Reminds me of January 2023

[willie99]

Extended losing streak, too many fouls, huge free throw disparity, what we witnessed before January was fool's gold, conference coaches knew how to defend us.... and Hurley can't win a close game... most importantly, HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME

Let's not pretend otherwise, we've been here before, and many of the naysayers then are the same naysayers today. 22 months ago, before back to back titles

I believed then, and I believe today, the team will gell, chemistry will develop, and we're going to enjoy the season

That doesn't mean I expect a three peat. I'm not going to pretend I expected that first title, who did? But I expect to be enjoying March

Go Huskies

 

[2014DualCs]

This team needs a 180 ASAP. Because we’ve looked lost for 7 games at this point… there’s nothing masking it anymore

 

[dtrumpet]

Was thinking the same thing about Jan '23. Including Hurley unhinged on the sideline. That was when he was caught on camera calling a ref "A (we all remember)ing clown." It was shortly after that that things starting turning around. Have to hope it happens again.

 

[GampelGladiator]

This team needs a 180 ASAP. Because we’ve looked lost for 7 games at this point… there’s nothing masking it anymore

I'll up my seat donation so that the team gets a 360!

 

[Jumpman62114]

That team had already won the PK85 and proved it could play good ball on both sides of the floor. This team hasnt proven anything against good competition. I’m hopeful Hurley and co can maximize this team but we’re bound by the roster we have which at this point is limited in key areas.

 

[That Guy]

The big difference between this situation and January 2023 is that we knew the 2023 team had what it took to beat the best teams in the country. They destroyed a Bama team who went on to be the #1 team in the country for a large chunk of the season and they also won their early season tournament.

This team not only lost their early season tournament, they finished dead last and they lost to very average teams. This team hasn't beat anyone of note yet, and it's not looking like they're capable of it.

 

[Jmark212]

That team came out of the gate like gangbusters and smoked all their nonconference games. This team is just abysmal. They're nothing alike.

 

[willie99]

Doesn't change a thing, this board all of a sudden had more traffic and the naysayers were still naysayers

Let's not pretend otherwise. Of course the naysayers suggest "things are different this time". No they're not, crying is crying in my world, and every year is going to be different

The "HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME" crowd is back, showing us their infinite wisdom, acting like teams don't grow and gell. Damn, UConn as been doing this for 35 years or so

 

[REB1094]

Defense can be cleaned up through coaching, and there’s too much offensive talent on this team to look this bad. Similar to January 2023

2023 had enough OOC buffer that their BE meltdown still led to a 4 seed. This team had an OOC meltdown, but we still have 3 Q1 games before we start BE play. Season isn’t over yet!

 

[Jaydumo20]

Youre right. This is exactly what it feels like. We were certain that we were gonna go undefeated all year. Then that.
The mood all over the yard, including me, was that the first 14 games were a teaser and then we realized we are the same AAC team. This UConn "dynasty" didn't show up until 2nd half of Iona.

 

[Jmark212]

Doesn't change a thing, this board all of a sudden had more traffic and the naysayers were still naysayers

Let's not pretend otherwise. Of course the naysayers suggest "things are different this time". No they're not, crying is crying in my world, and every year is going to be different

The "HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME" crowd is back, showing us their infinite wisdom, acting like teams don't grow and gell. Damn, UConn as been doing this for 35 years or so

In your world all is right in UConn land despite that flaming dumpster everyone just watched the past few days. I wish I had your optimism. The problems with this team are roster construction. Not sure they can be coached away. Also there are only a few more chances for nonconference wins and if we can’t beat Colorado and Dayton that doesn’t boad well for Gonzaga or Baylor. This season could be over by the start of BE play. But go on about “naysayers.”

 

[JMick]

This team can get a lot better. There's plenty of talent on the roster we just need the staff to figure out how to cover up the holes.

 

[DennieEddy]

I'll up my seat donation so that the team gets a 360!

A 360° brings them back in the same direction!

 

[shizzle787]

This team can get a lot better. There's plenty of talent on the roster we just need the staff to figure out how to cover up the holes.

I don't understand why we were so bad in Maui. We have Karaban. We have Diarra. Mahaney was a high level player for a St. Mary's team that won games in the NCAA tournament the last two years and were both top 25 teams. We are weak at the 5 obviously but McNeeley is a really good player too, and Ball looks really improved and Stewart is solid. I understand losing to Memphis as they look like a possible top 20 team but Colorado stinks and even though we lost to Dayton, they are not 20 points better than us. If we had lost by a possession, I would have been disappointed but would understand as they played UNC and Iowa State to the brink.

 

[willie99]

In your world all is right in UConn land despite that flaming dumpster everyone just watched the past few days. I wish I had your optimism. The problems with this team are roster construction. Not sure they can be coached away. Also there are only a few more chances for nonconference wins and if we can’t beat Colorado and Dayton that doesn’t boad well for Gonzaga or Baylor. This season could be over by the start of BE play. But go on about “naysayers.”

Just stop, I might decide to take names this time

 

[JMick]

I don't understand why we were so bad in Maui. We have Karaban. We have Diarra. Mahaney was a high level player for a St. Mary's team that won games in the NCAA tournament the last two years and were both top 25 teams. We are weak at the 5 obviously but McNeeley is a really good player too, and Ball looks really improved and Stewart is solid. I understand losing to Memphis as they look like a possible top 20 team but Colorado stinks and even though we lost to Dayton, they are not 20 points better than us. If we had lost by a possession, I would have been disappointed but would understand as they played UNC and Iowa State to the brink.

I think if we beat Memphis we probably finish the tournament 2-1. I think we were a little high on our own supply and a bit shell shocked.

It's no guarantee that we rally but I don't think the season is lost and we're certainly not playing the best basketball that we will this year. They just need to figure it out sooner than later.

 

[shizzle787]

I think if we beat Memphis we probably finish the tournament 2-1. I think we were a little high on our own supply and a bit shell shocked.

It's no guarantee that we rally but I don't think the season is lost and we're certainly not playing the best basketball that we will this year. They just need to figure it out sooner than later.

The Baylor-Texas-Gonzaga stretch is a huge opportunity. Really need to go at least 2-1.

 

[jibsey]

We have the best coaches and staff. Are they going to throw in the towel? Did we quit when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

Google Search

 

[CTBasketball]

I don't understand why we were so bad in Maui. We have Karaban. We have Diarra. Mahaney was a high level player for a St. Mary's team that won games in the NCAA tournament the last two years and were both top 25 teams. We are weak at the 5 obviously but McNeeley is a really good player too, and Ball looks really improved and Stewart is solid. I understand losing to Memphis as they look like a possible top 20 team but Colorado stinks and even though we lost to Dayton, they are not 20 points better than us. If we had lost by a possession, I would have been disappointed but would understand as they played UNC and Iowa State to the brink.

Ball has all-around regressed and is one major reason why our defense falls apart.

On-ball perimeter defense is leading to open shots, fouls, easy layups, and a lot of late recoveries. Makes us look inept.

 

[Greathusky]

If we had won both of our first and second games by one point, we would not be seeing pessimistic posts.

 

[Palatine]

Extended losing streak, too many fouls, huge free throw disparity, what we witnessed before January was fool's gold, conference coaches knew how to defend us.... and Hurley can't win a close game... most importantly, HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME

Let's not pretend otherwise, we've been here before, and many of the naysayers then are the same naysayers today. 22 months ago, before back to back titles

I believed then, and I believe today, the team will gell, chemistry will develop, and we're going to enjoy the season

That doesn't mean I expect a three peat. I'm not going to pretend I expected that first title, who did? But I expect to be enjoying March

Go Huskies

This is way, way worse. The team is reeling. They are in free fall. And forget the there was no time to fix it excuse. Adjustments have to be made in real time. During the games. We should have been getting better not coming apart.

Dayton shot 47% from three and that's the worst a team has shot from three against us all tournament. Dayton had a 50-40-90 night against our defense. Our offense has gotten worse as the opponents got worse.

There needs to be a lot of soul searching.

 

[gtcam]

Doesn't change a thing, this board all of a sudden had more traffic and the naysayers were still naysayers

Let's not pretend otherwise. Of course the naysayers suggest "things are different this time". No they're not, crying is crying in my world, and every year is going to be different

The "HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME" crowd is back, showing us their infinite wisdom, acting like teams don't grow and gell. Damn, UConn as been doing this for 35 years or so

If you can’t see the difference then so be it. You must be waiting for the magic turkey to appear at the door today. My 12 yo grandson could educate you on the subject. Take your names and Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Uconn77Duke74]

Is it conditioning at this point? Jet Lag, Time Zone? McNeeley 0-9 in 30 minutes?

 

[homunculus]

If you can’t see the difference then so be it.

My 12 yo grandson could educate you on the subject.

When I read OP’s comments, the very first thing I thought would be that there would be “this is different” responses.

You know how I know? Because the same things were said in January 2023.

 

[Rocktheworld]

This team needs a 180 ASAP. Because we’ve looked lost for 7 games at this point… there’s nothing masking it anymore

Take a breath. We did not look “lost” our first four games.

 

[UCONNFAN179]

This team can get a lot better. There's plenty of talent on the roster we just need the staff to figure out how to cover up the holes.

we may need a tarp the size of the grand canyon for that

 

[homunculus]

Extended losing streak, too many fouls, huge free throw disparity, what we witnessed before January was fool's gold, conference coaches knew how to defend us.... and Hurley can't win a close game... most importantly, HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME

Let's not pretend otherwise, we've been here before, and many of the naysayers then are the same naysayers today. 22 months ago, before back to back titles

I believed then, and I believe today, the team will gell, chemistry will develop, and we're going to enjoy the season

That doesn't mean I expect a three peat. I'm not going to pretend I expected that first title, who did? But I expect to be enjoying March

Go Huskies

This is all I can think about.

I have been on the Boneyard almost daily since the late 90’s, usually lurking, handing out “likes.” It’s a bit of an addiction. Plenty of great times, plenty of bad times. In January of 2023 this place was so toxic, so hysterical (the un-funny kind) that I actually had to step away for a couple weeks.

There are already people in this thread saying “that team was different!” Every team is different. But some things never change.

Newton was a complete bust.
We didn’t have a point guard.
Jackson was literally a liability should never see the floor.
Hawkins was too streaky and was too weak, a matador on D.
Sanogo was undersized and could not guard bigger centers. Couldn’t even dunk!
Hurley might never win a tournament game.

The players are now different (mostly). The comments are the same. You want to know the funniest part? All those comments were essentially true at the time they were posted in 2023!

This is a process. It just might take longer than one season, this time.

Will we win the championship? No, unless Reed discovers a defensive monster inside himself, and even then it’s probably a long shot. Is this season completely lost? Too early to tell, it depends on how quickly they all adapt.

It was obvious before Maui that the team hadn’t figured out all the roles.

March is a long ways away.

 

[willie99]

[/QUOTE]

If you can’t see the difference then so be it. You must be waiting for the magic turkey to appear at the door today. My 12 yo grandson could educate you on the subject. Take your names and Happy Thanksgiving

The naysayers will never grow up, you can't help yourself

It's OK, have a great day

 

[willie99]

This is all I can think about.

I have been on the Boneyard almost daily since the late 90’s, usually lurking, handing out “likes.” It’s a bit of an addiction. Plenty of great times, plenty of bad times. In January of 2023 this place was so toxic, so hysterical (the un-funny kind) that I actually had to step away for a couple weeks.

There are already people in this thread saying “that team was different!” Every team is different. But some things never change.

Newton was a complete bust.
We didn’t have a point guard.
Jackson was literally a liability should never see the floor.
Hawkins was too streaky and was too weak, a matador on D.
Sanogo was undersized and could not guard bigger centers. Couldn’t even dunk!
Hurley might never win a tournament game.

The players are now different (mostly). The comments are the same. You want to know the funniest part? All those comments were essentially true at the time they were posted in 2023!

This is a process. It just might take longer than one season, this time.

Will we win the championship? No, unless Reed discovers a defensive monster inside himself, and even then it’s probably a long shot. Is this season completely lost? Too early to tell, it depends on how quickly they all adapt.

It was obvious before Maui that the team hadn’t figured out all the roles.

March is a long ways away.

Their memories are short, and now they're going to educate us

So damn cute

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Extended losing streak, too many fouls, huge free throw disparity, what we witnessed before January was fool's gold, conference coaches knew how to defend us.... and Hurley can't win a close game... most importantly, HURLEY CAN'T WIN A TOURNAMENT GAME

Let's not pretend otherwise, we've been here before, and many of the naysayers then are the same naysayers today. 22 months ago, before back to back titles

I believed then, and I believe today, the team will gell, chemistry will develop, and we're going to enjoy the season

That doesn't mean I expect a three peat. I'm not going to pretend I expected that first title, who did? But I expect to be enjoying March

Go Huskies

Excellent post.

Back in January 2023, UConn's roster looked a lot like our roster now in the sense that there was little certainty entering the season. Sanogo was already a beast under the basket and we knew Andre Jackson was an exceptional defender and athletic freak X-factor.

However, the transfers were still a work in progress: Newton was panned here for his inconsistencies, Alleyne lost his starting job, Joey was cold. The homegrown impact underclassmen (Hawkins and Clingan) were still getting their feet under them.

People forget, UConn was BAD during this time. 2-6 bad.

This year, there are similar uncertainties across the roster: we know what Karaban brings, Diarra is Diarra and Samson is Samson. Tarris has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's got projectability and I'm super giddy about him. Mahaney is a career 37% three-pointer shooter, so he's been bad, but he's got Joey potential and more.

Then, there's the underclassmen. McNeeley has a shot to be our 2nd best player, Nowell can work his way into the starting PG role. There's potential there and both freshmen are just getting started in their development.

The sophomores barely played last year and now Ball is thrusted into a starting role. While he's scored double-digits in every game this year, he's working on his defensive rotations, but the effort is there, he just needs to work on his vision and situational awareness. I've liked what I've seen from Stewart as the first forward off the bench. There's versatility on offense and he's not going to shoot 18% from three all season and his defense will keep improving. Ross has the same three-point percentage, but he's like an over-eager puppy...he'll keep getting reps and maturing his game on both ends. Singare, Abraham too, the underclassmen group this year is DEEP and there's so much potential. It's only going to get better.

Per KenPom, UConn is 193rd in D1 experience. Memphis is 2nd, Dayton is 7th. Baylor is 14th. Texas is 22nd. Gonzaga is 17th. Xavier is 3rd. Butler is 25th. Bottom line, UConn is closing out the 2024 portion of their schedule against veteran and experienced teams so they are getting battle tested early...but like Hurley said in 2020, you better get us now, because it's coming.