Mahaney experiment

[NJHusky]

Aiden is bad on defense and probably shouldn’t be running the offense, but he gets to the rim every game really well and then can’t finish. He looks good getting to the rim too, like it’s a strength of his. I think he will start to finish those and his shots will go in as well. He not scoring because his confidence is shot from his poor defense and inability to run the offense. He’s a scorer plain and simple and is just overwhelmed trying to do more than that. He can score at this level, that I’m sure of.

Why r u so sure he can score at this level? And don’t say st Mary’s…that’s not on a NC level

 

[Husky Alien]

The comparison to Tristen Newton's start at UConn is not a good one. Tristen had a 20-point triple-double in his first 11 games here. He averaged 4.4 APG. Shot 35% from deep on volume and was rebounding the hell out of the ball. Tristen had a funky start. He also got to the line during that time--literally--9x as much as Aiden has. The writing on the wall said that Tristen was a starting-caliber player. All-American and national champion? No, but who would predict that seriously? He was a good player making some boneheaded mistakes in a new system.

What Aiden has shown is he could be successful in a Joey-California-esque role. That is a HUGE change in expectations for him and our coaches, no doubt. Right now, in this new role, he's struggling to even do that basics you'd expect from a scholarship basketball player.

I do believe Mahanay can become a valuable player for us, but it's becoming apparent he needs to be in a different role than he was recruited for, and the coaches have already started adjusting accordingly until Nowell got hut. He will play off-ball where he belongs once Nowell is back to spell Hass for 10-15 a game. Let him run off screens, drain 3s, and move in transition. He'll be an efficient complimentary piece when we get him there.

I liked your post. Yes, TN did turn it around during the BE part of the schedule and became a valuable part for his stay here, but the comments that some one is not as good as predicted comming in is embarrassing as a fan, it happed to TN. Especially when they use degrading words. Let's just hope that AM does the same for us as TN, Cam and JC have. We know he is playing out of position and the coaching staff will quite sure make that change. As you said, we will need him come March. Let's give AM support and time, he is a player.

 

[Jaydumo20]

It seems he is a little out of his league in terms of athleticism. I feel like he struggles with the size and quickness of who is guarding him and who he is guarding. I dont think that is a coaching issue or a position issue.

He's a good enough athlete to be a good player. We've had great uconn players who weren't great athletes. A certain one year husky legend comes to mind

 

[kobebeanbryant]

What I don’t understand is in this new portal era why are we trying to project a player into a fundamentally new role that they have no prior experience with.

If we are truly a top flight NIL program, we could have gone out and gotten a bonafide pg that was plug and play.

 

[3rdbass]

I’d argue we should or could play Liam or Stewart some effectively at 2 guard. I’d argue that what they’d give up in foot speed compared to Mahaney or Ball they’d make up for in length to bother shooters on the perimeter and in additional rebounding to take pressure off Samson and Alex. We’ve had outstanding rebounders at the 2 and the 3 the past couple of years, and I feel like that’s a spot where we could add some, even if it’s for 5 minutes a game. I just really think Stewart needs 20 minutes a game for us to get where we want to be.

Mahaney is slower than Stewart snd McNeeley. Thay is his biggest problem. If he isn't shooting well and creating cutting he isn't worth playing.

 

[3rdbass]

He's a good enough athlete to be a good player. We've had great uconn players who weren't great athletes. A certain one year husky legend comes to mind

Yeah but Cam was lot bigger body and more instinctive player. I just don't see anything Mahney does well enough to warrant time.

 

[3rdbass]

What I don’t understand is in this new portal era why are we trying to project a player into a fundamentally new role that they have no prior experience with.

If we are truly a top flight NIL program, we could have gone out and gotten a bonafide pg that was plug and play.

I guess Dan thought he saw a position less offense existing with a good scorer playing point. Problem is he didn't realize his lack of size and speed would be a huge detriment to it. Also he isn't quite the shooter we thought he might be.

 

[TheHorde]

Mahaney is slower than Stewart snd McNeeley. Thay is his biggest problem. If he isn't shooting well and creating cutting he isn't worth playing.

I’d agree. That’s why I’m not sure UConn would lose much if anything as far as on ball defense goes with having Liam or Stewart guard the guys Mahaney and Ball are guarding.

 

[jibsey]

Compare Stewart’s production to Ball’s last night when they both played 19 minutes. I love Ball’s potential, and think he should obviously be playing more than Ross at this point. But Stewart should be playing as many minutes as Ball. Stewart not only scores, but rebounds, gets some assists, blocks a shot or two, can get a steal or two, and plays better defense than I think he’s given credit for.

What do you think is going on here? Stew has merited more PT for awhile.

 

[Gurleyman]

I guess Dan thought he saw a position less offnae existing with a good scorer playjng point. Problem is he didn't realize his lack of size and speed would be a huge detriment to it. Also he isn't quite the shooter we thought he might be.

Thing is we had to have him scouted him heavily before we played them in the NCAAs. A dozen games worth of film at least. We’d have looked for any weaknesses in his game to attack and what strengths of his we needed to take away. Shouldn’t have been a surprise what he brought to the table. And he began the year as a starter so he must have looked ok in practice and then when the lights came on it went south.

There’s time to figure out a role - but Ross and Stewart are stepping up and Nowell might seize some minutes. I feel like a shooter backing up Ball is a role there to be had.

 

[pj]

It's not a confidence thing, it's a strength and size thing. He's like the Purdue guards when playing Newton last year.

He's like some guards that went 34-4 and got their team to the national championship game, but he's not good enough to play for us?

 

[rcarj]

I liked your post. Yes, TN did turn it around during the BE part of the schedule and became a valuable part for his stay here, but the comments that some one is not as good as predicted comming in is embarrassing as a fan, it happed to TN. Especially when they use degrading words. Let's just hope that AM does the same for us as TN, Cam and JC have. We know he is playing out of position and the coaching staff will quite sure make that change. As you said, we will need him come March. Let's give AM support and time, he is a player.

Mahaney will never be the player Newton was and that’s not a knock on Mahaney. It will never happen, Tristen Newton is a wall player who was, arguably, the best pg in the country and won 2 championships as a key cog to the offense. The comparison is borderline offensive.

 

[pj]

Mahaney will never be the player Newton was and that’s not a knock on Mahaney. It will never happen, Tristen Newton is a wall player who was, arguably, the best pg in the country and won 2 championships as a key cog to the offense. The comparison is borderline offensive.

Tristen finished his UConn career as that, but he didn't start his UConn career as that. Give Mahaney some time before you declare what he will be.

 

[NewBlood]

Nowell will take that back up PG position and be dangerous by MARCH, mark my words. He has that DOG in him, also might be the best of the 3 to attack the basket, similar to 09 Kemba

Ross won't be a point, but he can be a tough, long, and unpredictable defender that could stymie opposing guards. Bro, just be that guy this year and OWN being the toughest defender in the country.

Figuring out that back up PG, seeing how to get Ross to be a defensive dynamo, and finding a groove where 2 out of 3 of Liam, AK, and Stewart are effective every night will put this team squarely in the late march conversation.

 

[rcarj]

Tristen finished his UConn career as that, but he didn't start his UConn career as that. Give Mahaney some time before you declare what he will be.

Newton had a triple double early in his first season. I’m not saying he won’t be a fine player, but Newton was on a much different level than Mahaney will ever be. I will make that declaration and be incredibly confident abt it. Idk how this is even a real conversation, honestly. Next you’ll say last year’s team could’ve won a championship without Newton lol.

 

[rcarj]

Tristen finished his UConn career as that, but he didn't start his UConn career as that. Give Mahaney some time before you declare what he will be.

Newton had a triple double early in his first season. I’m not saying he won’t be a fine player, but Newton was on a much different level than Mahaney will ever be. I will make that declaration and be incredibly confident abt it. Idk how this is even a real conversation, honestly. Next you’ll say last year’s team could’ve won a championship without Newton lol

 

[upstater]

What I don’t understand is in this new portal era why are we trying to project a player into a fundamentally new role that they have no prior experience with.

If we are truly a top flight NIL program, we could have gone out and gotten a bonafide pg that was plug and play.

I think many would struggle with UConn's offense. It's different than what almost everyone else runs. Newton took a long while to get it. And he as playing PG previously

 

[prankster]

Nowell is clearly a strong back up to Hass . He's an alpha. Ross and Mahaney can earn PT in practice. The 3 forward lineup(Liam/AK/JS) when or if Ball is out of the game is appearing to be a viable one that gives us offensive and defensive advantages.

Now, last night was not Karaban's best outing. But he seemed to have some trouble with his handle ( to say nothing of his 3 pt shooting).

McNeeley, otoh showed great composure and ability in taking it to the hole.

Make of that what you will.

I, and many of the rest around here, have only what we see in the games. Which is very much the "tyrant of very small numbers (so small of a sample size it fails to yield meaningful data).

I have faith in the coaching staff. They see these kids every day, and I believe they know what they are doing.

 

[dogpause]

Let's be patient. Dan Hurley saw something in him, ad saw what he did at St. Mary's. It's a long season, at some point he will show his value.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I’m curious to see what happens with Nowell back. Simplify his reads, run him off screens and let him catch and shoot. Treat him more like Joey C than Cam and see if he can find his confidence and shot again.

 

[uchusky32]

I think everyone agrees that the Mahaney PG experiment needs to end, but I think it's unfair to say that he is a bust or a recruiting mistake by the staff. If anything I think it's been a coaching mistake trying to make him into a point guard when that's obviously not his skill set. I understand why they have tried it, and maybe they saw something in practice that they thought justified it, but the result has been destroying the kid's confidence. That's on the coaching staff, not him, and I hope they are able to adjust and find him the role that he can thrive in. They need to find his place within the offense, not as the facilitator of it.

It is a recruiting miss if you did not plan for your freshman PG to be the #2. Doesn’t mean Dan is bad. But how can you not call it mistake if that was the plan? Not saying it’s over. But he doesn’t look fluid with the ball in his hands.

 

[Stinger92860]

People give up on players too easily.

Same thing happened with Tristen Newton.

Also Joey Calcaterra.

Heck, people wanted to permanently bench Andre Jackson Jr. during January of his junior year.

I don't know if the PG experiment is over, it would not surprise me if he played PG better as the weeks go on, but I do think at the very least he could be the sharpshooter they need at off guard.

Too early to give up though

True, but I think he will continue to be on a short leash from Hurley.

 

[Stinger92860]

Now, last night was not Karaban's best outing. But he seemed to have some trouble with his handle ( to say nothing of his 3 pt shooting).

He had a poor shooting game, but he did not let it impact the rest of his capabilities, that‘s why he was in the lane to take the pass, I think it was from Hass, and hit a big bucket.

 

[prankster]

He had a poor shooting game, but he did not let it impact the rest of his capabilities, that‘s why he was in the lane to take the pass, I think it was from Hass, and hit a big bucket.

Yeah, you are correct about that.

I was thinking more about that drive where he had his pocket picked. I believe Liam has a handle where he can dribble drive effectively. I did not see that capability in Alex last night.

This is the tyranny of small numbers, once again.

 

[3rdbass]

I think many would struggle with UConn's offense. It's different than what almost everyone else runs. Newton took a long while to get it. And he as playing PG previously

At least Newton showed some decent play at times and his size and strength helped. Tristen always played decent D too.

 

[Fan1978]

Compare Stewart’s production to Ball’s last night when they both played 19 minutes. I love Ball’s potential, and think he should obviously be playing more than Ross at this point. But Stewart should be playing as many minutes as Ball. Stewart not only scores, but rebounds, gets some assists, blocks a shot or two, can get a steal or two, and plays better defense than I think he’s given credit for.

You are spot on, ball does nothing but shoot 3’s. He needs to expand his game or play far less. Gonzaga game planned accordingly and he was ineffective.

 

[TheChamps990411]

It seems he is a little out of his league in terms of athleticism. I feel like he struggles with the size and quickness of who is guarding him and who he is guarding. I dont think that is a coaching issue or a position issue.

I think if he accepts more of a Joey California role off the bench he could really flourish. He is not going to start here and hes not going to see alot of minutes at pg when Nowell gets healthy and gets more experience. Sucks for the kid but he seems like hes too much in his head as you can see with that backcourt violation last night. That was a terrible mental lapse. Feel bad for the kid i hope he turns it around because i believe he has a lot to offer this team.

 

[TheHorde]

You are spot on, ball does nothing but shoot 3’s. He needs to expand his game or play far less. Gonzaga game planned accordingly and he was ineffective.

He put it on the floor and drove a couple of times I believe a couple of games ago. I love it when he and Alex mix that in, and would like both to also keep their eyes up and make plays for others when driving too, and not necessarily look to score every time they drive inside.

 

[Storrs South]

I actually felt he played a perfectly fine game until what I’ll dub “The Debacle” of the 10 seconds back court, the poorly contested shot that wasn’t within flow of offense, then going under the screen for an uncontested 3 that happened in about 90 seconds.

Prior to that he broke down a defender for an easy reverse layup, made a great pass cross court to Karaban that should have been a made 3 it was so wide open, and did an OK job on Nembhard excluding the one play he got lost in traffic

Yesterday it seemed he lost focus, got the 10 second backcourt, then tried to make up for it and in doing so made things worse.

There’s a good player in there, the staff just needs to lift the kids confidence up and put him in spots to succeed. It is 11 games in but there’s still plenty of time left to figure it out.

 

[RuffRuff]

Let's be patient. Dan Hurley saw something in him, ad saw what he did at St. Mary's. It's a long season, at some point he will show his value.

Dan Hurley saw something in Nick don’t call me Justin Timberlake. My guess is the staff over indexed on “processing” and culture fit riding the B2B confidence, not enough on physicality and skills. It happens. Not worth giving up on the kid as there is probably a place for him, but doubtful it’s as a core piece. Saw him at open practice in August and questioned the fit, and it’s played out.

He’ll get ten BE games through January against the soft underbelly of the league to figure it out. If it doesn’t happen, he’ll remain a bench breather guy. I don’t think it changes much as it comes to the potential of this team.

Can we please stop with the righteous TNewt comparison? There is no cred in comparing a big PG with a small 2G of entirely differing physical traits. AM has to show advanced mental aspects to make any sense, that of which has just not happened.