Nils Machowski visiting today

[husky429]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

How many thousands of players in the portal are there? How many have we had visit campus? You're acting like the staff is offering any kid with a pulse

 

[Tenspro2002]

There’s a reason for that….Wofford was so small that he effectively played forward at times.

Hopefully that also means he doesn't mind physical play and checking bigger guys. If he can defend with the attitude of a Cam Spencer, that'd be a big lift to the second unit.

 

[Glastonhusky]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

We've done a nice job in the portal, but I'm also a little concerned about fit. The concerns/criticisms around here with last season's team was that we weren't athletic enough and lacked players who could create off the dribble. I'm not sure we've addressed those issues. I just hope we have enough NIL money left to land an athletic 4 man with some size who can come in and play meaningful minutes.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

I think these are fair concerns. Everyone on here just like to gang up and pile on. Two things can be true:

1. Hurley doesn’t get the same quality portal guys as the “Tier 1” schools.
2. Hurley and staff find a way to overcome that at an almost unreal level

 

[navery12]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

Our 2 best players are going to be Silas and Braylon, returning guys. So we're not going to be overly reliant on transfers in year 1

 

[willie99]

I think these are fair concerns. Everyone on here just like to gang up and pile on. Two things can be true:

1. Hurley doesn’t get the same quality portal guys as the “Tier 1” schools.
2. Hurley and staff find a way to overcome that at an almost unreal level

Hurley completes a puzzle. The other guys don't have pieces that fit together. Doesn't USC have 3 seven foot transfers? Good job Eric (their coach people)

 

[JwittersPAC]

Our 2 best players are going to be Silas and Braylon, returning guys. So we're not going to be overly reliant on transfers in year 1

Who is replacing his Tarris Reed production? He was the main reason UConn made the championship game.

 

[Bigbrad1029]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

So by your logic logic Silas and Mullins will take huge leap year 2 in Danny Hurley system I agree and think we will have the best starting backcourt in America , which is a great foundation from which to build a championship team… As far as size we will have one of the most physical front courts in America with Hines and Landrew and Gilkay who are already big strong dudes…2 of them being big time football players, …controlling the birds isn’t only height it’s girth and toughness which we will bring in Spades

 

[Phoenixhusky]

We will have arguably the best backcourt in the country. I’m not worried.

 

[husky429]

I think these are fair concerns. Everyone on here just like to gang up and pile on. Two things can be true:

1. Hurley doesn’t get the same quality portal guys as the “Tier 1” schools.
2. Hurley and staff find a way to overcome that at an almost unreal level

I don't think these are true. We could get better players. I suspect we could've reeled in Freeman, for example.

But our staff prioritized culture fit over anything else. And it pays off in a HUGE way in development and winning.

 

[Scottobot]

Nils only a 3 star xfr on 247. My guess is they want someone who is comfortable playing behind Mullins, Demary and County and the top available guard prospects are not willing to do that. Also they are still thin at PF. Maybe they are saving remaining NIL money for that

 

[Lafayette]

Our 2 best players are going to be Silas and Braylon, returning guys. So we're not going to be overly reliant on transfers in year 1

"..not going to be reliant on transfers in year 1" not named Hines or Khamenia or Giltay

 

[TheShot1990]

Braylon just followed Nils on insta.

 

[Excalibur]

Do I need to spell it out? We filled the open slots with guys who filled roles. Are we athletic enough? Are we tall enough? Are we deep enough? Time will tell. I have concerns.

Another guy who wants a roster full of lottery picks.

 

[Umami Zen]

Its hard to argue with our utilization of portal adds over the last few seasons. We've played in the last game of the season in 3 of the last 4 years. I think Dan and Tom Moore have consistently maximized their NIL resources to compete at the highest level in CBB. Analytics/metrics of prospective portal adds-in addition to Program fit and multi-year potential at UConn- is a winning formula when blended with our returnees on an annual basis.

Making a splash with a Yaxel or a Freeman type of player has to be balanced with the roster construction and their impact on and off the court-and at what NIL ask. I think its working.

 

[RuffRuff]

I think these are fair concerns. Everyone on here just like to gang up and pile on. Two things can be true:

1. Hurley doesn’t get the same quality portal guys as the “Tier 1” schools.
2. Hurley and staff find a way to overcome that at an almost unreal level

Hurley needs to be selective and precise around his picks, he can't backload his roster like Scheyer and have 5* insurance options on his bench.

Top NIL programs per CBS - guess is UConn is operating at a good 20% less than the average here. Other programs figuring out how to put together great rosters without being on this list are Illinois, Arizona and MSU currently. UK, UNC, StJ, Indiana & Ville going all out trying to pull together competitive transfer rosters. Will be interesting to see if any figure out how to burst onto the scene with a NC type roster like Mays.

Arkansas - spent
BYU - quiet
Duke - spent
Indiana - spent
Kentucky - trying to spend
Louisville - spent
Michigan - spent
North Carolina - spent
St. John's - spent
Texas Tech - quiet

Who is replacing his Tarris Reed production? He was the main reason UConn made the championship game.

Not sure there was one 5 in the portal that could replace it. I'm ecstatic

 

[Jaydumo20]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

Im not disagreeing with this. But there is a lot of retroactive appraisal of last years team going on.

98% of the BY was Bearish on last years team until they proved everyone wrong....now we love that lineup?

So many called Tarris soft, AK useless, solo unplayable. ZERO predictions about next years team can be fully informed

 

[navery12]

"..not going to be reliant on transfers in year 1" not named Hines or Khamenia or Giltay

None of whom we are relying on to be our best players, which is the point. We've already seen countless times that transfers can be a huge value add as complementary pieces

 

[AllHusky]

Lay off the coffee, we’re going to be fine.. Assuming Nils, we need that one special guy. Getting the PF everyone is describing will be like filling an inside straight. This is going to be an exciting, aggressive young team. Better get us now applies here to the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the season .

 

[huskyfan224]

Lets be slightly realistic please

Wagler was ranked in the 150 range and was recruited by mid majors. He turned out ok, so it’s not impossible.

I also do not think County will be a lottery pick after year 1, that’s not what I’m saying. Just saying if he could have an impact in the out of nowhere sense, that would be awesome.

 

[tenyears]

It’s simple. Contrary to what most people on here think, everyone in the portal is not a great fit. We lost Tarris, Alex, Jaylin, Eric, and Solo. That is a ton of production. In my opinion, we haven’t come close to replacing that. Hines was a great get. There is a lot to be excited about w Khamenia. But after that, we needed more impact. I am concerned about our lack of size in the front court, our inability to create off the dribble (which became a huge issue late in year when every coach figured out to switch on everything), our bench production, and overall depth. Most transfers struggle year 1 in Danny’s system and we are relying on 3-4 of them? There is also a reason that most times kids who transfer up struggle: size, speed, athleticism. I have seen people compare Nils to Joey C. Really? The loss of Solo for this team was massive. We needed a high impact replacement not a role player

We are replacing solo with Braylon for a year. That is an upgrade and allows Solo to get right.
I loved last years team but this one seems a little tougher and, in my mind. there is a lot of firepower.
Silas was one of best three point shooters and we barely utilized it (by design). Nik looks like he has serious passing ability in addition to everything else he does and Landrew is a dog. I thought County was skinny but in the latest clips I saw, he looks tough. Drives to the hoop, passes and shoots.
Most importantly, we aren't done. We really need another 4 ...

 

[uconn_jack]

I think these are fair concerns. Everyone on here just like to gang up and pile on. Two things can be true:

1. Hurley doesn’t get the same quality portal guys as the “Tier 1” schools.
2. Hurley and staff find a way to overcome that at an almost unreal level

I agree, but I think you also need to define "quality". If quality is defined as sheer talent, or even previous production, that is only part of the equation. Hurley doesn't just throw a bag around to load up on talent and hope they gel, he finds talent that fits and thrives in his system, comes with a work ethic and strong family, and who buys into the culture and role. I think that's what they define as quality.

He's not perfect, and has had some notable misses, but he's been pretty damn successful at it. Even this year, we advanced further or went through many teams with more "quality" players, and despite being pretty hobbled, we had a good chance to beat the big bad at the end that was a Frankestein of those quality players.

I'll take Hurley's approach every day of the week. It may make us fans a little nervous and unsettled, but its much more exciting and satisfying of a ride, even if its not always 100% successful

 

[jibsey]

Hurley addressed team weaknesses from the year before pretty well. Our coaches are not just throwing darts at a board.

 

[MrDownunder]

People say we were not athlete enough to win it all. From my perspective we were five no calls and ten lousy calls from winning the championship.

 

[uconn_jack]

"..not going to be reliant on transfers in year 1" not named Hines or Khamenia or Giltay

To be fair, I don't think they were planning, or at least hoping, to be so reliant on transfers for the center position. They probably saw some writing on the wall mid-season, but Reibe was obviously supposed to be another returning player to anchor that position.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I actually think we’ve filled some holes. Khamenia can get to the rim and has a better handle than Alex, Hines is going to become a star, Giltay is an animal once you know he’s 18 in his highlight videos. I automatically figured he was a 21-22 year old experienced Euro when I first saw him. Kid can be a menace.

Nils will add depth, ball handling, creativity and shooting in the backcourt, Landrew can do it all, County can backup Silas and Nils and play some 2 guard. If he’s to ready play, look out. Mullins will add strength and be much better on D and going to the rim with the added muscle.

I think the big thing for this team is for Silas to get healthy and be more of an assertive leader/scorer and for Ross to continue to improve. The rest of the team is kind of plug and play as long as our PG and our glue guy/versatile defender bring it. They are the leadership that will set that championship mentality that Alex represented so well.

May it be seemingly somewhat so.

 

[RuffRuff]

You do realize we went to the national championship game were we eventually lost the James Breeding, right??

I think that's what he's saying. I know I'm not doubting the Hurley effect anymore - as far as I'm concerned, they can go 0-20 in the BE and still have a chance to make a run in the tourney.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

You do realize we went to the national championship game were we eventually lost the James Breeding, right??

Both things can have been true, not unlike in 2023.

In both years, I mostly kept my mouth shut and doubled up on aspirational words and faithful haiku rather than take too many direct hits from naysayers.

Game by game, weekend by weekend, the hypercritical, the hand-wringers, and the self-certain doubters, drop away or hop on board, as is their right. As respectable few even weigh in with an admission of their earlier incorrect judgment. I don't think that'll ever change.

I've liked that nudging up around 98%, this forum has shown a real sense of pride & pleasure in how the final game (and the fact of its appearance) exceeded expectations that predominated throughout nearly all of January thru March. I'd have accepted an Elite Eight ceiling, but happily watched it being exceeded, without being shocked.

EDIT: Aw jeez, and then you said you misread things. Oh well, I was arguing for a both/and instead of an either/or.

Time for me to meet Nana and the kiddo at the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair. I hope to come back later and click Like for an announced favorable decision regarding young Mr. Machowski.

Go Huskies.

 

[ec33]

I think that's what he's saying. I know I'm not doubting the Hurley effect anymore - as far as I'm concerned, they can go 0-20 in the BE and still have a chance to make a run in the tourney.

Right. The bearish that the negative Nancy's have yet to catch on that Big East play isn't important (outside of seeding). But being slow, they will have forgotten with fact by next January.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I think that's what he's saying. I know I'm not doubting the Hurley effect anymore - as far as I'm concerned, they can go 0-20 in the BE and still have a chance to make a run in the tourney.

More people are waiting for Cooley to do that. He seems to be making a run for it, but keeps picking up regular season wins.