One thing I really like about this team

[joober jones]

From the neck up, they're one of the best teams we've ever had. There's not one kid on this team who strikes me as unintelligent or of bad character. (I may complain about Boat's semi-selfish play at times, it's understandable - he's had half a season taken away from him and feels he needs to show what he can do) KO's contract extension seems to back this up as they're all doing well in the classroom. After some of the less disciplined guys we've had in recent years, this is a great thing to see.

 

[huskyharry]

Absolutely agree...these all seem like hard working kids who put the team ahead of their own interests...IMO these are the type of building blocks this team needs for the future (I.e. limit the one and dones and don't even recruit kids with a personal entourage)

 

[Gurleyman]

From the neck up, they're one of the best teams we've ever had. There's not one kid on this team who strikes me as unintelligent or of bad character. (I may complain about Boat's semi-selfish play at times, it's understandable - he's had half a season taken away from him and feels he needs to show what he can do) KO's contract extension seems to back this up as they're all doing well in the classroom. After some of the less disciplined guys we've had in recent years, this is a great thing to see.

Plus, Boat can make plays - on a team that doesn't have a lot of playmakers. All of our top scorers over the years have teetered the line between selfishness and assertiveness, and taken some bad shots in the process due to "scorer's ego". That comes with the turf. A guy who can make something out of nothing will sometimes end up with nothing.

Ideally, they harness that ego over time and learn to be assertive without crossing over to selfish as often. But it isn't always easy, since you don't want your attacking players to get passive when you don't have many of them.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Overall, gotta agree that this team plays heads up basketball.

Like every team at every level they make a few head scratching moves now and again. But their mistakes tend to be mistakes of aggression vice mistakes of confusion. And coaches can handle those.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

One thing that is exciting in a long-term sort of way is that both Bazz and Boat have room to grow in their decision-making as the quarterback. Sharing the PG duties may slow the rate of development to some extent, but this team could be really good next year if this team can learn to play smart in a consistent way. Deandre is showing signs of improved confidence, decision-making, and a greater ability to make some big shots (especially the more mid-range ones). Omar has had some "unforced errors," but may be turning a corner with catching up to the speed of the game.

Overall, there seems to be a great reduction in the shake your head, wtf kind of dumb plays that we had a lot of last year. It seems like this is a team that could learn to run a more disciplined offense more consistently with our better passing bigs, but that remains to be seen.

 

[boog204]

I kind of disagree... Boat, Bazz, and Daniels go into chucker mode and make it a 1 vs. the opponent too often. I can understand that Boat and Bazz have to do that out of necessity at times, but once Daniels gets the ball, it's Deandre time or bust. As a whole our shot selection has improved. Early in the year we took way too many quick 3's and for the most part that has dissipated.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I kind of disagree... Boat, Bazz, and Daniels go into chucker mode and make it a 1 vs. the opponent too often. I can understand that Boat and Bazz have to do that out of necessity at times, but once Daniels gets the ball, it's Deandre time or bust. As a whole our shot selection has improved. Early in the year we took way too many quick 3's and for the most part that has dissipated.

Sure they still take ill-advised shots, but you make a point that shows this team has good basketball smarts.

Since the beginning of the season shot selection has improved which implies the players are learning and accepting their roles, and that they are learning how to get shots within their roles.

At the college level once the shot clock gets below 6 seconds, the chances of a good shot decrease exponentially.

 

[James]

The high usage % of Napier and boatright is something that doesn't bother me , seeing as
We need them rolling to reach our potential on offense. However , although he has shown
Massive improvement in the confidence department, Daniels has a long way as far as bball iq. He often over penetrates or is simply out of position. He must lead our team in offensive fouls.

 

[mauconnfan]

Sure they still take ill-advised shots, but you make a point that shows this team has good basketball smarts.

Since the beginning of the season shot selection has improved which implies the players are learning and accepting their roles, and that they are learning how to get shots within their roles.

At the college level once the shot clock gets below 6 seconds, the chances of a good shot decrease exponentially.

Their basketball IQ went up in a huge way when someone left for Mizzou!! LOL

 

[ctchamps]

I liked DD's game vs. Washington. He took a lot of mid range shots. He had the mismatch and had good looks. His major transgression was the ball not going down.

I would say that OC changed his play after his third failed 3 pointer and also went to the mid game. And he didn't turn the ball over. I expect him to regress periodically but less frequently as the season progresses.

The offensive game looked ragged for both teams. But the defenses had a lot to do with that.

Furthermore UConn is still looking for the development of their bigs. The pass to Wolfe in which he blew the lay up and the pass to Nolan in which Nolan fumbled the ball are two examples that demonstrate the limitations the point guards currently have. But they are trying.

BTW - Nolan had one sequence in which he looked horrible started with that fumble and then getting back on defense and looking the wrong way. But he has improved considerably since the season began. He made foul shots. And he did not have to be directed on offense by any of the guards. IMO he's a coachable kid. His biggest transgression was the back door cut in which he did not slide over to take a charge or block the shot. KO called a timeout and I'm sure Nolan was given instruction. But I see a lot of potential for this kid.

 

[ctchamps]

One more thing. I've had trouble at times figuring out if DD or PN is in the game. I thought it was just me until Bob Picozzi made the same mistake giving credit to DD for the first free throw instead of Nolan.

 

[SouthTampaBill]

Let's get way into the Big East schedule first before we talk about basketball IQ

 

[mauconnfan]

Let's get way into the Big East schedule first before we talk about basketball IQ

Let's talk about your IQ...................

 

[Huskybass]

One more thing. I've had trouble at times figuring out if DD or PN is in the game. I thought it was just me until Bob Picozzi made the same mistake giving credit to DD for the first free throw instead of Nolan.

I agree. I have confused them several times myself. Both of them could use a few protein shakes and mashed potatoes. That said, I think they both have considerable upside especially DD.

 

[mauconnfan]

I agree. I have confused them several times myself. Both of them could use a few protein shakes and mashed potatoes. That said, I think they both have considerable upside especially DD.

Agree guys they look exact and they have a single digit number which you can't see on their stick figure physiques........I thought DD bounced a great pass from Boat off his legs going to the hole and hear it was Nolan.....

They're both going to be better next year and gain 25 lbs of muscle!! lol

 

[joober jones]

One more thing. I've had trouble at times figuring out if DD or PN is in the game. I thought it was just me until Bob Picozzi made the same mistake giving credit to DD for the first free throw instead of Nolan.

I thought I was the only one. Nolan needs to change to 00 to end this.

 

[The Funster]

The mid range game sometimes seems to be a lost art in the college game. DD had some good looks, though, and if he keeps working on that part of his game he can be a real thorn in a defense's side.