Providence Is A Good Team

[nelsonmuntz]

@Billy Jack and @FriarJ

You guys are Providence fans. Lets get you on the record for just how good you think Providence is. What is going to be their Big East record, and how deep will they go in the Tournament?

 

[FriarJ]

@Billy Jack and @FriarJ

You guys are Providence fans. Lets get you on the record for just how good you think Providence is. What is going to be their Big East record, and how deep will they go in the Tournament?

You do UConn first.. Actually, I will just stick with my pre-season 23-8. With that I thought we would have one or two less losses in OOC. That puts us at 15-5 which is a tough haul but the only way my pre-season prediction works.

I assume you want to adjust your PC prediction though?

 

[Conndog]

They are good but we definitely beat ourselves by getting them in the bonus early in the first and second half. If uconn isn't hitting 3s they are just another average team.

Maybe UConn should learn how to play defense better, perhaps try some new defensive sets for certain situations?

 

[August_West]

@Billy Jack and @FriarJ

You guys are Providence fans. Lets get you on the record for just how good you think Providence is. What is going to be their Big East record, and how deep will they go in the Tournament?

You have vastly underrated providence I told you that before.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

Coach Cooley is my favorite coach in all of NCAA basketball. He teaches through tough love. He is a super coach and a super human being. He gets the most out of his players because they share a mutual respect and a mutual love for one another. Easy guy to cheer for. Our talent level is better because we can recruit with the UConn name and Hurley is an elite recruiter, but their work ethic crushes ours. Hopefully, that will change.

Momma Castle seems to think Hurley and Cooley are two peas in a pod.

To imply that somehow Hurley's / Hurley's teams work ethic are substandard is just silly heresay.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Sticking to the thread title, this is what I love about being back in the Big East.

There are SO MANY good teams in this conference. So much so where I loss becomes not just a frustrating emotion for fans, but a learning experience as well.

How many losses during our AAC years where you were like I'm not happy they lost, but there's something the team can apply to next game and win.

For me, a HATED losing in the AAC so much more than the Big East. Like, it made me hate college basketball, where now, a loss, I'm not happy, but I'm amped for the next game to see if the team adjusts.

 

[FriarJ]

Momma Castle seems to think Hurley and Cooley are two peas in a pod.

To imply that somehow Hurley's / Hurley's teams work ethic are substandard is just silly heresay.

That's actually the thing that I think probably frustrates most UConn fans. Hurley is most certainly a great guy (heard this from a lot of people now), once the ball goes up he changes for whatever reason. His press conferences are not a true depiction of him either imo.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

You have vastly underrated providence I told you that before.

I asked them a simple question which they refuse to answer. Ironically, you also refuse to take a position on the same question.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Providence fans could hold clinics on big celebrations after early January wins. I can't tell if Providence or Pitt fans are better at that. It is really close between them.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

You do UConn first.. Actually, I will just stick with my pre-season 23-8. With that I thought we would have one or two less losses in OOC. That puts us at 15-5 which is a tough haul but the only way my pre-season prediction works.

I assume you want to adjust your PC prediction though?

15-5. Captured for posterity.

 

[FriarJ]

15-5. Captured for posterity.

Means nothing and nobody will give a crap if you don’t participate as well. Your game is old here.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Means nothing and nobody will give a crap if you don’t participate as well. Your game is old here.

I have 2 prediction threads, and will probably start a third one a week from now. My game never gets old.

 

[FriarJ]

I have 2 prediction threads, and will probably start a third one a week from now. My game never gets old.

What is your prediction for UConn and PC?

 

[August_West]

I asked them a simple question which they refuse to answer. Ironically, you also refuse to take a position on the same question.

I put my position here two weeks ago and bet 50 bucks on it. Providence finishes top 4 in conf. Look it up.

 

[Punkbo]

Momma Castle seems to think Hurley and Cooley are two peas in a pod.

To imply that somehow Hurley's / Hurley's teams work ethic are substandard is just silly heresay.

Thanks @JustbrewitMan. That’s a fair comment. I was referencing the fact that it appeared that PC outhustled us all night and won a majority of the 50/50 balls. I love this UConn team and believe that we’ll have an outstanding year. This was a frustrating game and my comment may reflect that.

 

[Rakkasan]

Prov played uninspired basketball for the first stretch of their OOC. Lost (and looked bad) to the 3 quality opponents they faced. To someones point earlier, it wasn't that they lost but how they lost. From their URI game on they, for the most part, have played very solid and improved every game. The Uconn game was probably their most complete game all season.

Uconn rode a 14 game wave and now has hit some adversity. Most teams do at some point in the season. Huskies are supremely talented. Prov seems to have hardened their identify on how they will play since their uninspired start. Anyone can be charming when the grass is green. How does this prticular Uconn team (and Hurley) come out after these 2 losses and 2 more tough games?

 

[mauconnfan]

Just like a former UConn coach who’s in the Hall of Fame and wears 3 rings.

Let’s not get crazy lol. He’s a good coach but you can’t compare those 2. Be happy we do that with Hurley.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

What is your prediction for UConn and PC?

Big East Prediction thread heading into conference play

I know there are a handful of OOC games left. Either they don't matter (those involving Depaul) or I am assuming the Big East team will win. Records and NET numbers are as of Noon on 12/14. 1) UConn (11-0, 1 NET) - #1 in NET and KenPom. First six weeks could not have gone any better. The...

the-boneyard.com

Until a promised 3rd prediction materializes, here's the Post-OOC Prediction thread to answer your query. I lauded the OP, some follow-ups, and the additional thoughtful posts that issued forth as solid work.

Here, I've provided the link to express admiration for your comments offered in this thread. In addition to responding to the direct challenges that have come your way, your integrity in openly representing as a PC fan shines brighter when contrasted with offers who feel the need to play it differently. It'd be ungenerous for me to take note and remain silent.

Of course it helps that Providence won, but being a good winner is part of the package.

PS - If you're not going to read the full thread, at least take a peak at post #20.

 

[SwingDog]

It wasn’t a bad loss in and of itself, it was how we lost that was frustrating. Primarily because it exposed some deep flaws that aren’t easily addressed

Are the "deep" flaws really that difficult to address? I think most of us have come to the conclusion that the Huskies need to get to the rim more, get the guards taking the ball into the paint, either to go to the basket or to dish off. Doing this will also create more opportunities at the free throw line. Also, we have to be able to defend without fouling as much, without depending on how games will be officiated. If guys move well without the ball and pass well, we should be able to get good shots at the perimeter, and shots will fall.

 

[SwingDog]

If we had shot 40% from the field and 30% from 3, this game comes down to the wire. But we shot 36% from 2 and 24% from 3. Not winning many games with those numbers.

...also we only made 10 of 19 from the free throw line.

 

[HuskyHawk]

PC is good. I thought they were underrated preseason. But they arenn’t as good as UConn. Not top ten good. The skill level isn’t there. Still a dangerous team in any given game.

 

[formerlurker]

Can we stop with the ___ is a good team bulls^t, please? Someone did it after the Xavier ass kicking too. Lets not make this a thing. We got taken to the woodshed twice in a week. Even in the win before that we had our prized big man leave with less teeth than he checked in with. It's about time we have someone step up and claim a few chiclets of our own.

 

[FriarJ]

Big East Prediction thread heading into conference play

I know there are a handful of OOC games left. Either they don't matter (those involving Depaul) or I am assuming the Big East team will win. Records and NET numbers are as of Noon on 12/14. 1) UConn (11-0, 1 NET) - #1 in NET and KenPom. First six weeks could not have gone any better. The...

the-boneyard.com

Until a promised 3rd prediction materializes, here's the Post-OOC Prediction thread to answer your query. I lauded the OP, some follow-ups, and the additional thoughtful posts that issued forth as solid work.

Here, I've provided the link to express admiration for your comments offered in this thread. In addition to responding to the direct challenges that have come your way, your integrity in openly representing as a PC fan shines brighter when contrasted with offers who feel the need to play it differently. It'd be ungenerous for me to take note and remain silent.

Of course it helps that Providence won, but being a good winner is part of the package.

PS - If you're not going to read the full thread, at least take a peak at post #20.

Appreciate it, sincerely. I was simply giving him a chance to revise and I even mentioned it to him that he might want to. But as usual he will go down with the ship on that prediction and then tell us we can’t read properly, along with a “scoreboard!” In there for prosperity. It’s so old, anyone that has posted here for any length of time knows the game.

 

[FriarJ]

Prov played uninspired basketball for the first stretch of their OOC. Lost (and looked bad) to the 3 quality opponents they faced. To someones point earlier, it wasn't that they lost but how they lost. From their URI game on they, for the most part, have played very solid and improved every game. The Uconn game was probably their most complete game all season.

Uconn rode a 14 game wave and now has hit some adversity. Most teams do at some point in the season. Huskies are supremely talented. Prov seems to have hardened their identify on how they will play since their uninspired start. Anyone can be charming when the grass is green. How does this prticular Uconn team (and Hurley) come out after these 2 losses and 2 more tough games?

They were lost. Bynum was not leading and the newbies didn’t know where they fit. In a nutshell, basketball is a team game, and teams need to figure out an identity and stick to it. Starting with URI, they have figured it out and have stuck to it. You can call the first 8 games uninspiring and you wouldn’t be wrong. I think it’s as simple as they sucked.

 

[FriarJ]

PC is good. I thought they were underrated preseason. But they arenn’t as good as UConn. Not top ten good. The skill level isn’t there. Still a dangerous team in any given game.

That’s some condescending crap right there. Tell me about your backcourt talent again? Outside of Hawkins, who is a great talent, the rest of your backcourts skill level isn't there. (Read that somewhere and it applies) I wouldn’t trade a single one of them for any one in our backcourt. Our two freshman outplayed them the majority of the 2nd half. Tell me why I’m wrong.

You don’t have a single player as talented as Hopkins to boot. Spare me the talent difference crap. You got some players that can jump high. Congrats.

 

[FriarJ]

One more thing, I decided to watch and count the number of times a player with the dribble went into the paint from outside of it.

1st 10 minutes of the first half. 9 times a UConn player dribbled with the ball into the lane. 11 times a PC player dribbled into the lane

2nd 10 minutes of the first half. 11 times UConn did it and 11 times PC did it.

1st 10 minutes of the 2nd half. 9 times UConn did it, and 14 times PC.

Last 10 minutes of game. 6 times for UConn and 10 for PC

UConn 34 times UConn dribbled drove into the paint. PC did it 45 times.

So 45-34 PC

Fouls were 27-20 UConn

Couple observations. Watching intently of another team gives an interesting perspective. Newton really tried, although as the game slipped, UConn resorted to shooting 3’s (coaching) Newton was responsible for many of UConn’s dribble drives before that time period. Hawkins scored or was fouled almost every time he did it. Sanogo had many chances and didn’t much try and Jackson should have done it much more, he must look for his own offense and it’s not chucking 3’s. Essentially, I think he has to be more like Hopkins who was relentless. Finally I was surprised how effective Locke was off the dribble as well.

 

[Rico444]

One more thing, I decided to watch and count the number of times a player with the dribble went into the paint from outside of it.

1st 10 minutes of the first half. 9 times a UConn player dribbled with the ball into the lane. 11 times a PC player dribbled into the lane

2nd 10 minutes of the first half. 11 times UConn did it and 11 times PC did it.

1st 10 minutes of the 2nd half. 9 times UConn did it, and 14 times PC.

Last 10 minutes of game. 6 times for UConn and 10 for PC

UConn 34 times UConn dribbled drove into the paint. PC did it 45 times.

So 45-34 PC

Fouls were 27-20 UConn

Couple observations. Watching intently of another team gives an interesting perspective. Newton really tried, although as the game slipped, UConn resorted to shooting 3’s (coaching) Newton was responsible for many of UConn’s dribble drives before that time period. Hawkins scored or was fouled almost every time he did it. Sanogo had many chances and didn’t much try and Jackson should have done it much more, he must look for his own offense and it’s not chucking 3’s. Essentially, I think he has to be more like Hopkins who was relentless. Finally I was surprised how effective Locke was off the dribble as well.

One thing you didn't mention was the free throw discrepancy. If we drove the ball about 75-80% of how often your team did, shouldn't the free throws attempted be close to the same? Instead you shot almost double the free throws we did.

It's not the end of the world, we all know Hurley is psychotic and too hard on the refs and this is their way of letting him know they're not going to take it anymore, Jeff Goodman said as much last week. Honestly I doubt we would have won anyway even if the whistle was closer, we missed a ton of jump shots and didn't have an answer for Hopkins. I also expect the home team to get a handful of calls most of the time, and we looked a little rattled by the crowd at times in the 2nd half. I'm looking forward to making some adjustments and seeing how the return game goes next month.

 

[Malamute]

Hay FriarJ - Good team, good game, good Coach. You seem intelligent and I have enjoyed your (some) posts. Posting at 1:45 AM days after a game demonstrates your deep insecurities about our program. You are now acting like a house guest that has stayed far too long. Time for you to go. We have other business to deal with.

 

[FriarJ]

Hay FriarJ - Good team, good game, good Coach. You seem intelligent and I have enjoyed your (some) posts. Posting at 1:45 AM days after a game demonstrates your deep insecurities about our program. You are now acting like a house guest that has stayed far too long. Time for you to go. We have other business to deal with.

I’m in a time zone 4 hours away

 

[FriarJ]

One thing you didn't mention was the free throw discrepancy. If we drove the ball about 75-80% of how often your team did, shouldn't the free throws attempted be close to the same? Instead you shot almost double the free throws we did.

It's not the end of the world, we all know Hurley is psychotic and too hard on the refs and this is their way of letting him know they're not going to take it anymore, Jeff Goodman said as much last week. Honestly I doubt we would have won anyway even if the whistle was closer, we missed a ton of jump shots and didn't have an answer for Hopkins. I also expect the home team to get a handful of calls most of the time, and we looked a little rattled by the crowd at times in the 2nd half. I'm looking forward to making some adjustments and seeing how the return game goes next month.

Not at all, as has been mentioned many times, Hopkins in particular sought contact when in the lane. UConn tried to avoid it many times.