Jeff Goodman at practice today

[Palatine]

I'm hoping the collection of new guys are good enough to cut into Rodney's PT. I'm hoping Brimah's PT gets cut as well. For that matter, include Facey in that group too. I know who they are and I doubt they change all that much. They are ok players. They will win us some games. They will probably lose us some games as well.

If the younger guys develop and send Purv, Brimah and Facey to the bench....oh well. They won't be on the bench because they're getting worse. They will be on the bench because the others are better.

Our best teams have had senior leadership. If the young guys send Brimah and Purvis to the bench, we are looking at a quick out in the tourney. We need the seniors to step up, lead, and be major contributors.

 

[upstater]

AJP became a leader during his junior year, what did Dyson lead during his senior year?

I thought he had a very Rodney-like build-up, and then 2009 was Dyson's year, no? Until the ACL?

AJ was the lead PG in 2008, but he took his game to a whole new level in 2009. He was not nearly the offensive force in 2008 that he was in 2009. In parts of 2009, he was unstoppable.

 

[upstater]

Not disagreeing with the larger point, but Price and Dyson are strange examples as one could make the argument that both were better as juniors.

The point on Purvis, Brimah, and Facey isn't entirely unfair, but they're all - the former two especially - good players who happen to be extremely frustrating at time. So while perhaps it's true that we won't win a title with them as our best players, we're certainly not going to accomplish anything without them on the court.

Maybe Dyson, but I totally disagree with that on Price. I thought he took a major step up in his game senior year, especially his shot. Night and day difference.

 

[jibsey]

The foul situation dictates PT as much as effectiveness for the bigs. Against non cupcakes Brimah and Enoch are going to foul, but let's hope it's not the silly ones out on the perimeter when setting screens.

 

[aceboon]

I thought he had a very Rodney-like build-up, and then 2009 was Dyson's year, no? Until the ACL?

AJ was the lead PG in 2008, but he took his game to a whole new level in 2009. He was not nearly the offensive force in 2008 that he was in 2009. In parts of 2009, he was unstoppable.

I have no idea what a Rodney like build-up means because he(Rodney) hasn't accomplished much yet. 2008 AJP was clearly the best player, 2009 was more balanced as far as best player on the team since he was inconcistent following the ACL tear and then played better in the 2nd half of the year when Dyson had a meniscus tear, you could make arguments for AJP/Hasheem/Adrien during different stretches. Dyson's senior year was the 2009-2010 when the team figured out every way imaginable to lose close games, Dyson had a great start to the season statistically but tailed off down the stretch, he didn't lead that team to anything.

 

[upstater]

I have no idea what a Rodney like build-up means because he(Rodney) hasn't accomplished much yet. 2008 AJP was clearly the best player, 2009 was more balanced as far as best player on the team since he was inconcistent following the ACL tear and then played better in the 2nd half of the year when Dyson had a meniscus tear, you could make arguments for AJP/Hasheem/Adrien during different stretches. Dyson's senior year was the 2009-2010 when the team figured out every way imaginable to lose close games, Dyson had a great start to the season statistically but tailed off down the stretch, he didn't lead that team to anything.

Rodney lead the team in scoring--but has been inconsistent in his game. AJ's junior year seemed very Rodney-ish. AJ came on at the end of his junior year, just as Rodney came on in his. In AJ's senior year, he shot better than he ever did before.

I'm talking about actual performance, by the way. Not leadership. The original poster didn't mention leadership as the key factor of discussion, but their actual play.

 

[dennismenace]

Mau with all respect the way we use Brimah as a shot blocker and a person responsible for missed assignments make it very difficult for him to be a defensive rebounder.
If our perimeter is lock down then not using him in the Libero role increases the rebounding but otherwise he is disadvantaged . (Sorry I'm an old soccer coach)
That's why I think 5-6 primarily offensive rebounds will be great. I think he can be a put back Force.
On defense his ability to take an Opposing player out of the play ( block out) will be huge
He has improved in this category but must get better.
If I was coaching against UConn Brimah is the only UConn player that makes me adjust my offensive game plan ,that is something I suspect we will miss.

Unless I'm missing something about Brimah's role as shot blocker, haven't most, if not all, of our previous great/very good shot blockers been good rebounders as well?

 

[aceboon]

Rodney lead the team in scoring--but has been inconsistent in his game. AJ's junior year seemed very Rodney-ish. AJ came on at the end of his junior year, just as Rodney came on in his. In AJ's senior year, he shot better than he ever did before.

I'm talking about actual performance, by the way. Not leadership. The original poster didn't mention leadership as the key factor of discussion, but their actual play.

Yea there's no way I agree at all with putting AJ's junior year with Rodney, not even close. AJ was unanimous First Team All Big East and made the 2nd team of the US Basketball Writer's Association All America Team, Rodney didn't even make any AAC teams. AJ's numbers for his junior and senior years are damn near identical, he just shot better from 3 his senior year. Performance, leadership, actually playing well in big games and not just putting up numbers when behind by double digits, Rodney is not on AJ's level.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Rodney lead the team in scoring--but has been inconsistent in his game. AJ's junior year seemed very Rodney-ish. AJ came on at the end of his junior year, just as Rodney came on in his. In AJ's senior year, he shot better than he ever did before.

I'm talking about actual performance, by the way. Not leadership. The original poster didn't mention leadership as the key factor of discussion, but their actual play.

And I'll argue that UConn improved late last year at the same time Rodney asserted a leadership role on the team. It became his team, and we became better. His leadership qualities are off the charts, and UConn was hurt, I think, as he deferred to senior Gibbs.

I expect this team to be Rodney's team from start to finish. I don't think his time will diminish, nor should it, it should increase with the loss of Gibbs. Gilbert will get time, but at both guard spots. I expect Purvis to lead the team in scoring, improve his finishing on drives and generally be our best player.

 

[Pudge]

One of the things I admire about Kevin Ollie - and it comes from his Pro background - is finding a role for many of the non star players. He seems to put their skill set in boxes and say - focus. Rodney Purvis primary issue, IMHO, is he did not have a set mindset as to what he needed to do to help UConn win. He is classically the great athletic SG (without the 100% shot) who just has physical advantages over most all the guys he plays. Defensively, he has often been lost or without scheme as to what he needed. The light seemed to go on late last year (and occasionally before) as he got more comfortable going to the hoop; playing a disruptive role in forcing his man to beat him; and making FTs with regularity. I don't think - and I felt this from early - he is a NBA player (and having said that, he might find his way to a roster). As an athlete, he is a Ferrari. He can be a superlative UConn senior leading this team and not getting on Preseason All Conference is both wrong on the writers/coaches who voted and great motivator for him. This kid can play and score 12 or so; lead by attitude. Ollie did work him to where some of the excess he had in his game has disappeared.

 

[upstater]

Yea there's no way I agree at all with putting AJ's junior year with Rodney, not even close. AJ was unanimous First Team All Big East and made the 2nd team of the US Basketball Writer's Association All America Team, Rodney didn't even make any AAC teams. AJ's numbers for his junior and senior years are damn near identical, he just shot better from 3 his senior year. Performance, leadership, actually playing well in big games and not just putting up numbers when behind by double digits, Rodney is not on AJ's level.

I didn't say Rodney was at AJ's level.

I mean, we're confusing things here. I thought AJ took over games and was one of the hottest UConn players ever. I rate him very very highly. BUT--I think AJ made a huge leap between those two years, mainly because he was an unstoppable shooter. He was clearly the best PG in the league--both years. But he added a huge element to his game in his senior year. This is what I'm referencing: IMPROVEMENT. It can happen for seniors. That is the only point I'm making.

 

[superjohn]

Yea there's no way I agree at all with putting AJ's junior year with Rodney, not even close. AJ was unanimous First Team All Big East and made the 2nd team of the US Basketball Writer's Association All America Team, Rodney didn't even make any AAC teams. AJ's numbers for his junior and senior years are damn near identical, he just shot better from 3 his senior year. Performance, leadership, actually playing well in big games and not just putting up numbers when behind by double digits, Rodney is not on AJ's level.

Rodney is no AJ but man you are tough on him.

 

[aceboon]

I didn't say Rodney was at AJ's level.

I mean, we're confusing things here. I thought AJ took over games and was one of the hottest UConn players ever. I rate him very very highly. BUT--I think AJ made a huge leap between those two years, mainly because he was an unstoppable shooter. He was clearly the best PG in the league--both years. But he added a huge element to his game in his senior year. This is what I'm referencing: IMPROVEMENT. It can happen for seniors. That is the only point I'm making.

I interpreted you saying AJ's junior year as being "Rodney-ish" as being on similar levels, AJ's junior year wasn't Rodney-ish, it was just simply better. I don't really see where AJ took this major leap, he became a better 3 point shooter because he said thats all he was able to work on during the initial stages of his ACL recovery, but he also became much more reliant on his jumper and didn't drive as much post-ACL injury. His 3ball % went up from 37% to 40%, but his overall FG% declined from 44% to 41%. The overall numbers between both years are very similar.

A.J. Price Stats | Basketball-Reference.com

 

[upstater]

I interpreted you saying AJ's junior year as being "Rodney-ish" as being on similar levels, AJ's junior year wasn't Rodney-ish, it was just simply better. I don't really see where AJ took this major leap, he became a better 3 point shooter because he said thats all he was able to work on during the initial stages of his ACL recovery, but he also became much more reliant on his jumper and didn't drive as much post-ACL injury. His 3ball % went up from 37% to 40%, but his overall FG% declined from 44% to 41%. The overall numbers between both years are very similar.

A.J. Price Stats | Basketball-Reference.com

Look at the volume though, 140 to 200 and & from 36% to 40%.

Also higher volume of 2 point shots.

He carried the team for much of it.

 

[aceboon]

Rodney is no AJ but man you are tough on him.

I can't front, I'm really not the biggest fan of him as a player, I don't get all the griping from folks about him not making this preseason team or that preseason list when the same has been done on here the past 2 years and at the end of the season his play has validated his exclusion.

 

[BUConn10]

not good, you want him to stand out.

UConn has far outgrown its underdog mentality that the fans love to cling to, albeit the conference realignment saga has knocked us down a peg.

 

[MexicoHusky]

I really like the idea that Enoch is playing a complete game. We all know he has offensive touch and physical ability. But he was a total space cadet at times last season. Mostly on D.

I hadn't seen this tweet before.

 

[mauconnfan]

Unless I'm missing something about Brimah's role as shot blocker, haven't most, if not all, of our previous great/very good shot blockers been good rebounders as well?

Bingo^^^^

Thabeet rebounds/blocks career 3 years only:

6.4/3.8
7.9/4.5
10.8/4.2

Add to it he was much more of an impact shot blocker to the point he got less chances because they pulled rebounds out, and he improved dramatically as a rebounder. We have the right to expect a big jump this year it's the 4th year. Hope we see it as it will be good for him too!

 

[James]

At his best, brimah can rebound and showcase his defensive stalwart status, just take a look at his game vs cincy in Orlando. The main issue, bigger than overzealous shotblocking or rebounding , is his inability to set any hard screens. There hasn't been a big with worst screen setting footwork like him ever, he loves just slipping and going for lobs even though it accomplishes nothing for other players. He also attempts to post up far too much, he should NEVER be demanding the ball downlow... that's just bad coaching. If he gets a switch ok but his game should revolve around hard screen setting and being a 'vertical spacer' .

 

[tcf15]

Goodman also noted at Durham sat out today.

Looks like it was due to a sprained ankle

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Looks like it was due to a sprained ankle

Should we expect to see him tomorrow?

And also saw Kentan putting in some extra work after practice today.

 

[intlzncster]

We have the right to expect a big jump this year it's the 4th year. Hope we see it as it will be good for him too!

I don't see why. Has he shown anything where you expect a great jump? I guess you could go with the injury thing holding him back last year. I just think he lacks too much basketball awareness to truly put it together. I'm hoping for some incremental improvement. Someone said it above, just set some damn screens. If he can do that properly, they can build off of it.

 

[huskymagic]

Amida is our best big man prospect right now to get drafted and stick in the NBA. He has got many tools such as height, athleticism, a motor, elite shotblocking, and good form on his jump shot that as fans we should expect a big season out of Brimah. There is no reason not to, and now that he gained serious weight and is around 240 he has it all together for a monster season. As good as Enoch's prhysical profile is, he is not better than Brimah right now, and if he improves and surpasses Brimah this year, that bodes well for us winning title number 5

P.S. Some of you are dismissing Rodney and overestimating our freshman way too early. Rodney I think will be a top 3 player for us and reminds me of Langston Galloway of the Knicks. He will make the NBA with his work ethic as he has the size, shooting, and athleticism to get a look. As for the freshman I am hoping Alterique can equal Ryan Boatright's freshman year or what Napier did his freshman year, and that will be a success for us. Juwan Durham has huge potential(reminds me of a bigger DeAndre Daniels with same skill set).

 

[husky429]

Amida is our best big man prospect right now to get drafted and stick in the NBA. He has got many tools such as height, athleticism, a motor, elite shotblocking, and good form on his jump shot that as fans we should expect a big season out of Brimah. There is no reason not to, and now that he gained serious weight and is around 240 he has it all together for a monster season. As good as Enoch's prhysical profile is, he is not better than Brimah right now, and if he improves and surpasses Brimah this year, that bodes well for us winning title number 5

P.S. Some of you are dismissing Rodney and overestimating our freshman way too early. Rodney I think will be a top 3 player for us and reminds me of Langston Galloway of the Knicks. He will make the NBA with his work ethic as he has the size, shooting, and athleticism to get a look. As for the freshman I am hoping Alterique can equal Ryan Boatright's freshman year or what Napier did his freshman year, and that will be a success for us. Juwan Durham has huge potential(reminds me of a bigger DeAndre Daniels with same skill set).

I think you're being a bit of a homer with these guys.

Rodney won't play many, if any minutes on the NBA. He is the size of a an NBA pg but has zero handle. He has tiny arms and hands which will limit his finishing. He is also very old.

Amida has consistently been eaten alive by skilled bigs. He lacks the awareness to be an NBA big.

The reason why they weren't in the NBA were the reasons why we were lucky enough to keep them for their full college tenure.

 

[Huskies4ever]

He has tiny arms and hands which will limit his finishing. He is also very old.

What is he, a T-Rex?

 

[mauconnfan]

I think you're being a bit of a homer with these guys.

Rodney won't play many, if any minutes on the NBA. He is the size of a an NBA pg but has zero handle. He has tiny arms and hands which will limit his finishing. He is also very old.

Amida has consistently been eaten alive by skilled bigs. He lacks the awareness to be an NBA big.

The reason why they weren't in the NBA were the reasons why we were lucky enough to keep them for their full college tenure.

You must be more of a rookie than I thought. You will get used to "magic" man, he loves AB and still believes, which I admire. He does say some legit stuff, I mean if Steve does just what he says we will be a better team. And Rodney is a better player than you obviously give him credit for, at least a college player for sure. I agree he will have a hard time getting to the NBA if he does at all, but I admire the kid/man and believe he will make it big in Europe and work like hell to take the KO route to the bigs. He is limited no doubt, but "old"? I mean what are you 14?

 

[david]

We don't have many guys that are capable of putting up 25 points on any given night. Rodney is one of them.

 

[mauconnfan]

We don't have many guys that are capable of putting up 25 points on any given night. Rodney is one of them.

We only have one capable of 40 though

 

[husky429]

You must be more of a rookie than I thought. You will get used to "magic" man, he loves AB and still believes, which I admire. He does say some legit stuff, I mean if Steve does just what he says we will be a better team. And Rodney is a better player than you obviously give him credit for, at least a college player for sure. I agree he will have a hard time getting to the NBA if he does at all, but I admire the kid/man and believe he will make it big in Europe and work like hell to take the KO route to the bigs. He is limited no doubt, but "old"? I mean what are you 14?

I actually love purvis. He's an awesome ambassador for the program and a solid college player. I didn't mean to get down on the guy.

He's not cassel old.. but I mean that guy must be 40 by the time he leaves college.

 

[James]

I actually love purvis. He's an awesome ambassador for the program and a solid college player. I didn't mean to get down on the guy.

He's not cassel old.. but I mean that guy must be 40 by the time he leaves college.

He'll actually be 23.