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Message: [QUOTE="Ricker, post: 3415284, member: 1245"] [U]My 2 cents on Hurley so far Results[/U] We're competing in close games against top 25 programs and power conference competition despite our weaknesses. Previous posts have documented some of the details. We may not have learned to win close games but consider we have refused to lose them at times, (Sid corner 3, Vital 3 FT, @ Houston with the ball down 2 with 7 sec when down by 6 with 12 sec, getting the 5 sec call in the clutch is a team toughness) I think this is a Hurley improvement. [U]Defense[/U] Our team defense is notably improved. Rim protection is a staple. On ball pressure by Gilbert is a staple. Vital in the passing lanes is a staple. Teams really need to work for open 3's (compared to steady diet of open looks vs St Joes). Defense is giving us opportunity. I think this is Hurley improvement. [U]Offense[/U] Not making shots game after game is a glaring weakness. A thread a couple weeks ago pointed out that Carlton, Vital, Polley, and Gilbert were all shooting -10% to -15% worse than their career averages. 4 starters that are all of a sudden not able to do what they have been able to do in the past isn't a talent issue per se because the same players were achieving more. Maybe Adams set them up better because he broke down the other defense better? Maybe the scheme has changed? I don't have an explanation. Certainly this is not a big coaching positive. [U]Roster[/U] Hurley has recruited 4 players that are major contributors. Akok is a defensive stud. Bouknight is an obvious emerging talent. Adams is a vastly improved contributor from his frosh year. Gaffney is clearly growing. I think Hurley should get credit and has upgraded the current roster. Cole I haven't seen in person and Springs I haven't seen since he has grown and practiced. Jackson is a stud that will be a second Bouknight. Their play will determine the strength of next year's roster vs this year. If Javonte Brown-Ferguson has a significant impact next year Hurley will have really accomplished something, he seems like a player that will need 2 years to be impactful. Recruiting these 4 players is inconclusive until they play, but the additions seem solid, and Jackson on the team is a Hurley win. I don't see Cliff as changing much. [U]Player Development[/U] This is a mixed bag. Adams and Whaley have for the most part improved. Sid is breaking out and Polley had a threshold game which might have been a breakout. Gaffney is coming along, and Bouknight is getting better defensively. I'm a Carlton supporter and his recognition as most improved last year has to be a Hurley positive, so his inconsistency this year, Gilbert's regression, and the offensive woes have to go in Hurley's negative column. [U]Conclusion[/U] At the hire, I was is the 'wait and see' group. I think he is doing fine. I don't expect a true UConn team until we get a 5 star alpha dog compliment to the team being assembled. Jackson could even be that player. [/QUOTE]

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