long time thought we might have lucked into two long-time coaches in a row, but that certainly doesn't seem to the case at this point.

It's just sad. We're all handling the disappointment in different ways. I'm just trying to be even-keeled. Less acid reflux that way. I get that some people feel so passionate that they want to pressure Benedict into firing Ollie.

Also just wanted to say that I don't think it to be unreasonable that UConn can still be the same level of program that Nova has been these last few years. 3 bad years doesn't erase the preceding 25-30 years of what has been built and branded here, this is still an attractive job.

 

[HuskiesAllDay]

Replacing Ollie mid season, although unlikely, would be a smarter move than waiting until the end of the year. There are still many uncommitted 2018 recruits the new coach could target as well as target the recruits that decommit from programs at the end of the year which always happens. It would make for a smoother transition, and also give the new coach time to recruit the current UConn players to remain at the school and not transfer.

Not to mention we would likely win a few more games which would make the recruitment of current players and potential transfers at least a little easier.

It’s a lot harder to get anyone to remain on board or come join a team that Just went under .500 for the second year in a row and just fired its coach.

 

[NielsisGood]

I don't think it's a good idea. I think it would get even uglier if they fired him during the season. Like the Arkansas game over and over. That's my view.

Before I figured out you were talking about the Giants, I was racking my head trying to think of which team Bob McAdoo coached. Was he a player-coach in the Buffalo Braves?

But that scenario is saying that the next several games are similar to these last 2. What would be the harm in having an interim at that point? We would already be at rock bottom. This doesn't look or play like a team that particularly likes their coach anyways.


My bad on Bob instead of Ben though. That's not a great look on my part.

 

[nomar]

Also just wanted to say that I don't think it to be unreasonable that UConn can still be the same level of program that Nova has been these last few years. 3 bad years doesn't erase the preceding 25-30 years of what has been built and branded here, this is still an attractive job.

I'd like to think so. If we were in a real conference I'd have much less concern.

 

[HuskiesAllDay]

Yes. And to say there is only a couple more wins on the schedule is stupid, really stupid

You do realize we just lost by 35 to Arkansas and gutted out an OT win vs 1-4 Columbia who basically gave us the game and only slightly out-sucked us.

How many more guaranteed wins are you seeing on the schedule?

 

[nomar]

But that scenario is saying that the next several games are similar to these last 2. What would be the harm in having an interim at that point? We would already be at rock bottom. This doesn't look or play like a team that particularly likes their coach anyways.


My bad on Bob instead of Ben though. That's not a great look on my part.

Why? An innocent mistake. Made me chuckle.

I don't know how they feel about him. I don't think they'd play better for one of our assistants, who are also part of the problem. I just don't see the upside to firing him in a couple of weeks. Clearly none of our assistants is John Wooden in hiding. And I don't think any of them would inspire them more than Ollie does, however much or little that is.

I thought with the hiring of good recruiters in Kill and Chill, we could turn things around. And I do think recruiting has improved. If only this team could play with effort for 40 minutes and look like they'd actually practiced some plays.

 

[NielsisGood]

I'd like to think so. If we were in a real conference I'd have much less concern.

Honestly I think the only thing our current situation prevents is us ascending to that Duke/Kansas/UNC level of blue blood, which it looked like we were knocking on the door of a few years ago. I don't see why we can't do what Nova/Gonzaga/Wichita have been doing, provided we don't let 3 bad years become 10.

 

[NielsisGood]

Why? An innocent mistake. Made me chuckle.

I don't know how they feel about him. I don't think they'd play better for one of our assistants, who are also part of the problem. I just don't see the upside to firing him in a couple of weeks. Clearly none of our assistants is John Wooden in hiding. And I don't think any of them would inspire them more than Ollie does, however much or little that is.

I thought with the hiring of good recruiters in Kill and Chill, we could turn things around. And I do think recruiting has improved. If only this team could play with effort for 40 minutes and look like they'd actually practiced some plays.

It's less about who or what the interim coach is and more about who would be gone at that point and under those circumstances. At that point, I don't see how keeping KO on as a lame duck thru the season helps anybody involved, including KO. It happens in college football fairly regularly, and those teams don't fall apart any worse than they already were.

 

[SouthBayHusky]

NO, I am not listening to a word ollie says, but at some poing pride has to take over and players like JA and the other upper classmen will take over.

The problem is, it sort of feels like the players have checked out, sort of like the 4-5 players that transferred out at the end of last season. When the coach looks so disengaged and dejected it’s kind a hard for the players to feel motivated and engaged. The mood and message should comes from the top.

 

[tentoes4rings]

I am beginning to accept that Ollie is UConn’s Mike Davis. Davis was an NCAA runner up at Indiana in his 2nd season with Bobby Knight’s players, but was never able to put anything together with his own recruits and own system. Davis was fired after his 6th year after a couple of early NCAA exits and an NIT.

Are you saying Kevin Ollie has a system?

 

[navery12]

It's less about who or what the interim coach is and more about who would be gone at that point and under those circumstances. At that point, I don't see how keeping KO on as a lame duck thru the season helps anybody involved, including KO. It happens in college football fairly regularly, and those teams don't fall apart any worse than they already were.

Unless you plan on hiring an unemployed coach or someone currently on the staff, I don't see any reason to make the move midseason. Unless you want to completely tear down the program and start all over again with a new coach and entirely new team. To me, there's something to be said for bringing some guys back and I'd like to see some of these players stay around post-KO

 

[tentoes4rings]

Already done – did it after the Arkansas game.

I badly wanted Ollie to be the guy for us, for so many reasons. Obviously for the program, and obviously because I love the continuity of having one of our own as head coach, but also for Calhoun's legacy. So many great coaches have failed when picking a successor, and I wanted Calhoun to be different.

He wasn't. KO is terrible, and he's got to go. I've let Benedict and Herbst know my thoughts, as have my cousins (none of whom renewed their season tix for this year).

Do you know his email address?

 

[cohenzone]

In another similar thread, where I commented that I am a UConn fan first and want KO to succeed, but his teams are inconsistent, inexplicably on D, someone asked if I would give up the 2014 NC. A non-issue. Of course not. But the program can’t live off of that, and hasn’t. I’ve been a fan for a crazy long time, Hugh Greer days, and the coaching isn’t evident. Yes he has this year to prove he can do it, and I hope he shows us he can, but he’s looking as inept as Dom Perno did when we went into the Big East. I will still watch and go to games, but you have to be terribly near-sighted not to know how uncooached Ollie’s teams look all too often. I think the job is still attractive enough to get interest from good mid-level coaches as Calhoun was if KO doesn’t earn another year.

 

[temery]

Do you know his email address?

Nobody, under any circumstances, is to post contact information for anyone. Use google, but don’t post the info here.

 

[dennismenace]

Interesting to me that our best player hasn’t been a leader since Shabazz (someone who JC played a large part in grooming). Since 2014 our best players have lacked the leadership qualities they needed to make their teammates thrive. Boat in 2015, Hamilton, Adams. That starts from the top.

I don't agree with respect to Boat. I think he bled blue all the way. And I think he expressed that by giving 100% and then some on the floor at all times. Never saw him slacking. You could see the frustration though, with his teammates who often seemed like their heads were 'in the dark". Often just no fire in the others. That falls on the coach. I know KO has had a lot to overcome but he just looks like he doesn't believe anymore. It shows on him and it shows on his players with few exceptions. Some players last night (Diarra, AA, CV and at one point Polley) looked like even they were fed up with the lackluster effort. Others seem to go hot and cold with effort. Certainly can't be accused of being over aggressive. Very disappointing and KO does look like he is lost and playing out the string. No fire and no faith; just sadness and occasional anger. Very, very disappointing and I don't enjoy commenting this way one bit. Kids are looking for a leader. You can't pin that on the kids, it starts with the HC who has to take ownership of motivation and make it work. I have tried to be patient and hopeful but so many things are so visible. Either the coach and team will change or the team including the coach will be changed.

 

[Bonehead]

Lets everyone share all the emails sent to athletic director David Benedict and school president Susan Herbst here to help others craft similar messages.

If Tennessee fans can stop a Football coach hire UConn fans can certainly get KO fired, if that is the intent of emailing, writing, calling athletic director David Benedict and school president Susan Herbst.

GO!

 

[Tex-Lager93]

JA isnt a leader

I think it’s time to shift the lineup. JA continues to come out flat. I would start AA and CV and then have JA come off the bench as that quality 6th man - providing the burst of energy. Let the game catch up to him rather than waiting for him to catch up to the game.

 

[Kembacity]

Not looking for any arguments and pissing matches, I'm done. If you at all care about Uconn basketball and ever want the program to be relevant again I urge you to email, write, call athletic director David Benedict and school president Susan Herbst.

I've beaten this horse dead for the past year and I'm so upset about what's happened that it makes me phyically ill. Kevin Ollie is so far in over his head and isn't the guy many of you think he is. If you care about Uconn basketball you cannot accept this, let the people who run this school know the coach needs to be fired. You may not think it has an effect but it can only help. I won't be posting nearly as much anymore because it angers me too much. I'll be back once Ollie is no longer our coach.

Nah I'm good, I care about UConn basketball enough to watch the games be loyal to the team and understand when its early in a season with 7 newcomers and no one inside over 6'9".

Who is the replacement you seek?

 

[Bagel&Cheese]

The team doesn't magically learn how to play basketball going back to the Big East. They just get beat easier. UCONN is struggling with the Columbia's of the world right now.

That's correct. We won't magically learn how to play better if Ollie is still the coach. However, if admin stays with Ollie, then maybe, just maybe recruiting will get better if we are back in the Big East.

 

[the Q]

Lets everyone share all the emails sent to athletic director David Benedict and school president Susan Herbst here to help others craft similar messages.

If Tennessee fans can stop a Football coach hire UConn fans can certainly get KO fired, if that is the intent of emailing, writing, calling athletic director David Benedict and school president Susan Herbst.

GO!

I’ll point out the obvious that almost losing to Columbia is a little different than allegedly aiding and abetting a kiddy diddler.

 

[8893]

I’ll point out the obvious that almost losing to Columbia is a little different than allegedly aiding and abetting a kiddy diddler.

What does this have to do with the Alabama senate race?

 

[Jerry1714]

You do realize we just lost by 35 to Arkansas and gutted out an OT win vs 1-4 Columbia who basically gave us the game and only slightly out-sucked us.

How many more guaranteed wins are you seeing on the schedule?

You do realize they are 5-2 and beat Oregon in Portland? You do realize they played with 6 guys last year and went 16-17? You do realize that was the one season Ollie won less than 20 games?

To say they win a couple more games is something I expect to hear from Skip Bayless or First Take, not from people with a brain.

Are they going to go to the Sweet 16? No. Are they going to go 7-23? F NO

My god some people just have no idea what they are talking about.

 

[shizzle787]

The team doesn't magically learn how to play basketball going back to the Big East. They just get beat easier. UCONN is struggling with the Columbia's of the world right now.

Recruiting would pick up in the Big East and with a new coach.

 

[Guapo]

I think the obvious move here is waiting till the offseason to make a decision.

It's November; firing him now is effectively and needlessly torpedoing the season before it really begins.

I do trust Benedict here.