Sacred Heart Post Game Thread

[Waquoit]

I saw a couple of things in this game that you just don't see very often. First, you had Samson with the steal just outside the arc. He dribbles confidently 3/4-court to the rim with people coming, a guard rushes him at the last moment yet Johnson just takes the ball and flushes it. I don't watch very much outside UConn, how many opposing big men can do that? We take SJ for granted, I see most big guys fumbling that play along the way.

Second, was McNeeley's first 3-pointer. It was deep and from the elbow and he just buried it. Mama mia! He's so tall, and can shoot like that? How can you stop it? You need to bring a big man out on him at least and that opens up the court. We're a load. We can beat anyone.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Maybe we need to simply conclude that Samson is what he is at this point but its so frustrating because it seems that it should be something relatively easy to correct. Two of his fouls were reach-ins on guards outside the 3-point line and that is pretty par for the course for him historically. I don't mind the fouls in the paint so much but trying to make a steal in these situations just isn't going to be successful. If they could just get him to never reach in, especially outside the 3-point line, it would save him 1-2 fouls/game I bet. Resist the temptation and just keep your arms up young man.

Even the fouls in the paint, two last night were because Samson brought one of his arms down onto the offensive player well before the guy even started a shooting motion. Totally unnecessary and just a mental mistake. I’m still hopeful the staff can get something to click for him, but he may have to fill a similar role as last year if it doesn’t (which isn’t the worst thing in the world with Tarris here, just not ideal).

 

[Deepster]

Never thought a thread on Sacred Heart would hit page 8, but we must just want to talk hoops.

I don't get the immediate kneejerk and bad grading for Samson. I really don't. I don't expect either him or Reed to be a bona fide 30+ minutes a game guy. I think there's going to be ebbs and flows for both of them and I really like what Samson brings. And, I thought he extended his offense away from just alley oop slams in Game 1. We're also going to lean on Singare at points too. A rolled ankle, sore back for either center pushes him right into 10+ minutes a game, maybe at a big part of the season.

We have a deep team and two real good bigs. Isn't that enough to let Hurley do the rest?

 

[ec33]

We know Stewart isn't going to be taking minutes away from Karaban at the 4 spot. Karaban is good for 32 mpg this season. Stewart can back up those minutes.

AK seems to shoot better on fresh legs (SSS and all), so it might be advantageous to manage his minutes throughout the season.

 

[Waquoit]

We have a deep team and two real good bigs. Isn't that enough to let Hurley do the rest?

I agree, enough lamenting that we don't have Clingan back there anymore. Nobody does. We're going to shoot better from 3 to make up for it.

 

[bendm]

don't get the immediate kneejerk and bad grading for Samson. I really don't

he fouled out in 16 mins against a midmajor, that's definitely not a good thing.

 

[Deepster]

he fouled out in 16 mins against a midmajor, that's definitely not a good thing.

He was a huge part of repeat national championships. Isn't that pretty good?

 

[bendm]

He was a huge part of repeat national championships. Isn't that pretty good?

but now he's our starting C and is expected to be an even bigger part of 3peat champions.

if samson can foul out in 16 mins against sacred heart is he gonna foul out in under 10 mins against creighton? better hope reed doesnt get into foul trouble this year.

 

[Deepster]

but now he's our starting C and is expected to be an even bigger part of 3peat champions.

if samson can foul out in 16 mins against sacred heart is he gonna foul out in under 10 mins against creighton? better hope reed doesnt get into foul trouble this year.

Do you really think that's an equation? If so, then Hass isn't going to hit a 3 pointer all year. Right?

 

[bendm]

Do you really think that's an equation? If so, then Hass isn't going to hit a 3 pointer all year. Right?

here's your equation: samson on D+ kalkbrenner on O = doomed.

youre the only person that can spin samson fouling out in 16 mins against a midmajor as not a troubling sign.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

youre the only person that can spin samson fouling out in 16 mins against a midmajor as not a troubling sign.

I wouldn't speak for the rest of the board. I haven't seen any "troubling signs" on November 8. But some people look for trouble and find it. It's a choice, I guess.

 

[jibsey]

here's your equation: samson on D+ kalkbrenner on O = doomed.

youre the only person that can spin samson fouling out in 16 mins against a midmajor as not a troubling sign.

The game won’t just be a contest between our 5’s and Kalk agreed. UConn’s formula for winning this year will be different than the last 2. I’m bullish.

 

[aceboon]

Starting to think Stewart isn’t a good fit for this offense. He’s not really a catch and shoot or off ball guy and seems to work best with the ball in his hands. In this offense there’s not a lot of opportunity for him to do that.

Don’t think it’s an indictment on either or, just not a good fit. Hope he can figure it out eventually.

I was hoping it was just not wanting to make a mistake and taking care of his minutes as a freshman but it's time for him to stop playing so "safe". AK will attack a closeout, Liam had a couple of plays in the lane the other night, we know Tristen/Cam/Castle would take guys off the dribble last year. Jaylin's gotta be comfortable with attacking off the bounce a few times a game to get his, there's plenty of room in the offense for it.

 

[bendm]

I wouldn't speak for the rest of the board. I haven't seen any "troubling signs" on November 8. But some people look for trouble and find it. It's a choice, I guess.

samson averaged over 7 fouls per 40 mins last year. there was hope that him gaining ~20lbs this offseason would help him defend without fouling so much, yet he fouled out in the first game of the season against a midmajor opponent in only 16 mins. but sure, nothing to see here folks, move along.

 

[husky429]

Never thought a thread on Sacred Heart would hit page 8, but we must just want to talk hoops.

I don't get the immediate kneejerk and bad grading for Samson. I really don't. I don't expect either him or Reed to be a bona fide 30+ minutes a game guy. I think there's going to be ebbs and flows for both of them and I really like what Samson brings. And, I thought he extended his offense away from just alley oop slams in Game 1. We're also going to lean on Singare at points too. A rolled ankle, sore back for either center pushes him right into 10+ minutes a game, maybe at a big part of the season.

We have a deep team and two real good bigs. Isn't that enough to let Hurley do the rest?

My question with Samson is playstyle, ot talent. And it's really the same question I have for Hass. Playing the bench energy athletic freak is a niche (but important role). It loses it's effectiveness in the grind of a game if that guy is playing 20+ minutes a game.

Can either of them adjust to a different role where more IQ and skill diversity is required every day? They're both being asked to make a huge leap in their processing of the game.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

samson averaged over 7 fouls per 40 mins last year. there was hope that him gaining ~20lbs this offseason would help him defend without fouling so much, yet he fouled out in the first game of the season against a midmajor opponent in only 16 mins. but sure, nothing to see here folks, move along.

I've been on this board long enough to know that it's the same collection of posters who find things to freak out about relentlessly. Like I said, it's a choice. But don't pretend you speak for the board.

 

[bendm]

But don't pretend you speak for the board.

yes boss. i must have amnesia b/c i dont remember saying "on behalf of the entire boneyard, samson fouling out in 16 mins against sacred heart is a troubling sign."

 

[Waquoit]

youre the only person that can spin samson fouling out in 16 mins against a midmajor as not a troubling sign.

One data point in a blowout is meaningless. Maybe the Johnson haters can do something more productive like fret about free throws.

 

[bendm]

One data point in a blowout is meaningless.

it's not meaningless because it didnt occur in a vacuum. it wasnt the first time and it probably won't be the last but you are free to spin it any way you want as well. you dont speak for the board and neither do i. that goes without saying.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

And, I thought he extended his offense away from just alley oop slams in Game 1.

In the URI exhibition and against SHU, he has shown a few lost post hooks over the left shoulder that looked MILES better than his back to the basket post moves last year. Definitely seems to have added more to his game there.

 

[JerseyAlum]

Yeah, let's not overreact to game 1. Not that I check other team boards, but seeing Arkansas had it's hands full with Libscomb and has 12 Turnovers and only 10 assists. Kansas had 14 turnovers, Alabama had more turnovers than UNC Asheville and still won by 56.

In other words, game 1s are full of nerves - for freshman it's a first ever college game, sophomores have done it once, this is why Alex was so composed but Liam tossed up an airball. This is also the first game with real college speed opponents and physicality for freshmen...takes a little getting used to vs practice.

UNH will be a little better as Hurley and co will take in what they saw vs Sacred Heart and tweak some things. Would not be surprised if Mahaney scores 11 pts.

 

[Waquoit]

it's not meaningless because it didnt occur in a vacuum. it wasnt the first time and it probably won't be the last but you are free to spin it any way you want as well. you dont speak for the board and neither do i. that goes without saying.

Why don't you Johnson haters at least wait until he costs us a game?

 

[AllHusky]

Saw some but not all of SH game. Samson raised my eyebrows on more than one occasion, ++ stuff he never did last year.

Maybe a hypnotist for the fouling.....or he's going to foul, just let him play loose and aggressively. Warm Singare up in the bullpen. Get Reed in 25 minute shape...lots of other options. Bottom line, SJ can really help us, hope he doesn't foul out.

 

[Stinger92860]

I wouldn't speak for the rest of the board. I haven't seen any "troubling signs" on November 8. But some people look for trouble and find it. It's a choice, I guess.

Are you blind man!! We are dooooomed

 

[JerseyAlum]

Saw some but not all of SH game. Samson raised my eyebrows on more than one occasion, ++ stuff he never did last year.

Maybe a hypnotist for the fouling.....or he's going to foul, just let him play loose and aggressively. Warm Singare up in the bullpen. Get Reed in 25 minute shape...lots of other options. Bottom line, SJ can really help us, hope he doesn't foul out.

Wow so game 1 defines your view of Samson just b/c he fouled out? First game, man, speed has to get used to from practices and an exhibition. Nerves run high - they just got their banner, rings, crowd going bananas. They all have to let the game come to them like AK and Liam did. Give him a few more games, and besides, how many games did he foul out of last year, yet so many railed on his fouling.