Providence post game thread

[UCan3]

UConn was steady in the first half without Bal for a long stretch. Then, of course, prospered once Ball came back.

Ball is an incredible shooter.

But I was screaming at TV in first 5 minutes when he had 2 terrible turnovers.

Why does he at time do such a poor job protecting the ball?

Only player I’ve seen that under pressure, faces defender with that high dribble that begs for a nice clean takeaway.

Please Solo recognize the situation and adjust your game!

 

[REB1094]

I have to confess I was rooting for the PC walk ons at the end of the game

I was hype for them too. But that second shot was actually super impressive. Maybe the most impressive shot anyone on PC made yesterday. Took Mahaney into the midrange, pivot back, contested turnaround fadeaway jumper?

He almost scored as much as Bensley Joseph did yesterday, but in 30 less minutes and 11 less shots lol

 

[RuffRuff]

This can sound like Stewart at times too. But at least you get spurts with Stewart and not flashes. They are both inconsistent but Stewart has proven he deserves the minutes over Ross who is playing level too high for him.

I meant Stewart

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I really hope we go with them for next year and get a chance for these takes too age horribly.

I think everyone hopes these takes age horribly but there is limited PT available on any given roster and hoping for progression that didn’t materialize is one of the big things that got us into our current situation.

 

[Umami Zen]

Keep winning. Might even be looking at the 2 or 3 seed in BET with 2 more Ws.-Out of StJ's bracket until finals.

 

[willie99]

Awesome game Huskies. I love this team, I love the coaching staff, I love every player that chose to play for our outstanding program

On to Marquette

 

[lateralous]

This can sound like Stewart at times too. But at least you get spurts with Stewart and not flashes. They are both inconsistent but Stewart has proven he deserves the minutes over Ross who is playing level too high for him.

I think the post you quoted was about Stewart.

 

[Deepster]

I don’t think English is a bad coach. He doesn’t have great personnel.

That’s not what PC fans feel.

 

[RuffRuff]

I think everyone hopes these takes age horribly but there is limited PT available on any given roster and hoping for progression that didn’t

What I hope for most is a NC caliber roster. Of course you hope that’s with all possible returners a key piece, but not at the sake of a blind desire to develop without evaluating a players upside.

Could you imagine running a starting unit out there with Stew, Solo and a freshman 3? We’d likely kick off another season with the same defensive handicaps we have seen all year. We’ll see how it plays out, and I do pull for him, but I continue to have a hard time seeing it and we are in March of year 2.

 

[Travelman6]

Only 1 team in history of Big East has failed to get a bid going into the Big East tournament with 21 wins.

That was 2024 St. John’s.

I think most years, teams that didn't get in just didn't deserve it and that's it. Other than 25+ win mid majors who didn't win their tourney (seems there is at least one per year) I don't believe in snubs. But St Johns last year got snubbed. Absolutely. They played UConn super close in that 95-90 loss and would have done some damage, possible s16 team.

 

[Conndog]

This is a really tough one. Ross has proven he’s a zero. At least Jaylen has shown glimpses, and it’s way more than once. He has to figure out a way to up his intensity or it’s just never gonna happen for him. He is infinitely more talented than Ross.

Ross sometimes looks like a good defensive player, but he is so lost or scared on offense so far.

 

[Palatine]

Ross sometimes looks like a good defensive player, but he is so lost or scared on offense so far.

Earlier in the year Ross tried to force some offense and it didn't work very well. If he concentrates on defense, gets to the right positions on offense, and lets the game come to him, he can contribute some valuable minutes.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

We have a few guys who are afraid to shoot these days.

 

[JungleLobo]

I am a bit worried about Singare come tourney time.

Down the stretch he let not 1 but 2 4-year walk ons score their first points ever.

He's got to work on cleaning up his garbage time game. There’s 2 games left to be ready for all these final 2 minutes he will be playing in the post season.

 

[Agent0]

Johnson is clearly UConn’s 6th best player. He should be playing 6th best player minutes. Johnson and Reed have to play together for stretches just to give Diarra/McNeeley/Ball some breathers.

No

 

[Mr. French]

Stewart is the one player I can’t figure out.

So much talent - really— he’s got the size and outside shooting touch to be trouble for any team.

But he continues to show up for a few minutes, dazzle with a great play or two and then fades into the woodwork.

In terms of players on bench with playing time, here’s my take:

1.) At one time, I was Stewarts #1 fan but got to admit he plays about the right amount of minutes right now.
2.) Play Nowell more - he’s can handle the rock. We didn’t need him yesterday because we didn’t get face guarding defense like w/ St. John’s. We will in BE Tourney and NCAA - so get Nowell some more minutes - think of future.
3.) Samson while not bench player , he should go in and utility player , start game - play hyper aggressive and pick up fouls. Let Reed come in and score / not take too many chances on fouling out of game.
4.) Reed I just don’t see it.
5.) Mahaney 5 minutes a game until he proves he’s ready for prime time.

I think 4) you meant Ross, but I’m on with you - good post

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

I think everyone hopes these takes age horribly but there is limited PT available on any given roster and hoping for progression that didn’t materialize is one of the big things that got us into our current situation.

I disagree

 

[lateralous]

Could you imagine running a starting unit out there with Stew, Solo and a freshman 3?

I don't disagree that we can't put all our eggs in the Stewart basket when it comes to penciling in a starting lineup for next year but where is Tarris going? I feel like Ball and Reed are locks to be starters and all-Big East level contributors and then we build out from there.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I disagree

How could you possibly disagree that the lack of development from Samson, Stewart, and Ross is a major contributor to our issues this season? It’s clearly not the only reason but it’s clearly a big reason.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

How could you possibly disagree that the lack of development from Samson, Stewart, and Ross is a major contributor to our issues this season? It’s clearly not the only reason but it’s clearly a big reason.

I’m not blaming our season on guys who weren’t/aren’t suppose to be starters.

Mahaney and Karaban were the ones who were suppose to be All-Americans and neither might not be All-Conference.

I’d start there before blaming sophomore who did not have the green lights or rope those guys were given/still have this season. That’s what Hurley banked the season on.

 

[UCan3]

I am a bit worried about Singare come tourney time.

Down the stretch he let not 1 but 2 4-year walk ons score their first points ever.

He's got to work on cleaning up his garbage time game. There’s 2 games left to be ready for all these final 2 minutes he will be playing in the post season.

I am a bit perplexed on Sigare.

I only remember him playing a few times. When he was in he was ripping down rebounds, clearing out the middle and hit a few shots here and there. I remember thinking, dang those are some good minutes.

He’s a big body that clogs up the middle.

Then it was like he was glued to the bench.

Would have liked to seen him see if he could have kept those St John’s “rebounding machines” off the boards for a bit. Especially when AK decided he didn’t want to box out on offensive boards when there was more than Taris could handle on his own.

I understand we have 2 big men but if Mahaney can get in for 5 minutes, so should Sigare IMO.

 

[UCan3]

I think 4) you meant Ross, but I’m on with you - good post

Sorry I did - too late to edit - but you got it! Thank you.

 

[husky429]

I don't disagree that we can't put all our eggs in the Stewart basket when it comes to penciling in a starting lineup for next year but where is Tarris going? I feel like Ball and Reed are locks to be starters and all-Big East level contributors and then we build out from there.

We need to recruit a 3 unless we find a huge PG. Somepne like Castle or Mahaney sized. Mullins is not big enough to defend the 3 on a team with F4 aspirations.

 

[ucp990411]

We need to recruit a 3 unless we find a huge PG. Somepne like Castle or Mahaney sized. Mullins is not big enough to defend the 3 on a team with F4 aspirations.

Can Mullins possibly play the point?

 

[RuffRuff]

I don't disagree that we can't put all our eggs in the Stewart basket when it comes to penciling in a starting lineup for next year but where is Tarris going? I feel like Ball and Reed are locks to be starters and all-Big East level contributors and then we build out from there.

Tarris is in there obviously, thinking more about our perimeter defense which has been our death knoll this year, 318th in defensive 3pt %.

You can hide Solo, one guy, but when you have more than one out there that can’t play D, can’t figure out how to switch or how to go around a pick, it’s somewhat contagious and becomes a problem for everyone.

Stewart may not be given rope offensively but it doesn’t account for his F level defense.