OT: Juwan Durham to Notre Dame

[BUConn10]

and whatever the culture was last year... it's not just that they were not developing, it's that two/three potential starters opted to sit out a year rather than playing for UConn. That's scary toxic.

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I already forgot he was at Storrs.....in 2 years when he plays again I will care even less.

The two sides of the Boneyard coin.

 

[champs99and04]

Holy cow, so many dumba____ in this thread, in all shapes in sizes. We've got it all, from the Ollie sycophants, to the folks who act like we were providing food and shelter to a destitute kid. I cringe every time I read someone type that the kid is soft or disloyal or owes UConn anything. We lost 3 talented players, all who were lined up to receive major minutes on a team that could have been pretty damn good. There have been troubling rumors surrounding the team and coaching staff. Maybe lets not blame the players who left a dumpster fire and are ending up in better situations?

The "UConn and Ollie showed loyalty to him" narrative is complete BS. This is big time college ball, they didn't honor his scholarship for charity, they did it because they thought he was a huge talent who would contribute if and when he ever got past the injury. I'm not inside the program, but reading the writing on the wall, things aren't right in Storrs. I was upset with Juwan at first for leaving, but that frustration has since shifted to everybody else. We're blowing a major opportunity with this 2016 recruiting class.

 

[mauconnfan]

And which one of those kids went to a program like Louisville or notre dame?

We have Missouri, k state, Hofstra, umass, uri, USC, and college of southern Idaho.

I wouldn't exactly call those upgrades

They're upgrades if they want to be here and others dont. Hey I forgot to look but we mustve lost 30 pts 18 boards and a lot of minutes that I missed. People are whacked.

 

[LStudfellow]

He listed 4 or 5 kids that fit that criteria over the course of 27 years. Which is pretty much the point I made. And none of those kids left to go to programs like nd or Louisville. Oroakhi went to Missouri. Coombs to Hofstra. Kelly went to k state. Roscoe to unlv. Hazeltine to uri. And Doug Wiggins To Umass. Far from upgrades.

And yes Calhoun was great. And Ollie has been pretty bad the last few years. Doesn't mean I want him fired or don't think he can turn it around. We have made steps to do just that.

I don't see the criticism of Ollie as unjustified. There's a heck of a lot of evidence to support it whether it's on court performance, style of play, recruiting the right kids to fit that style, player development and retention. All have been subpar the last few years in my opinion.

And once again you Trump up your overriding view point with a false statement that is objectively refuted by the facts of the situations at the time they happened.

You are objectively wrong to state that Missouri, UNLV or Kansas State were considered steps down when Oriakhi, Smith and Kelly transferred to them at the time when they did. Maybe steps down to all of us UConn fans, but not to the objective college basketball observers at the time.

And here is my objective proof:

Missouri when Oriakhi transferred there: Yes, Missouri has been terrible the last 3 years... but at the time Oriakhi transferred to Missouri in 2012 they were coming off a 30-5 year, a #2 seed in the 2012 NCAA tournament, 2 straight NCAA appearances and Frank Haith was considered one of the hot shot young coaches in all of college basketball. In fact, he had just won several National Coach of the Year Awards, including the AP award. And that was before his career became publicly marred by scandal. Therefore, Missouri was definitely at or even above Notre Dame's current level, and certainly ours at the time, as we were heading into a year where we could not play in the NCAA tournament (APR ban). Strike one for you.

UNLV when Smith transferred there: At the time Roscoe Smith left and went to UNLV, they had made the tournament 4 of the previous 5 years, had just landed a top 6 recruiting class (including Anthony Bennett) coming in and was still considered a marquee program to go play at... Strike two for you.

Kansas State when Kelly transferred there: Kansas State had just come off of an NCAA appearance in 2008 when Kelly went there and then with Curtis Kelly playing a significant role in 2009-2010 was good enough to also garner a #2 seed and get as far as the Elite 8. Frank Martin was the coach... yes, the current South Carolina just-went-to-the-Final-4 coach. And that was right after Bob Huggins had been there (Frank Martin was considered one of his proteges), which gave a huge boost to Kansas State's brand around the country. In fact, some may recall they had what was largely considered the #1 recruiting class in 2007 (when including jucos and transfers) with Michael Beasley and Jimmy Walker as the headliners. Strike 3 for you, although on this one you can at least make some argument.

Easy to say these 3 programs are lesser than us using their most recent last couple of years as the basis for your argument, particularly Missouri and UNLV. But to use today as the measuring stick for decisions these kids made years ago at the time is once again ridiculous, and now proven false.

Why can you not make all of your arguments based upon the facts, like the one where you use the offensive efficiency statistics? Notice how I do not debate you on that point, since you support yourself on that point well, and I agree with you that our offense looked slow, disjointed and poorly executed many times last year.

Ollie deserves criticism for the mistakes and miscalculations he has made, and some poor in-game coaching at times. So, I agree he deserves some criticism. And have never said otherwise. But to use those things as reasons to attack him on all points, even those that are not true is wrong and totally unfair. Stick to the things you can support with truth, not just throwing crap against the wall and hoping no one will fact check you.

 

[auror]

The "UConn and Ollie showed loyalty to him" narrative is complete BS. This is big time college ball, they didn't honor his scholarship for charity, they did it because they thought he was a huge talent who would contribute if and when he ever got past the injury. I'm not inside the program, but reading the writing on the wall, things aren't right in Storrs. I was upset with Juwan at first for leaving, but that frustration has since shifted to everybody else. We're blowing a major opportunity with this 2016 recruiting class.

We had faith in him when he had a setback in hopes of him turning it around so he could contribute for us. If I were in his shoes, I think I might feel obliged to repay that respect. I understand that's his decision to make, but I certainly feel justified in not actively rooting for his success going forward because of that decision. I also think his comments were not well grounded in reality.

 

[Mr. French]

And once again you Trump up your overriding view point with a false statement that is objectively refuted by the facts of the situations at the time they happened.

You are objectively wrong to state that Missouri, UNLV or Kansas State were considered steps down when Oriakhi, Smith and Kelly transferred to them at the time when they did. Maybe steps down to all of us UConn fans, but not to the objective college basketball observers at the time.

And here is my objective proof:

Missouri when Oriakhi transferred there: Yes, Missouri has been terrible the last 3 years... but at the time Oriakhi transferred to Missouri in 2012 they were coming off a 30-5 year, a #2 seed in the 2012 NCAA tournament, 2 straight NCAA appearances and Frank Haith was considered one of the hot shot young coaches in all of college basketball. In fact, he had just won several National Coach of the Year Awards, including the AP award. And that was before his career became publicly marred by scandal. Therefore, Missouri was definitely at or even above Notre Dame's current level, and certainly ours at the time, as we were heading into a year where we could not play in the NCAA tournament (APR ban). Strike one for you.

UNLV when Smith transferred there: At the time Roscoe Smith left and went to UNLV, they had made the tournament 4 of the previous 5 years, had just landed a top 6 recruiting class (including Anthony Bennett) coming in and was still considered a marquee program to go play at... Strike two for you.

Kansas State when Kelly transferred there: Kansas State had just come off of an NCAA appearance in 2008 when Kelly went there and then with Curtis Kelly playing a significant role in 2009-2010 was good enough to also garner a #2 seed and get as far as the Elite 8. Frank Martin was the coach... yes, the current South Carolina just-went-to-the-Final-4 coach. And that was right after Bob Huggins had been there (Frank Martin was considered one of his proteges), which gave a huge boost to Kansas State's brand around the country. In fact, some may recall they had what was largely considered the #1 recruiting class in 2007 (when including jucos and transfers) with Michael Beasley and Jimmy Walker as the headliners. Strike 3 for you, although on this one you can at least make some argument.

Easy to say these 3 programs are lesser than us using their most recent last couple of years as the basis for your argument, particularly Missouri and UNLV. But to use today as the measuring stick for decisions these kids made years ago at the time is once again ridiculous, and now proven false.

Why can you not make all of your arguments based upon the facts, like the one where you use the offensive efficiency statistics? Notice how I do not debate you on that point, since you support yourself on that point well, and I agree with you that our offense looked slow, disjointed and poorly executed many times last year.

Ollie deserves criticism for the mistakes and miscalculations he has made, and some poor in-game coaching at times. So, I agree he deserves some criticism. And have never said otherwise. But to use those things as reasons to attack him on all points, even those that are not true is wrong and totally unfair. Stick to the things you can support with truth, not just throwing crap against the wall and hoping no one will fact check you.

Bill Walker, but good recap.

 

[sledog]

What happened with JD here is not transparent, but we've changed our big man coach and our strength and conditioning coach, which seems like an acknowledgement there was some fault on our side. Hopefully any problems on our side have been fixed.

Who's the big-boy coach??

 

[B1GEast]

To me it's about how you handle adversity, JD ended up cutting and running. One day when he's no longer playing basketball and has a real job, he's going to have to learn just like everyone else that sometimes you have to persevere when times get tough.

Good luck to the young man.

I like who we have

 

[80shusky]

The "UConn and Ollie showed loyalty to him" narrative is complete BS. This is big time college ball, they didn't honor his scholarship for charity, they did it because they thought he was a huge talent who would contribute if and when he ever got past the injury. I'm not inside the program, but reading the writing on the wall, things aren't right in Storrs. I was upset with Juwan at first for leaving, but that frustration has since shifted to everybody else. We're blowing a major opportunity with this 2016 recruiting class.

Because Juwan Durham went to Notre Dame.

 

[intlzncster]

To me it's about how you handle adversity, JD ended up cutting and running. One day when he's no longer playing basketball and has a real job, he's going to have to learn just like everyone else that sometimes you have to persevere when times get tough.

Good luck to the young man.

I like who we have

Assuming his knees hold up, juwan's probably got 15 years before he has to worry about that snow

 

[champs99and04]

We had faith in him when he had a setback in hopes of him turning it around so he could contribute for us. If I were in his shoes, I think I might feel obliged to repay that respect. I understand that's his decision to make, but I certainly feel justified in not actively rooting for his success going forward because of that decision. I also think his comments were not well grounded in reality.

The comments were off-putting, I'll give you that.

 

[dennismenace]

And everyone ripping on/ blaming our big men should look at these stats. It's no wonder they all underachieved. Brimah, facey, and Durham are not suited to a slow paced half, grind it out half court offense.

Enoch maybe was but he had the offensive skills to do better in an offense that moves the ball. He didn't shoot it great but that's because he Barely ever got any open looks. Most of his shots came from us dumping it down low to him when he was covered. I can picture him excelling in an offense that moves it around and he can get some space for some quick open looks from 5-6 ft.

Which once again supports my argument that we are either not recruiting the right players for our slow offense. Or we are not running the right system for the players that we have.

You cannot have a fast paced game if you stink at rebounding. That's the first thing you need. We have not had a good rebounder since Roscoe transferred.

 

[Chief00]

We've now lost one to Louisville and one to ND. I don't want to hear about the recruiting. Development is more the issue.

At that age it also means the kids weren't having fun. That also impacts recruiting. Recruits pick up the vibe. I think Chils can help on that, but we are starting in a deep hole and Bunk leaving changed the social dynamic.

 

[TRest]

At that age it also means the kids weren't having fun. That also impacts recruiting. Recruits pick up the vibe. I think Chils can help on that, but we are starting in a deep hole and Bunk leaving changed the social dynamic.

Serious question, chief. How old is Bunky and was he ever a registered student at UConn? Are you suggesting hiring him as social director for a bunch of teenagers who might find it a little strange that this guy is hanging around the program?

 

[Chief00]

Serious question, chief. How old is Bunky and was he ever a registered student at UConn? Are you suggesting hiring him as social director for a bunch of teenagers who might find it a little strange that this guy is hanging around the program?

He is in his mid twenties, never was a student but hung out with the team and recruits. Yeah strange to some, but it worked. Now we have the perfect APR type team and we can't win a recruiting battle for dog catcher. Quite frankly, it's frustrating.

 

[TRest]

He is in his mid twenties, never was a student but hung out with the team and recruits. Yeah strange to some, but it worked. Now we have the perfect APR type team and we can't win a recruiting battle for dog catcher. Quite frankly, it's frustrating.

Aren't you overlooking the part where he was tight with Cassel? What's his connection to the program otherwise?

 

[jayteeman]

Uh, yes. Roscoe Smith, Alex Oriakhi, Curtis Kelly, Jamal Coombs-McDaniels, Darius Smith, Marcus Cox, Doug Wiggins, Socttie Haralson, Nate Miles, Ater Majok, and that was in the last 10 years. Don't even need to go back into history to talk about the LeBlancs, Marcus Whites, Antonio Kelloggs, Marcus Johnsons, etc.

Now there's an NBA star studded lineup.....the exit door is marked....no one is indispensable

 

[Chief00]

Aren't you overlooking the part where he was tight with Cassel? What's his connection to the program otherwise?

True, he is tight with Sam Jr. He is a Baltimore dude and loves UConn. What test does he have to pass? If you are looking for degrees and a perfect APR score to win games, you will be sadly disappointed. I am from the Calhoun school - go with what works for winning and F the other stuff. This isn't a high society social registry. It's doing what you need to do to get players and win games. Ok, quite frankly, I will calm down now!

 

[Doctor Hoop]

True, he is tight with Sam Jr. He is a Baltimore dude and loves UConn. What test does he have to pass? If you are looking for degrees and a perfect APR score to win games, you will be sadly disappointed. I am from the Calhoun school - go with what works for winning and F the other stuff. This isn't a high society social registry. It's doing what you need to do to get players and win games. Ok, quite frankly, I will calm down now!

This is the textbook definition of beating a dead horse. Is Bunkey working with Notre Dame now? Louisville? How about Providence?

 

[Chief00]

This is the textbook definition of beating a dead horse. Is Bunkey working with Notre Dame now? Louisville? How about Providence?

I was asked a question so I responded, so this beating a dead horse narrative is silly.

Bunkey is not working at any of those three schools nor is Glen Miller. I do know that Bunkey was viewed as such a threat to PC that they spread rumors about him. I doubt they had to do that about any of our assistants at that time.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

I was asked a question so I responded, so this beating a dead horse narrative is silly.

Bunkey is not working at any of those three schools nor is Glen Miller. I do know that Bunkey was viewed as such a threat to PC that they spread rumors about him. I doubt they had to do that about any of our assistants at that time.

You miss the point. Durham to ND, Ashton-Langford to Providence, Enoch to Louisville. The didn't choose those landing spots because of the presence of a funtime hanger-on.

 

[Hoophound]

If Bunkey brings players, make him our World Wide Wes. I have no idea what Bunkey does but sometimes, among all of Chief's controversial comments, lay little nuggets of gold that prove valuable or accurate.

Whatever has happened, one bad season has sent KO from champ to chump on the recruiting trail and frankly, that seems a bit quick. Maybe something is missing that was there before. If it's Bunkey, do something about it.

 

[Fishy]

I was asked a question so I responded, so this beating a dead horse narrative is silly.

Bunkey is not working at any of those three schools nor is Glen Miller. I do know that Bunkey was view as such a threat to PC that they spread bad rumors about him. I doubt they had to do that about any of the other assistants at that time.

Cooley, to recruit - "Oh, man....you hear that stuff about Bunkey?!"

Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

Cooley - "He was caught diddling clams at the Big Y fish counter!"

Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

 

[Waquoit]

To me it's about how you handle adversity, JD ended up cutting and running.

None of these guys are cutting and running.

 

[goblue2220]

You miss the point. Durham to ND, Ashton-Langford to Providence, Enoch to Louisville. The didn't choose those landing spots because of the presence of a funtime hanger-on.

Bunkey had a nice run for a few years, living rent free with the team, eating team meals, and enjoying the night life, lol.

 

[Chief00]

Cooley, to recruit - "Oh, man....you hear that stuff about Bunkey?!"

Unnamed Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

Cooley - "He was caught diddling clams at the Big Y fish counter!"

Unnamed Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

Cooley, to recruit - "Oh, man....you hear that stuff about Bunkey?!"

Unname Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

Cooley - "He was caught diddling clams at the Big Y fish counter!"

Unnamed Recruit - "Who's Bunkey?"

Unnamed Recruit: I went to a Fetty Wap concert at UConn. Guys on the team and this dude Bunk danced on the stage

Cooley: Big Deal, Lenny Wilkins went here in 1960.

Unnamed Recruit: I hung out with Bunk and Cassell Jr after the concert - it was a lot of fun. Sam Jr Dad played with KG. He has a nice jeep.

Cooley: I will take you to a restaurant on Federal Hill.

Unnamed Recruit: Bunk took me to a club and he F it up. We closed it.

Diallo: Yeah, I use to love visiting UConn when Bunk was there. It was a lot more fun than going over the class catalog with that guy who wore red socks. It was like visiting UK then.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Unnamed Recruit: I went to a Fetty Wap concert at UConn. Guys on the team and this dude Bunk danced on the stage

Cooley: Big Deal, Lenny Wilkins went here in 1960.

Unnamed Recruit: I hung out with Bunk and Cassell Jr after the concert - it was a lot of fun. Sam Jr Dad played with KG. He has a nice jeep.

Cooley: I will take you to a restaurant on Federal Hill.

Unnamed Recruit: Bunk took me to a club and he F it up. We closed it.

Diallo: Yeah, I use to love visiting UConn when Bunk was there. It was a lot more fun than going over the class catalog with that guy who wore red socks. It was like visiting UK then.

 

[Chief00]

Bunkey had a nice run for a few years, living rent free with the team, eating team meals, and enjoying the night life, lol.

LOL - It was a win/win

 

[champs99and04]

@Chief00 you're on fire today.

 

[Huskybass]

I gave you the numbers for the last 3 years. How is that using one year?

2014 our tempo was 239 and adjusted offense was 39. Notre dame was 275 and 40.

2013 our tempo was 315 and adj offense was 55. Notre dame was 315 and 17.

That is the entirety of ollies time as coach. We've never played at a fast pace. Not even above average. And we've never had a great/ efficient offense. Notre dame has never played fast but they have a great/efficient offense every year except 2014 (40th).

I agree he is much better suited at notre dame but it isn't because they play much slower than us as you suggested. It's because they run a much better offense.

No matter how accurate your post is, if you aren't wearing KO kneepads, he will disagree with you.

I expect Durham to have a nice career at ND once he gets fully healthy.