Jeff Jacobs Conveying our sentiments...

[SubbaBub]

"Well, Jim Calhoun isn't walking through that door. And no one should expect any coach to achieve on the same level of the one of the greatest basketball coaches that ever lived. But it also doesn't mean we should accept this."

All I have to say is RE-Stored..

Good writers don't quote Rick Pitino.

 

[jdb50]

Remember when Coach Calhoun would get up off the bench and hike up his pants before letting whoever he was not happy with, players or refs, have it? He was an imposing presence on the sideline. Ollie is not that. Calhoun also knew what he wanted and the players knew what he wanted and whether they were meeting expectations. The whole Arkansas game we played with our pants around our ankles and for 3/4 of the Columbia game it was the same thing. I don't think the players really have a good idea of what they as a group are supposed to be doing. We win when hero ball is good enough.

 

[HuskyNan]

Remember when Coach Calhoun would get up off the bench and hike up his pants before letting whoever he was not happy with, players or refs, have it? He was an imposing presence on the sideline. Ollie is not that. Calhoun also knew what he wanted and the players knew what he wanted and whether they were meeting expectations. The whole Arkansas game we played with our pants around our ankles and for 3/4 of the Columbia game it was the same thing. I don't think the players really have a good idea of what they as a group are supposed to be doing. We win when hero ball is good enough.

Kinda like this?

 

[uconnfan68]

Makes me cringe, but it got the results he wanted.

 

[CL82]

Makes me cringe, but it got the results he wanted.

It was done with love, although I'm sure it didn't seem that way at the time.

 

[Travelman6]

It was done with love, although I'm sure it didn't seem that way at the time.

I agree, so don't take me the wrong way. But there is a very fine line. Jim toed it, in fact he was an expert in that.

But that line can easily be crossed.

Even the famous ones...(attachment).

 

[Saab04]

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about UConn barely beating a 1-4 Columbia team at home, in a game that went to overtime against a squad ranked #190 in the latest Sagarin rankings.

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about Kevin Ollie sitting idle last week, watching a once proud program take the biggest beating in 40 years in an apathetic effort in a national tournament.

What? Are we being too negative for you, Jeff Jacobs? Yeah, listen to the Boneyard sing, "It's the end of the world, as we know it, Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine."

Sure, UConn never struggled or lost games against basketball programs with a fraction of their resources, budget, and reputation for developing talent. Jim Calhoun instilled a toughness and attitude that willed his teams to victory.

Well, Jim Calhoun isn't walking through that door. And no one should expect any coach to achieve on the same level of the one of the greatest basketball coaches that ever lived. But it also doesn't mean we should accept this.

To give Ollie another pass after a 5-2 start that included struggles against mediocre (at best) basketball teams and an embarrassing no show - man, that's generous. Especially from a writer who was outspoken about Ollie's commitment and approach after the departures last season.

Sure, the kids deserve to tell their story. But they don't "deserve" to do so in front of lots of fans. Before you critique Husky Nation for quitting on the program in November, you should hold the Head Coach and players to that same standard - especially when they quit during the middle of a nationally televised blowout. You want unconditional support and praise, take the stairs and earn it - unless that no longer applies either.

Agree 1000%

 

[Chief00]

Jacobs took a shot at Calhoun, and misrepresented why he left Gampel, when he did last game. Jacob’s article made it sound like Jim was making it about himself and leaving in protest, when the reality was more mundane.

 

[mauconnfan]

"Our" sentiments? LOL

Your sentiments maybe. While I grow closer to the "other side" I still keep my feet on the ground.

Also the fans are just spoiled, you have tickets and don't go you basically suck. Go find another team you're an idiot unless of course you have something else you need to do, are sick or tired or any other understandable reason. I went to many games which I knew they were going to lose in past, they were and still are my team. Good news now is when I can and want to go there are many seats available.

 

[Huskybass]

Love the kids. Have no confidence at all in the coaching staff. The kids, fans and program deserve much better.

UConn has so much more more talent than Columbia, yet had to go to overtime at home to beat them. I'm sure Columbia's coach would love to have talent like UConn has. Fans have every right to be disappointed in what we have seen over the past 3 plus seasons. To think things are going to improve much under this coaching staff has no rational basis. UConn beats cupcakes, often struggling to do so. UConn rarely beats good teams anymore, and I don't see that changing under the current leadership. I wish I could be more optimistic, but the recent body of work dictates otherwise.

As a side note, KO had a confidence and a swagger his first two seasons. Those qualities are nowhere to be found recently, and I believe that carries over to the team's play.

 

[Husky25]

Remember when Coach Calhoun would get up off the bench and hike up his pants before letting whoever he was not happy with, players or refs, have it? He was an imposing presence on the sideline. Ollie is not that. Calhoun also knew what he wanted and the players knew what he wanted and whether they were meeting expectations. The whole Arkansas game we played with our pants around our ankles and for 3/4 of the Columbia game it was the same thing. I don't think the players really have a good idea of what they as a group are supposed to be doing. We win when hero ball is good enough.

I am still behind Ollie, He had near 100% turn over in his regular rotation and UConn has never been a program to recruit entire teams of 1&dones.

That said, his reaction after the Jalen Adams phantom foul (1:07:32) was mind boggling and a representation of why he is (and his teams are) so frustrating. Dwayne Killings said something to him, and Ollie responded with a quizzical yet subdued, "Goddann (Had to be, his lips never came together to complete the "Mmm" sound and the end of the word.)." Calhoun would have blown a gasket, which would have led to 2 or 3 make-up calls on ensuing possessions. In fact, I dare say that the phantom foul would have never have been called because Calhoun would have been chirping in the officials' collective ears for the entire first half.

Chirping seems to be a trait of most coaches ranging from decent to HoF. For some reason, Ollie doesn't do it, as if he doesn't know how to. He has two speeds: 1) sit on the bench with his furrowed WTF brow and forehead creases working, or 2) knocking SDI stat sheets all over the place. Chirping seems to be the happy medium. Yes, you'll get a technical every so often. So what? Playing vs. a 1-4 Ivy league team favored by 11 is when you are supposed to get techs. The message carries over to games at MSG vs #6 teams (Maryland 2015. The aforementioned stat sheet incident). If UConn went down by 7 to Columbia, Calhoun would get a tech before the 16:00 timeout just on principle.

 

[UConnNick]

Makes me cringe, but it got the results he wanted.

Your avatar husky looks like he just got a face full of Jimmy C.

 

[businesslawyer]

I am still behind Ollie, He had near 100% turn over in his regular rotation and UConn has never been a program to recruit entire teams of 1&dones.

That said, his reaction after the Jalen Adams phantom foul (1:07:32) was mind boggling and a representation of why he is (and his teams are) so frustrating. Dwayne Killings said something to him, and Ollie responded with a quizzical yet subdued, "Goddann (Had to be, his lips never came together to complete the "Mmm" sound and the end of the word.)." Calhoun would have blown a gasket, which would have led to 2 or 3 make-up calls on ensuing possessions. In fact, I dare say that the phantom foul would have never have been called because Calhoun would have been chirping in the officials' collective ears for the entire first half.

Chirping seems to be a trait of most coaches ranging from decent to HoF. For some reason, Ollie doesn't do it, as if he doesn't know how to. He has two speeds: 1) sit on the bench with his furrowed WTF brow and forehead creases working, or 2) knocking SDI stat sheets all over the place. Chirping seems to be the happy medium. Yes, you'll get a technical every so often. So what? Playing vs. a 1-4 Ivy league team favored by 11 is when you are supposed to get techs. The message carries over to games at MSG vs #6 teams (Maryland 2015. The aforementioned stat sheet incident). If UConn went down by 7 to Columbia, Calhoun would get a tech before the 16:00 timeout just on principle.

Down by 7? I still remember the technical he got in Chestnut Hill in a huge game to end the regular season in (I think) '03 while we were opening the game with a 14-0 run.

 

[Bagel&Cheese]

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about UConn barely beating a 1-4 Columbia team at home, in a game that went to overtime against a squad ranked #190 in the latest Sagarin rankings.

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about Kevin Ollie sitting idle last week, watching a once proud program take the biggest beating in 40 years in an apathetic effort in a national tournament.

What? Are we being too negative for you, Jeff Jacobs? Yeah, listen to the Boneyard sing, "It's the end of the world, as we know it, Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine."

Sure, UConn never struggled or lost games against basketball programs with a fraction of their resources, budget, and reputation for developing talent. Jim Calhoun instilled a toughness and attitude that willed his teams to victory.

Well, Jim Calhoun isn't walking through that door. And no one should expect any coach to achieve on the same level of the one of the greatest basketball coaches that ever lived. But it also doesn't mean we should accept this.

To give Ollie another pass after a 5-2 start that included struggles against mediocre (at best) basketball teams and an embarrassing no show - man, that's generous. Especially from a writer who was outspoken about Ollie's commitment and approach after the departures last season.

Sure, the kids deserve to tell their story. But they don't "deserve" to do so in front of lots of fans. Before you critique Husky Nation for quitting on the program in November, you should hold the Head Coach and players to that same standard - especially when they quit during the middle of a nationally televised blowout. You want unconditional support and praise, take the stairs and earn it - unless that no longer applies either.

Dilly Dilly!

 

[Husky68]

Kemba or Amida or Taliek (smile wise) are not coming through the door. Have a bunch of quiet/serious guys on the court (maybe Anderson is bit more demonstrative). Watched the last game again and looked for body language on the court and bench. This is a serious team trying to be good and get better. Faults, sure there are plenty. Larrier's handle, over reacting to drives at the expense of 3 point line, Adams shooting, etc; but this was a game where quiters would have quit. Guys were very supportive of each other (in their quiet way), didn't see any WTF was that looks.

I was impressed how hard they worked for 45 minutes in a game where "everyone" thought it should be a cake walk (except the opponent). UConn won because they out worked the opponent not out played them. Ollie and his 2 sidekicks seemed to me to be in the game the entire time and liked their interactions with players and game decisions. Don't see all the drama on Ollie should do this or that.

You guys want Bruce Pearl or Calamari type on bench, I'll take what we have instead. You want Duke/Kentucky/Kansas type recruiting become a behind the scenes booster with connections and money and go to it.

Am I saying we win #5, no, but this is no dumpster fire (yet). Will we underperform what's needed for Ollie to keep job, could but sure hope not. We are not an elite team so there will be a thin line between great/acceptable/disaster.

 

[sammydabiz]

Good news now is when I can and want to go there are many seats available.

That's good news?!?!
Seems pretty selfish to me, but hey Mau, I guess as long as you're good (and can find a good seat) All is well then.
Congratulations...

 

[August_West]

We live in a time when filled arenas are a challenge for all sports teams, but 3,808 sends a message louder than griping about the coach. And I don't think it's a fair one at this point. The kids deserve to tell their story on the court in front of lots of fans that don't quit on them in November.

He has a point. Let's stay with the team and assess things at the end of the season. I think the players deserve that.

They absolutely and 1000 percent do.

 

[Husky25]

Dilly Dilly!

Anheiser-Busch has has really had some HoF advertising campaigns. I'm on the wagon at the moment and don't really drink beer in the quantities as I used to even when I'm off it, but it'd be nice if they'd divert some of those advertising dollars toward research and development.

 

[Peacefrog]

“ We are not an elite team”

There it is, you done said it yourself. Perhaps you’re missing it but that is exactly what has so many worked up. It wasn’t that long ago that we were.

 

[mauconnfan]

That's good news?!?!
Seems pretty selfish to me, but hey Mau, I guess as long as you're good (and can find a good seat) All is well then.
Congratulations...

Sarcasm but who would expect you to see that when you're probably using your typewriter sending letters to Dave B 10 times a day asking him to remove KO? I'm the farthest thing from selfish I promise biz-buz.

 

[Paesano]

Kemba or Amida or Taliek (smile wise) are not coming through the door.

Neither are fans.

You Ollie disciples don't seem to get it. No fans equals no job. As soon as the AD can figure out how to escape financially, this is done. But I will say that it may take time and KO has that time to turn it around. Some of us just don't believe that is likely to happen.

 

[Husky68]

Neither are fans.

You Ollie disciples don't seem to get it. No fans equals no job. As soon as the AD can figure out how to escape financially, this is done. But I will say that it may take time and KO has that time to turn it around. Some of us just don't believe that is likely to happen.

Chicks are all world team and their attendance is way down from the golden years. You know I'm an Ollie disciple, like I know you are a racist for trying to get a white AD to fire a black coach 'cause he isn't as good as the old white guy he replaced.

 

[Danzz]

Yet to start napalming him after a 5-2 start, man, that's harsh. To start napalming the entire team after seven games, man, that's unfair. There are lots and lots of chances for something good to happen to this team. And maybe it will. If it doesn't, well, March can bring a different story.

Jeff can be a contrarian, but I think that's a good thing in a columnist. He's voiced what some have said here, including me, that there is plenty of time to throw up your hands in frustration in February. But I will fully admit, after the first half, I wasn't feeling so comfortable with that position. Hopefully, this will be a lesson learned kind of game and the team will play with more intensity. That would be a big plus. I wish KO would have the kids work on more set pieces to change things up that involve something other than ISO and attack.

I like Jacobs as he was the only writer with the balls to challenge Calhoun. JC, like most coaches was a control freak and Jacobs provided a contrarian point of view.

 

[Danzz]

It was done with love, although I'm sure it didn't seem that way at the time.

Bull. JC did it out of his own anger and frustration. There was no love involved.

 

[Huskygamble19]

Wake me up when its March.

 

[ctchamps]

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about UConn barely beating a 1-4 Columbia team at home, in a game that went to overtime against a squad ranked #190 in the latest Sagarin rankings.

Not sure how much Jeff Jacobs wants to hear about Kevin Ollie sitting idle last week, watching a once proud program take the biggest beating in 40 years in an apathetic effort in a national tournament.

What? Are we being too negative for you, Jeff Jacobs? Yeah, listen to the Boneyard sing, "It's the end of the world, as we know it, Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine."

Sure, UConn never struggled or lost games against basketball programs with a fraction of their resources, budget, and reputation for developing talent. Jim Calhoun instilled a toughness and attitude that willed his teams to victory.

Well, Jim Calhoun isn't walking through that door. And no one should expect any coach to achieve on the same level of the one of the greatest basketball coaches that ever lived. But it also doesn't mean we should accept this.

To give Ollie another pass after a 5-2 start that included struggles against mediocre (at best) basketball teams and an embarrassing no show - man, that's generous. Especially from a writer who was outspoken about Ollie's commitment and approach after the departures last season.

Sure, the kids deserve to tell their story. But they don't "deserve" to do so in front of lots of fans. Before you critique Husky Nation for quitting on the program in November, you should hold the Head Coach and players to that same standard - especially when they quit during the middle of a nationally televised blowout. You want unconditional support and praise, take the stairs and earn it - unless that no longer applies either.

Do you remember what happened the 2000 2001 season? Let me jog your memory. After the first championship UConn in 1999-2000 made it to the second round of the NCAAs and were eliminated by Tennessee. It was a 25-10 season and fourth place finish in the BE but disappointing after the championship the previous year.

In 2000-2001 UConn finished sixth out of seventh in the East division of the BE (first season of divisions) and did not get an NCAA bid. They went to the NIT and the first two rounds of UConn's games were held at Gampel. Most of the arena was empty for both games. UConn lost in the second round to Detroit. Fans did not hold back their displeasure to JC and the team after that season. Many expressed an opinion that JC was a one hit wonder. That was the reason why JC seriously considered going to South Carolina when the season concluded.

Face it. Fans are just as much a problem as the product they criticize. Most football stadiums are sold out in the SEC regardless of the teams success. They insist on performance just as much as you and the people who are negative in this forum. But they show up and stay at games regardless of what's happening during the game or during the season. They want to win but they leave the decision to the AD's. I lived in SC for ten years and you couldn't get a ticket for either Clemson or South Carolina. Both those teams were little sisters in their respective conferences for most of the time I was there. And both struggled. They had a number of coaching changes but the fans did their job. The Northeast fans outside of PSU and maybe Syracuse are lousy fans by comparison and a good part of the reason why conferences are not in a rush to include teams from this region.

I'm no fan of JJ. But the pushback I see in this forum, the whining and quitters attitude from many who come here time and again to express and worse justify their behavior even as they are unable to condone that attitude in KO or the players, is a problem whether you are comfortable with hearing it or not.

 

[CL82]

I like Jacobs as he was the only writer with the balls to challenge Calhoun. JC, like most coaches was a control freak and Jacobs provided a contrarian point of view.

Not so much. Jeff was butt hurt because Jeff Calhoun used to laugh at him openly. That was the thing that really ruffled Jacob's skirt.

Bull. JC did it out of his own anger and frustration. There was no love involved.

Maybe but it was anger and frustration aimed at getting best play. It the end the best statement of Calhoun's relationship with his players while they were at UConn is his relationship with them after they left. People sure seem to show up for him and sing his praises unsolicited.

 

[sledog]

zip-a-de-do-dah

 

[Danzz]

Not so much. Jeff was butt hurt because Jeff Calhoun used to laugh at him openly. That was the thing that really ruffled Jacob's skirt.

Maybe but it was anger and frustration aimed at getting best play. It the end the best statement of Calhoun's relationship with his players while they were at UConn is his relationship with them after they left. People sure seem to show up for him and sing his praises unsolicited.

The two have nothing to do with each other. Anger, frustration and screaming at his players have nothing to do with love. Now he cared deeply for his kids and the loyalty of his players is testament to that. JC was wound tight and when a player screwed up he went ballistic. It was just the way JC was put together and some of what we liked about him.
Don't get why anyone would care what Jeff Calhoun did.

 

[David 76]

JC didn't have an anger problem, he had a love problem.