Point Guard Situaton

[RuffRuff]

Cam was a unicorn - but I thought even a Cam Lite would be perfect … and he’s not at all Cammish. Doesn’t look to shoot coming off screens, which is a huge minus because when you maybe don’t match up in quickness or physicality, everything else is easier once you get the D rushing out at you. He can sometimes get to the rim deceptively with changes of direction and a quick burst - but he doesn’t have nearly the bag that I thought he had on film. Cam would explore his options and make something happen on his 4th or 5th choice/read. I haven’t seen Aidan show anything like that. At best he has one counter and then he’s done.

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get extended minutes against Creighton. Ashworth isn’t a physical matchup problem (but he does demand being mentally sharp). Just take the shackles off and chuck, make plays. See what you can do. Not like he’s going to cost us the game. He and McNeeley can take turns being the “go make something happen” guy when we can’t get Solo shots.

For someone like AK in a shooting slump, sometimes you get in one of those situations where you have to shoot with the shot clock winding down and you make it … because there’s no pressure in the shot. You can shed your mental block for a moment and let instinct take over. This is a case at Creighton where we’ve never won - and got smacked silly last year (with Spencer getting dogged by Ashworh randomly) - so Mahaney has a chance to just get the ball and go do something without the weight of expectations.

I have no read right now on Hurley and his rotation. Just when you think Ross was going to be a valuable piece against StJ pressure and to defend Luis/Kadari, he barely plays. I thought he’d look to get AM time these last two after two of his more solid games, and with HD hobbled, and he’s averaged 6 minutes.

 

[NJHusky]

Yes, Nowell was the backup. Untested frosh? Like Shabazz was when Kemba led us to a championship? Like Castle last year. Come on. There is nothing unusual about relying on freshmen. Especially as reserves. Shabazz was ranked about #85 I think, Nowell #35.

Mahaney was clearly expected to be a SG. Ball won the job, Hurley tried to find a way to get the better shooter and more gifted offensive player (vs Diarra) in the lineup. It didn’t work and probably cost us games in Maui. It also cost Nowell development time. It was a huge error.

If Mahaney was expected to be a SG why was DH force feeding him the starting PG spot beginning the season…until it became obvious to everyone he couldn’t manage it

Buzz backing up AA Kemba is WAAAAAY diff than AN backing up Hass. Kemba was the best player in the country and carried the team on his back in one of the top 2 personal post season runs ever. If you were expecting that from Hass I don’t have a rebuttal

 

[jibsey]

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Let’s focus on what this team can do WITH the components they have to win games. The way we are doing it isn’t working and Hurley has to face up to it. I understand there maybe no solution but he’s gotta try something even if it fails because crappy teamsare competitive with us and often beating us.
Yes we beat Marquette and there are brights spots here and there but up to now the coaches and fanbase have been wishin‘ and hopein’.

 

[jostar1]

they are playing pretty competitively against good teams. So, give them a break even though it’s heartbreaking seeing “what could have been” vaporize. I’m sure they know it more than us, and that is one of the psychological factors weighing heavily on this team. At this point screaming “championship level” at them is probably having the exact opposite effect it should. Rather than setting a standard of excellence, they hear you guys are blowing it.

That's exactly what Liam looked like in the post-game press conference.

 

[jostar1]

I have no read right now on Hurley and his rotation. Just when you think Ross was going to be a valuable piece against StJ pressure and to defend Luis/Kadari, he barely plays. I thought he’d look to get AM time these last two after two of his more solid games, and with HD hobbled, and he’s averaged 6 minutes.

Mahaney was injured in practice before the last game.

 

[bendm]

Mahaney was clearly expected to be a SG. Ball won the job, Hurley tried to find a way to get the better shooter and more gifted offensive player (vs Diarra) in the lineup. It didn’t work and probably cost us games in Maui. It also cost Nowell development time. It was a huge error.

This is a new theory I hadn’t heard yet. If Mahaney was initially supposed to be the starting SG then The implication is that Diarra was initially supposed to be the starting PG. But that doesn’t track with the springtime chatter re “Diarra needing to accept his role.” To me that means staff envisioned Mahaney as the starting PG and Diarra as his backup because Diarra wouldn’t have needed any convincing to return as our starting PG.

 

[Gurleyman]

Mahaney has had plenty of chances. I don't see it happening for him here.

Yeah. I know I’m being more hopeful than analytic. Every time he takes a step forward he doesn’t build off it and gives it back.

Every player/situation is different, but at this time last year Creighton fans were really disappointed with Ashworth (who took the PG spot when Nemhart left and there was a big drop off). They had some of the same complaints that we have. Not cut out for the Big East. Too small. Then he had this breakthrough game just chasing Cam Spencer around screens and hitting some deep threes and he’s been a pretty solid player for them since. Now all-Big East.

Can’t expect the exact scenario. Creighton kind of had to force feed him minutes last year. They didn’t have a Diarra. And he had a natural position in their system, and a defensive presence behind him to cover up his mismatches, which is important. But I’m not hoping for All-Big East, just another cog/weapon because we have been a couple short.

 

[SubbaBub]

Hass has exceeded expectations. He was never going to be an all-American or even all-big east. That we don't have anyone else to run the offense is Hurley's fault. Keen eyes will notice that Ball and McNeeley are trying to fill the gap, but we are out of time. The run-in is the toughest part of the schedule. Can't afford a losing streak or we risk missing the tournament. No, we have not locked up a bid, yet.

The year was always going to come with a much lower margin of error. It seems like it's close to being exhausted if we wish to avoid disappointment.

 

[AllHusky]

Exactly
Play Liam as a scoring pg with Stewart at sf

Give Hassan two weeks off.

Gutsy, radical and agressive. You lobby for the ball to be in MCNeeley and Balls hands. They are our 2 best players right now. You get Hasss raring to go, chewing on wood to get back in. The statement it makes is “We are going all in to be ready for the Championship season.” Love it.

 

[AllHusky]

Get ready for what? How do you think he will respond the playing on 3 or 4 consecutive days I the BE tournament?

He’ll respond alot better off of rest than 30+ min per game leading up to it.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Borges said pre game that he was practicing and moving well. Thought he might play. Then he was listed as out. But he said Nowell is obviously very close to coming back. Wouldn’t surprise me if they want to make very sure he doesn’t miss time again given that Diarra will be hobbled all year.

Nowell is not going to be an answer to our problems. He is what less than 50 minutes of game time in his Freshman year. He is not at that level yet. Can he get there, I hope so. There are plenty 6’ guards playing effective if not game changing roles in CBB. See Alabama and Sears. It just that not that many of the 6’ freshman understand how to use their bodies and angles to get their shot off.

One great sign from Solo was the quick release under the defender when he was going to the hoop. That move made me think he could really improve by the end of the year in going to the hoop. Defender has to respect the vertical capabilities so if he throws in a few change up moves he could be lethal.

 

[HuskyHawk]

If Mahaney was expected to be a SG why was DH force feeding him the starting PG spot beginning the season…until it became obvious to everyone he couldn’t manage it

Buzz backing up AA Kemba is WAAAAAY diff than AN backing up Hass. Kemba was the best player in the country and carried the team on his back in one of the top 2 personal post season runs ever. If you were expecting that from Hass I don’t have a rebuttal

Because Ross was so good in the summer, surprising everyone (don't you all remember the reports from Rothstein about Ball in pre-season practices?). So Ball was supposed to be a backup, and Dan desperately tried to find a role for our star transfer. Going farther back I think Hurley probably expected Liam to be SG at times with Stewart at the 3. Ball breaking out really changed a lot.

Bazz as a backup is no different because you'd expect a recruit like Nowell to be better than Bazz as a freshman. I didn't expect Hassan to carry the team. Since when does the PG need to carry the team? I, and I think most of us, expected Karaban and McNeeley to carry the team. I expected Stewart to be our third best player (I still think he probably is).

 

[NJHusky]

Jeremy Roach
PJ Haggerty
Canaan Carlyle
Lamont Butler
Kadari Richmond
Javon Small
Dug McDaniel
JP Pegues
Deveion Smith
Kylan Boswell

Small would have been a land. The list goes on. There were a ton of options. Mahaney was the 70th ranked transfer according to On3, these lists are obviously very subjective. Net net lots of options and almost all here would have brought a different level of athleticism to the table, at minimum.

Aidan lists as 6’3” and I know most kids plump up the height with sneakers but his disparity seems even more extreme, can’t be more than 6’1”. He’s small, and it stands out. It jumped out immediately at open practice.

Between AM and this last HS class it seems DHs pendulum has swung a bit too far to the “shooter” who can process vs the “athlete”. If there is arrogance it may be because they felt the system could win as long as you followed script and could shoot. Likely needs to strike the balance with some athleticism and doggedness.

It’s been stated by DH himself many times early in the year he brought in AM to play PG not Solos role. Furthermore wanting Hassan off the bench in the 6th man role, which only alludes to the one alternative of AM there. Experiment gone bad, happens, just can’t happen often.

Imagine a player like Kadary here? Especially with his size and athleticism.

 

[Gurleyman]

Because Ross was so good in the summer, surprising everyone (don't you all remember the reports from Rothstein about Ball in pre-season practices?). So Ball was supposed to be a backup, and Dan desperately tried to find a role for our star transfer. Going farther back I think Hurley probably expected Liam to be SG at times with Stewart at the 3. Ball breaking out really changed a lot.

Bazz as a backup is no different because you'd expect a recruit like Nowell to be better than Bazz as a freshman. I didn't expect Hassan to carry the team. Since when does the PG need to carry the team? I, and I think most of us, expected Karaban and McNeeley to carry the team. I expected Stewart to be our third best player (I still think he probably is).

Mahaney started in the URI exhibition (had 17) and then started our first 5 regular season games - until Memphis went at him hard and then we went to Diarra for the Colorado game, since Mahaney hadn’t looked all that great against the cupcakes either. I don’t think you make someone a starting point guard because you’re desperate to put him somewhere. I don’t think we were ever planning on Hass starting - if we were, we wouldn’t have given his role to a new guy right out of the chute. We would’ve said that “it’s your job to lose” and forced Mahaney to take it from him.

Remember, Ball started for a month last year with Castle out. Hass didn’t. We could have played 2 point guards easily enough with Newton’s size. Ball had to be in our plans.

 

[RuffRuff]

I’m

Yeah. I know I’m being more hopeful than analytic. Every time he takes a step forward he doesn’t build off it and gives it back.

Every player/situation is different, but at this time last year Creighton fans were really disappointed with Ashworth (who took the PG spot when Nemhart left and there was a big drop off). They had some of the same complaints that we have. Not cut out for the Big East. Too small. Then he had this breakthrough game just chasing Cam Spencer around screens and hitting some deep threes and he’s been a pretty solid player for them since. Now all-Big East.

Can’t expect the exact scenario. Creighton kind of had to force feed him minutes last year. They didn’t have a Diarra. And he had a natural position in their system, and a defensive presence behind him to cover up his mismatches, which is important. But I’m not hoping for All-Big East, just another cog/weapon because we have been a couple short.

Hard to compare these two. Ashworth came into his natural position sink or swim in a full starters role at 32 mpg. AM has logged 6 minutes last two games against the heart of our schedule 2/3 way into season. He wasn’t hurt last game.

 

[RuffRuff]

Mahaney started in the URI exhibition (had 17) and then started our first 5 regular season games - until Memphis went at him hard and then we went to Diarra for the Colorado game, since Mahaney hadn’t looked all that great against the cupcakes either. I don’t think you make someone a starting point guard because you’re desperate to put him somewhere. I don’t think we were ever planning on Hass starting - if we were, we wouldn’t have given his role to a new guy right out of the chute. We would’ve said that “it’s your job to lose” and forced Mahaney to take it from him.

Remember, Ball started for a month last year with Castle out. Hass didn’t. We could have played 2 point guards easily enough with Newton’s size. Ball had to be in our plans.

This isn’t even a discussion - he was our intended PG, there is no argument.

 

[BigTenFan]

Common denominator Spencer and Ashworth- both 24 years old with loads of experience. They have seen every possible defensive scheme and can run a sophisticated set.

 

[Greathusky]

Diggins is currently shooting under 38% with just above a 1-to-1 assist to turnover ratio in the A-10. I assure you he would not have been the answer to this team’s woes, totally ignoring the fact that he would have gotten no PT to develop the last couple seasons.

Diggins at 6'2'' and 190 pounds and Floyd at 6'4" at 210 pounds with Big East ready bodies would have been a better back up than Mahaney.

 

[navery12]

Diggins at 6'2'' and 190 pounds and Floyd at 6'4" at 210 pounds with Big East ready bodies would have been a better back up than Mahaney.

Sure. And Tristen Newton led us to 2 championships, I think it was worth moving on

 

[UCTitleTown]

What exactly is Hassan's injury? Knee tendinitis?

 

[gtcam]

Imagine a player like Kadary here? Especially with his size and athleticism.

LIKE Kadary, yes - Kadary? Hell no - UConn doesn't need any head cases

 

[DOZE860]

Were there any good PG in the transfer portal last year? Why didn’t we just get a good pg, instead of trying to change a Sg into a PG?

Been having this convo with buddies of mine. I really think Hurley should have went after Kardary Richmond. I know he was a "all about the bag" guy, but dam, he is exactly what this team needs.

 

[dennismenace]

Not arrogance. They misjudged Mahaney's inability to play point.

Not sure how they calculated that but one look at him on the floor against any of our opponents and he looks like a small skinny HS kid. And we play in the most physical league in college. Not sure this problem with him is fixable for the next year either.

 

[jibsey]

We are in the middle of February and we all have debated the “point guard situation” to the “point” of exhaustion for……..5 months. So…. I believe that we are stuck with it and the results are likely to be what we have seen so far going forward.
Maybe there is an out of the box or innovative approach to our lineup that Hurley could come up with? Probably not but if there’s a snowball’s chance try something different. Running injured Hass or Mahaney out there doesn’t work.

 

[RuffRuff]

Been having this convo with buddies of mine. I really think Hurley should have went after Kardary Richmond. I know he was a "all about the bag" guy, but dam, he is exactly what this team needs.

I do wonder if Hurley is too big a BE loyalist to take from conference, especially from his Alma Mater.

I would have swore he was gonna make a play on Hausen from Nova. He was openly drooling all over him last year around our home match up with Nova. Didn’t even approach it, now at KSt. I do think DH, as competitive as he is, abides to an honor code. Pitino on the other hand…….