Jeff Jacobs: Ollie Will Fight, But Can He Get Better Leading Program?

[AntG168]

And again, you're looking for some sort of proof that is literally impossible to get unless you're a fly on the wall or obscenely connected.

Regardless, does it matter why they left? Whether they didn't like Ollie or they thought he couldn't coach (which has been expressed here) it's a major problem regardless.

So if you cant get the proof then how can someone present it as fact? Its dishonest.

And i agree with this. It doesn't ultimately matter why. But what is important is to not make up stories based on purvis tweeting a drake lyric. Because thats clearly what happened here and it happens far too often on this board. When you combine the fake news with the actual issues it is overwhelming. So i've decided to challenge the fake news

 

[Dove]

You read it that way because you wanted to read it that way, the reference to Giffey was already addressed in the Amore article.

I didn't see that article.

 

[Towney007]

The last few articles and the accompanying quotes from folks in and around the program - on and off the record - are as blatant an example of 'setting up the scaffold' as you'll get in sports.

There's obviously a lot going on - but almost all of it has a lot to do with almost everything Ollie. His emotional state, how he interacts with peers, his shortcomings, relationship with parents in his program, his relationship with players - communications issues everywhere. I mean *all of these things* are more or less discussed in Jacobs and Amore's pieces. It's not like people are being quiet about anything. And not to go into low blow land, but yeah - Ollie also got a divorce. There's a pretty significant relationship that took a toll on him in a variety of ways - but also fits neatly (maybe too conveniently 0 and yes, you can crap on me for bringing it up because saying it makes me want to take a shower) into the narrative that Ollie's got a lot going on right now - and not in a good way. The fact that AD Dave is meeting with him on 'future plans' etc - is a pretty bad indicator that the institution wants to - at the very least - know what's up.

I really, really, really, really want Ollie to figure it out. And yeah - he's had a lot of obstacles thrown in his way. But looking at the consistent trends of not only what we're seeing on the floor - but the drumbeat coming from a number of people around the program - it's all pointing fingers at him. And it's not about his recruiting. It's not about his X's and O's. These aren't constructive criticisms of his technical coaching skills. They're kind of going at his leadership. They're going at how he communicates. There's some punches and digs on his integrity. I mean every which way you slice it, it just feels like Ollie's got a lot of personal relationship problems right now - and that to me - is the really concerning part. This doesn't seem to be a coaching thing. This is seems to be a personal thing.

 

[ctchamps]

Most don't have a clue of what goes on therefore any program that relies on message boards is bond for failure. Do message boards know what goes on in your job? Unlikely.

I've mentioned I'm retired. So likely. JJ doesn't have to canvas this forum for facts. He has contacts. He canvases this forum for hot button topics. We're a breeding ground for emotional bullet points relative to the men's team.

 

[Walker11]

Well there is one thing that I repeat that is inane and useless. But I don't think there is anything else.

Do you mean incessant psychoanalysis of people that don't want to be psychoanalyzed, or of situations that don't warrant psychoanalysis

 

[AntG168]

The last few articles and the accompanying quotes from folks in and around the program - on and off the record - are as blatant an example of 'setting up the scaffold' as you'll get in sports.

There's obviously a lot going on - but almost all of it has a lot to do with almost everything Ollie. His emotional state, how he interacts with peers, his shortcomings, relationship with parents in his program, his relationship with players - communications issues everywhere. I mean *all of these things* are more or less discussed in Jacobs and Amore's pieces. It's not like people are being quiet about anything. And not to go into low blow land, but yeah - Ollie also got a divorce. There's a pretty significant relationship that took a toll on him in a variety of ways - but also fits neatly (maybe too conveniently 0 and yes, you can crap on me for bringing it up because saying it makes me want to take a shower) into the narrative that Ollie's got a lot going on right now - and not in a good way. The fact that AD Dave is meeting with him on 'future plans' etc - is a pretty bad indicator that the institution wants to - at the very least - know what's up.

I really, really, really, really want Ollie to figure it out. And yeah - he's had a lot of obstacles thrown in his way. But looking at the consistent trends of not only what we're seeing on the floor - but the drumbeat coming from a number of people around the program - it's all pointing fingers at him. And it's not about his recruiting. It's not about his X's and O's. These aren't constructive criticisms of his technical coaching skills. They're kind of going at his leadership. They're going at how he communicates. There's some punches and digs on his integrity. I mean every which way you slice it, it just feels like Ollie's got a lot of personal relationship problems right now - and that to me - is the really concerning part. This doesn't seem to be a coaching thing. This is seems to be a personal thing.

Agreed to an extent. You didn't say this but i dont think ollie is coming off as a POS or a bad guy to these ppl. The feeling i got from the articles is he's been more distant and maybe going through some personal issues. But the feeling ive always gotten from the players and coaches alike is that they genuinely like Ollie. Its why when ppl thought Vance was taking shots at ollie he went out of his way to dispel those rumors. Its why purvis called him a father figure. Its why 1 yr guys like shonn miller and sterling gibbs still come back to the program. KO may have done some things wrong. But i dont think he ever stopped being a great guy.

 

[Dove]

No, the problem is that kids are being told to put ten toes in by people who are keeping some of their own toes out.

I don't think the "Ten Toes In" is a thing anymore.

 

[ctchamps]

Not worth my time if you don't get it already. I think my track record on this board shows I am quite positive and optimistic but you are willfully ignorant.

Goodness gracious but it's easy to glance at your name and think its whaler11. I'd change your name just so people don't confuse you with him.

 

[JMick]

Agreed to an extent. You didn't say this but i dont think ollie is coming off as a POS or a bad guy to these ppl. The feeling i got from the articles is he's been more distant and maybe going through some personal issues. But the feeling ive always gotten from the players and coaches alike is that they genuinely like Ollie. Its why when ppl thought Vance was taking shots at ollie he went out of his way to dispel those rumors. Its why purvis called him a father figure. Its why 1 yr guys like shonn miller and sterling gibbs still come back to the program. KO may have done some things wrong. But i dont think he ever stopped being a great guy.

There are also the consistent rumors that Ollie has played favorites. Now, as to the truth of those rumors, who knows? But it would explain why some players seem to really like Ollie and others transfer or seem dissatisfied.

 

[AntG168]

There are also the consistent rumors that Ollie has played favorites. Now, as to the truth of those rumors, who knows? But it would explain why some players seem to really like Ollie and others transfer or seem dissatisfied.

Interesting theory. Idk could be. But are they his favorites because of their work ethic or attitude? We'll never know ig. Because look at his favorites Purvis, vital(praised multiple times this season), jalen, amida. They all are known dor playing hard and being passionate

 

[Walker11]

Goodness gracious but it's easy to glance at your name and think its whaler11. I'd change your name just so people don't confuse you with him.

I had my name for a full day before whaler11 joined the board so I think I deserve it. To be fair, he was probably whaler11 on the other board when I was some generic uconn themed handle. I don't hate being confused with him, I think he is a great poster. That said, I may be the only person with that sentiment (joking, mostly).

 

[ctchamps]

Trying to knock some sense into some true believers doesn't mean one is 'pissed off at the world'.

There comes a point where one reads so much rationalization, excuses and complete garbage that they have to try and inject reality.

We've been down this road before - how many dozens of people attacked me about Diaco and my opinions of him and his recruiting.

Remember when people used to tell me you had to wait years to judge Diaco's FCS recruiting classes?

This is a program that is completely melting down - you might think you are doing the right thing defending Ollie to the death. I can promise you that you are wrong and pretending this is a 'rough patch' is the last thing you want to do if you want to get back to winning.

Thankfully AD David Benedict seems to understand that better than the crew who wants to shout down anyone who doesn't want to play pretend.

Well I'm glad someone is injecting reality. Of course outside of the Diaco comparison, you're not bringing anything new to the table. But have at it. Just don't think any of us are impressed that Lord whaler has value because he fought the Diaco fight. We have a better person than you amongst us named chief to guide us on our way.

Most of us recognize the dilemma the program is in. Some of us believe that since we have to let the process play out because we can't do anything about it, we prefer looking at potential positives as opposed to living day to day in misery until the events plays out. If a Boneyard consensus misery quotient could impact outcomes, I'd join the brigade and proudly express misery. But the last thing I heard Boneyard commentary has zero impact on outcomes, there is no contest that offers a most miserable fan award, nor is there a consensus that expressing misery denotes fandom.

 

[whaler11]

Well I'm glad someone is injecting reality. Of course outside of the Diaco comparison, you're not bringing anything new to the table. But have at it. Just don't think any of us are impressed that Lord whaler has value because he fought the Diaco fight. We have a better person than you amongst us named chief to guide us on our way.

Most of us recognize the dilemma the program is in. Some of us believe that since we have to let the process play out because we can't do anything about it, we prefer looking at potential positives as opposed to living day to day in misery until the events plays out. If a Boneyard consensus misery quotient could impact outcomes, I'd join the brigade and proudly express misery. But the last thing I heard Boneyard commentary has zero impact on outcomes, there is no contest that offers a most miserable fan award, nor is there a consensus that expressing misery denotes fandom.

Oh thank God someone was here to play the holier than thou card. That was missing from ant's game.

Thanks for letting me know 'most' understand the dilemma - if that's the case you should be supporting me because the dopes I've been replying to don't.

The rest of your strawmen don't even make sense - but I guess they are well constructed.

 

[AntG168]

Oh thank God someone was here to play the holier than thou card. That was missing from ant's game.

Thanks for letting me know 'most' understand the dilemma - if that's the case you should be supporting me because the dopes I've been replying to don't.

The rest of your strawmen don't even make sense - but I guess they are well constructed.

I wonder if i cam change my name to KingDope

 

[whaler11]

That isn't what this about. He compared Ollie to Diaco because he claims ollie "preaches" love but doesnt show it. Thats pure unfounded speculation. The players that transfered sited their reasons as being the way they were being used. Vance went out of his way to say how good a guy ollie was. If you want to say ollie didnt utilize guys correctly or re recruited the wrong guy cool. You can use evidence to back that up. But to use rap lyrics in a tweet to insinuate ollie was "fake" with his players is dumb.

I actually said he preaches love and family and exactly like Diaco has a program that doesn't reflect what he preaches. I know enough players didn't transfer for you to understand this but....

 

[whaler11]

The last few articles and the accompanying quotes from folks in and around the program - on and off the record - are as blatant an example of 'setting up the scaffold' as you'll get in sports.

There's obviously a lot going on - but almost all of it has a lot to do with almost everything Ollie. His emotional state, how he interacts with peers, his shortcomings, relationship with parents in his program, his relationship with players - communications issues everywhere. I mean *all of these things* are more or less discussed in Jacobs and Amore's pieces. It's not like people are being quiet about anything. And not to go into low blow land, but yeah - Ollie also got a divorce. There's a pretty significant relationship that took a toll on him in a variety of ways - but also fits neatly (maybe too conveniently 0 and yes, you can crap on me for bringing it up because saying it makes me want to take a shower) into the narrative that Ollie's got a lot going on right now - and not in a good way. The fact that AD Dave is meeting with him on 'future plans' etc - is a pretty bad indicator that the institution wants to - at the very least - know what's up.

I really, really, really, really want Ollie to figure it out. And yeah - he's had a lot of obstacles thrown in his way. But looking at the consistent trends of not only what we're seeing on the floor - but the drumbeat coming from a number of people around the program - it's all pointing fingers at him. And it's not about his recruiting. It's not about his X's and O's. These aren't constructive criticisms of his technical coaching skills. They're kind of going at his leadership. They're going at how he communicates. There's some punches and digs on his integrity. I mean every which way you slice it, it just feels like Ollie's got a lot of personal relationship problems right now - and that to me - is the really concerning part. This doesn't seem to be a coaching thing. This is seems to be a personal thing.

Yeah there is nothing in common with Diaco. Other than you could have copied this post off the football board last December and changed some names.

 

[AntG168]

I actually said he preaches love and family and exactly like Diaco has a program that doesn't reflect what he preaches. I know enough players didn't transfer for you to understand this but....

Okay. Im done with it..

 

[ctchamps]

There are also the consistent rumors that Ollie has played favorites. Now, as to the truth of those rumors, who knows? But it would explain why some players seem to really like Ollie and others transfer or seem dissatisfied.

Well if you're sitting on the bench and other players are playing and you don't want to think that you have a shared responsibility to the problem it's logical to come to the conclusion the coach is playing favorites. Now I'm not saying I know this to be true. But I've had to fire people who had no clue who they were and what they did. Given that people have given me the moniker of Dr. Phil and apologista you could decide for yourself whether I gave said people every chance in the world to figure things out before taking that action. I can guarantee you, even with all the other employees backing me up, these individuals absolutely could not see their faults that resulted in the dismissals.

I don't think KO is free from fault in this situation. If his heart was not fully in coaching for whatever reason than players and other coaches would feel it even if they couldn't understand it or worse misinterpret it. Perhaps if all the horrible events to the players and this season didn't happen, the perception of KO's supposed funk would have been overlooked. But given the events and the outcome of this season the perception not only became noticed it became magnified. With that magnification it's possible there are distortions of things. And that has a way of muddying the real picture.

 

[whaler11]

I don't think KO is free from fault in this situation. .

It's pretty refreshing to hear that the $3 million dollar a year head coach of a college basketball program in the 7th or 8th toughest conference isn't free from fault when they go 15-17 against D-I opponents.

 

[champs99and04]

We don't need an in-depth psycho-analysis on Ollie's divorce but the timing of it is a hell of a coincidence if that is in fact all it is. It could be as simple as he had Shabazz those first two years and hasn't since, but some of the commentary - regarding some of the things @Towney007 outlines in his post a few posts up - seems to transcend the actual play on the court.

I don't know what's going on. I can't know and nor can anybody else on this board, so to a large extent it is pointless to talk about it. But it's also a traumatic event that can't be reduced to "he needs to get over it" and if it's impacted the head basketball coach it only makes him human. If we can speculate on D-Ham's play being effected by his grandma dying or Rodney's play being effected by his friend dying then I don't see what is so different about this. If there has been a perceptible change in his character over the last couple years then it should be identified by the people inside the program. Perhaps it's your normal learning curve for a young head coach or maybe it's something more. As outsiders there are only so many dots for us to connect, but it's 2017 and mental health is something that should be routinely vetted and monitored, and that goes for everybody within the program. Anything to optimize performance should be considered and if something is wrong, whether with a player or a coach, I would hope that the people closest to them speak up.

 

[Walker11]

People like the divorce speculation because it is a neat and a simple answer to a difficult situation. Ollie is a tough SOB and I have a difficult time imagining his entire personality and presence being warped by a divorce. Its possible, sure, but I think it primarily allows people to skip the part where he is a very inexperienced and possibly in over his head coach who has also experienced bad luck.

 

[FartMan69]

It's pretty refreshing to hear that the $3 million dollar a year head coach of a college basketball program in the 7th or 8th toughest conference isn't free from fault when they go 15-17 against D-I opponents.

My favorite spin zone from the Ollie Stan's are that Calhoun left the cupboard bare and he's had to deal with the aftermath of unimaginable bad luck that is 100% unique to UConn. He had two good coaching seasons and a great month of coaching but the last 3 seasons have been mediocre to terrible and it lies 100% on the coaching staff, they get paid to build and maintain a level of greatness and now we are a laughing stock in a mediocre conference. Great.

 

[AntG168]

My favorite spin zone from the Ollie Stan's are that Calhoun left the cupboard bare and he's had to deal with the aftermath of unimaginable bad luck that is 100% unique to UConn. He had two good coaching seasons and a great month of coaching but the last 3 seasons have been mediocre to terrible and it lies 100% on the coaching staff, they get paid to build and maintain a level of greatness and now we are a laughing stock in a mediocre conference. Great.

Why cant both be true. Calhoun did leave him a mess. And no other major program has gone thru what UConn has. Post season ban, recruiting sanctions, and be banished to a mid major conference. Thats undeniable. His first 2 yrs he overacheived. His last 3 hes underacheived. Thats reality. Not one or the other

 

[FartMan69]

People like the divorce speculation because it is a neat and a simple answer to a difficult situation. Ollie is a tough SOB and I have a difficult time imagining his entire personality and presence being warped by a divorce. Its possible, sure, but I think it primarily allows people to skip the part where he is a very inexperienced and possibly in over his head coach who has also experienced bad luck.

Yeah I can't see the divorce as the main culprit as to why we have no front court next season. I just can't.

 

[FartMan69]

Why cant both be true. Calhoun did leave him a mess. Thats undeniable. His first 2 yrs he overacheived. His last 3 hes underacheived. Thats reality. Not one or the other

A mess that had already played part in a national title and would give the program another one shortly after. Yuck