Marquette Post Game Thread

[Stinger92860]

Keep in mind that both of those players will likely be much better than they were this year.

Why?

 

[navery12]

the players and their parents want it both ways. to be paid like pros but without the higher degree of accountability and scrutiny.

 

[uh-no]

Love this pic
View attachment 106739

seeing the coaches celebrate when the clock hit 0 was the highlight of the game for me. haven't seen hurley that fired up with a win since the first natty.

You couldn't explicitly see it on television, but you can tell hurley turned to the uconn section and was screaming his head off.

And the karaban hug. and ross' celebration after the one samson dunk.

 

[Sea Goat]

Monster game by Ball. So many clutch 3s.

Ross played some good defense on Jones.

And BB returned the favor as they helped assuage our Hockey misery at the XL!

 

[bendm]

I think a “having their cake and eating it too” GIF is more appropriate. I’m not speculating on transfers out. If there’s a new boneyard rule about not commenting on NIL allocation needs I’ll happily abide by it but I’m certainly not the only one thinking it.

 

[dennismenace]

And BB returned the favor as they helped assuage our Hockey misery at the XL!

Everything is back to normal in the Galaxy.

 

[RuffRuff]

Everything is back to normal in the Galaxy.

He says assuage, I say sausage

 

[Inyatkin]

I think a “having their cake and eating it too” GIF is more appropriate. I’m not speculating on transfers out. If there’s a new boneyard rule about not commenting on NIL allocation needs I’ll happily abide by it but I’m certainly not the only one thinking it.

How is saying someone's NIL allocation should be taken away not the same as a transfer speculation?

People can do what they want, but there used to be some rules on these things, and some clarification is in order

 

[navery12]

I think a “having their cake and eating it too” GIF is more appropriate. I’m not speculating on transfers out. If there’s a new boneyard rule about not commenting on NIL allocation needs I’ll happily abide by it but I’m certainly not the only one thinking it.

You responded directly to a post calling for him to transfer out and suggested we pull his NIL money. You can play dumb and walk it back if you want, but if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

 

[DogMania]

No point portaling just to portal, but if there is a piece out there that is compelling, you have to entertain it. The kid Dent out of UNM is really, really good too.

I haven't followed what potential portal PGs might be out there, but the fact that the staff didn't pull the trigger on a HS PG and they've had some struggles at that position this season, it would seem to point to them planning to find one in the portal who has size, skill and fit. They did that with bringing in Newton. I would not be surprised if they also find a strong, long, versatile and defensive proven player who can defend 1 through 3 if they have a spot and enough NIL. I doubt the NIL money will be an issue, and open spots will work themseves out.

As far as current player situations are concerned, we do have a strict rule here we don't suggest or recommend running any of them out of the program. Suggesting taking away a player's NIL to give to a future player next season clearly implies running that player out of Dodge. They're our guys, so let's root they continue to improve and contribute. Is that too much to ask?

 

[auror]

Why?

Because basically every UConn player under Hurley gets significantly better each season.

 

[Hoophound]

We need a quality PG. Whether that’s Nowell or someone else, we’ll see. Mahaney is a combo guard and he’s certainly been a big help in some games. I think he will be better next year. The speed and strength in the Big East has bothered him this season, He’ll bulk up a bit and continue practicing with high level players and he should be noticeably better next season. He has the skills. He’s a nice piece to have on our roster. Keep in mind, a top point guard and a wing or two that can take it to the rack would really make life easier for Mahaney out there. Our inability to create off the dribble makes life tougher for perimeter players.

 

[Waquoit]

No one has mentioned how playing in the XL prepares the team for playing in the arenas like Fiserv. And for the Big Dance as well. Twelve in a row is proof of that. No tournament games on campus.

 

[Storrs South]

No one has mentioned how playing in the XL prepares the team for playing in the arenas like Fiserv. And for the Big Dance as well. Twelve in a row is proof of that. No tournament games on campus.

I've had this theory before. Haven't been able to fully workshop it, but I think there is something to be said for having to constantly prep for a game that requires travel even if only an hour and in a bigger gym with completely different sight lines. Sure all teams play away games but UConn is one of the few schools constantly moving from one arena to the next so you can never get too comfortable with how a shot feels in one place.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Solomon Ball is a better shooter than Jordan Hawkins. Is that helpful???

This isn't close. The argument passes both the objective standard, and the eye ball test. I would rather have Solo take a big shot than Hawk, who could go cold for long stretches. Without Solo, I don't know how many of the last eight games we actually win.

 

[Drame]

I doubt we'll portal for a PG. Nowell and Ball can take the lead. Ross and Mahaney can fill in. It would take too long for a portal PG to get up to speed. Its not worth it. He would have to be an exceptional talent and I dont see it happening.

 

[thekollieman]

This isn't close. The argument passes both the objective standard, and the eye ball test. I would rather have Solo take a big shot than Hawk, who could go cold for long stretches. Without Solo, I don't know how many of the last eight games we actually win.

I am not disputing the objective facts that support the case for Solo being the better shooter, but I think it’s worth noting that Hawkins was regarded as the most dangerous 3-point weapon in the country for, as I recall it (could be wrong), the majority of that championship season. Despite his numbers, I’m not under the impression that our opponents have felt as threatened by Solo so far this year. It will be very interesting to see how defenses prepare for him after his performance at Marquette.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

1. Stevie Mitchell was terrorizing both Diarra and Mahaney down the stretch, and is my pick for BE DPOY

2. I REALLY wish our guys were allowed to play defense like Stevie Mitchell lmao

stop it. He is a great defender because he makes plays, and because nobody gets passed him. That's talent.

 

[Waquoit]

I've had this theory before. Haven't been able to fully workshop it, but I think there is something to be said for having to constantly prep for a game that requires travel even if only an hour and in a bigger gym with completely different sight lines. Sure all teams play away games but UConn is one of the few schools constantly moving from one arena to the next so you can never get too comfortable with how a shot feels in one place.

12-13 in FF games. Facts are facts.

 

[superjohn]

I am not disputing the objective facts that support the case for Solo being the better shooter, but I think it’s worth noting that Hawkins was regarded as the most dangerous 3-point weapon in the country for, as I recall it (could be wrong), the majority of that championship season. Despite his numbers, I’m not under the impression that our opponents have felt as threatened by Solo so far this year. It will be very interesting to see how defenses prepare for him after his performance at Marquette.

Thay have been keying on him because he's basically our only really good scoring option with Liam out. Things should be easier for Solo when Liam is back and Hass is healed up.

 

[bendm]

You responded directly to a post calling for him to transfer out and suggested we pull his NIL money. You can play dumb and walk it back if you want, but if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

Do we have to pussyfoot around this stuff? I hope he comes back as our 3rd string PG but he was brought in to be our starting PG so It’s safe to assume he’s being compensated like one. Dozens of posters have said we need to bring in a new starting transfer PG. I just connected the very obvious dots in terms of what that would mean in terms of current/future NIL allocation.

 

[navery12]

Do we have to pussyfoot around this stuff? I hope he comes back as our 3rd string PG but he was brought in to be our starting PG so It’s safe to assume he’s being compensated like one. Dozens of posters have said we need to bring in a new starting transfer PG. I just connected the very obvious dots in terms of what that would mean in terms of current/future NIL allocation.

Don't have to, I just think it's a pretty dumb take. We do need to bring in a transfer PG, I just still see a very valuable role for Mahaney playing off ball next year and don't want to see him forced out

 

[RuffRuff]

Will be interesting to see if this chap portals - Junior



Speaking of PGs and since we have the reigning winner

 

[PAHusky]

I doubt we'll portal for a PG. Nowell and Ball can take the lead. Ross and Mahaney can fill in. It would take too long for a portal PG to get up to speed. Its not worth it. He would have to be an exceptional talent and I dont see it happening.

At this point Nowell has barely played at all and Mahaney has barely played the point (which clearly isn’t his natural position). Why would it take anyone that much longer to get up to speed/why would they have to be exceptionally talented?

 

[RuffRuff]

Nowell

At this point Nowell has barely played at all and Mahaney has barely played the point (which clearly isn’t his natural position). Why would it take anyone that much longer to get up to speed/why would they have to be exceptionally talented?

Nowell is a freshman and a 30ish ranked recruit. I can give him a full pass this year and hope for a leap.

Mahaney on the other hand was an experiment that didn’t work and now fills very little need on next years roster with the influx of big guards coming in, unless he’s open to a backup role as a Swiss Army knife type guard off the bench as a senior. I don’t think that’s why he came here, my guess at his size is that he came to develop into a PG under the tutelage of a HC and former PG. With hopes of being our starting 2026 PG. Just a hunch.

 

[bendm]

Don't have to, I just think it's a pretty dumb take. We do need to bring in a transfer PG, I just still see a very valuable role for Mahaney playing off ball next year and don't want to see him forced out

Seems like we agree for the most part then, so not sure what part is dumb. I posted the below so Can you quote where I said he should be forced out?

What’s the nice way to say it? I didn’t say Hurley should force him out or pull his scholly. These aint student athletes anymore they’re making 6 figures.

We can disagree about whether 3rd string is very valuable or not but isn’t this the current projected backcourt depthchart?

Transfer / Nowell / Mahaney
Ball / Adams / Mahaney
Mullins / Ross / Furphy

 

[navery12]

Seems like we agree for the most part then, so not sure what part is dumb. I posted the below so Can you quote where I said he should be forced out?
We can disagree about whether 3rd string is very valuable or not but isn’t this the current projected backcourt depthchart?

Transfer / Nowell / Mahaney
Ball / Adams / Mahaney
Mullins / Ross / Furphy

You were responding to a guy talking about forcing Mahaney into the portal and said we should cut his NIL. Maybe you didn't mean it, but that comes across as you wanting to force him out

 

[PAHusky]

Nowell

Nowell is a freshman and a 30ish ranked recruit. I can give him a full pass this year and hope for a leap.

Mahaney on the other hand was an experiment that didn’t work and now fills very little need on next years roster with the influx of big guards coming in, unless he’s open to a backup role as a Swiss Army knife type guard off the bench as a senior. I don’t think that’s why he came here, my guess at his size is that he came to develop into a PG under the tutelage of a HC and former PG. With hopes of being our starting 2026 PG. Just a hunch.

I like Nowell but unless he starts getting serious minutes this year soon it’s basically a write off for him and he’s coming into next year with less minutes played than Ross, Stewart, etc this year and we saw how little their freshmen years did to season them. Think portal pg is the obvious way to go - let there be competition

 

[thekollieman]

Nowell

Nowell is a freshman and a 30ish ranked recruit. I can give him a full pass this year and hope for a leap.

Mahaney on the other hand was an experiment that didn’t work and now fills very little need on next years roster with the influx of big guards coming in, unless he’s open to a backup role as a Swiss Army knife type guard off the bench as a senior. I don’t think that’s why he came here, my guess at his size is that he came to develop into a PG under the tutelage of a HC and former PG. With hopes of being our starting 2026 PG. Just a hunch.

I see no reason why to assume the experiment is failed when we’re about 1/4 of the way through the timetable for it. You may turn out to be right, but jumping to way-too-early conclusions with a profoundly negative outlook on our players’ potentials is simply not the way I choose to orient myself as a UConn fan.

I know it’s all a part of the discussion between similarly passionate fans, but I’m honestly just not in tune with pessimism. I know, you may see this take as realism, but what we’re doing here is predicting the future outcome of a guy on our roster. You predict a fundamentally negative outcome (i.e., the pessimistic point of view), I predict a positive one. Neither of us actually has a clue what is going to happen. Even by watching every game and press conference we are still only observing the tip of the iceberg that is Aidan Mahaney’s development process.

You’re entitled to your opinion and I’m not even trying to change your mind, but I feel like it’s good to inject some optimism at times when one of our guys is getting crapped on so much here.

 

[RuffRuff]

I see no reason why to assume the experiment is failed when we’re about 1/4 of the way through the timetable for it. You may turn out to be right, but jumping to way-too-early conclusions with a profoundly negative outlook on our players’ potentials is simply not the way I choose to orient myself as a UConn fan.

I know it’s all a part of the discussion between similarly passionate fans, but I’m honestly just not in tune with pessimism. I know, you may see this take as realism, but what we’re doing here is predicting the future outcome of a guy on our roster. You predict a fundamentally negative outcome (i.e., the pessimistic point of view), I predict a positive one. Neither of us actually has a clue what is going to happen. Even by watching every game and press conference we are still only observing the tip of the iceberg that is Aidan Mahaney’s development process.

You’re entitled to your opinion and I’m not even trying to change your mind, but I feel like it’s good to inject some optimism at times when one of our guys is getting crapped on so much here.

I’m going off of more than just our 22 games. He has a fairly decent sample size beyond UConn, along with the eyeball test, along with his measurables. Uphill battle to develop him into something more than a spare part in his senior year, but if the staff is into it, of course I’m all for it. It doesn’t mean you just have to be “optimistic” for the hell of it. I’m in the camp of it’s ok to be skeptical. More than anything he is a chronically slow decision maker, a trait that I just don’t see translating to PG.