Texas Post Game Thread

[dennismenace]

We started to put a little distance between us and them as soon as we we put our bench in at the 15 minute mark or so of the first half, you could see Texas laboring. I love how we wear teams out, I would like to see us give one of Furphy, Koroma, or Millender a few minute stint in the 2nd half, when the other team is sucking wind to not only rest our guys up for the stretch run but maybe give us a quick shot in the arm. When Jaden Ross came in with fresh legs in the second half, it paid immediate dividends. Those other guys are not slouches, I think expanding our rotation to 10 players helps us more than it hurts us.

Agree. And we now will have the perfect laboratory for this research by starting the Big East schedule which is weaker as pointed out above. The staff will have time to experiment and get the kinks out; develop some rhythm. As pointed out by Superjohn we just went through quite a gauntlet despite a number of issues and came out in great position to start the season. I saw a stat last night that said there were more top matchup across college hoop this early season than the last 30. While some deficiencies for the moment are noticed some great surprises more than offset that with Reibe, Malachi and the potential deadly shooting of Mullins. There were times when the team bent but did not break. Overall, it has been a great start and I think everyone agrees that these early season wars were exciting for college basketball. I had to laugh at Superjohn's analogy because it captures the inexpressible. I'm overall optimistic and he said it better than I can:

"I don't know when it will happen but it's kind of like a great stew/chili/Sunday gravy it takes a lot of time and simmering/stirring/leave it overnight etc."

Thank you to the staff, team and BY for making this a great curtain raiser for 2025-2026.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

In Michigan’s last 5 games against P5 opponents they’ve won by

40
30
40
41
28

They’re insane right now.

True. If we were to play them within the next couple of weeks I would not have a lot of confidence in our chances.

I'm willing to wait until March and see what things look like then.

 

[Hamms30]

Silas seems pretty deep in his head right now. Could see he was hearing the crowd's groans and moans too. Feels like he's trying to force his way out of it instead of just let the game come to him. Almost like a "I need a great game to get out of this" instead of "I just need 4 or 5 assists, 8 points and no foul trouble" type of game.

Needs some stick'um on the sidelines for Tarris too. Smith was peppering him with no looks 😄

 

[Drumguy]

I still think we are really good. But then I watch a game like this and I’m not sure. I haven’t seen the team like Michigan or Duke lay an egg against a really bad team yet.

The foul discrepancy is a big reason for tonigh's so-so game. Texas grabing jerseys and arms and holding tight is apparantly not a foul when you play us. This wouldn't have been close at all except for the refs.

 

[inWV]

I’d slightly change that to 10-15 from Stewart/Ross (combined) and this team is going to win a lot of games. UConn will need bench production and those two are icing on the cake in terms of bench production with Mal and Reibe playing great off the bench.

I have a feeling Mullins will consistently be around 8-12 with a few great games as well.

Ross’ defense is a real luxury. It’s interesting to watch a kid develop confidence playing defense just the way you see kids develop their offensive game. The deer in the headlight look from him is gone.

 

[DRBackup]

Yes, but meanwhile there is a team that's destroying good teams by 30 pts.

And... ?

 

[Deepster]

For me? Perfect December game. The game was never in doubt. Great teams win games they’re not at their best. And there was enough for Hurley to beat them up for in practice and use to improve upon.

And on the XL / Gampel ever going discussion, when XL is good, it’s very good. But when it’s not it’s a little depressing. Seeing all those people and being a little lame in spots on a Friday night 8 pm start sucks.

 

[DRBackup]

What conference were the refs from?

Big East. Less than ideal

 

[DRBackup]

I saw a stat last night that said there were more top matchup across college hoop this early season than the last 30.

That was an odd graphic. They said since AT LEAST 1996. Which means they weren't really tracking any such thing before then. In reality, it could be the most ranked matchups this early in the season... EVER

 

[TheShot1990]

We don't have to beat Duke, Iowa St or Michigan now. We have to beat them in April. I was no math major at UConn but that gives us over 3 months of healing and gellin. By April those teams will be getting thoroughly Hurleyed.

 

[DRBackup]

True. If we were to play them within the next couple of weeks I would not have a lot of confidence in our chances.

I'm willing to wait until March and see what things look like then.

Indeed. The coaching staff will likely learn a lot about teams like Michigan as they run through their conference schedule.

 

[DRBackup]

The foul discrepancy is a big reason for tonigh's so-so game. Texas grabing jerseys and arms and holding tight is apparantly not a foul when you play us. This wouldn't have been close at all except for the refs.

Hell, even the dunk Solo had early in the first half was a foul. Texas defender went up to challenge the shot and got nothing but Solo's arm.

 

[Devland]

Duke 98-99 was scary dominant for a while. Til their last game

 

[UCan3]

Silas seems pretty deep in his head right now. Could see he was hearing the crowd's groans and moans too. Feels like he's trying to force his way out of it instead of just let the game come to him. Almost like a "I need a great game to get out of this" instead of "I just need 4 or 5 assists, 8 points and no foul trouble" type of game.

Needs some stick'um on the sidelines for Tarris too. Smith was peppering him with no looks 😄

He might be the most important player to come around for us to go all the way. He is used to being the star and now he’s jus trying to fit in.

I have no concerns - just give him time.

Mullins if he keeps this up might be right up there with Ray Allen as best pure shooter this program has seen.

He’s no “secret” as he’s being face guarded and still knocking down shots.

Guarding him like this leaves other guys open - we need Solo to be Solo and make them pay.

 

[OceanDoggie]

That was an odd graphic. They said since AT LEAST 1996. Which means they weren't really tracking any such thing before then. In reality, it could be the most ranked matchups this early in the season... EVER

These conferences have to justify these hefty TV deals.

 

[Scottzer]

I didn't expect Texas defense to be so good. Or were we playing poor offense. Well, an ugly win is still a win.

Eh - we were up against Sean Miller, a guy who swept us in 2022-23. He has half of the scout ready for this game before he knows the schedule.

 

[BGesus4]

Their big should have fouled out in the first half.

He could’ve (and prob should’ve) been called for an offensive foul every time he touched the ball.

 

[Deepster]

He could’ve (and prob should’ve) been called for an offensive foul every time he touched the ball.

I liked him. Plays hard. Clearly has an edge to him.

 

[KingAG]

In Michigan’s last 5 games against P5 opponents they’ve won by

40
30
40
41
28

They’re insane right now.

2 things can be true

 

[Umami Zen]

Sean will have this team in the Tournament . He's too good a coach and they do have talent. This W will age well and will grow in value for the resume.

 

[AllHusky]

Hurley ought to have them all make 300 FTs before they leave the arena tonight. Inexcusable

Oh, you want them to run wind sprints ala Syracuse and Fran Brown?

 

[AllHusky]

You just knew that one was going in. It seems like Karaban always hits on momentum opportunities like that!

Karaban seems to have a flair for the dramatic big shots, from Freshmen year on. Just seems like a lot of his 3's come at "just the right time". Going to miss that, will enjoy each and every one.

 

[microfich]

Refs. It was only one of the refs, the other two are BE and big game vets and were fine. The perp was unfamiliar and likely was trying to strut his stuff. His whistle blew more times than the others combined.

FT shooting. It will be hard to keep Malachi on the floor at the end of tight games but we'll need his ball handling. Reed continues his inconsistency. We've taken 206 vs opponents' 241 so far. 69.9% vs. 74.7%.

Plaster of Tarris. He should talk to Tiki Barber about overcoming fumbling. Seriously, just a little more awareness of Malachi's magic passes.

End of Clock. Rather than stuffing it in to Alex to dribble within a flurry of hands, let's just let Solo and Braylon float near mid-court.

Moon Mullins. We see more every game from this whiz kid. Serious Maravich vibes (except for the ball handling.) Once he rids himself of silly fouls he'll be on the floor more and it'll become Electric Avenue.

The more Demary-er . Needs to play like a Sr. not a Jr. (which he is in more ways than one right now.). Don't sleep on his team-leading assists and steals. He's also probably going through his longest stretch of top PG opponent's right now, while leading a championship level team. Have faith in the system. He's too talented not to emerge eventually. Just hope it's by March 2026.

Bench press. Our bench is like a 1000W charging mat.

Jaylin and Jayden. Flying before our eyes. Really a similar, bumpy trajectory for both. Coachable players with talent emerging junior year is not surprising and always reduces the fans' stomach gas.

Caravan. Has Alex finally ditched the NBA threes? His game has risen since and it lifts others.

Team vibe. So love the 23 assists on 29 FGs. I'm sure that's what our coaches have been focused on building. Individuality is secondary. Now, once we've inserted more plays for Braylon...

 

[2Infinity]

I still think we are really good. But then I watch a game like this and I’m not sure. I haven’t seen the team like Michigan or Duke lay an egg against a really bad team yet.

Umm…Texas was not "really bad"!

 

[UCan3]

Stewart was impressive last night.

He was. He's growing a lot as a player. Becoming more thick skinner and not getting inside his head too much. He is key player for us whether he plays 8 or 25 minutes. Certain games, he will be critical pieces. All about matchups.

 

[UCan3]

Refs. It was only one of the refs, the other two are BE and big game vets and were fine. The perp was unfamiliar and likely was trying to strut his stuff. His whistle blew more times than the others combined.

FT shooting. It will be hard to keep Malachi on the floor at the end of tight games but we'll need his ball handling. Reed continues his inconsistency. We've taken 206 vs opponents' 241 so far. 69.9% vs. 74.7%.

Plaster of Tarris. He should talk to Tiki Barber about overcoming fumbling. Seriously, just a little more awareness of Malachi's magic passes.

End of Clock. Rather than stuffing it in to Alex to dribble within a flurry of hands, let's just let Solo and Braylon float near mid-court.

Moon Mullins. We see more every game from this whiz kid. Serious Maravich vibes (except for the ball handling.) Once he rids himself of silly fouls he'll be on the floor more and it'll become Electric Avenue.

The more Demary-er . Needs to play like a Sr. not a Jr. (which he is in more ways than one right now.). Don't sleep on his team-leading assists and steals. He's also probably going through his longest stretch of top PG opponent's right now, while leading a championship level team. Have faith in the system. He's too talented not to emerge eventually. Just hope it's by March 2026.

Bench press. Our bench is like a 1000W charging mat.

Jaylin and Jayden. Flying before our eyes. Really a similar, bumpy trajectory for both. Coachable players with talent emerging junior year is not surprising and always reduces the fans' stomach gas.

Caravan. Has Alex finally ditched the NBA threes? His game has risen since and it lifts others.

Team vibe. So love the 23 assists on 29 FGs. I'm sure that's what our coaches have been focused on building. Individuality is secondary. Now, once we've inserted more plays for Braylon...

Love that he cuts and takes the bunnies. That's what he should be doing. He is adjusting to what the other team give him - nice to see it!

 

[AllHusky]

Refs. It was only one of the refs, the other two are BE and big game vets and were fine. The perp was unfamiliar and likely was trying to strut his stuff. His whistle blew more times than the others combined.

FT shooting. It will be hard to keep Malachi on the floor at the end of tight games but we'll need his ball handling. Reed continues his inconsistency. We've taken 206 vs opponents' 241 so far. 69.9% vs. 74.7%.

Plaster of Tarris. He should talk to Tiki Barber about overcoming fumbling. Seriously, just a little more awareness of Malachi's magic passes.

End of Clock. Rather than stuffing it in to Alex to dribble within a flurry of hands, let's just let Solo and Braylon float near mid-court.

Moon Mullins. We see more every game from this whiz kid. Serious Maravich vibes (except for the ball handling.) Once he rids himself of silly fouls he'll be on the floor more and it'll become Electric Avenue.

The more Demary-er . Needs to play like a Sr. not a Jr. (which he is in more ways than one right now.). Don't sleep on his team-leading assists and steals. He's also probably going through his longest stretch of top PG opponent's right now, while leading a championship level team. Have faith in the system. He's too talented not to emerge eventually. Just hope it's by March 2026.

Bench press. Our bench is like a 1000W charging mat.

Jaylin and Jayden. Flying before our eyes. Really a similar, bumpy trajectory for both. Coachable players with talent emerging junior year is not surprising and always reduces the fans' stomach gas.

Caravan. Has Alex finally ditched the NBA threes? His game has risen since and it lifts others.

Team vibe. So love the 23 assists on 29 FGs. I'm sure that's what our coaches have been focused on building. Individuality is secondary. Now, once we've inserted more plays for Braylon...

Great post fich! Question on your officiating observations. Do you see that in real time or did you rewatch to come up with those pearls. Very interesting, and I would never notice who calls the fouls in real time.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Another crazy thing to consider. Right now we are away better defensive team than we are on offensive team. If we keep playing defense like this, maybe with a little less fouling, we know Mullins and Reed will make us much better offensively. I think we could be a top ten team in both facets.

We all know what happens when a Hurley team is top ten metric wise in offense and defense.

 

[Scottzer]

Another crazy thing to consider. Right now we are away better defensive team than we are on offensive team. If we keep playing defense like this, maybe with a little less fouling, we know Mullins and Reed will make us much better offensively. I think we could be a top ten team in both facets.

We all know what happens when a Hurley team is top ten metric wise in offense and defense.

Bingo! And, while I get that people are frustrated with the time it takes to convert a combo guard into a point guard in our system - how many of us have looked at Demery’s defensive metrics? Guy is a huge part of why we can compete for the whole thing this year!

 

[REB1094]

Texas had a lot of momentum. Got it to 5, we hadn't made a shot in almost 5 minutes, they were getting to the line at will, I started sweating. About 20 seconds later, it was all over. Solo and Karaban with the clutch daggers

My favorite parts -

• This is where AK is at his best. Moving, cutting, finding open spots. Tarris found him on a few good cuts and that Braylon touch pass was GORGEOUS. And of course a clutch 3 (choosing to ignore the possession after)
• Reed should be unstoppable once he's fully in a rhythm. He's SO skilled in the post. I think BE coaches will swarm him like they did to Sanogo. It'll be up to Tarris to make quick reads to take advantage
• Shoutout Stewart and Ross. Jaylin lost his starting spot but tied his 2nd season high in scoring. Ross lost most of his minutes but still played hard. Both had huge dunks to cap off their nights. These are high quality guys and this team has CULTURE
• There were high level shot making. Best ones that come to mind are: Reibe post fade, Braylon logo 3 and two clean fadeaways, Solo coast to coast layup and clutch deep 3, multiple Tarris post moves, Malachi high finger roll over 2 guys and clutch stepback. Really fun to watch those plays

I'm still high on Silas, he's too good to be this flustered forever. I'm still high on Solo, he's too good a shooter to stay cold forever. Maybe he should take them all from 40 feet!

10-1 OOC is better than I expected with a team that only got healthy last week. This team has what it takes. LET'S GO HUSKIES!