New thoughts on Alex Oriakhi

[Gurleyman]

One rebound in 16 minutes is a poor stat, but it isn't enough of a sample size, especially against a team that was playing a slow-down game where possessions were more limited. Sometimes you do all the work boxing out and the rebounds come off the rim on the other side (or come out long) - or your work boxing out lets a teammate get the ball. And some days rebounds just keep finding you -- opposing team's missed foul shots to your side on the low block, right place at the right time, etc.

Obviously, failing to box out, letting rebounds hit off your hands or getting outscrapped for a loose ball are when the issues arise, but sometimes the box score alone isn't enough to get a fair evaluation. There's no stat in the box score to assess how many rebounds you could have realistically had. Coaches breaking down film can get a better sense of that.

 

[baldinghusky]

Stony Brook (56), Vermont (42), Wichita St. (29), New Hampshire (37), UMBC (41), Farleigh Dickinson (46), Coppin St. (55), Harvard (39), Tennessee (31)

41.8 rebounds per game against the un-ranked OOC teams we faced in the regular season if I did that correctly. Slightly higher, and I did allude to the point that we are earlier along in the season, so the comparison wouldn't be perfect. No idea what happens when you adjust for pace, would love to see it if anyone has the time!

Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, the biggest flaw in this team is turnovers.

Actually, I just took a look at the stats. Where are you getting 40 rpg from? We're averaging 36.6 rebounds per game this year. Our margin, however, is better (6.4 vs. 4.4), though that's likely to narrow in the BE season. And you're absolutely right about pacing...the numbers themselves tell us less than the pacing (also # of missed shots, for and against...more misses = more rebounds to get).

 

[UConn3432]

Please tell us that you are not saying that UConn students don't go to school to learn.
Peace,
John Fryer

Pull the broom out. I was clearly talking about basketball players. I am a UConn fan and would never talk trash about UConn. Having said that, education comes second to partying in a lot of general population scenarios, including mine.

 

[Gurleyman]

Actually, I just took a look at the stats. Where are you getting 40 rpg from? We're averaging 36.6 rebounds per game this year. Our margin, however, is better (6.4 vs. 4.4), though that's likely to narrow in the BE season. And you're absolutely right about pacing...the numbers themselves tell us less than the pacing (also # of missed shots, for and against...more misses = more rebounds to get).

Officially, we are averaging 39.8. Sometimes, websites don't include team rebounds in the stats (we average 3.3 team rebounds per game), which they are supposed to, since they go into a team's official rebounding totals.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/teamcume.html

 

[61cygni]

Yea, I was looking at the ESPN stats, under the assumption that they were accurate.

 

[Giddyup5]

This is what's important, I agree.

Look at it this way, last year, Alex grabbed a bunch of boards. 42% of those were offensive rebounds. What do you think is going to happen, when you bring in Drummond, who has 49% of his rebounds coming off the offensive glass? Something has to give. AD swallows rebounds on both sides of the court.

What is promising, is look at this: We averaged 40 rebounds per game last year. Guess how many we are averaging this year? That's right, 40.

Point aside that we have just started the BE, Alex isn't losing boards to the other team, he's losing them to teammates! Just my opinion.

I agree. AO has definitely been frustrating. I do think that he will continue to come around as he adjusts to playing the 4 and decreased playing time. I do not think he is playing lazy, thought 1 rebound is pretty disappointing.

I think a lot of fans would give him more leeway if he had better basketball "attitude" on the court. I hate it when he moans and groans after every god damn call in the game. I finally accepted that this is who AO is and its not changing anytime soon. Some players are very stoic in the game (Lamb, Dyson), while others where their emotions on their sleeves (AO, Kemba-obviously in a different way).

I do think that AO is the type of player that will respond to positive encouragement better than negative. He probably gets ripped nonstop by the coaching staff. As fans there isn't much that we can do to help. But hey, whats the harm in giving some extra support at our next few home games? I know i'll be cheering for him.

 

[pete8122]

I think some of it has to do with him trying to expand his game to show for the scouts. He is now a junior and the NBA is definitely weighing on his mind. You can tell he's trying very hard to show he has a back to the basket game. Also him taking those 18 foot jumpers is another example. As someone mentioned earlier if he just goes back and focuses on what has made him successful the last couple of years he will end up helping the team more.

Having said that I do wish they would try and feed the post a little more. Sometimes it feels like there's too much dribbling and 1v1 from the guards.

 

[mauconnfan]

I want him to do better and we need him too. My question to all who want the post fed a little more is why? Has anyone besides maybe Andre shown the confidence to take a good shot or throw the ball to someone open? For now everything is fine until the post players step up, And lets quit the "4" or "5" card for an excuse. He's a post player no matter - post op and rebound.

 

[baldinghusky]

Officially, we are averaging 39.8. Sometimes, websites don't include team rebounds in the stats (we average 3.3 team rebounds per game), which they are supposed to, since they go into a team's official rebounding totals.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/teamcume.html

Interesting. The Big East web site has us at 36.6.

 

[Giddyup5]

I want him to do better and we need him too. My question to all who want the post fed a little more is why? Has anyone besides maybe Andre shown the confidence to take a good shot or throw the ball to someone open? For now everything is fine until the post players step up, And lets quit the "4" or "5" card for an excuse. He's a post player no matter - post op and rebound.

I actually thought AD had one of his most disappointing games. He could not do anything with the ball down low and resulted in a 6'10 center taking two 10 foot fade away jumpers. Regardless, he is young and the world is his oyster.

I think there is a big difference playing the 4 vs 5. The 4 in JC's offense is much more likely to get the ball at the top of the key and expected to make a basketball play than the 5. Also when teams play zone against us, the 4 is generally the player flashing to the foul line. I do agree that in terms of rebounding there is no real difference.

 

[Gurleyman]

Interesting. The Big East web site has us at 36.6.

That is weird - especially since the team rebounds are counted for other teams - or at least Pitt, which is the one I checked:

http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/teamcume.html

 

[ctchamps]

That is weird - especially since the team rebounds are counted for other teams - or at least Pitt, which is the one I checked:

http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/teamcume.html

Further evidence of the ESPN conspiracy against the BE. You should put this on the Conference Realignment Board or make sure neslonmuntz gets this info.

 

[Dove]

I was just sad to watch him kind of be whiny after each muff last night. I love AO and think the season will be a good one for him. Right now things are rough.

 

[baldinghusky]

I was just sad to watch him kind of be whiny after each muff last night. I love AO and think the season will be a good one for him. Right now things are rough.

Him whining after a missed shot is nothing new. It's one of the few things I really don't like about him. If you miss a shot, don't throw your arms up and look at the refs like "come on man!" Get the hell back on defense.

 

[ctchamps]

Him whining after a missed shot is nothing new. It's one of the few things I really don't like about him. If you miss a shot, don't throw your arms up and look at the refs like "come on man!" Get the hell back on defense.

It's a reflex, a very bad habit.

 

[ctchamps]

There was a theory that part of AO's struggles are the result of JC. I don't consider AO played considerably better in the USF game therefore I doubt the reduced minutes and lack of rebounding production from AO are the result of JC in spite of AO's tweets to the contrary.

 

[huskyharry]

I watched the game again and I don't think AO's struggles are from laziness...he just seems to lose focus. He is clearly not boxing out on defensive rebounds but neither were the other UConn players...perhaps some hard core drills in practice!
On one defensive play AO was covering Gilchrist when he took an outside jumper but instead of boxing out he starts leaking out down court like he hopes to lead the , perhaps because he assumes AD will get the rebound but the ball comes off long right back to Gilchrist with noone between him and the hoop leading to a dunk, directly related to AO's brainfrrt...it is just odd to have our most experienced player making all of these mental errors

 

[HuskyFan32]

Are you for real? Are you really a UConn fan? I can understand adding some constructive criticism about why Alex isn't playing well, but to simply call one of our own players disgustingly bad is harsh. This is a UConn fan site. We're not expecting people to be homers, but to trash an amateur college student athlete on the team that we all root for is ridiculous. I think most of us consider you a disgustingly bad fan. How does that make you feel? You probably don't like me very much for calling you that, do you? How do you think Alex would feel to read your post?

You should follow Baby Sheep Lamb Chops and go away for a while and come back later to either tell us how right you were or how wrong. My guess is Alex will be a solid contributor before it's all said and done.

I happen to like his effort today. I don't know why he kept on using his off hand to ward off the defender and getting some bad offensive foul calls, but it was something he hadn't been doing all season, at least I don't recall that being a problem. Alex hasn't played well or picked up where he left off, but to call him disgustingly bad is a gross exaggeration IMO.

As I said before its not his performance, its his effort that Im killing him on. Roscoe, Boatright, Lamb they all screw up too but they try hard. Alex has played so disintersted and lazy this year and I dont see how you dont see that. I can still be a Uconn fan while bashing a player for being lazy.

 

[Tenspro2002]

I think we might be confusing low BB IQ and a lack of confidence for laziness.

When I watch AO play, I don't see a guy who doesn't care and is just going through the motions. I see a guy whose performance is hindered by a limited understanding of the nuances of post positioning, by poor hands and stiff offensive moves, and compounded by a fragile psyche that does not respond well to adversity. It's a combination of a dearth of physical skills and an un-JC-like absence of mental toughness, which is probably why he's ended up as JC's whipping boy.

But you'd be insulting AO's work ethic (which I believe he does possess) to call him lazy.

 

[mauconnfan]

Bingo tenspro......well stated.

 

[Dove]

I missed the game today. How was Alex today?

 

[tykurez]

I missed the game today. How was Alex today?

He was better ... still not there but better.

I'm also not sure he has a low BBIQ, I think he just let's the pressures get to him too much. A mistake or two and his confidence is shot. If he can get around that and build on a few strong showings, I think we'll start to see the same Alex we saw in March and April last year.

 

[Dove]

He was better ... still not there but better.

I'm also not sure he has a low BBIQ, I think he just let's the pressures get to him too much. A mistake or two and his confidence is shot. If he can get around that and build on a few strong showings, I think we'll start to see the same Alex we saw in March and April last year.

Thanks.

 

[SJ]

I didn't read this whole thread, but it really bothers me when people insult players. As two posters before me said, his confidence probably gets shot. Let's remember these are KIDS, and yes, they need mental toughness, but five pages about his MISTAKES is not helping AO's confidence. I think building people up and focusing on the positive is more productive. When I'm at games, there's always some out of shape slob trying to coach or putting down the players sitting near me, and I just want to smack 'em, or tell them to get their fat out there and try to do a better job if they are so critical! Be nice!

 

[mauconnfan]

SJ just to let you know this is a website to discuss uconn basketball and believe it or not there are things which need improvement. Now i agree the insults are unnecessary but the constructive criticism is part of this gig. And some of "fat ass' people know some stuff, and although its easy being a monday quarterback, they are able to discuss things they see here. I guess if you don't like that you don't have to read those posts.

There's probably a few "out of shape" slobs who wish they were 6'9"245 when they were playing........

 

[Deadrody]

He is disgustingly bad. It is shocking how much worse hes gotten.

You know, its funny. I read your foolishness in the "babysheep, so long" post and then I clicked on this. You're actually complaining that people are not reacting properly to your insight-free declaration that "he is disgustingly bad" ?

Your input on this board is "disgustingly bad". There. Same brilliant insight, and factually more accurate.

 

[SJ]

SJ just to let you know this is a website to discuss uconn basketball and believe it or not there are things which need improvement. Now i agree the insults are unnecessary but the constructive criticism is part of this gig. And some of "fat ass' people know some stuff, and although its easy being a monday quarterback, they are able to discuss things they see here. I guess if you don't like that you don't have to read those posts.

There's probably a few "out of shape" slobs who wish they were 6'9"245 when they were playing........

I see constructive, and I see foolish. I see things and think "what are you doing?" but I guess I'm just trained not to yell it out loud! (Mom: if you don't have anything nice to say...) I might even be guilty of mumbling it under my breath. I just get defensive of the players I guess and didn't mean to sound crass toward the out of shape! Heck, I'm out of shape! I just don't think it's constructive to say you're lazy or you suck! That's what I mean. It must be the mom in me that I feel bad for them when they miss a shot, they already know they missed it and are probably feeling pretty crappy, and probably don't need some fan telling them they suck or saying "nice shot" sarcastically. I think we probably agree more than disagree, and I'm sorry I keep bumping this thread!

 

[Danzz]

Right so showing an ability to play well and lead a team to a title reflects his ability to do so. Coming nowhere near that ability a year later allows us to question him, ESPECIALLY because his lack of production is derived DIRECTLY from him being completely lazy and showing no effort whatsoever. So basically your agreeing that he has been awful and that I have a right to state it. Sooooo I dont understand why your disagreeing with me, since you agreed with both of my points.......

Just friggin' relax. No, Alex hasn't played as well as we all hoped. Part of his problem has been fitting in with the new players and basicly moving from C to PF. And BTW I don't agree with Alex being lazy.

 

[Waquoit]

As I said before its not his performance, its his effort that Im killing him on. I can still be a Uconn fan while bashing a player for being lazy.

I must admit I agree that lack of effort is a legit reason for criticism, but you are out of line here. AO is working hard while trying to fit in a new role. This is a great team to be rooting for. They pass the ball, they hustle, they play D. I feel sorry for you.

 

[mauconnfan]

I see constructive, and I see foolish. I see things and think "what are you doing?" but I guess I'm just trained not to yell it out loud! (Mom: if you don't have anything nice to say...) I might even be guilty of mumbling it under my breath. I just get defensive of the players I guess and didn't mean to sound crass toward the out of shape! Heck, I'm out of shape! I just don't think it's constructive to say you're lazy or you suck! That's what I mean. It must be the mom in me that I feel bad for them when they miss a shot, they already know they missed it and are probably feeling pretty crappy, and probably don't need some fan telling them they suck or saying "nice shot" sarcastically. I think we probably agree more than disagree, and I'm sorry I keep bumping this thread![/quote

I agree about the "suck" and "lazy" type crap is unacceptable so yeah we do agree more than not. And lack of effort is not part of this equation either. AO not boxing out does not mean he's lazy...I watch a lot of hoops, hs too and kids everywhere are lacking fundamentals and if you're not taught young and it becomes engrained then its tougher to make it a natural part of your game. Purdue has a group who box out all the time but they don't have our athletes either. Need AO to be better I'm sure we can all agree on that and we are all rooting for him to get there.