Jalen Adams Efficiency

[Kangaroo Zay]

Coming into the season we all knew Jalen was an very talented offensive player who sometimes lacked the efficiency and consistent 3 point shooting that would make him an elite scorer. Here is a statistical analysis of Jalen's efficiency through 2 games compared with his career up to this point.

First 2 Games Combined Stats (2015-16)- 8 Points, 3-8 FG (37.5%), 2-5 3P (40%), 1-2 FT (50%), 3 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 15.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2016-17)- 24 Points, 11-28 FG (39.3%), 2-5 3P (40%), 0-1 FT (0%), 7 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 37 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2017-18)- 31 Points, 13-30 FG (43.3%), 2-10 3P (20%), 3-3 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 4 Turnovers, 31.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2018-19)- 36 Points, 14-22 FG (63.6%), 4-8 3P (50%), 4-5 FT (80%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 25 MPG

Only 2 games throughout his career at UConn where he has scored 15+ Points in 25 minutes or less
2/20/16- 19 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 1-2 3P (50%), 4-5 FT (80%), 0 Assists, 1 Turnover, 25 minutes played in a loss at Cincinnati
11/8/18- 16 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 0-2 3P (0%), 2-3 FT (66.7%), 2 Assists, 1 Turnover, 22 minutes played in a win against Morehead State

There were 25 games during Jalen's freshman year in the 2015-16 season where Jalen played 25 minutes or less. In his sophomore year there were 2 such games (both losses) and his junior year there were no games where he played 25 minutes or less (This excludes any games he sat out). It is encouraging to me that we were able to have a win where we controlled the game despite our best player only playing 22 minutes, even against a bad team it shows me we can be a little less reliant on Jalen to single-handedly take over games.

Only 2 games throughout his career that Jalen has shot 70% or more from the field and 50% or more from 3
1/22/17- 19 Points, 8-11 FG (72.7%), 1-2 3P (50%), 2-2 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 36 minutes played in a win against ECU
11/11/18- 20 Points, 7-10 FG (70%), 4-6 3P (66.7%), 2-2 FT (100%), 3 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 28 minutes played in a win against UMKC

The game today was also only his 10th game shooting 50% or more from 3 on 5 or more attempts throughout his UConn career. I know it's early and the competition has not been stellar, but his efficiency has looked good and he has played very under control. I am interested to see how he plays against Syracuse on Thursday and how his numbers compare with previous Syracuse games that he has played. I think Coach Hurley will definitely try to get him more than 10-12 shots as the season goes on so hopefully he can continue to play at a high efficiency with increased volume.

 

[Robertelamin]

And he is playing good D.

 

[zepfan]

Coming into the season we all knew Jalen was an very talented offensive player who sometimes lacked the efficiency and consistent 3 point shooting that would make him an elite scorer. Here is a statistical analysis of Jalen's efficiency through 2 games compared with his career up to this point.

First 2 Games Combined Stats (2015-16)- 8 Points, 3-8 FG (37.5%), 2-5 3P (40%), 1-2 FT (50%), 3 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 15.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2016-17)- 24 Points, 11-28 FG (39.3%), 2-5 3P (40%), 0-1 FT (0%), 7 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 37 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2017-18)- 31 Points, 13-30 FG (43.3%), 2-10 3P (20%), 3-3 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 4 Turnovers, 31.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2018-19)- 36 Points, 14-22 FG (63.6%), 4-8 3P (40%), 4-5 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 25 MPG

Only 2 games throughout his career at UConn where he has scored 15+ Points in 25 minutes or less
2/20/16- 19 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 1-2 3P (50%), 4-5 FT (80%), 0 Assists, 1 Turnover, 25 minutes played in a loss at Cincinnati
11/8/18- 16 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 0-2 3P (0%), 2-3 FT (66.7%), 2 Assists, 1 Turnover, 22 minutes played in a win against Morehead State

There were 25 games during Jalen's freshman year in the 2015-16 season where Jalen played 25 minutes or less. In his sophomore year there were 2 such games (both losses) and his junior year there were no games where he played 25 minutes or less (This excludes any games he sat out). It is encouraging to me that we were able to have a win where we controlled the game despite our best player only playing 22 minutes, even against a bad team it shows me we can be a little less reliant on Jalen to single-handedly take over games.

Only 2 games throughout his career that Jalen has shot 70% or more from the field and 50% or more from 3
1/22/17- 19 Points, 8-11 FG (72.7%), 1-2 3P (50%), 2-2 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 36 minutes played in a win against ECU
11/11/18- 20 Points, 7-10 FG (70%), 4-6 3P (66.7%), 2-2 FT (100%), 3 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 28 minutes played in a win against UMKC

The game today was also only his 10th game shooting 50% or more from 3 on 5 or more attempts throughout his UConn career. I know it's early and the competition has not been stellar, but his efficiency has looked good and he has played very under control. I am interested to see how he plays against Syracuse on Thursday and how his numbers compare with previous Syracuse games that he has played. I think Coach Hurley will definitely try to get him more than 10-12 shots as the season goes on so hopefully he can continue to play at a high efficiency with increased volume.

Great Post! IMHO the only thing that has prevented him from being an elite guard on the national level has been his inconsistent and sub-par outside shooting. If he keeps shooting like these last two games... he is the real deal. He has such great raw talent.

 

[AfgHusky15]

Coming into the season we all knew Jalen was an very talented offensive player who sometimes lacked the efficiency and consistent 3 point shooting that would make him an elite scorer. Here is a statistical analysis of Jalen's efficiency through 2 games compared with his career up to this point.

First 2 Games Combined Stats (2015-16)- 8 Points, 3-8 FG (37.5%), 2-5 3P (40%), 1-2 FT (50%), 3 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 15.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2016-17)- 24 Points, 11-28 FG (39.3%), 2-5 3P (40%), 0-1 FT (0%), 7 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 37 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2017-18)- 31 Points, 13-30 FG (43.3%), 2-10 3P (20%), 3-3 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 4 Turnovers, 31.5 MPG
First 2 Games Combined Stats (2018-19)- 36 Points, 14-22 FG (63.6%), 4-8 3P (50%), 4-5 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 25 MPG

Only 2 games throughout his career at UConn where he has scored 15+ Points in 25 minutes or less
2/20/16- 19 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 1-2 3P (50%), 4-5 FT (80%), 0 Assists, 1 Turnover, 25 minutes played in a loss at Cincinnati
11/8/18- 16 Points, 7-12 FG (58.3%), 0-2 3P (0%), 2-3 FT (66.7%), 2 Assists, 1 Turnover, 22 minutes played in a win against Morehead State

There were 25 games during Jalen's freshman year in the 2015-16 season where Jalen played 25 minutes or less. In his sophomore year there were 2 such games (both losses) and his junior year there were no games where he played 25 minutes or less (This excludes any games he sat out). It is encouraging to me that we were able to have a win where we controlled the game despite our best player only playing 22 minutes, even against a bad team it shows me we can be a little less reliant on Jalen to single-handedly take over games.

Only 2 games throughout his career that Jalen has shot 70% or more from the field and 50% or more from 3
1/22/17- 19 Points, 8-11 FG (72.7%), 1-2 3P (50%), 2-2 FT (100%), 5 Assists, 3 Turnovers, 36 minutes played in a win against ECU
11/11/18- 20 Points, 7-10 FG (70%), 4-6 3P (66.7%), 2-2 FT (100%), 3 Assists, 2 Turnovers, 28 minutes played in a win against UMKC

The game today was also only his 10th game shooting 50% or more from 3 on 5 or more attempts throughout his UConn career. I know it's early and the competition has not been stellar, but his efficiency has looked good and he has played very under control. I am interested to see how he plays against Syracuse on Thursday and how his numbers compare with previous Syracuse games that he has played. I think Coach Hurley will definitely try to get him more than 10-12 shots as the season goes on so hopefully he can continue to play at a high efficiency with increased volume.

Awesome post Kangaroo! Keep up the good work.

 

[AfgHusky15]

Here is the scary part for the rest of college ball, Jalen has scored a very efficient 36 points in his first two games this season, and has only taken 5 free throws. He should be getting more than 5 FTA per game. If he improves that aspect of his game, he will be an All-American.

 

[AfgHusky15]

 

[krinklecut]

I'm no mathemagician, but I don't think 4-5 is 100%

 

[Kangaroo Zay]

I'm no mathemagician, but I don't think 4-5 is 100%

Thanks, fixed

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I can't think of a bad three he's taken so far. Part of that is being able to play off the ball, part of that is having more shooters around him, part of that is maturity, and part of that is playing in offense that isn't predicated around him having the ball in his hand at the top with 10 seconds left on the clock.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Assists are a bit down. Probably a result of playing fewer minutes. He averaged almost 7 assists as a sophomore! Probably inflated due to lobs to Brimah.

I don’t necessarily agree he needs to shoot more. If he can get 18 on 10 shots and we keep winning I’m fine with that.

 

[imno1]

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is Jalen looks much stronger this year. Twice he has collided hard with players and knock them on their buts. I know it’s only two games but JA is looking like the mature senior leader that good teams always have.

 

[Hurleyman216]

Assists are a bit down. Probably a result of playing fewer minutes. He averaged almost 7 assists as a sophomore! Probably inflated due to lobs to Brimah.

I don’t necessarily agree he needs to shoot more. If he can get 18 on 10 shots and we keep winning I’m fine with that.

That’s fine for playing sub-par competition, but as the season goes on, you give yourself the best chance of winning by getting your best player the highest number of good looks. This isn’t a new concept...luckily for us Hurley understands it.

 

[husky429]

Jalen needs to get to the line more. I think the habit of getting to the paint and avoiding contact (which he is, admittedly, pretty good at making), might be too tough to break.

Seems like Adams1, Adams2, and Rique are not the type to bang down low when they drive. One thing I'll say I do like about Vital is he can really get to the line--he needs to recognize that and stop gunning.

 

[Stinger92860]

Assists are a bit down. Probably a result of playing fewer minutes. He averaged almost 7 assists as a sophomore! Probably inflated due to lobs to Brimah.

I don’t necessarily agree he needs to shoot more. If he can get 18 on 10 shots and we keep winning I’m fine with that.

Also playing off the ball

 

[Stinger92860]

A message in there for CV too. This Hurley guy knows what he is doing

 

[jibsey]

The 3 is a critical component for him to add and playing off the ball could be it. He did have a WTF air ball last night, was it blocked?

 

[Sphinx]

That’s fine for playing sub-par competition, but as the season goes on, you give yourself the best chance of winning by getting your best player the highest number of good looks. This isn’t a new concept...luckily for us Hurley understands it.

Exactly. The key to 2011 and 2014 is that we had the best player in the house, and the offense went through him each and every time up the floor.

 

[Lefty2one]

He has so many improvements in his favor this year thanks to Hurley and Gilbert.

1) We're finally playing up-tempo, a big benefit to Jalen who is one of the more athletic guys out there, has great body control and is a great finisher. Get him more easy/high-percentage looks.

2) Playing off the ball more. Gilbert can be the primary ball-handler and let Adams do his thing off the ball sometimes.

3) We're running an offense that creates more good looks in the halfcourt. No more iso-heavy stuff or a useless PnR where the D can trap Jalen since they don't have to worry about the roll man.

4) Jalen is no longer asked to create much of our offense and shoulder an insanely large load. He really was in an awful situation the last two years.

I'm wondering if Jalen can play himself into a late 1st round selection. I've been a believer in him since Day One and think he'll surprise a lot of folk once he gets to the NBA. If his three ball becomes reliable at the next level he'll be a steal.

 

[Kangaroo Zay]

Update through 8 games

Also of note through 8 games this season, Jalen has had 6 games shooting greater than 50% from the field. During the 2016-17 season he had a total of only 8 games shooting greater than 50% from the field throughout the entire season and in the 2017-18 season he only had 7 games shooting greater than 50% from the field. His 3 point shooting has definitely been disappointing and I would like to see him get to the free throw line at a higher rate, but he is averaging the most points per 40 minutes through 8 games compared to the previous two seasons and shooting a greater field goal percentage while doing so.

 

[McLovin]

While his minutes are down this year and his PPG has been in line with last year, he still needs to be closer to the 17 shots per game. He's shooting his FTs close to 80% so he needs to try to get to the line more.

It would be great to see him attacking the hoop early against Lafayette tomorrow and Florida State on Saturday. We need to do a better job as a team getting our opponents into foul trouble early in games - we've seen how disruptive early foul trouble can be to a team trying to build momentum and establish game flow (Iowa and Arizona prime examples) and its about time we return the favor!

FWIW, I think his 3-point % will come up, and he seems to be able to hit the 3's when they matter.

 

[Storrs South]

Update through 8 games
View attachment 37080
Also of note through 8 games this season, Jalen has had 6 games shooting greater than 50% from the field. During the 2016-17 season he had a total of only 8 games shooting greater than 50% from the field throughout the entire season and in the 2017-18 season he only had 7 games shooting greater than 50% from the field. His 3 point shooting has definitely been disappointing and I would like to see him get to the free throw line at a higher rate, but he is averaging the most points per 40 minutes through 8 games compared to the previous two seasons and shooting a greater field goal percentage while doing so.

If he just gets that 3pt% up he would really elevate his game to the next level as we all said before the season. Needs to knock down open 3s.

 

[jibsey]

If he just gets that 3pt% up he would really elevate his game to the next level as we all said before the season. Needs to knock down open 3s.

You are right but Jalen is our leader and our talent. The 3 point shooting has me scratching my head. I’m certain he worked on it but it’s just not a strength for him. If only he could get it raised from 32% to near 40...

 

[UConnDad]

I don't care about the percentages. Wide open threes should be cake. And not just for Jalen.

 

[UConnSwag11]

If he just gets that 3pt% up he would really elevate his game to the next level as we all said before the season. Needs to knock down open 3s.

He needs to elevate his shot. He shoots it flat. His mid range jumpers are better than his threes. He also needs to get to he free thro like 10-12 times a game

 

[Storrs South]

He needs to elevate his shot. He shoots it flat. His mid range jumpers are better than his threes. He also needs to get to he free thro like 10-12 times a game

Agreed, something everyone on the board said he needed to improve. He improved on his ability to finish at the rim and in the mid-range to what I would call elite levels; this somewhat offsets his inability to get the line and 3P% but for him to really elevate his draft stock and the ceiling of this team it unfortunately isn't enough.

Kemba shot 33% in 2011 but got to the line frequently. Adams needs to either get that 3P% up or start drawing some fouls when he drives to the basket. Jalen hasn't shot 33% from 3 since his sophomore year, a very achievable benchmark.