Saturday

[UConnDad]

We need to run Nova off the 3 point line. They can shoot from deep too but let’s make it difficult.

 

[jdb50]

I would be really surprised if Dan Hurley changed his lineup before a game this important. No way he does this and then has to answer questions afterward "is this change going to be permanent?" etc. Especially if it did not work out. Logically if there was a change in the starting lineup you would go with the veteran Polley. I would bring Martin in off the bench and start to put more pressure on Jackson valuing the ball more and not make risky passes. It is the point in the season where throwing the ball away has to stop or we are not going to improve our halfcourt offense such as it is.

 

[Jbirdp5]

In theory putting polley in the lineup should open things up but in actuality did the offense get any better with him in the game vs Creighton? I don’t think so

 

[Umami Zen]

Nova will try to negate Sanogo's impact so that they can dictate mismatches/pace of play/small ball. Need him to play smart D so that he can stay on the floor and do his thing.

 

[lange10]

I know I’ll 100% be in the minority here, but the lineup change I’d make is bringing Whaley off the bench.

Staggering his minutes with Sanogo will give more opportunities for Sanogo down low since it forces the defense to guard out to the perimeter. Also, the bench needs an influx of energy and you know Whaley will always bring it.

I know he just had his best game of the year but a starting lineup of Cole, Jackson, Polley or Hawkins, Martin & Sanogo to start would be something I’d love to see.

 

[FriarJ]

That's my point, teams have tried to run against Villanova and it's worked. I'd like UConn to try and do the same thing Saturday

That means it hasn't worked, because you have not sped up Villanova offensively. It just means your team is jacking shots early.

 

[OkaForPrez]

In theory putting polley in the lineup should open things up but in actuality did the offense get any better with him in the game vs Creighton? I don’t think so

That had a lot to do with O'Connell

 

[navery12]

That means it hasn't worked, because you have not sped up Villanova offensively. It just means your team is jacking shots early.

But that's exactly what UConn wants to do, UConn wants to get out and run on offense and force the other team to use a ton of the shot clock on defense. The goal of running in transition isn't always to speed the other team up, it's that UConn's half court offense struggles so transition shots are their best looks

 

[FriarJ]

But that's exactly what UConn wants to do, UConn wants to get out and run on offense and force the other team to use a ton of the shot clock on defense. The goal of running in transition isn't always to speed the other team up, it's that UConn's half court offense struggles so transition shots are their best looks

Nova plays at a slow tempo, with a lot of ball movement and screens, just like PC. That is by design. It is not because a defense is slowing them down. Some teams don't like that, they want to get into a run and gun. They think the way to get into a sprint is to speed up the game when they are on offense. 198 or whatever on defensive tempo does not mean the opposing teams are fast breaking, it simply points out what I'm referring to.

 

[CL82]

I had a dream last night. During the first half Dan Hurley summoned Sool off the bench to give RJ a breather. Being a Philly product the place began rocking. Remember this was only a dream.

Dream or psychic vision? Who can say?

 

[navery12]

Nova plays at a slow tempo, with a lot of ball movement and screens, just like PC. That is by design. It is not because a defense is slowing them down. Some teams don't like that, they want to get into a run and gun. They think the way to get into a sprint is to speed up the game when they are on offense. 198 or whatever on defensive tempo does not mean the opposing teams are fast breaking, it simply points out what I'm referring to.

You're completely missing my point, so I'm just going to give up after this if you're still not getting it. The 198 defensive tempo alone does not mean teams are fast breaking, but when combined with the fact that 24% of the FGA against them are in transition which is 83rd most in the country, it does.

Yes, Nova likes to play slow on offense and UConn likes to play slow on defense, so I'm saying on that side of the court I would expect a ton of shot clock to be used. On the other side, UConn likes to speed up the pace on offense and teams have done that effectively against Villanova this year. I hope and expect to see more of that tomorrow

 

[UConnDad]

I know I’ll 100% be in the minority here, but the lineup change I’d make is bringing Whaley off the bench.

Staggering his minutes with Sanogo will give more opportunities for Sanogo down low since it forces the defense to guard out to the perimeter. Also, the bench needs an influx of energy and you know Whaley will always bring it.

I know he just had his best game of the year but a starting lineup of Cole, Jackson, Polley or Hawkins, Martin & Sanogo to start would be something I’d love to see.

Hmmm. Bring our best 3 point shooter off the bench.

 

[QDOG5]

If we beat Villanova in Philly, I don’t care if we beat them 15-13.

UConn is 17-1 scoring 70 points or more and 1-4 scoring 60 or less. 15-13 is probably a loss for the good guys. We have to find a way to win the low scoring games.

 

[Pudge]

If past is prologue this game is going to be played at Villanova's pace. I don't see us finally forcing a team to play our preferred style against a team this well coached. So. Long possessions, they're going to have to score in the half court. I'd like to see Hurley start one of Hawkins or Polley and bring either Jackson or Martin off the bench. I know Hawkins has been bad and he hasn't "earned" a starting role with his play, but we need guys who can be a threat to put the ball in the bucket. Put him out there and let him shoot it. I really don't want to watch this team score 15 points in the first half.

The surprising thing is ... we will spend 8 minutes trying to deliver the pass into Adama Sanogo. That can happen in flow and easily which equals we scored and RJ Cole provides an alternative; and that is a good start. More often lately, the passes are forced/flubbed or Sanogo gets the ball where he is not able to try his patented few moves to get the easy score. He might just be too far out. One less used early alternative is Martin who can play off Sanogo and take a matchup - depends on who they play on him. I do like Polley into change the mindset and give us a chance to boost that early malaise.

The other thing. Villanova has no depth and is not developing any over the last 7 games. The three that come - other than Daniels - are weak in defensive positioning as well. So play with confidence and intensity may give us a comparative advantage.

I don't know what you get with Hawkins. Probably just let him take 2 and see if you get the most graceful threes and come what may good flow towards the hoop; or Bricks. Whaley plays off all that.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Not at all but I've seen the movie before and know how it ends. Ideally Nova fouls in that scenario but, per always, they're one of the most well-disciplined teams in the country. Hope I'm wrong about all of it.

If you really want to be wrong, DM me and we can set up that over/under bet about shots not hitting the rim.

Not offered as a put down of you; simply attempting to stoke the mojo.

No matter how unlikely the OP's suggestion is to be followed, I'll book any bets against its implementation resulting in fewer than the 2 bench points recorded this past Tuesday if Dan Hurley decides, "What the heck, let's shake things up."

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Need to control the boards .. Make some threes.. Seeing the possibility of AJax being X-factor forcing pace off of D rebounds and moving ball up floor. Need some bench points esp. from Polley/Hawk

If we can use our speed and athleticism.. Like our chances. They have to believe they can seal the deal.

Closing games, especially against experienced coaches, is Danny's growing edge. This has been phrased many other ways, and I offered in November that I regard this season as one in which my overall patience is at a level where it would normally apply to "Season 3 of a total rebuild," having adjusted my POV due to combination of COVID and the shift in conference affiliation and opponents.

This 'winning close games' challenge has always been the season's theme, because it was last season's theme, and the year before's too. I see more pessimism than optimism here that the hurdle will be cleared this year. It's pretty much my focus in every game I watch.

I have an opinion on every shot taken, as to whether it's a good shot or a bad shot. It's a simplistic, unsophisticated, binary lens. The team takes many rushed, off-balance, ill-advised, poorly-chosen, and unfocused shots. Each player demonstrates their own version of this. An alarming number of dhots look like unforced errors. Sometimes the shots go in, which masks how troublesome the larger pattern is.

I still believe that we have every piece needed to nudge things up to a pretty high level.

The point-guard, leadership, and game plan components are really a three-part description of a single triad where the team is most insecure. This most will be a constant challenge.

I'll continue to count syllables in the haiku thread in dedication to the 'little things' that can make a big difference. As far as I can recall, I was not at all present in the haiku thread during the Creighton game, so that loss might be on me.

I offer that I did watch the game in a long-sleeved Husky t-shirt, and that this was my outfit when on that day I was photographed holding my granddaughter for the first time. For all I know, somebody wrote a Haiku that predicted that Hawkins would have his best game of the year, without specifying whether it was a reference to Ryan or Jordan.

Let us all regroup, rededicate, and perform at our highest level tomorrow - coaches, players, and fans.

 

[Umami Zen]

Closing games, especially against experienced coaches, is Danny's growing edge. This has been phrased many other ways, and I offered in November that I regard this season as one in which my overall patience is at a level where it would normally apply to "Season 3 of a total rebuild," having adjusted my POV due to combination of COVID and the shift in conference affiliation and opponents.

This 'winning close games' challenge has always been the season's theme, because it was last season's theme, and the year before's too. I see more pessimism than optimism here that the hurdle will be cleared this year. It's pretty much my focus in every game I watch.

I have an opinion on every shot taken, as to whether it's a good shot or a bad shot. It's a simplistic, unsophisticated, binary lens. The team takes many rushed, off-balance, ill-advised, poorly-chosen, and unfocused shots. Each player demonstrates their own version of this. An alarming number of dhots look like unforced errors. Sometimes the shots go in, which masks how troublesome the larger pattern is.

I still believe that we have every piece needed to nudge things up to a pretty high level.

The point-guard, leadership, and game plan components are really a three-part description of a single triad where the team is most insecure. This most will be a constant challenge.

I'll continue to count syllables in the haiku thread in dedication to the 'little things' that can make a big difference. As far as I can recall, I was not at all present in the haiku thread during the Creighton game, so that loss might be on me.

I offer that I did watch the game in a long-sleeved Husky t-shirt, and that this was my outfit when on that day I was photographed holding my granddaughter for the first time. For all I know, somebody wrote a Haiku that predicted that Hawkins would have his best game of the year, without specifying whether it was a reference to Ryan or Jordan.

Let us all regroup, rededicate, and perform at our highest level tomorrow - coaches, players, and fans.

Congrats on the Grand-Bambina--Will be a wild ride.. Lets make her proud tomorrow.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Ah yes, because Jackson hasnt taken part in any of our high scoring games. Only this past one against Creighton.

Yeah, like I said, if you want to take the position that Jackson is a scoring threat, reasonable minds can disagree. My only thought is that it's tough to beat a team like Villanova when you're dependent on your 5-10 point guard to do the scoring. We can agree to disagree. Maybe Martin will have one of his nights when the shots go in. Here's hoping.

 

[Umami Zen]

Yeah, like I said, if you want to take the position that Jackson is a scoring threat, reasonable minds can disagree. My only thought is that it's tough to beat a team like Villanova when you're dependent on your 5-10 point guard to do the scoring. We can agree to disagree. Maybe Martin will have one of his nights when the shots go in. Here's hoping.

Andre can help our guards with secondary ball-handling and initiating the break off of defensive rebounds... Getting the ball to them in their spots. He is disruptive on D and on the Boards.. And provides great entry passes into Sanogo once he's established position. Any points he can give us is gravy as he impacts the game in other ways.

Concerned about his ability to not bite on every up-fake that he gets from shooters. If we can get the game played in the 70's or above.I like our chances. His play will be critical to the outcome.

 

[August_West]

Yeah, like I said, if you want to take the position that Jackson is a scoring threat, reasonable minds can disagree. My only thought is that it's tough to beat a team like Villanova when you're dependent on your 5-10 point guard to do the scoring. We can agree to disagree. Maybe Martin will have one of his nights when the shots go in. Here's hoping.

I said this in another thread where I made same point as your opening premise a couple days ago. It should be Martin off bench ( and getting starter minutes he’s a vital cog, but we are talking about first 6 minutes a game) But out of Whaley, AJ and him I think ( just an opinion) that martin is the least equipped to handle that “demotion” . Interesting conundrum .

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Andre can help our guards with secondary ball-handling and initiating the break off of defensive rebounds... Getting the ball to them in their spots. He is disruptive on D and on the Boards.. And provides great entry passes into Sanogo once he's established position. Any points he can give us is gravy as he impacts the game in other ways.

I'm a Jackson fan. I've said before he's my favorite player on the team to watch. He is not an offensive threat. I don't disagree that he can help with "secondary ball-handling" but I am of the opinion - not shared by all - that points will be at a premium tomorrow and we want to maximize the number of guys that can provide them.

 

[OkaForPrez]

I'm a Jackson fan. I've said before he's my favorite player on the team to watch. He is not an offensive threat. I don't disagree that he can help with "secondary ball-handling" but I am of the opinion - not shared by all - that points will be at a premium tomorrow and we want to maximize the number of guys that can provide them.

He's been rounding into one prior to the Creighton game. One thing I think we we're improving on but still greatly under utilizing was his attack off the high curl with the intent to score. The action that led to his monster dunk in the first few minutes against Gtown.

Prior to the last 3-4 games, he was getting to 3-6 feet from the rim and looking to pass out. I think once he gets into dunk attempt range he just need to try to murk the rim at that point. He'll get fouled a healthy amount and he does well from the stripe.

 

[Umami Zen]

I'm a Jackson fan. I've said before he's my favorite player on the team to watch. He is not an offensive threat. I don't disagree that he can help with "secondary ball-handling" but I am of the opinion - not shared by all - that points will be at a premium tomorrow and we want to maximize the number of guys that can provide them.

We're both Jackson guys. IMO--He can score points off of steals/deflections/offensive put backs/fast break hoops.. Perhaps non-traditional but helpful nonetheless. The matchups vs Nova for his size and speed should be beneficial to him. If he brings his "A" game tomorrow--Solid nothing crazy-We will be tough to beat.

 

[UconnU]

 

[Umami Zen]

He's been rounding into one prior to the Creighton game. One thing I think we we're improving on but still greatly under utilizing was his attack off the high curl with the intent to score. The action that led to his monster dunk in the first few minutes against Gtown.

Prior to the last 3-4 games, he was getting to 3-6 feet from the rim and looking to pass out. I think once he gets into dunk attempt range he just need to try to murk the rim at that point. He'll get fouled a healthy amount and he does well from the stripe.

Agree with you.. Speaking only of Andre--There have been multiple times(over the last 5 or 6 games) he's running the baseline-usually open- with no passes coming his way. Would love to see an occasional lob pass to him. Last time that happened?

 

[alphasigko]

Did anyone watch the AZ/UCLA game last evening? AZ shot lights out from above the arc....

How about the Purdue/Iowa game last week? Purdue shot lights out from above the arc.....

How about the UCLA/AZ game last week? UCLA shot lights out from above the arc....

Our guys have shot lights out above the arc in how many games? 3 (Auburn, G'town and Tyreese was a one man wrecking crew last week) They have only struggled pathetically to shoot 3s and closer shots in most of their games. if they could shoot, they would probably be undefeated!

We cannot shoot 3's worth a damn, and until we do IMO we do not stand a chance of competing against the Purdues, AZs, UCLAs and Novas unless they drastically improve their ability to make their shots!

 

[OkaForPrez]

Agree with you.. Speaking only of Andre--There have been multiple times(over the last 5 or 6 games) he's running the baseline-usually open- with no passes coming his way. Would love to see an occasional lob pass to him. Last time that happened?

The problem is the best person to make that pass is him.

 

[imno1]

Did anyone watch the AZ/UCLA game last evening? AZ shot lights out from above the arc....

How about the Purdue/Iowa game last week? Purdue shot lights out from above the arc.....

How about the UCLA/AZ game last week? UCLA shot lights out from above the arc....

Our guys have shot lights out above the arc in how many games? 3 (Auburn, G'town and Tyreese was a one man wrecking crew last week) They have only struggled pathetically to shoot 3s and closer shots in most of their games. if they could shoot, they would probably be undefeated!

We cannot shoot 3's worth a damn, and until we do IMO we do not stand a chance of competing against the Purdues, AZs, UCLAs and Novas unless they drastically improve their ability to make their shots!

We've had some clunkers but are 4th in the BE in 3pt shooting and tied for 3rd in conference only games even after the last 2 stinkers. We actually shoot 3s at a better clip than Zona , about the same as UCLA

 

[alphasigko]

We've had some clunkers but are 4th in the BE in 3pt shooting and tied for 3rd in conference only games even after the last 2 stinkers. We actually shoot 3s at a better clip than Zona , about the same as UCLA

If those are the stats, then they are the stats....hard to believe from what we witness game after game

 

[coachn]

If past is prologue this game is going to be played at Villanova's pace. I don't see us finally forcing a team to play our preferred style against a team this well coached. So. Long possessions, they're going to have to score in the half court. I'd like to see Hurley start one of Hawkins or Polley and bring either Jackson or Martin off the bench. I know Hawkins has been bad and he hasn't "earned" a starting role with his play, but we need guys who can be a threat to put the ball in the bucket. Put him out there and let him shoot it. I really don't want to watch this team score 15 points in the first half.

Hope Hawkins just doesn't throw it up there like last game..SHOOT the ball.
We need a new gear in BALL AND PLAYER MOVEMENT.