Just cuz my dude Aidan Mahaney hasn't been mentioned on here much lately...

[AidanFan20]

I spotted this summation of him at summer practice:

"I think he's gotten through the culture shock of just what our workouts are like, the intensity, the competitiveness, the tempo, the pace, the no fouls being called, like everything that's going on, "Hurley told a reporter. "So I think he's a guy we just gonna turn him loose and have really attack offensively. We need him to produce the way Tristen and Cam did at those guard spots."

Can't wait til November...

 

[gsmooth]

I spotted this summation of him at summer practice:

"I think he's gotten through the culture shock of just what our workouts are like, the intensity, the competitiveness, the tempo, the pace, the no fouls being called, like everything that's going on, "Hurley told a reporter. "So I think he's a guy we just gonna turn him loose and have really attack offensively. We need him to produce the way Tristen and Cam did at those guard spots."

Can't wait til November...

This is it right there bolded. I have a lot of respect for St. Mary's and of course Gonzaga. However, the Big East is a different beast from the West Coast Conference and it's a very brutally physical league (but has lots of skill, too). Jon Fanta, who calls games on Fox, has called games for the Big Ten, another league known for its physicality, and he stated Big East is even more physical than the Big Ten and will have their "rock fights".

Hurley and the coaching staff know what they are doing especially in terms of how to prepare the freshmen and transfers for the rigors of the Big East. Aidan is in good hands with the Hurley coaching staff.

 

[temery]

I spotted this summation of him at summer practice:

"I think he's gotten through the culture shock of just what our workouts are like, the intensity, the competitiveness, the tempo, the pace, the no fouls being called, like everything that's going on, "Hurley told a reporter. "So I think he's a guy we just gonna turn him loose and have really attack offensively. We need him to produce the way Tristen and Cam did at those guard spots."

Can't wait til November...

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

 

[NJHusky]

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

It’s worked the past 2 years

 

[Palatine]

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

Its does make Samson Johnson leap to mind.

Just for the record. I am a big fan of SJ. I have always said he is playing the way Hurley wants him to. I think he makes another leap this year. However, he does, on occasion, foul a lot.

 

[pj]

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

They must practice different ways for the two sides -- some practice time toughening everyone up and preparing for physical games with no whistles, and some practice time teaching defense without fouling and how to play in a tightly called game.

The 2023 team really got thrown for a loop for a while by physical defenses and referees seemingly unwilling to call fouls on UConn opponents, leading to 7 losses. Dan figured it out, toughened his team up, and the mental composure and physical toughness they built up helped see them through the tourney. Now it seems like that process is an intentional part of his program.

 

[bmayuc]

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

I'm a huge proponent of this during practice - Its a problem i see at the youth level too... kids are so used to fouls being called that they pre-emptively dial back their aggression and physicality and don't learn to play through contact, use your body, use space, understand how to use leverage and contact effectively - so that when you are then placed in a game environment with refs, you then learn to dial back that physicality.

If you watch our NCAA tournament games its interesting - we play such a brutal physical Big East w/ a thousand fouls called - but then we get into the NCAAs and the whistles loosen up a bit and we have a significant advantage because we know how to play and use every inch of advantage the refs provide.

 

[temery]

They must practice different ways for the two sides -- some practice time toughening everyone up and preparing for physical games with no whistles, and some practice time teaching defense without fouling and how to play in a tightly called game.

The 2023 team really got thrown for a loop for a while by physical defenses and referees seemingly unwilling to call fouls on UConn opponents, leading to 7 losses. Dan figured it out, toughened his team up, and the mental composure and physical toughness they built up helped see them through the tourney. Now it seems like that process is an intentional part of his program.

I've always wondered if teams ever practice six or seven on five (starters) to force the offense to work a little harder.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I've always wondered if teams ever practice six or seven on five (starters) to force the offense to work a little harder.

Without Google searching it to find an article, yes, coaches do this.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

This is it right there bolded. I have a lot of respect for St. Mary's and of course Gonzaga. However, the Big East is a different beast from the West Coast Conference and it's a very brutally physical league (but has lots of skill, too). Jon Fanta, who calls games on Fox, has called games for the Big Ten, another league known for its physicality, and he stated Big East is even more physical than the Big Ten and will have their "rock fights".

Hurley and the coaching staff know what they are doing especially in terms of how to prepare the freshmen and transfers for the rigors of the Big East. Aidan is in good hands with the Hurley coaching staff.

All I know is apparently UConn had never seen a team as physical as Illinois.

 

[bendm]

Its does make Samson Johnson leap to mind.

nice word play

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

All I know is apparently UConn had never seen a team as physical as Illinois.

Funny thing is, it would’ve been a close game (and dare I say we lose) if we had the big east refs that game. The march madness refs have been a delight the past couple years. They let them play and don’t make the games about themselves. It’s nice to have refs that don’t have a vendetta against Hurley.

Anyways Mahaney. I am a huge fan of his game, reminds me of cam Spencer a lot and it’s not just because of his skin color. Probably won’t be as good of a 3 point shooter, but he looks calm and collected with the ball in his hands and has a well rounded game. Similar to Cam, he seems to know how to use his skill set to compensate for the fact that he’s not the quickest or most athletic guy on the court. That being said, I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two too closely. There will be growing pains (similar to Tristen newtons first year here), and have to remember Mahaney isn’t in his 5th year like cam or Tristen last year.

Venturing over to the saint marys board, it’s almost criminal their feelings towards him. All seemingly because he didn’t show much improvement over his 14ppg freshman season. Apparently was skipping classes and practices, which I don’t put too much weight to, we all know how much anonymous internet posters create these kind of rumors when something isn’t going their way. I hope we never know show so much disdain towards any kids that may transfer out of here regardless of how good or bad they were (and certainly not after putting up two very good seasons for them).

 

[ctchamps]

Funny thing is, it would’ve been a close game (and dare I say we lose) if we had the big east refs that game. The march madness refs have been a delight the past couple years. They let them play and don’t make the games about themselves. It’s nice to have refs that don’t have a vendetta against Hurley.

Anyways Mahaney. I am a huge fan of his game, reminds me of cam Spencer a lot and it’s not just because of his skin color. Probably won’t be as good of a 3 point shooter, but he looks calm and collected with the ball in his hands and has a well rounded game. Similar to Cam, he seems to know how to use his skill set to compensate for the fact that he’s not the quickest or most athletic guy on the court. That being said, I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two too closely. There will be growing pains (similar to Tristen newtons first year here), and have to remember Mahaney isn’t in his 5th year like cam or Tristen last year.

Venturing over to the saint marys board, it’s almost criminal their feelings towards him. All seemingly because he didn’t show much improvement over his 14ppg freshman season. Apparently was skipping classes and practices, which I don’t put too much weight to, we all know how much anonymous internet posters create these kind of rumors when something isn’t going their way. I hope we never know show so much disdain towards any kids that may transfer out of here regardless of how good or bad they were (and certainly not after putting up two very good seasons for them).

You must be flipping crazy or new if you don’t remember what happened here when Cory Floyd transferred.

To get back on point Aiden will be special.

 

[Citrusdog]

I spotted this summation of him at summer practice:

"I think he's gotten through the culture shock of just what our workouts are like, the intensity, the competitiveness, the tempo, the pace, the no fouls being called, like everything that's going on, "Hurley told a reporter. "So I think he's a guy we just gonna turn him loose and have really attack offensively. We need him to produce the way Tristen and Cam did at those guard spots."

Can't wait til November...

This kid looks terrific. Yes, there will be culture shock, vomiting, garbage cans (Marcus Williams), etc… But, the game seems natural to him. What do I know - I’m just a fan. DH knows what he is doing - obviously. I’m excited AM is here - very excited.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

My UConn Season Preview will drop on The Big East Vault tomorrow, but to help satiate the Mahaney news, here's my blurb on him:

Listed at 6’3 180, Aidan Mahaney is a creative combo guard who should mesh nicely with Dan Hurley’s system after playing for two seasons under Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett. A like-minded defensive coach, Bennett and Hurley share many similarities: a pension for rebounding on both ends of the floor, an emphasis of sharing the ball in carefully paced half-court sets and an emphasis on a defense that, rather than hunting for the turnover, puts a priority on fracturing the flow in the half-court, forcing teams to take bad shots.

With career averages of fourteen points, two three-pointers made (37.5 career 3P%) and two assists per game, Mahaney is already an impressive perimeter scorer, but his career 43.7 2P% leaves much to be desired. His slight frame is one factor, but also more impactful is the role he played at Saint Mary’s, in which he led the team in field goal attempts after the graduation of the previous year’s leading scorer, Logan Johnson, which put more pressure on Mahaney to do more on offense. However, at UConn, Mahaney will consistently be on the floor with multiple offensive weapons, so expect his shot selection to improve with a likely decrease in volume.

 

[businesslawyer]

I hope we never know show so much disdain towards any kids that may transfer out of here regardless of how good or bad they were (and certainly not after putting up two very good seasons for them).

Alex Oriakhi says hello. It's like you don't know us at all any more.

 

[husky429]

'No fouls being called - what's the benefit?

I can see the benefit to the offense, but why let defense get used to play that'll be called in a game?

When you play no fouls with teammates, the assumption is you still play like it's a real game and aren't a tool about it. The idea is you aren't getting the ball back, so learn to finish through contact.

And tbh, this isn't unique to our program. I've watched probably 200 college practices and I don't recall anyoneplayijg with fouls this time of year.

 

[Spaceman213J]

When you play no fouls with teammates, the assumption is you still play like it's a real game and aren't a tool about it. The idea is you aren't getting the ball back, so learn to finish through contact.

And tbh, this isn't unique to our program. I've watched probably 200 college practices and I don't recall anyoneplayijg with fouls this time of year.

No fouls doesn't mean no consequences, either. I've heard of some high school coaches doing this and they know who is doing exactly what out there. If a guy keeps on hacking the guy he's defending, he may find himself replaced and running on the side for a while.

It also helps players not to not develop the bad habit of turning to complain to a ref and not getting back on defense in a real game.
It also teaches responsibility. There may be no fouls being called by coaches or a ref, but players may still call a foul on themself. With players with NBA dreams, Hurley & crew aren't going to let it devolve into animal-ball out there and let a guy get seriously hurt. That could kill a program's recruiting.

 

[TheChamps990411]

I spotted this summation of him at summer practice:

"I think he's gotten through the culture shock of just what our workouts are like, the intensity, the competitiveness, the tempo, the pace, the no fouls being called, like everything that's going on, "Hurley told a reporter. "So I think he's a guy we just gonna turn him loose and have really attack offensively. We need him to produce the way Tristen and Cam did at those guard spots."

Can't wait til November...

Yup. And from some opinions on him ive read the kid can flat out ball and could be an all conference player at least.

 

[Chasm64]

You must be flipping crazy or new if you don’t remember what happened here when Cory Floyd transferred.

To get back on point Aiden will be special.

Floyd never played at UConn

 

[OceanDoggie]

All I know is apparently UConn had never seen a team as physical as Illinois.

When I read this I couldn't help but visualize Karaban being pulled down from his rim hanging dunk, mouthing the words "come-on!!!".

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Aidan's issue isn't that he is not good. His issue is that he has to be better than Solo, Hassan and Nowell. We know what Hassan brings; he is getting his minutes. You all know I have a man crush on Solo (though it looked like Stewey was abusing him in those highlights from practice), but I think Solo will be a savage this year, and Nowell will be the next big PG at UConn. That's tough competition. I hope he can step up.

 

[navery12]

Aidan's issue isn't that he is not good. His issue is that he has to be better than Solo, Hassan and Nowell. We know what Hassan brings; he is getting his minutes. You all know I have a man crush on Solo (though it looked like Stewey was abusing him in those highlights from practice), but I think Solo will be a savage this year, and Nowell will be the next big PG at UConn. That's tough competition. I hope he can step up.

That's 3 guys and there's 80 minutes at the guard spots, Aidan is going to play a ton

 

[Iluvsuebird]

That's 3 guys and there's 80 minutes at the guard spots, Aidan is going to play a ton

Do not dispute that, at all. The premise was who would feature. I am aware they are all going to play a ton. Heck, Ross may play his fair share too, particularly if he is backing up the 3 spot.

 

[SellersElbow]

The idea is you aren't getting the ball back, so learn to finish through contact.

Exactly. Not being timid and finishing through contact are key things to teach all the new players coming into the Big Beast conference.

With the amount of depth our team appears to be blessed with this year, we can afford to condition players to be aggressive.