Need to shake things up

[Rico444]

Jackson, Hawkins, Karaban,Sanogo, Clingan

For offense, starting lineup, and any lineup with Sanogo at the 5, is the easiest to scout for multiple reasons.

Our starting lineup, and any lineup with Sanogo at the 5, is the worst on the defensive end.

Sanogo is not great at defending the lane, and since our guards can’t keep their guy in front of them, we need Clingan to patrol the paint and clean everyone’s mess up. Similarly like Thabeet did in ‘09, granted that was a defensive style. Sanogo is already guarding 4’s/5’s out at the 3 point line anyway. Clingan can cover the void left by sanogo out on the three point line.

It also allows us to run different offense sets and still have three point threats

My concern is three fold.

1) Teams are just going to pack it in on us defensively, even more than they already are. Sanogo is not going to have any success with 4 or 5 guys defending in the space where he usually tries to create. He won't have space, and you're taking a shooter off the floor for him to kick it out to. Whenever he gets the ball, the defenders that are checking Sanogo, Clingan, and Jackson will all turn their attention to Sanogo, and neither of Clingan or Jackson will be able to make them pay from 3 on a regular basis.

2) Sanogo can't defend most 4s in this league. There was one play I saw where Sanogo had Hopkins as his assignment, Hopkins drove right around him and got an uncontested easy bucket.

3) That lineup has very little ball handling. We just turned the ball over 20 times and now we're taking a ball handler off the court? I don't see it ending well.

 

[superjohn]

My concern is three fold.

1) Teams are just going to pack it in on us defensively, even more than they already are. Sanogo is not going to have any success with 4 or 5 guys defending in the space where he usually tries to create. He won't have space, and you're taking a shooter off the floor for him to kick it out to. Whenever he gets the ball, the defenders that are checking Sanogo, Clingan, and Jackson will all turn their attention to Sanogo, and neither of Clingan or Jackson will be able to make them pay from 3 on a regular basis.

2) Sanogo can't defend most 4s in this league. There was one play I saw where Sanogo had Hopkins as his assignment, Hopkins drove right around him and got an uncontested easy bucket.

3) That lineup has very little ball handling. We just turned the ball over 20 times and now we're taking a ball handler off the court? I don't see it ending well.

1) Sanogo isn't kicking it out to any shooters in a timely fashion or on target when we have "shooters" on the court so I don't see how that matters.

2) Sanogo isn't defending anyone as it is.

3) Newton is just walking the ball up the court and not attacking at all in the halfcourt and Diarra plays out of control. It's unconscionable that Hurley is in year 5 and we don't have a point guard but Jackson sadly looks like our best bet, I don't think surrounding him with our 4 other best players is a bad idea. Sticking with what we're doing certainly doesn't look like it will work.

 

[UConnSwag11]

My concern is three fold.

1) Teams are just going to pack it in on us defensively, even more than they already are. Sanogo is not going to have any success with 4 or 5 guys defending in the space where he usually tries to create. He won't have space, and you're taking a shooter off the floor for him to kick it out to. Whenever he gets the ball, the defenders that are checking Sanogo, Clingan, and Jackson will all turn their attention to Sanogo, and neither of Clingan or Jackson will be able to make them pay from 3 on a regular basis.

2) Sanogo can't defend most 4s in this league. There was one play I saw where Sanogo had Hopkins as his assignment, Hopkins drove right around him and got an uncontested easy bucket.

3) That lineup has very little ball handling. We just turned the ball over 20 times and now we're taking a ball handler off the court? I don't see it ending well.

There’s a reason a lineup change is needed. It’s because what we’re putting out there is horrendous. We’ve tried every lineup for extended periods of time except this one.

Think of a lineup where Clingan plays at the 5 and plays ~30 minutes a game, and we keep Karaban and Hawkins on the floor. Do you want Newton or Joey at point and have Jackson off the bench?

Sanogo has to play the 4 because he can’t guard the rim. He doesn’t even look at the ball when the guard is driving. He’s already out there guarding the three point line and would have Clingan to protect the rim. Teams won’t be able to body him like they do to Karaban and even Jackson.

We turned the ball over that much WITH the guards on the floor. If we don’t get stops, teams can set their defense and pressure us. We have to get stops. I’d rather guard and protect east baskets, dunks and layups, and let teams take contested threes

If all defenders are on sanogo, then that leaves Hawkins open for three, Karaban open for three, and Clingan for a dunk. As I said earlier, Sanogo is going to be able to or have to, kick it out to an open man (which there will be if they all guard Sanogo) and he’ll have to hit a midrange jumper. He has to change his game. There’s not a question about it because he has been so easy to game plan for.

 

[huskyinfl]

Call in Edmund Saunders from Waterbury for a pep talk.

 

[Rico444]

There’s a reason a lineup change is needed. It’s because what we’re putting out there is horrendous. We’ve tried every lineup for extended periods of time except this one.

Think of a lineup where Clingan plays at the 5 and plays ~30 minutes a game, and we keep Karaban and Hawkins on the floor. Do you want Newton or Joey at point and have Jackson off the bench?

Sanogo has to play the 4 because he can’t guard the rim. He doesn’t even look at the ball when the guard is driving. He’s already out there guarding the three point line and would have Clingan to protect the rim. Teams won’t be able to body him like they do to Karaban and even Jackson.

We turned the ball over that much WITH the guards on the floor. If we don’t get stops, teams can set their defense and pressure us. We have to get stops. I’d rather guard and protect east baskets, dunks and layups, and let teams take contested threes

If all defenders are on sanogo, then that leaves Hawkins open for three, Karaban open for three, and Clingan for a dunk. As I said earlier, Sanogo is going to be able to or have to, kick it out to an open man (which there will be if they all guard Sanogo) and he’ll have to hit a midrange jumper. He has to change his game. There’s not a question about it because he has been so easy to game plan for.

If Sanogo is getting doubled in the low post, then that means there are two defenders between him and Clingan, and he's got his back turned to the net at this point to try to back down his guy and score. So that takes Clingan out of the equation. If Sanogo can't find the open shooter now with 3 good (or at least decent) shooters on the floor, how is he going to do it when there are only 2?

It's obvious that we have to try something different, but I don't think this is it. Clingan's minutes have to go up, that's the first major change. And Hurley is going to have to make some schematic changes. I don't think we're going to be the first team in the last 15-20 years to make double bigs work, the game is too different now.

 

[superjohn]

I don't think we're going to be the first team in the last 15-20 years to make double bigs work, the game is too different now.

You can't possibly think this is true.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

If Clingan and Sanogo are playing at the same time it should be Donovan at the high post with Adama down low. First option - get the ball to Adama 1v1. If he can't work his footwork magic, then he HAS to kick it out quickly (this something that he supposedly worked on in the off season).

Further ball movement creates the opportunity for Donovan to roll to the basket, which is his best offensive strength.

If Donovan is at the high post it creates chances for Hawk to come off screens and shoot from distance (his best attribute).

With the ball moving around it creates more chances that Alex is open for 3 point shooting (one of his best attributes).

Whether it is Newton or Jackson as the point/point forward/combo guard it let's them also possibly be in open space and take advantage of height or athletic advantages.

And there you have it - we're back to scoring the way we did before conference play. Easy peasy. I wish...

Then there's the other side of things. DEFENSE!!

 

[WestCoastHusky]

We really need an attacking PG that can drive to the hoop to get fouled or set up the 3 points shooters. We really really miss Kemba or Napier kind of PG on this team. Jackson might be able to fill this role. I would prefer Newton but not sure he is capable at this point. We got to fix this PG issue asap.

 

[CTBasketball]

So I think we’ll be fine. I think we may have overachieved during the first two months and we need to reset our expectations.

Compete for Big East regular season title & win the Big East Tournament. Get to the S16. Let the chips fall where they may. Hurley knows he has to make an adjustment on offense and defense. Kids get in funks, losing streaks happen. We’ll bounce back.

But, with regards to a PG, this team is going nowhere without Tristan Newton. He’s played so poorly that he needs minutes reduced, but we’re not going far without him. Diarra can’t be given starter minutes and Jackson is not the answer either. Hurley needs to sit him down and figure it out.

 

[REB1094]

3) Newton is just walking the ball up the court and not attacking at all in the halfcourt and Diarra plays out of control. It's unconscionable that Hurley is in year 5 and we don't have a point guard but Jackson sadly looks like our best bet, I don't think surrounding him with our 4 other best players is a bad idea. Sticking with what we're doing certainly doesn't look like it will work.

It feels like we almost get a 10 second backcourt call every possession, even when the defense isn't pressing

 

[PAHusky]

Why not. Joey has shown a willingness to take it to the hoop, and he did seem to find his shot later in the game yesterday. It might hurt us on defense, so maybe play DC a little more to clean up any mistakes.

Have either of you actually watched these Big East games? Since GTown Joey has consistently been the worst player on the floor. When his shot isn’t falling he doesn’t get to the rim, he doesn’t pass well, and he’s not a great ball handler. On defense he gets cooked constantly. I get calling for change but thinking he’s the answer is delusion

 

[coachn]

I was hoping Dan Hurley would play Romouglu (spelling?) earlier. Probably too late now, but didn't he come here touted as someone with Greek national team credentials?

Romougju was one of the better players at open practice.

 

[Hoophound]

Romougju was one of the better players at open practice.

What is his skillset?

 

[DHF]

With Jackson at the point I’m hoping he realizes he should drive more instead of being on the perimeter. Karaban and Hawkins can occupy the 3point line with Karaban can also mixing it up inside

I have not seen a 6’6 player at this level with the amount of athleticism that Jackson possesses, not have a jump shot. Seems so basic. The runner is the only shot within 25ft that he uses and is ineffective. If he developed a jump shot, it may open things up for post play and off screen cuts to the basket.

 

[Demo Square]

I have not seen a 6’6 player at this level with the amount of athleticism that Jackson possesses, not have a jump shot. Seems so basic. The runner is the only shot within 25ft that he uses and is ineffective. If he developed a jump shot, it may open things up for post play and off screen cuts to the basket.

Good Points. We discussed AJAX improving his shot at the end of last year. I said that if AJAX returned this year with the same fears, terrible form & shot selection, then Hurley wasn't doing his job. Well he we are - no positive changes in AJAX. Do you think that Hurley is an offensive coach or developer? I mean at all?

And on defense? If he convinces Sanogo to buy in to playing with Clingan, throwing him a pass once or twice above the rim, don't you think he could put together a tough 2-3 zone a la Syracuse that would stop all those easy drives & layups, like with Providence's Hopkins, cold? But that zone requires everyone to buy in, to move as one & also the mobility to cover the paint & corners.

Dan Hurley may have brought in some great depth. But it remains to be seen whether he can develop them & also effectively coach them in game. 15-4 is nice. Losing 4 of 5 is going in the wrong direction.

For me, AJAX's inability to shoot at all - again - or Sanogo's lack of diveraw post moves or short jumper is very telling about how much Hurley really cares about coaching offense. He's D all the way.

He may not be the guy to take UConn back to the mountaintop from what I've seen in these five years. If he can't work with this ALL-TIME DEPTH, then he is NOT the man for UConn, IMO. He does seem to be able to maximize the transfer portal pretty well. Time will tell. I wish them all well.

Father Demo

 

[Rico444]

You can't possibly think this is true.

I'm not talking about two guys that happen to be over 6'8", I'm talking about playing two centers which is what he would be doing here.

 

[imno1]

I'm not talking about two guys that happen to be over 6'8", I'm talking about playing two centers which is what he would be doing here.

I’m not sure if playing Adama and Donovan together would work or not but the status quo is not getting it done in BE play. I do know DC needs more than the 12 minutes per game he’s getting now and not always at the expense of Sanogo.

 

[gioff2323]

Jackson is only going to help the team if he can not constantly be over aggressive on defense and be on the floor with less than 2 fouls after the first 5 mins of each half.

He is a JR he is what he is an excellent athlete who tries to do way way to much.

He’s Ben Simmons II

 

[RichCTBB]

Given Dan Hurley’s resistance to lineup changes, and unwillingness to go with 2 bigs, I think the only change in the starting lineup will be Diarra starting over Newton. He’s the only one contributing. He’s also the only one who might not get blown by on drives. Newton and Alleyne have been no shows. Joey C is ice cold (but I think he’s giving the effort).

 

[Rico444]

I’m not sure if playing Adama and Donovan together would work or not but the status quo is not getting it done in BE play. I do know DC needs more than the 12 minutes per game he’s getting now and not always at the expense of Sanogo.

Clingan has to play more, I agree 100%. It has to be at Adama's expense, though, because they play the same position. This isn't like when you have two point guards and you just play one at shooting guard.

This type of thinking is exactly what lead to our downfall in 2011-2012. Oriakhi and Drummond were two of our best five players, so we tried to play them together and it was a spectacular failure.

 

[JohnFSilver]

With Jackson at the point I’m hoping he realizes he should drive more instead of being on the perimeter. Karaban and Hawkins can occupy the 3point line with Karaban can also mixing it up inside

Players don't change because they are positional.

People get hung up on who is the PG and who is the wing. If you make Jackson the PG, what does that change? He already handles the ball a ton anyway.

 

[JohnFSilver]

Clingan has to play more, I agree 100%. It has to be at Adama's expense, though, because they play the same position. This isn't like when you have two point guards and you just play one at shooting guard.

This type of thinking is exactly what lead to our downfall in 2011-2012. Oriakhi and Drummond were two of our best five players, so we tried to play them together and it was a spectacular failure.

People love the double bigs, twin towers....

Clingan and Sanogo are the highest usage players on the team. UConn gets the ball inside, a lot. I think force-feedingthe ball inside has come to a detriment of the offensive flow.

 

[uconn_jack]

Why not. Joey has shown a willingness to take it to the hoop, and he did seem to find his shot later in the game yesterday. It might hurt us on defense, so maybe play DC a little more to clean up any mistakes.

Honestly, Joey is a better PG than Newton. Solid ball handler, plays at a good pace (I HATE the pace that Newton plays at), is a pretty good passer with good vision, and is surprisingly good at driving to the rim.

 

[Improviser]

Pace is really critical.

I've noticed that when Joey does bring the ball up court, he seems to be able to get off a better quality shot because he has control of the ball. His doing this should take pressure off Hawkins, assuming Joey can make the shots when he is playing PG.

Might be worth a shot.

Andre can get the ball up court too, but doesn't have the stroke to do much with it.

 

[NotADime89]

So I think we’ll be fine. I think we may have overachieved during the first two months and we need to reset our expectations.

Compete for Big East regular season title & win the Big East Tournament. Get to the S16. Let the chips fall where they may. Hurley knows he has to make an adjustment on offense and defense. Kids get in funks, losing streaks happen. We’ll bounce back.

But, with regards to a PG, this team is going nowhere without Tristan Newton. He’s played so poorly that he needs minutes reduced, but we’re not going far without him. Diarra can’t be given starter minutes and Jackson is not the answer either. Hurley needs to sit him down and figure it out.

Totally agree. Newton was supposed to be our best transfer we had coming in. If he doesn't start producing we are in big trouble. We need PK85 Newton back ASAP

 

[uconn_jack]

AS and DC together isn't going to change anything until and unless AS learns to pass. If not, then it's one or the other depending on the situation.

 

[BigFanCT]

PG: Jackson
SG: Joey C
SF: Hawkins
PF: Karaban
C: Sanogo

Jackson can play pure PG and distribute. He does not have to score. Joey C opens up another scoring option early, if it's not working - go to someone else. Newton is just not sustainable starting putting up the numbers he is right now. Maybe it will light a fire. Joey has proven a few times that when he is scoring, we are winning. Give him that chance - throw someone in early if it doesn't work out within the first few minutes.

 

[Hoophound]

PG: Jackson
SG: Joey C
SF: Hawkins
PF: Karaban
C: Sanogo

Jackson can play pure PG and distribute. He does not have to score. Joey C opens up another scoring option early, if it's not working - go to someone else. Newton is just not sustainable starting putting up the numbers he is right now. Maybe it will light a fire. Joey has proven a few times that when he is scoring, we are winning. Give him that chance - throw someone in early if it doesn't work out within the first few minutes.

The issue is that Newton should not be terrible. He’s proven to be a very talented player. The Big East is not that much better than the American. It’s better but not so much better that a guy averaging 17.9 should drop to 8.8ppg and look awful doing it. It is a schematic problem. We need to solve that. Even with Hawk and Sanogo out there, Newton should still be the lead guard and score 10-12 ppg. Moving on from the only possible answer we have at that position isn’t a winning proposition.

 

[Hoophound]

Honestly, Joey is a better PG than Newton. Solid ball handler, plays at a good pace (I HATE the pace that Newton plays at), is a pretty good passer with good vision, and is surprisingly good at driving to the rim.

I don’t know. I’d love that to be the case but Joey seems to get figured out pretty quick. Newton is a mess but he showed consistent ability to be so much more at ECU. You have to wonder where the blame lies. I think we need to get Newton and Alleyne back to “normal” to get very far.

 

[UConnSwag11]

People love the double bigs, twin towers....

Clingan and Sanogo are the highest usage players on the team. UConn gets the ball inside, a lot. I think force-feedingthe ball inside has come to a detriment of the offensive flow.

you don’t even have to run anything other than a pick and roll for Clingan. He’s there for defense