Parallels to 2011?

[Son of Robert]

This is going to be a good season. Jalen will have a more productive year than the very nice season he had last year but with slightly less assists. Terry Larrier is going to have a breakout season with his scoring and snatching boards, and Alterique will have a very fine season both with scoring and assist to turnover ratio. All 3 will end up on the national radar as top tier players. Cobb and Company(Diarra and others) are going to get it done on the inside. The bench is deep with a mix of two very capable veteran guards(Vital and Anderson) and several other talented players who can play either the 3/4 or 4/5. Many combinations to choose from, these guys just need internal team competition and actual playing time to get better and produce. Some undetermined number of these players are going to step up and play well, get minutes and fill out the rotation. Polley, Williams, Carlton, Whaley, Onoruah, maybe Wilson will get the heartbreak waiver. I just ordered my XL center season tickets 117S row 11, and I can hardly wait for the season to start. Bleed Blue fellas!

 

[SubbaBub]

In fairness not really. I mean the way it ended in 2011 sure but not the way it began. We had little clue as to who our freshman were going in and how they would contribute, especially the impact of Lamb who was a relative unknown much like some of the players we have. We don't have an Oriahki going in and while Kemba was really special there's a chance our backcourt depth can create a similar situation there.

So you're right if you think there aren't similarities to the finished product of '11 but it is somewhat similar in regards to out of the gate. People need to step up and even if they do, this team will likely never be in position to make a run like that, but they still could bring some excitement back.

I disagree. They served a loud notice in Maui. It wasn't a fluke. They dominated FF caliber teams. The Big East record was the outlier.

After game 2 at MSG you knew this team was going places. After Pitt, you knew they'd be a tough out.

The PK80 is huge, both for at large purposes, and a look at their potential. Beating Oregon is a must.

 

[mauconnfan]

I disagree. They served a loud notice in Maui. It wasn't a fluke. They dominated FF caliber teams. The Big East record was the outlier.

After game 2 at MSG you knew this team was going places. After Pitt, you knew they'd be a tough out.

The PK80 is huge, both for at large purposes, and a look at their potential. Beating Oregon is a must.

Yeah I agree, but this team hasn't played yet is my point and that team prior to Maui was nothing to get any more excited about than this one. There was a lot of unknown. And that team was only decent in the Big East. AO played really good on both ends of the season but wasn't real good in the regular season league, or shall I say consistent. And Lamb really came out end of the year in spectacular fashion. It was the Kemba show in Maui although we certainly saw signs of some pretty good support around him. I'm not saying this team will reach any heights that team did, just saying going in prior to first tip, no one knew and anyone who said they did is a liar.

 

[businesslawyer]

There are, certainly, a good number of comparisons between looking at this team and looking at our team coming into 2011. But there are, also, two major differences. First, we entered 2011 with at least one big who we thought we should be able to count on. Two, the new pieces that we were going to have to plug in in 2011, while not our first choices in most cases, where not the last second plug ins to fill holes we didn't expect in our roster that we have this time around.

But we'll see. This is why they play the games.

 

[CL82]

The parallels are incredible. In 99, 04, and 11, we won a total of 99 games. We also lost 17 games. 99-17=82. 82 is the opposite of 28. 2011 was championship #3. 28-3. The falcons blew a 28-3 lead. We've gotta be the favorites this year.

Conspiracy Kitty says: "Yes, yes...It's all so clear now!"


[CL82 says: We're still doomed.]

 

[HuskyHawk]

I'm not sure about parallels but I am sure about one thing. Jalen's sophomore statistics compared to Kemba's are close if not better.
Kemba - 14.6 PPG, 2.1 ST, 5.1 AST, 4.3 RB, .43 2P%, .339 3P%, .767 FT%
Jalen - 14.4 PPG, 1.1 ST, 6.1 AST, 4.3 RB, .43 2P%, >.35 3P%, >.828 FT%
Very close actually. Not saying he's going to be Kemba, one of our all time greats, but don't discount him. And he did that with some of his best teammates sidelined with injuries and all the pressure on him to run the show almost alone. If we get a jump from Jalen in his Junior year like we did with Kemba we will be very happy. I'm not sure he has the front court horses to compete for a National Championship like Kemba did so I wouldn't sign him up for that either, but don't count him out.
I hope this is a parallel though!

Kemba played much better defense. Twice the steals is the only stat here reflecting D. That said, I think Jalen is ready to step up and be a leader. That's the other thing we need to see from him. I don't think the pieces around him are as good as we had for Kemba in 2011, but they are certainly good enough that this team can surprise people and win a lot of games. Maybe make a run in the tournament.

That 2011 team also got a late season scoring boost as Lamb became more than a freshman. It would certainly help our chances if some freshman takes a similar late season leap.

 

[jibsey]

This is going to be a good season. Jalen will have a more productive year than the very nice season he had last year but with slightly less assists. Terry Larrier is going to have a breakout season with his scoring and snatching boards, and Alterique will have a very fine season both with scoring and assist to turnover ratio. All 3 will end up on the national radar as top tier players. Cobb and Company(Diarra and others) are going to get it done on the inside. The bench is deep with a mix of two very capable veteran guards(Vital and Anderson) and several other talented players who can play either the 3/4 or 4/5. Many combinations to choose from, these guys just need internal team competition and actual playing time to get better and produce. Some undetermined number of these players are going to step up and play well, get minutes and fill out the rotation. Polley, Williams, Carlton, Whaley, Onoruah, maybe Wilson will get the heartbreak waiver. I just ordered my XL center season tickets 117S row 11, and I can hardly wait for the season to start. Bleed Blue fellas!

Very nice, and I agree we have talent. One thing about Cobb and company getting it done on the inside, that is the question isn't it?

 

[BaZZnBOAT]

Jalen has had spectacular games. It's the consistency that comes with maturity. "Jalen hasn't shown much?" He has shown me a lot. I wait for him to do it consistently, to do what he has already done, but more steadily.

I agree with this to an extent. I love Jalen, I think when he wants to be he's one of the best guards in the country.

However, last year I thought he took off to many plays on both sides of the ball. I know that morale was low last year, but quite simply, Adams can't afford that to happen again. He has to be invested and involved every. single. play for the Huskies to succeed this season.

 

[Son of Robert]

Very nice, and I agree we have talent. One thing about Cobb and company getting it done on the inside, that is the question isn't it?

Yeah, I'm praying for the best. One never knows til you throw the ball up. My post is just my optimistic self slinging good vibrations, rooting for the team in constructive fashion. Based on what I've seen and heard I think our frontcourt is going to be fine, I just don't know enough to be certain.

 

[OkaForPrez]

There are, certainly, a good number of comparisons between looking at this team and looking at our team coming into 2011. But there are, also, two major differences. First, we entered 2011 with at least one big who we thought we should be able to count on. Two, the new pieces that we were going to have to plug in in 2011, while not our first choices in most cases, where not the last second plug ins to fill holes we didn't expect in our roster that we have this time around.

But we'll see. This is why they play the games.

For all intents and Purposes Larrier and Gilbert are still "new pieces." We seem to be factoring them into our year last year and writing them off in the process. I'm not as high on Larrier as others because I don't see very high BBall IQ and in our early season struggles he didn't look like he wanted the ball. That said, I could easily see him on a slow track to greatness like the evolution of Daniels in '14.

Gilbert though. Gilbert is a stud. As a freshman he was putting the team on his back during the game he got hurt. He's got KEA swag and when you put him and Adams together in the backcourt its a potent combo. I don't think a red shirt sophomore AG is a leap from Freshman Bazz.

Vital's BBall IQ and hustle make him the perfect 6th man 3 guard piece.

 

[upstater]

For all intents and Purposes Larrier and Gilbert are still "new pieces." We seem to be factoring them into our year last year and writing them off in the process. I'm not as high on Larrier as others because I don't see very high BBall IQ and in our early season struggles he didn't look like he wanted the ball. That said, I could easily see him on a slow track to greatness like the evolution of Daniels in '14.

Gilbert though. Gilbert is a stud. As a freshman he was putting the team on his back during the game he got hurt. He's got KEA swag and when you put him and Adams together in the backcourt its a potent combo. I don't think a red shirt sophomore AG is a leap from Freshman Bazz.

Vital's BBall IQ and hustle make him the perfect 6th man 3 guard piece.

Huh. I thought he wanted the ball too much last year. In fact, I criticized him for it on this board. He was not selective enough. But that goes back to the whole team. Everyone wanted to be a hero: Jaylen, Terry, Rodney, Vance. I think only Alterique tried to play within the team concept the first few games.

 

[UCDaveD]

Look, we're not winning the national championship this year. But we're not not winning the national championship this year either. Know what I mean?

 

[Mr. French]

Huh. I thought he wanted the ball too much last year. In fact, I criticized him for it on this board. He was not selective enough. But that goes back to the whole team. Everyone wanted to be a hero: Jaylen, Terry, Rodney, Vance. I think only Alterique tried to play within the team concept the first few games.

Yeah I don't remember every detail of those early games, but I do remember Larrier being fairly "shot aggressive" on offense, which I'm not saying is a bad thing necessarily...

I do remember being impressed with some of the shots he was making while also being a little leery of the types of shots they were ... But that was during games where it looked like our offense was stagnant and he figured he'd be the aggressor.

Again, not a bad thing, possibly even a good thing, but that's my recollection of Terry last year.

 

[BlueMAB]

Parallels:

Jalen Adams was born 12/11/95. 95-11-12=72.
Kevin Ollie was born in 72, and is 44. 72-44=28.
Kemba Walker was born 5/8/90. 90-8-5=77.
77-74=3.
28-3.
The falcons blew a 28-3 lead.

This is our year. It was written.

 

[CL82]

Look, we're not winning the national championship this year

Conspiracy Kitty says: "Or are we?"

[CL82 says: "Still doomed."]

 

[ctchamps]

I'm thinking this is more like post APR ban. We have a disappointing season, mumu2.0, defections and a junior pg from Roxbury.

I'm psyched.

 

[intlzncster]

However, last year I thought he took off to many plays on both sides of the ball. I know that morale was low last year, but quite simply, Adams can't afford that to happen again. He has to be invested and involved every. single. play for the Huskies to succeed this season.

Yeah, we also had like 6 dudes available last year. I'll give him a pass

 

[jazyj]

I’m just excited for this season, baring injury *knocks on wooden desk furiously* I feel that we are going to be a really good team. I wouldn’t be surprised if we won the AAC in the regular season and/or tournament.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Yeah, Jalen is a proven baller. I can't help but see parallels of 11 'and 14', but that is simply because we got spoiled into thinking every time we suck, we'll win a natty the next year. Not realistic, though I'll hope for it.

True but if we in it again this season itd definetly be aside from a euphoric moment itd definitely be a w.t.f again?!!! moment.

 

[TheChamps990411]

The freshmen class we had in 2010-11 was leaps and bounds better than what we have this year. I think we can make the NCAA but let's not kid ourselves

pretty much the same sentiment around here in `11. Sure that recruiting class turned out great but before the season people werent to happy about our class especially since we got "the other Lamb" lol! I learned after `11 and `14 that until we`re officially out of it we have a chance to cut down the nets. Ill never bet against this program again.

 

[willie99]

let's not pretend anyone saw 2011 coming, so we don't have to know who the players are going to be this year to replace the players that stepped up that year

anyhow, one can never predict a repeat of a magical run, but I do see similarities in talent, experience and most importantly, preseason expectations

I think this team will exceed the expectations of most, and we'll have an enjoyable season

 

[CL82]

 

[dennismenace]

also Roscoe was a great defender. something we need here

And an excellent rebounder.

 

[sledog]

Don't forget the black eye 'badge'!

 

[Waquoit]

Not very fair to Jalen here and a tough comparison. Kemba as a soph played with a solid team while Jalen was asked to do everything while playing almost 40 minutes a game.

I thought Purvis had to do everything last year? Geez, I can't keep up wiith you guys.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

I will admit ,I did not predict a NC in 2011 but did predict that we would have a very good team.
AZHuskie (my son) asked me what he thought of our chances in 2011 and my reply to him was any UConn team that has one of the top 3 PG ‘s in country can’t help but be successful.
I believe Jalen ,although not Kemba is a terrific PG maybe even top 5 in the country.
The cast around him is extremely athletic and I love our guard depth.
I can’t think of a team as deep in quality off the top of my head.
KW when paired with good guards will be a force of nature. As long as he never puts the ball on the floor our opponents won’t know his limitations.
Everything offensively in basketball revolves around the PG
I hate to criticize any UConn kid especially a good and loyal kid.
but Rodney importance to last years team was emotional and not talent driven.
Of course we need to replace his mental leadership and defensive intensity but he was a great athlete will very limited skills especially on the ball.
The games where Jaylen was hurt or hobbled the team simply came to a halt even against lesser talent. That’s because JA was capable of first beating his man an second finding an open shooter. He made guys like raw freshman CV,RP,and even Jackson much more dangerous . If he can elevate Sophomore CV,TL, Gilbert ,and KW in the same way
This will be a very fun season.