Solo Ball practice highlights

[REB1094]

I have a feeling they will be running a lot of the Hawkins playbook for Solo versus the Cam package. Solo right now is likely not as dynamic as either but hopefully his athleticism will even out the lack of an ultra-elite stroke.

Analytically it’s not the best shot but I feel like Solo’s little midrange jumper curling off a screen could be deadly. Even last season he showed flashes of being really good at that

 

[RuffRuff]

Analytically it’s not the best shot but I feel like Solo’s little midrange jumper curling off a screen could be deadly. Even last season he showed flashes of being really good at that

Thing I see with Solo is that he kind of telegraphs his moves. Doesn’t read the situation as much as he makes a decision in advance and just goes with it. I think he’s the best athlete on the team, and has a great looking stroke, but can he play hoops in an organized and instinctive way? TBD.

 

[CL82]

I bet that when they are all done with these hype videos, if you dial the player jersey numbers in the order that they are released, you'll reach a recording of Coach Hurley's epic "Ran Everywhere!" rant.

"ISAIAH WHALEY... THE WRENCH!!!" may be my favorite coaching psych up line of all time. It's not even consistent with the comparisons that came before it with him saying that Whaley ran everywhere. Instead, Hurley just says his name and his nickname with such passion in as if it should be self-evident what that means.

I really need to make that my wake up alarm tone.

 

[CL82]

Solo's development and future is pretty simple to me: If he can pass and handle the ball, he will play

If you look at the early part of the season, he seemed to have a more complete and more balanced game. he definitely seemed like much more of a distributor, playmaker. Once Castle came back in his minutes went down, it seemed like he was looking to score more.

He's a talented athletic kid. Hurley just needs to get him to understand what his role is within the teams schemes and he'll be fine.

 

[Husky68]

Thing I see with Solo is that he kind of telegraphs his moves. Doesn’t read the situation as much as he makes a decision in advance and just goes with it. I think he’s the best athlete on the team, and has a great looking stroke, but can he play hoops in an organized and instinctive way? TBD.

That's kind of what I saw last year but didn't know how to describe. Few years ago I could tell if Tyrese Martin was going to attack the basket as soon as he touched the ball. Thought Solo was uncomfortable deciding when "not" to attack and would make up his mind early and then go for it whether had nice advantage or not. Then at rim tried to use athleticism against bigger guys and often came up short. The offensive set never quite looked smooth with Solo in, Stewart was same/worse early on but by end of season was much, much better which bodes well for this year for Stewart.

One of things would expect to be hard (think Castle had this) is when you were the guy in high school every time you got the ball it was attack mode, Solo needs to be comfortable during an offensive possession as to when to just be a cog (Karaban did it a lot and needs to be more aggressive to show more; Cam was very good at it) as the play unfolds and when to go for it. When that clicks look out.

Crazy but looked at 2024 team and thought "could these guys be better than 2023", get same feeling for 2025. UConn could be 1st team to get to final NCAA tournament game since Kobe's Bearcats with a chance for a 3 peat.

 

[ctbro1999]

This fell off the first page! I'm collecting Solo Ball cards for cheap because after his breakout they won't be cheap for long! Working on a rainbow set for his Bowman Best cards.

 

[ctbro1999]

My Solo rainbow collection is coming together. Have 3 more coming in the mail. The rarest ones (limited to 15/10/5 and 1 copies) are gonna be tough to get for cheap though.

 

[Huskyhoops25]

That's kind of what I saw last year but didn't know how to describe. Few years ago I could tell if Tyrese Martin was going to attack the basket as soon as he touched the ball. Thought Solo was uncomfortable deciding when "not" to attack and would make up his mind early and then go for it whether had nice advantage or not. Then at rim tried to use athleticism against bigger guys and often came up short. The offensive set never quite looked smooth with Solo in, Stewart was same/worse early on but by end of season was much, much better which bodes well for this year for Stewart.

One of things would expect to be hard (think Castle had this) is when you were the guy in high school every time you got the ball it was attack mode, Solo needs to be comfortable during an offensive possession as to when to just be a cog (Karaban did it a lot and needs to be more aggressive to show more; Cam was very good at it) as the play unfolds and when to go for it. When that clicks look out.

Crazy but looked at 2024 team and thought "could these guys be better than 2023", get same feeling for 2025. UConn could be 1st team to get to final NCAA tournament game since Kobe's Bearcats with a chance for a 3 peat.

Kobe’s Bearcats? Pretty sure he went straight to “The Show” after high school.

 

[PAHusky]

If you look at the early part of the season, he seemed to have a more complete and more balanced game. he definitely seemed like much more of a distributor, playmaker. Once Castle came back in his minutes went down, it seemed like he was looking to score more.

He's a talented athletic kid. Hurley just needs to get him to understand what his role is within the teams schemes and he'll be fine.

I think this is pretty easy to explain. Early in the season he got consistent run when Castle was out. I’m sure DH told him “hey kid we have four other guys out there with you who can score, shoot if you’re open and don’t make mistakes and you’re fine”. Then his minutes got rightfully reduced and, playing with the backups, he tended to force more shots because the guys off the bench are all uncomfortable running offense and someone needs to shoot.

I have huge, huge expectations for Solo. I think he’s a fine passer and I think he’s a plus defender - though he could be better with his athleticism. Think he has a breakout year this year, very excited to watch

 

[Scrutineer]

That's kind of what I saw last year but didn't know how to describe. Few years ago I could tell if Tyrese Martin was going to attack the basket as soon as he touched the ball. Thought Solo was uncomfortable deciding when "not" to attack and would make up his mind early and then go for it whether had nice advantage or not. Then at rim tried to use athleticism against bigger guys and often came up short. The offensive set never quite looked smooth with Solo in, Stewart was same/worse early on but by end of season was much, much better which bodes well for this year for Stewart.

One of things would expect to be hard (think Castle had this) is when you were the guy in high school every time you got the ball it was attack mode, Solo needs to be comfortable during an offensive possession as to when to just be a cog (Karaban did it a lot and needs to be more aggressive to show more; Cam was very good at it) as the play unfolds and when to go for it. When that clicks look out.

Crazy but looked at 2024 team and thought "could these guys be better than 2023", get same feeling for 2025. UConn could be 1st team to get to final NCAA tournament game since Kobe's Bearcats with a chance for a 3 peat.

The big thing with most of the young guys is the desire to do something. They all want to contribute, make a name for themselves and get more playing time, just like in high school and AAU.

I think it showed in the early season versus late season skills on defense for Stewart that lead to increased playing time late while Ball seemed more comfortable playing an all around game early when he knew he was going to get lots of run. Later in the year when he knew his minutes were limited he reverted to being like Ross was all year.........shoot the ball within 5 seconds with passing out of the picture.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

I love this Kids release . Getting shots off in space is one thing with a guy in your face is another.
As the resident defensive first guy these videos are aging me,

 

[Umami Zen]

Am less concerned about Solo on offensive side of the ball except for improving his floor game. Has to be more disruptive and committed defensively and not lose his man in defensive rotations to stay on the floor. If he can accomplish that and use his athleticism-Danny will reward him with PT.

 

[RuffRuff]

I sense the same aloofness which hampers him on the offensive side does that on the defensive end. He’s not a crisp decision maker yet, which leads to inconsistency. His development is 90% upstairs.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Am less concerned about Solo on offensive side of the ball except for improving his floor game. Has to be more disruptive and committed defensively and not lose his man in defensive rotations to stay on the floor. If he can accomplish that and use his athleticism-Danny will reward him with PT.

This is something that should be easily fixed with more playing time, a bigger role, and experience.

This just screams nervous freshman afraid to make a mistake that the game was moving too fast for.

Bigger, more secure role comes with confidence in knowing what you need to do.

 

[Umami Zen]

I sense the same aloofness which hampers him on the offensive side does that on the defensive end. He’s not a crisp decision maker yet, which leads to inconsistency. His development is 90% upstairs.

Hoping for the Sophomore bump where he "puts it together" due to his familiarity with Dan's expectations on offense and defense in Year 2 and takes advantage of his talents and potential. Our team depth provides Dan with some alternatives but I believe he's up to the challenge to be a key contributor this year.

 

[ucp990411]

Kobe’s Bearcats? Pretty sure he went straight to “The Show” after high school.

The Kobe reference is not related to Kobe Bryant. There is a die hard Cincinnati fan who uses the Kobe handle who occasionally posts here. He likes to stir the pot but has conveniently disappeared for a few months.

 

[tennmike]

I sense the same aloofness which hampers him on the offensive side does that on the defensive end. He’s not a crisp decision maker yet, which leads to inconsistency. His development is 90% upstairs.

I agree. He's charismatic and has tremendous physical tools. He just hasn't fully grasped the nuances of the game just yet. Imagine if Cam had Solo's physical attributes.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

The Kobe reference is not related to Kobe Bryant. There is a die hard Cincinnati fan who uses the Kobe handle who occasionally posts here. He likes to stir the pot but has conveniently disappeared for a few months.

If you’ve muted Kobe like I have you forget he exists and then threads just start to make no sense

 

[Husky Alien]

I sense the same aloofness which hampers him on the offensive side does that on the defensive end. He’s not a crisp decision maker yet, which leads to inconsistency. His development is 90% upstairs.

I think his development is that he is a 2nd year player. Ball and Stewie are my break out players for this year. Hoping Ross does too. Wow we are loaded...