KO blast team.

[FfldCntyFan]

I agree greatly on the foul issue and have seen too many games this year (including today) where it seems our opponent gets very favorable treatment.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I didn't watch the game, so I have a few questions.

Did KO use any TO's during the 8-0 run at the end of the first half?

When Houston started the second half on a run, did KO use a TO?

All season long we've seen UConn be susceptible to scoring droughts and letting teams go on runs. During almost all of these runs, the staff failed to notice it and failed to use any TO's to stem the tide.

Not comparing KO directly to JC, but I've seen many successful coaches call a TO after one possession of the second half and lay in to a team for not doing what was preached at halftime.

We've all seen coaches pull a player after 1-2 plays in a game because they didn't have the intensity necessary. How about bringing a player off the bench only to yank him after one play?

Several posters, myself included, feel KO still coaches at an NBA level more than a college level. In the pros a coach has to let players figure stuff out on the court when things go haywire. College requires the coach to be fully engaged with the players and the refs for 40 minutes every game.

 

[InKembaITrust]

More like he threw the team under the bus. "You can go to the Temple game. I can't dribble, I can't pass. My assistants can't do that." This is a very bad sign. He needs to take accountability as well for "preparing" his players. This feels like it's spiraling now.....

Whether KO is preparing them the right way or not, he should be the bigger man and take the full heat. After the fact, take ACTION instead of using your words to berate your players to the media. Words are wind, bench players quicker when they aren't performing.

Personally I'm sick of all the Hamilton defenders, I say bring him off the bench at this point. I would love to see Jalen, Purvis, Calhoun, Shonn, Amidah. That in my opinion is our best defensive starting lineup mixed with some good experience. Gibbs & Hamilton can come off the bench for all I care. If our rebounding starts to look like its suffering then stick in Hamilton.

 

[CL82]

"You can't play like that," Ollie said. "You shouldn't put on the UConn jersey if you're going to play like that. … There's pressure all the time, but when you have pressure like this, this is a great privilege, to play in front of a crowd like this and have a chance to cement yourself in the NCAA Tournament. … and you just let it slip through your fingers. That's very, very hard to swallow as a coaching staff, you try to prepare your team to play the right way, and we didn't play the right way at all. It's unacceptable."

Wow.

 

[mauconnfan]

Some things ok, some not so. Not sure where I am with this. Between a bus and a hard place I believe. Have to think this over knowing they do deserve most of the blame but not so sure about all?

 

[Rocktheworld]

I see both ways. Today, looked like UConn had issues with Houston's team speed, which should have been no surprise. That shows poor prep-work, which is on KO and staff. But, UConn has played solid transition defense during the season and did not today. That's on the team.

Houston is not that much faster a team, if at all (Purivs and Adams are very quick, and who won the Husky Run the last two years? DHam and Brimah). Players choosing to jog back and get blown by is not on the coaches. I highly doubt that the team is poorly conditioned.

 

[HuskyGa.]

Coach K.O. Is following a legend of the sport and the architech of this program in Coach Calhoun... The hardest thing any rookie coach could sign up for.. And all ready kept this program afloat with winning a championship and now a great recruiting class coming in..... And despite the ncaa garbage sactions and shady conference realignment we still in it.. Stop bashing Ollie ..... This year squad is leaderless on the court.

 

[deedougie]

Anyone ever question where we'd be if Brimah doesn't get that and 1 against St Joe's? Our record without Napier is sheer mediocrity.

Just makes you wonder. That's all.

I think this really comes down to the fact that we all know if UConn doesn't go to the tournament every year and doesn't stay as an elite team and doesn't find its way back into a P5 conference we could be doomed to years and years of mediocrity.

I know that was why I was so excited and had to go to the Final Four two seasons ago. Cause, really, it could be a LONG LONG time till we get back there.

 

[Towney007]

Eh - it's really a failure of expectations.

This is a transfer-laden team. The corner stone pieces aren't ready to be leaders and take the bull by the horns yet. The other important pieces are coming from programs with different styles, etc. You've got some guys who've been here, but really haven't been crucial to the team's success. That's an awfully complicated puzzle to put together.

There's no set PG. There's no GENUINE presence down low. We're a complex, flawed team that if things had come together - we could be dangerous. Heck - we've slapped great teams around for stretches. We've also been a train wreck. I said it last week and I stick by it. I feel like if we're in the tournament we could beat anyone. I also feel like we could careen right out of tournament contention. Neither would surprise me in the least. It's just what we are.

Next year I feel better, I'd like to see this team be a solid-good team, stay in the top 25 most of the year and make the tournament and flirt with the Sweet 16. The year after that though... look out.

 

[UConniki]

But if JC said this - that's ok

Yeah it would be.

 

[UConniki]

If you've ever been to a UConn game with JC as HC, then you know he tore into his players routinely. Viciously. It was who he was. And you know what? His style combined with his coaching ACUMEN got the most out of his players (nearly all of the time).

Kevin Ollie has a lot of work to do to even arrive to a decent level of head coach.

HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH. Some one else said what I was thinking so I didn't have to take the storm of ridicule that always follows an honest truthful accurate observation about KO's coaching or lack thereof. Does Uconn really have all the time in the world to get this stuff fixed. There is more at stake than a couple of lousy seasons IMHO.

 

[Ukonnfan]

Here's a tip - if your idea of rallying to Ollie's defense each and every time is referencing Jim Calhoun, you should stop.

Calhoun had already built a successful program before he even set foot at UConn - it's a really bad comparison.

Find another touchstone.

THANKS FOR SAYING IT. Respectfully, Jim Calhoun is not coaching anymore, nor will he ever. Get over it and move on.

 

[60'sfan]

Eh - it's really a failure of expectations.

This is a transfer-laden team. The corner stone pieces aren't ready to be leaders and take the bull by the horns yet. The other important pieces are coming from programs with different styles, etc. You've got some guys who've been here, but really haven't been crucial to the team's success. That's an awfully complicated puzzle to put together.

There's no set PG. There's no GENUINE presence down low. We're a complex, flawed team that if things had come together - we could be dangerous. Heck - we've slapped great teams around for stretches. We've also been a train wreck. I said it last week and I stick by it. I feel like if we're in the tournament we could beat anyone. I also feel like we could careen right out of tournament contention. Neither would surprise me in the least. It's just what we are.

Next year I feel better, I'd like to see this team be a solid-good team, stay in the top 25 most of the year and make the tournament and flirt with the Sweet 16. The year after that though... look out.

Totally agree. I haven't been able to understand all season why the expectations were so high. This is a very inexperienced and not particularly talented team. The seniors are Phil Nolan and Omar Calhoun, nuff said. The transfers did not come from Kentucky or Duke, they came from Seton Hall and Cornell. Although Brimah is a junior he has not played very much and it shows. Purvis is in his second year with Uconn. Hamilton is very talented but he is still only a sophomore. Remember the transition of Kemba from sophomore to his junior year. The rest are still very young basketball wise.

Personally, I am delighted that Ollie is our coach (and Calhoun probably is too). He doesn't scream and cuss like Calhoun did but he did lead the team to a national championship just two years ago. I am sure that recruiting was effected by Calhoun retiring but now we seem to be back on track. Let try to be a little patient.

 

[3rdbass]

Totally agree. I haven't been able to understand all season why the expectations were so high. This is a very inexperienced and not particularly talented team. The seniors are Phil Nolan and Omar Calhoun, nuff said. The transfers did not come from Kentucky or Duke, they came from Seton Hall and Cornell. Although Brimah is a junior he has not played very much and it shows. Purvis is in his second year with Uconn. Hamilton is very talented but he is still only a sophomore. Remember the transition of Kemba from sophomore to his junior year. The rest are still very young basketball wise.

Personally, I am delighted that Ollie is our coach (and Calhoun probably is too). He doesn't scream and cuss like Calhoun did but he did lead the team to a national championship just two years ago. I am sure that recruiting was effected by Calhoun retiring but now we seem to be back on track. Let try to be a little patient.

It just so happens that are most talented player is from Cornell. Don't let the name of the school fool you in the talent level of the player. I mean would we better with a problem child from Duke or a little used North Carolina player. I don't think so. The problem is we didn't have a point guard with this team until JA started developing as one. KO overestimated the impact that SG would have running the point for our team this year and it has caused him lots of headaches this year. That is why DHAM is asked to handle the ball so much on offense at times.

 

[uchusky32]

Expectations were way to high. Those who played last year didn't prove the could win big games. Some would play hard when the game or season was out of reach. I guess no pressure.

Our transfers were brought in to play big minutes. Not optimal.

All the Adams is all world AAU lovers, overhyped what happens when you play D1 ball. He will be good. But big step up in size, talent, coaching and maturity.

This team is leaderless and the signs where there last year when they wouldn't follow Boat.

 

[uconngb]

Certainly feels like you're spiraling. You already started a whole different thread expressing these same thoughts.

That was before the article came out, nimrod. All the article did was confirm my point....he has lost the team, and now he's blaming them without taking ANY accountability. That's not what a good coach does.

 

[7774]

That was before the article came out, nimrod. All the article did was confirm my point....he has lost the team, and now he's blaming them without taking ANY accountability. That's not what a good coach does.

lol

 

[mcs333]

KO hasn't lost the team. That is plain BS. Effort was the problem Sunday he was pissed. Good for him. They could have been perfectly coached with a great game plan, not saying this was the case, but you can't coach effort! Sunday was on the players.

 

[uconngb]

KO hasn't lost the team. That is plain BS. Effort was the problem Sunday he was pissed. Good for him. They could have been perfectly coached with a great game plan, not saying this was the case, but you can't coach effort! Sunday was on the players.

If you haven't in-bred into your players that in game 29 they better come out w energy, then you have failed as a coach. That is just simply unacceptable. Players shouldn't get a free pass and I'm not advocating for that. But the coach is responsible for EVERYTHING....that is why players never get fired, only coaches.

 

[jibsey]

Watch the last 6 minutes of yesterday's game. Some players were gassed, and could not get back on defense. They were not fresh down the stretch. We only trust 6 players with most of the minutes, so we have little depth and it shows up in the end of games. Everyone else is calling it lack of effort, not trying, but I disagree. These kids want to win badly.

 

[SouthBayHusky]

Watch the last 6 minutes of yesterday's game. Some players were gassed, and could not get back on defense. They were not fresh down the stretch. We only trust 6 players with most of the minutes, so we have little depth and it shows up in the end of games. Everyone else is calling it lack of effort, not trying, but I disagree. These kids want to win badly.

Houston not deeper nor gassed.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Watch the last 6 minutes of yesterday's game. Some players were gassed, and could not get back on defense. They were not fresh down the stretch. We only trust 6 players with most of the minutes, so we have little depth and it shows up in the end of games. Everyone else is calling it lack of effort, not trying, but I disagree. These kids want to win badly.

What scares me is UConn often appears to be the lesser conditioned team when playing top level competition. It's not just physical size, it's quickness, speed and overall body language during the course of tough games.

I fear typing this next paragraph because some have a difficult time crossing sports comparisons. This team's conditioning is starting to resemble the football team during the coach who won't be mentioned regime. UConn teams in the past wear were known for breaking opponents will to compete.
No longer. UConn is too often the first one to flinch.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I've been critical of Ollie's coaching this season but he's absolutely right here. The team didn't even try today and that's on them. He's pissed like we're all pissed, you always expect effort especially in a home game to stamp your ticket.

That's fine. I was pissed too. But could he perhaps do a bit more? Pull a Bobby Knight and throw a chair or something. He seems to just sit there and watch it happen.

I know people love to hate Roy Williams on the BY, but I once watched him bench the starting 5 for Kansas for something close to a full ten minutes. The subs played with energy and were losing. When the starters returned they played full out and destroyed the other team. I've been thinking all year that this team needs something like that.

 

[uconngb]

That's fine. I was pissed too. But could he perhaps do a bit more? Pull a Bobby Knight and throw a chair or something. He seems to just sit there and watch it happen.

I know people love to hate Roy Williams on the BY, but I once watched him bench the starting 5 for Kansas for something close to a full ten minutes. The subs played with energy and were losing. When the starters returned they played full out and destroyed the other team. I've been thinking all year that this team needs something like that.

Amen. Sick of watching him stuck to the bench with that quizzical look on his face. The team takes its lead from the coach.

 

[tykurez]

That's fine. I was pissed too. But could he perhaps do a bit more? Pull a Bobby Knight and throw a chair or something. He seems to just sit there and watch it happen.

I know people love to hate Roy Williams on the BY, but I once watched him bench the starting 5 for Kansas for something close to a full ten minutes. The subs played with energy and were losing. When the starters returned they played full out and destroyed the other team. I've been thinking all year that this team needs something like that.

This is a cute thought, but can you imagine the vitriol if he threw a chair? Hell, we still can't get over the paper toss.

 

[krinklecut]

I love that KO cant do anything right around here. If he doesn't chew out his players he's too soft and a bad head coach. If he calls them out (as he should) he gets called out for not manning up and taking blame. I really get so confused as to what will make some of you happy.

 

[intlzncster]

Anyone ever question where we'd be if Brimah doesn't get that and 1 against St Joe's? Our record without Napier is sheer mediocrity.

Just makes you wonder. That's all.

Remove Kemba, Emeka, and Rip and see how many Championships/Wins JC would have gotten those seasons.

Never understood that argument at all. So and so only won because he had X great player. No sh t. Great players get wins.

 

[intlzncster]

Whether KO is preparing them the right way or not, he should be the bigger man and take the full heat. After the fact, take ACTION instead of using your words to berate your players to the media. Words are wind, bench players quicker when they aren't performing.

He's challenging the players. Good players respond positively to challenges.

We ripped Calipari for trying to let his players off the hook with "they're just freshman". KO's not letting his guys off the hook.

 

[intlzncster]

"You can't play like that," Ollie said. "You shouldn't put on the UConn jersey if you're going to play like that. … There's pressure all the time, but when you have pressure like this, this is a great privilege, to play in front of a crowd like this and have a chance to cement yourself in the NCAA Tournament. … and you just let it slip through your fingers. That's very, very hard to swallow as a coaching staff, you try to prepare your team to play the right way, and we didn't play the right way at all. It's unacceptable."

Wow.

Personally, I love that.

 

[intlzncster]

HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH. Some one else said what I was thinking so I didn't have to take the storm of ridicule that always follows an honest truthful accurate observation about KO's coaching or lack thereof. Does Uconn really have all the time in the world to get this stuff fixed. There is more at stake than a couple of lousy seasons IMHO.

A young Jim Calhoun ain't walking through that door. A reasonable facsimile doesn't exist country-wide right now.