Nowell Sighting

[cp176]

It's not like he was surprised we asked him to play point. That's what he was recruited as and why donors put up a bunch of money to get him in Storrs. He's making six-figures to stink right now... I don't think there's any reason to feel bad for him.

I agree with your take but I still feel bad for him. He seems like a good kid. After 44 years of coaching, the toughest thing that I ever had to do was cut a kid. I think that he is in the wrong place, and yup I feel bad for him.

 

[cp176]

Not sticking up for Mahaney in any way but Diarra does the same thing pounding the ball. they hardly ever get into their offense before there are 15 seconds on the clock. And they hardly ever get any easy fast break points.

I think Diarra tends to over dribble but Mahaney I think takes it to a different level. Old school I guess says if you are putting the ball on the floor it should have a purpose. New school I guess says you got to go between your legs at least twice, behind your back once, and crossover two or three times before you initiate the offense.

 

[Hogoff]

You wonder what strategy Hurley plans for this Pitino press on Sunday so we don’t have 20 turnovers.

Don’t let them score.

 

[3rdbass]

I think Diarra tends to over dribble but Mahaney I think takes it to a different level. Old school I guess says if you are putting the ball on the floor it should have a purpose. New school I guess says you got to go between your legs at least twice, behind your back once, and crossover two or three times before you initiate the offense.

Mahaney is just overwhelmed at this level due to his lcak of quickness and strength. He is playing out of position and just isn't a good fit even for spot minutes there. I think it is now impacting his outside shot. I think having Nowell injured most of the season has forced Hurley to spell Mahaney there but now that Nowell seems alright maybe that will change. I would still like to see Mahaney play off the ball and see what he can do. Play the Joey California role for us off the bench.

 

[djct1999]

The game has changed. This idea that freshmen develop on the court is unrealistic if you want to compete. Either you come in ready(I see you Liam) or you develop in practice and wait your turn.

 

[husky429]

I think Diarra tends to over dribble but Mahaney I think takes it to a different level. Old school I guess says if you are putting the ball on the floor it should have a purpose. New school I guess says you got to go between your legs at least twice, behind your back once, and crossover two or three times before you initiate the offense.

The former PG in me vomits a little every time I see a kid dribble and not move.

 

[Hunt for 7]

The game has changed. This idea that freshmen develop on the court is unrealistic if you want to compete. Either you come in ready(I see you Liam) or you develop in practice and wait your turn.

And then you have Rutgers with two freshman who will be lottery picks and both are averaging 18+ points a game but they won’t see the tournament. I know they both got big bags. But if you are one and done you would think these guys would want to at least experience the feeling of playing in one of sports greatest events.

Just imagine having two guards 6’6” and 6’9” that can get to the basket and pretty much create offense anyway they want and still be 6-10 in your conference. It just can’t be fun for them. For what another $250K when they are about to make tens of millions in four months.

No matter how good you are and if you have played sports at any competitive level winning is what is the most fun.

 

[UCfor3]

I mean, it’s kind of a wild question. I’d ask - why wouldn’t people prop him up, at least for a while? That’s more to the point. He was a highly sought after transfer, and Dan Hurley thought he would be big for us. He was his team’s leading scorer against us (the best team in the nation). He played a big part in turning around our game vs Baylor that was looking like another sleepwalk for us. As others have said here, he is clearly a skilled player but apparently just not right for this current situation.

For my part, I thought he would adapt and come to life, based on those flashes I saw. I thought people were throwing him under the bus way too soon, as though this is some Fantasy Football team where you produce or get dropped.

Oh I agree with you. I was just responding to the original that asked the question. Total hindsight now thinking it was absurd to ever think he could be a good pickup. I was pretty happy when we landed him.

 

[cp176]

The former PG in me vomits a little every time I see a kid dribble and not move.

Me too. I know I shouldn’t do this here but here you go - Pitino used to call it body to body for your point guards. Attack the defender, get as close to him as you can hopefully knock him back on his heels then go by him. No wasted dribbles. It‘s a straight line approach north to south. It works. You have to have the personnel to do it. Diarra is close, Mahaney can’t do it.

 

[Umami Zen]

Me too. I know I shouldn’t do this here but here you go - Pitino used to call it body to body for your point guards. Attack the defender, get as close to him as you can hopefully knock him back on his heels then go by him. No wasted dribbles. It‘s a straight line approach north to south. It works. You have to have the personnel to do it. Diarra is close, Mahaney can’t do it.

Sounds like Pitino's advice with Kadary-Always seeking out the contact to either create space for a shot or get to the hoop-or distribute a pass.

 

[RuffRuff]

And then you have Rutgers with two freshman who will be lottery picks and both are averaging 18+ points a game but they won’t see the tournament. I know they both got big bags. But if you are one and done you would think these guys would want to at least experience the feeling of playing in one of sports greatest events.

Just imagine having two guards 6’6” and 6’9” that can get to the basket and pretty much create offense anyway they want and still be 6-10 in your conference. It just can’t be fun for them. For what another $250K when they are about to make tens of millions in four months.

No matter how good you are and if you have played sports at any competitive level winning is what is the most fun.

I’m not sure it was just money. Harper is a NJ kid and linked to Rutgers and Bailey is his buddy. This was their chance to play together and be the “men”. Pikiell didn’t know how to use them right, just rolls the ball out there and that roster isn’t very good. Their one year will have been a waste at the college level for fans.

 

[cp176]

Sounds like Pitino's advice with Kadary-Always seeking out the contact to either create space for a shot or get to the hoop-or distribute a pass.

That’s what he has always taught.

 

[Umami Zen]

That’s what he has always taught.

Interesting . I have always observed Pitino's PGs- irrespective of the college he was coaching at- as having that NYC PG vibe -tough two- way players. Guess we shouldn't be surprised that it was an intentional strategy on his part on the offensive end of the floor. As a coach who has been around for awhile-you would know. Appreciate your insight.

 

[AllHusky]

I’m not sure it was just money. Harper is a NJ kid and linked to Rutgers and Bailey is his buddy. This was their chance to play together and be the “men”. Pikiell didn’t know how to use them right, just rolls the ball out there and that roster isn’t very good. Their one year will have been a waste at the college level for fans.

Harpers brother starred at Rutgers(or was it Dad?) Initially thought Bailey might be Jammin James Baileys offspring, but I do not believe that was the case.

 

[cp176]

Interesting . I have always observed Pitino's PGs- irrespective of the college he was coaching at- as having that NYC PG vibe -tough two- way players. Guess we shouldn't be surprised that it was an intentional strategy on his part on the offensive end of the floor. As a coach who has been around for awhile-you would know. Appreciate your insight.

Thank you . I do appreciate that.