Ouch, you put Mahaney further away than Ross? That is a discouraging thought for a guy we might need to be counted on. Don't think we'll "need" Ross, but we might "need" Mahaney. In Mahaneys case, contingent on Nowells usage and development, Ross only if he has progressed towards Castle/Jackson type of stopper. So far, no signs that'll happen.
We need all of these guys for different roles. My observation is that Stewart might not respond well to Danny calling his play “skittish”, or by employing quick hooks when he makes a mistake (potentially making him play tighter). Danny gives more rope to players like Alex. While we would undoubtedly mostly agree that Alex has earned a lot of latitude, he’s made some plays recently that had Stewart made them, he’d have been yanked from the game. I believe that start gave Stew some much needed confidence, and his play reflected that.
Absolutely on the money. Hopefully Coach Hurley sees things the way you do. A growth in confidence for Jaylin will yield incredible dividends. Still don't think there is a role for Ross, not because he can't, but because he won't, if that makes sense. He can do it but won't do it, not sure if he is able to learn how to do "IT"
Listen I’m thrilled Danny is our coach. He’s forgotten more about basketball than I or any of us here know. I don’t want anyone else coaching this program. But he’s human. He’s made mistakes that he’s owned up to. I think starting Stew was a pivot towards potentially unlocking more potential in this team. Even after Liam is healthy, that growth and confidence in Stew will play dividends when he comes off the bench.
Jaylin played very good defense in the Nova game for sure. However, Dixon, as great of a player that he is now being the nation's leading scorer, he isn't really fast and quick driving to the hoop so Jaylin matched up better with him as opposed to someone that is fast and quick on dribble penetration. Jaylin's problem, as well as many other players on UConn except Hass, is lateral foot movement.
Samson while not a prolific scorer can get us points in different ways and has developed and inside game with some baby hooks. His problem is rebound which he will never be great due to his body type and being a little uncoordinated at times. He also gives us help D. Ross doesn't give us anything. I wouldn't necessarily group them in the same boat. I'm fine with Samson starting but eventually Reed getting more minutes. Reed can be slow on D at times too.
