Solo Ball’s minutes last night?

[DW1361]

All this silly back and forth about Stew and Solo…… Sheesh. Solo is going to start and depending on the situation, Hurley will put the best guy in. Last night it happened to be Stew in crunch time. Stew came through for us. He made Hurley look like he may know how to coach a little and make great game decisions (how many times in the past has Hurley been criticized here for not managing games well?).

Everything can go back to as it was with Solo starting and Stew coming off the bench. Nothing to see here. Sorry to be Captain Obvious, but it is just that simple.

 

[dennismenace]

Last night was one of his better games as a commentator, especially his editorial opinions: constructive, honest, yet still professional.

Your preview was spot on as well.

 

[NJHusky]

Dauster talked about Mullins v Solo. Thinks Dan Hurley is too loyal to switch yet, but that thinks team is better with Mullins at the 2

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Last night was one of his better games as a commentator, especially his editorial opinions: constructive, honest, yet still professional.

I wonder if Donny knows Ray Allen?

 

[auror]

Yep - around the 4 minute mark they did a few offense/defense situations on dead balls to put Stewart in on defense and Ball on offense. In addition to Ball not being great on the defensive end yesterday, the specific matchup of guarding Jones, Mela and Vaaks on the perimeter lent itself to needing a bigger defender.

And then as they were doing offense/defense, Stewart hit the big three, so it didn't make sense to take him out on offense - unless we starting bogging down perhaps, which never happened.

Exactly. There is no lineup controversy.

Hurley brought Ball in with 4 minutes to go and then subbed him out after Mullins out of bounds turnover stopped the clock.

We were pressing and Providence was playing Floyd (6'4"), Vaaks (6'7"), Mela (6'7"), Jones (6'6"220), and Oswin (6'10). We needed stops and turnovers.

Demary had to be out there and was guarding Floyd. Stewart (or Ross if he were healthier) was the obvious choice, alongside Mullins who played at the top of a press every game in HS.

 

[superjohn]

I generally find people that have played a sport competitively probably have a better understanding of a game they watch.

They’ve done the work and have been coached to see things. Often guys that play at a lower level are the better coaches/analysts because they had to work harder and high level athletes don’t understand that everyone isn’t as gifted as they are.

In sports I played I can see more and understand the nuance of commentary much better.

Cool.

Hansbrough and Oglesby are much better than Dauster on The Field of 68, IMO. I also think Dan Hurley knows a lot more than Rob Dauster does.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Solo has been much better defensively this year, as compared to last year. Last night he was a step behind. He was competing, playing hard. Just a step behind. His benching says more about Hurley than Solo. What cojones by him! Big ones. It also speaks about the depth of this team. Solo is going to come back better than ever. The kid is a baller.
On a macro level, last night showed why NOBODY will want to play us, not Michigan, Zona or Iowa St. It is impossible to address all the shooters on this team. And technically we are still not whole, since Ross is on his way back from injury.

 

[NJHusky]

Cool.

Hansbrough and Oglesby are much better than Dauster on The Field of 68, IMO. I also think Dan Hurley knows a lot more than Rob Dauster does.

And they all know a lot more than you too….i guess since they are better basketball players they must be better at talking basketball. Bobby Hurley played at a higher level than Dan, shouldn’t he be a better coach by your logic ?

 

[Chin Diesel]

AK had a halfhearted closeout on a three that had me screaming until I realized it was Mela who's a sub-30 percent three point shooter for his career. Just one of those nights (that tends to happen in Providence for some reason).

Donnie Marshall brought it up a few times about UConn players may have been coached not to close out hard on certain players because they aren't good shooters. Donnie then said, in games like last night, you have to throw out the scouting report and play them like every shot is going in.

Somewhere in one of these threads, I made the comparison to playing match play in golf where you play like your opponent is going to stick every iron shot and make every putt.

Law of averages wasn't very good last night for game planning.

 

[husky8273]

Last night was one of his better games as a commentator, especially his editorial opinions: constructive, honest, yet still professional.

could he stop talking about himself?

 

[superjohn]

And they all know a lot more than you too….i guess since they are better basketball players they must be better at talking basketball. Bobby Hurley played at a higher level than Dan, shouldn’t he be a better coach by your logic ?

That's my point, Rob Dauster averaging 2 points for a terrible D3 program has nothing to do with him being a reactionary which causes him to say nonsensical things.

 

[RuffRuff]

That's my point, Rob Dauster averaging 2 points for a terrible D3 program has nothing to do with him being a reactionary which causes him to say nonsensical things.

What’s the fun in coming in here and saying we are the best, everyone is the best, everyone was awesome? That isn’t reactionary but it’s also not factual. Have you ever listened to sports radio? They look for narratives to debate. Is a message board any different? It’s not meant to always agree.

 

[Ewekon]

We are close to the point where the net of what Stew provides exceeds the net of what Solo provides. We are clearly better defensively with Mullins at the 2 and Stew (or Ross) at the 3. It would take only a little more consistent offense from Stew and Ross to, seal the deal. This is saying a lot since Solo Ball is not chopped liver. His value, though, might be more as instant offense off the bench.

A virtual microwave...

 

[WeAreUCONN]

We are close to the point where the net of what Stew provides exceeds the net of what Solo provides. We are clearly better defensively with Mullins at the 2 and Stew (or Ross) at the 3. It would take only a little more consistent offense from Stew and Ross to, seal the deal. This is saying a lot since Solo Ball is not chopped liver. His value, though, might be more as instant offense off the bench.

Nothing against Ball, but he is not one of our top 3 most valuable players, and him making the all American 3rd team was a stretch. The best players need to get the most minutes. It was refreshing to see Hurley playing our five best players last night, down the stretch. I’m a lifelong Spurs fan, and to close out each game, they play the five best guys, each night.

 

[giddyup]

Yup. And Mullins makes up for the offense Solo provides. Let’s see how much this lineup plays together. Solo coming off the bench?

Lest we forget, Mullins was hot garbage until he wasn’t last night. None of them were ready to play and it took them to the 36th minute to wake up. Solo will be fine. Once in a while everybody needs a little kick in the backside.

 

[mauconnfan]

I think much of it was his inability to get about 4-5 rebounds in a 5-6 minute stretch. And each of these were his if he was both aggressive and aware. Looked like his inability to make shots 2nd half carried over to the other end of the floor and that’s inexcusable. While he’s not a great defender, he’s improved and unfortunately he was the same defender as early last year last night. Great decision by Dan on this and Stew was really good and tough as nails.

 

[mauconnfan]

Lest we forget, Mullins was hot garbage until he wasn’t last night. None of them were ready to play and it took them to the 36th minute to wake up. Solo will be fine. Once in a while everybody needs a little kick in the backside.

Mullins was never hot garbage last night not at all like Solo. Not sure what you were watching but he was good and then great.

 

[RuffRuff]

Mullins was never hot garbage last night not at all like Solo. Not sure what you were watching but he was good and then great.

Mullins was more efficient from the field yesterday than Solo has been all year. He's a better player - there is no need to debate it. One is a lottery pick, the other won't get drafted.

 

[EnochRoot]

Donnie mentioned more than once PC shooters were shooting well above their averages. He then followed up with comments about in a game like last night, you have to defend not against the average, but rather like they're going to make every one. Almost like match play in golf, where you assume your opponent is going to stick every iron shot and make every putt.

I mean, that’s great, but he was correcting himself after his initial statement.

 

[nashusky109]

Hurley said at the last couple post game press conferences that maybe he just has to sit players if they aren't bring it that night. Nothing to read into other than Hurley letting Solo know not to get comfortable. He probably knows that as well and he showed he was happy for the guys while sitting on the bench too. Culture win all around.

 

[campcalhoun2009]

Nothing against Ball, but he is not one of our top 3 most valuable players, and him making the all American 3rd team was a stretch. The best players need to get the most minutes. It was refreshing to see Hurley playing our five best players last night, down the stretch. I’m a lifelong Spurs fan, and to close out each game, they play the five best guys, each night.

The overreaction hot takes to these 12 minutes of basketball could power a nuclear plant and bring everyone’s electric bills down.

Solo is literally our leading scorer heading into this game. He’s the best finisher at the rim. He’s an elite shooter and has turned himself into a good defender.

Stewart is still extremely limited, and up until the injury had gotten passed on the depth chart by Ross. He’s absolutely not close to Ball as a player. He’s a nice 10–12 min off the bench guy who can grab a rebound and hit a 3…..aka the same thing he’s been since he stepped on campus.

 

[Donyell 360]

I don't care if he starts or not but I've been very happy with Stewart's contributions lately. He looks a lot more active and engaged, and you can tell that Hurley has more confidence in him. Would still like to see him get a little bit of license to create in some kind of iso situation because I think he's got some skills that aren't being exploited but he's been very solid.

In the past he has had a weak handle, but he did a pretty good job breaking the press the other night with a crossover at mid court. The potential is certainly there. Not sure he is strong enough with the ball in traffic. That is a rare gift.

 

[microfich]

The overreaction hot takes to these 12 minutes of basketball could power a nuclear plant and bring everyone’s electric bills down.

Solo is literally our leading scorer heading into this game. He’s the best finisher at the rim. He’s an elite shooter and has turned himself into a good defender.

Stewart is still extremely limited, and up until the injury had gotten passed on the depth chart by Ross. He’s absolutely not close to Ball as a player. He’s a nice 10–12 min off the bench guy who can grab a rebound and hit a 3…..aka the same thing he’s been since he stepped on campus.

So agree. The blinding blather on this board sometimes, lol.

When it comes down to it, Solo's an elite shooter who grew into an elite scorer and has tiptoed towards being an average defender. He'd start anywhere. In the Providence game, for whatever reason, he was not locked in on D and couldn't stop their taller shooters. With Moon Mullins in outer space and Stewart shutting down with length, Hurley made the elite move. We were down a bunch. We had to score and shut PC down. Couldn't do both the way Solo was being abused.

I've always thought Stewart could blossom into a meaningful minutes player and he has. Wish he'd taken more to posting up but I think the 3 ball has taken that out of the game save for Reed types.

 

[Donyell 360]

Lest we forget, Mullins was hot garbage until he wasn’t last night. None of them were ready to play and it took them to the 36th minute to wake up. Solo will be fine. Once in a while everybody needs a little kick in the backside.

Hot garbage is a hot take but hyperbolic. Mullins was shooting better from the start but still had some TO's that make you think he is not quite ready. But when a guy can do what he can do with the basketball, he can make you quickly forget all that. He is fun to watch in part because we don't even know yet how good he could be. Imagine if he hadn't gotten hurt where he would be already? As Hurley said, we should expect more nights like this. Yes, please!

 

[ctchamps]

Why on earth are you trying to create drama when there is none and taking a shot at the character of a player who is nothing but a great kid and teammate?

You make some good posts but I don't know why you continue to do stuff like this.

Agree with this. And why I took issue with you. I felt it was uncharacteristic of you.

 

[temery]

It was too much to even try to clean this s shit show us of a thread. Stop trashing players or you'll be banned from this thread. Anybody who wants to report a reply, feel free to do so. With that said, if you carpet bomb the report link feature, it will not end well.

 

[UConniki]

Solo will use this to get better.

Hopefully and if he does we can probably open the trophy case for some more hardware.

 

[uconn1999]

I rewatched the game and thought Solo had a solid 1st half. A steal, drew a charge, and made a couple of 3s. His D seemed just fine.
2nd half, he was cold from the floor, a weak pass led to a turnover and seemed a bit slow to react to a couple of loose balls.
Both halves, he was picked off his man and his teammate completely botched the switch and hung him out to dry.
I didn’t come away thinking he played poorly and “couldn’t stay in front of his guy”. Stewie brought more height, muscle, and aggression which was badly needed.
Solo will be just fine.

 

[karstenkibbe]

A year ago, or even a couple of months ago, I would have said you're right, but Stewart has really elevated his defensive game this year. Ball has also improved defensively but I would give the edge to Stewart at this point.

 

[WeAreUCONN]

The overreaction hot takes to these 12 minutes of basketball could power a nuclear plant and bring everyone’s electric bills down.

Solo is literally our leading scorer heading into this game. He’s the best finisher at the rim. He’s an elite shooter and has turned himself into a good defender.

Stewart is still extremely limited, and up until the injury had gotten passed on the depth chart by Ross. He’s absolutely not close to Ball as a player. He’s a nice 10–12 min off the bench guy who can grab a rebound and hit a 3…..aka the same thing he’s been since he stepped on campus.

He’s our leading scorer because he takes the most shots per game. He does not have a good field goal percentage. 30% from 3 and 43% overall is not good or efficient. His defense is not good. His passing is average. I’m not hating on Ball. I’m glad he’s on the team but there are more valuable players on this team than Solo.