J. Adams under Ollie & Hurley

[AZHuskiePop]

Rico and Blackbird, nice analysis. Makes sense. The problem is Al is so small for a 2 guard, so it would be tough to swap positions.

He is as big or bigger than RB who did okay at the 2
Jaylen’s Shot is a mystery his jumber from 15-20 is normal further out he takes that hybrid shot.
I want to review some film of him in 2016-17 before the ankle sprain .
It could be a bad habit he picked up protecting the ankle.

 

[glastonbury50]

Last time I checked, Vance Jackson was averaging 11 and 7. We dont have a frontcourt player who averages anywhere near those numbers. Also, Vital is considerably better under Hurley. Is it really that hard to be objective?

Polly too.

 

[Huskybass]

He is as big or bigger than RB who did okay at the 2
Jaylen’s Shot is a mystery his jumber from 15-20 is normal further out he takes that hybrid shot.
I want to review some film of him in 2016-17 before the ankle sprain .
It could be a bad habit he picked up protecting the ankle.

Boat seemed to play a lot bigger than Gilbert due to his wingspan and or leaping ability or how he used his athleticism. I don't remember Boat ever getting bottled up down low by big men to the extent that Gilbert does. So despite their similar height I think Boat played taller than Gilbert does. That said, I think Gilbert will become an excellent player, however, I believe his future is really more at the point guard position than as a 2 guard.

 

[CL82]

Boat seemed to play a lot bigger than Gilbert due to his wingspan and or leaping ability or how he used his athleticism. I don't remember Boat ever getting bottled up down low by big men to the extent that Gilbert does. So despite their similar height I think Boat played taller than Gilbert does. That said, I think Gilbert will become an excellent player, however, I believe his future is really more at the point guard position than as a 2 guard.

Boat was a freak. His speed, quickness, agility were amazing to watch. He was a typical NYC type guard (even though he was from Chicago) who just drove until he scored, was fouled, was called for a charge or turned it over. Once he learned how to use his speed selectively, he was impressive.

He also was one of our best defenders. I'd put him up there with Ricky, Lyman, and Bazz. His college career is very underrated. We don't win in 2014 without his defense.

 

[ctchamps]

Kemba had a jumpshot though. His pull up jumper was deadly. Jalen scores at the rim. A nasty crossover with a knockdown jumper from 15-17’ like Kemba had would make a huge difference in Jalen’s game.

My observation is that Jalen has a better midrange jumper than Kemba had when he played at UConn. The difference is Kemba was significantly quicker and much better at creating space between himself and his defender. And if the defender played Kemba tightly he was able to drive to the basket and either get fouled or complete a layup at a much better rate than Jalen which worked to Kemba's advantage in the midrange game because of the way he had to be guarded.

 

[ctchamps]

I think we are saying similar things. We are both struggling to understand how Kevin could be so successful his first two years but then struggle so mightily when things should have been very favorable to him. You believe it was that the kids on the team suddenly weren't motivated. I guess that could be it. Just bad luck. I suspect, but do not know that the difference is simply that our HOF coach may have been better at developing kids. Kevin had the skill set to coach kids who had already developed leadership skills but he hadn't learned how to instill those skills at this point in relatively young coaching careers.

I base that guess on a few things. It seems to me that the post Calhoun kids' development seems to be flat. Think about how Kevin's alleged summer development plan for Vance was "get in the gym." Consider how Purvis was more successful before and after his UConn tenure. I guess it all could be bad luck, but I suspect that it was a skill set that KO hadn't developed yet. Note that you can reach that conclusion without the sophistry of liking/disliking KO. It makes sense of the facts, though I fully admit that are likely other ways to put the pieces together.

But it could be that KO just got all lazy or unmotivated kids too, I guess. That seems less likely to me. That may be my natural bias against 'throwing kids under the bus.' At that age most young men are pretty malleable in the hands of a skilled teacher.

Rodney played better his junior year at UConn than he played as a freshman at NC State. His play at the end of his junior year had people believing he was going to be a major contributor towards a successful season the following year. His senior year he crashed and burned relative to our expectations (as did the season). Maybe you have forgotten but there were two off season tragedies to family members. One was his god brother who died of a heart attack while scrimmaging just a few weeks before they were to play against one another in a tournament. The other I believe was killed in a violent act. I know posters claim players should be able to handle this type of adversity. I would laugh at this if it wasn't so tragically obvious that some of the same people making those statements can't handle a game loss or a dismal season. I guess I have a different sense of values regarding stoicism. And yes there were many posters who threw Rodney under the bus that season. It was before most of us turned our venom on KO.

There could be merit to all the alleges people have been making. I have respect for some of the posters who have made them. However I do have reservations which prevent me from completely accepting what people have related.

There's always a bias to any issue of controversy or negativity. JC was thrown under the bus because he was strongly disliked by Hathaway, Emmert and the press. At least he had the respect of his players and fans but that didn't prevent him from being rail loaded by people with an axe to grind. I can't go all Whaler on you and condemn the current AD but it would not be a stretch of the imagination for DB, or people around him that support him, to be the source of those rumors whether they had merit or not because they were on the hot seat. Extricating the university from KO's contract was probably the only means of not getting fired.

Emmert had his toady in Hathaway. Bennet had his toady in Glenn Miller. We hated the process JC went through because of his success. We are backing a similar if not the same process because we hate KO's failure. I understand the drive of self preservation. Yes it extends to abstractions such as teams we support. And I understand the games we play to make people believe we are not being selfish over our actions. We claim our condemnation is because it's about the program or the university when in actuality we are angry because our happiness was not supported. In all the KO threads this past year I only saw one post that honestly stated this.

We have no idea if what was being reported in this forum was first, second or third hand observation. Or the veracity of the reports. But if enough people state it then it becomes fact. Again that was what happened to JC over Nate Miles on a national level (and condemned by the majority of posters not named freescooter in this forum). In a similar manner Jerome Dyson was dragged through the mud by people in this forum his senior year. I hope that this forum doesn't turn on Jalen, but if the season plays out worse than the consensus you can be certain that is exactly what will happen because Hurley is still in a honeymoon phase.

 

[CL82]

I hope that this forum doesn't turn on Jalen, but if the season plays out worse than the consensus you can be certain that is exactly what will happen because Hurley is still in a honeymoon phase.

Agree fully. I'm never a big fan of throwing the players under the bus. Again, I wonder where he would be now if he had Calhoun or Hurley develop him for all four years.

The season's not over though. He may pull it together. Keep in mind as well that injury or illness may be contributing to relatively flat play. Whatever it is I'm rooting for him.

 

[blackbird]

Again, every year he played Jalen out of position.

What was emphasized to Jalen? Nothing that we know of. Jalen could play how he wanted, and was never corrected.

Jalen’s shot being low and awkward. That’s coaching.

The lack of talent besides Jalen is also a factor in how he plays now. Recruiting is on the coach.

A lack of quality offense, in which Jalen could learn to use his skills in the context of, instead of one on one or drive and pass. Coaching.

No one else got better either. That’s coaching.

To me this is a silly conversation. It’s a coach’s job to make players better. Jalen needed to put in work too, but it’s obvious the coach’s didn’t either.

Furthermore, it’s clear he’s coachable. You can tell by his reaction to being punished (immediate acceptance) and his relationship with both Hurley and Ollie. He’s been loyal to the program, and wants to improve. He needed to be shown how.

He would have been a different player under a better coach.

 

[ctkaiser]

I disagree. That was Jalens A game....I just don’t think he is that good. He doesn’t shoot the 3 well, he turns the ball over way too often, and he can’t score with his left hand. He is who he is at this point.

Strange as it may seem Jalen is playing now with the same skills, ability and body composition he came in with as a freshman. Only other player I can think of is who was like that was Brimah. It may seem like,a harsh evaluation but think about it.

 

[mauconnfan]

Again, every year he played Jalen out of position.

What was emphasized to Jalen? Nothing that we know of. Jalen could play how he wanted, and was never corrected.

Jalen’s shot being low and awkward. That’s coaching.

The lack of talent besides Jalen is also a factor in how he plays now. Recruiting is on the coach.

A lack of quality offense, in which Jalen could learn to use his skills in the context of, instead of one on one or drive and pass. Coaching.

No one else got better either. That’s coaching.

To me this is a silly conversation. It’s a coach’s job to make players better. Jalen needed to put in work too, but it’s obvious the coach’s didn’t either.

Furthermore, it’s clear he’s coachable. You can tell by his reaction to being punished (immediate acceptance) and his relationship with both Hurley and Ollie. He’s been loyal to the program, and wants to improve. He needed to be shown how.

He would have been a different player under a better coach.

Polley's better. Vital is better. Carlton is better. Coaching. They're learning from their new coach aren't they? He doesn't even need to be "better" he just needs to be smarter and care about the basketball. The kids a playmaker we've seen it need to get that back while finding an understanding of less TO's.

Sure coaching had a little to do with it but not anymore this is a very silly conversation, it's time for him to man up that's all and he has time. Let's hope he does because we win 9 in the AAC at best of he doesn't become the 1st teamer so many thought he would be.

By the way his shot is not awkward he has a very nice mid range jumper but he has settled with the set shot basically for the 3 for some reason. Love to see more pull up in the lane from him again.

 

[Huskybass]

All this speculation as to why Jalen isnt who we expected him to be is really silly. Jalen is a very good college player who isnt quite the leader or dominant player many hoped he would become. His first three years were in a funky environment and this year is under a new coach with a new system and seemingly higher expectations. Will he find his way and be on par with our elite guards of the past? It doesnt seem like it currently, but it sure would be fun if I was wrong on this one.

 

[Huskybass]

Boat was a freak. His speed, quickness, agility were amazing to watch. He was a typical NYC type guard (even though he was from Chicago) who just drove until he scored, was fouled, was called for a charge or turned it over. Once he learned how to use his speed selectively, he was impressive.

He also was one of our best defenders. I'd put him up there with Ricky, Lyman, and Bazz. His college career is very underrated. We don't win in 2014 without his defense.

Boat is my favorite Husky due to his athleticism, swagger and perhaps most importantly how he worked to become an elite defender by 2013-14. He got up in guys' grills so much you could tell they were just going to be off their game. He literally took players out of games from a productivity standpoint due to his relentless defense and athleticism. It was beautiful to watch. I believe Boat had the ball in his hands as the buzzer sounded in the National Championship game. I was thrilled for the kid. What an awesome finish.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Bazz struggled to figure out how to lead in his Soph season. That process, including JC's coaching bore fruit his junior and senior seasons.

I've said this before Mau, and it is speculation on my part though there is anecdotal evidence to support it, I think KO's biggest weakness is that he expected his players to act like pro's and do things they needed to do to develop. I think he was frustrated that they didn't. No one held KO's hand as he went from contract to contract, he just got it done.

Again speculation on my part as I try to figure out what went so wrong after such a great start.

You're on the right track, and you can trace KO's success or failure along the lines of what he did with JC's recruits vs. his own recruits.

Simply put, he could coach up JC's guys, who were tough, disciplined, and eager to learn. Bazz, Boat, Giffey, etc.

In contrast, he had no idea how to identify that sort of player on the recruiting trail, no idea how to get them to buy in, and no idea how to instill those traits in those that needed a push. Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Larrier, Adams, etc.

 

[casual-yardin]

You're on the right track, and you can trace KO's success or failure along the lines of what he did with JC's recruits vs. his own recruits.

Simply put, he could coach up JC's guys, who were tough, disciplined, and eager to learn. Bazz, Boat, Giffey, etc.

In contrast, he had no idea how to identify that sort of player on the recruiting trail, no idea how to get them to buy in, and no idea how to instill those traits in those that needed a push. Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Larrier, Adams, etc.

Yet those players were all rated higher...

 

[Caronimo]

Would you consider taking Jalen out of the starting 5? I think he needs some tough motivation and discipline.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

Would you consider taking Jalen out of the starting 5? I think he needs some tough motivation and discipline.

wait, what? no, just no.

 

[mauconnfan]

You're on the right track, and you can trace KO's success or failure along the lines of what he did with JC's recruits vs. his own recruits.

Simply put, he could coach up JC's guys, who were tough, disciplined, and eager to learn. Bazz, Boat, Giffey, etc.

In contrast, he had no idea how to identify that sort of player on the recruiting trail, no idea how to get them to buy in, and no idea how to instill those traits in those that needed a push. Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Larrier, Adams, etc.

Hamilton was a good player under KO but it almost turned out as if his plan was 2 years and he was out no matter. He, like Jalen, had trouble caring for the ball though. Rodney bought in, he loved it at UConn and worked his tail off while here. Problem was he was more limited than we thought but all in all he did rep UConn really well. Larrier, well he wasn't even close to the same guy they took as a transfer after the injury speaking of limited. None of Larrier was on KO or the staff either he just wasn't the same athlete or close for that matter.

I do agree over all though that he was much better with JC's guys who already were coached up but needed to find their way to earn more time. He obviously worked with those guys, that type of kid much better than the young kids coming in.

 

[CL82]

You're on the right track, and you can trace KO's success or failure along the lines of what he did with JC's recruits vs. his own recruits.

Simply put, he could coach up JC's guys, who were tough, disciplined, and eager to learn. Bazz, Boat, Giffey, etc.

In contrast, he had no idea how to identify that sort of player on the recruiting trail, no idea how to get them to buy in, and no idea how to instill those traits in those that needed a push. Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Larrier, Adams, etc.

That's fair and an equally possible answer.

 

[HuskyHawk]

All this speculation as to why Jalen isnt who we expected him to be is really silly. Jalen is a very good college player who isnt quite the leader or dominant player many hoped he would become. His first three years were in a funky environment and this year is under a new coach with a new system and seemingly higher expectations. Will he find his way and be on par with our elite guards of the past? It doesnt seem like it currently, but it sure would be fun if I was wrong on this one.

He's an interesting player to be sure. Except for a couple of bad games, he has been very efficient. Shooting a high percentage. What he doesn't seem to be able to do is take over for a short stretch and be the guy who stresses the other defense. He's done it at times, including last year in the duel with Rob Gray against Houston.

He's not a SG. Never has been, never will be. He is better with the ball in his hands. So is Gilbert. That's a personnel problem. Bazz and Boat both had the ability to shift from PG mode to SG mode. Jalen doesn't have it and I don't think Al does either. Can they figure it out? They have at times, so yes. I think we will see some very big games from Jalen in conference play. But he's not Kemba, Shabazz, Gordon level. He's just not. Don't think he's as good as a healthy AJ Price really.