The Grind

[Scrutineer]

Not losing sleep over Precious....other than Anthony Davis- how many 1 and dones have led to a National Championship? Keep grinding Dan- will take the quality build approach with those that stay 3-4 years.

The dreaded Carmelo Anthony is one we all likely remember with no fondness.

 

[HuskylnSC]

I'd be sympathetic to this if he wouldn't have later point to his post as evidence he knew a recruit was committing. Which he would have.

I don't know anything on the inside. I have no contacts and no inside scoop. BUT, I know recruits are committing. What's the big deal.

 

[crewbear742]

Benefits homie, straight benefits. Illinois and Memphis offered something we we weren't willing to. They are playing a different game. This isn't new. I can spell it out further if you still don't get it.

But could you spell it out with (you know) evidence. This "We can't get recruits because other schools cheat" narrative gets old. I get it. It's satisfying. It's a convenient story. It creates a villain to blame. It just doesn't play outside the bubble.

 

[Samoo]

The worst thing about Europe is the portions they serve at restaurants. Your post reignited my genius idea of bringing a Cheesecake Factory to the heart of Tuscany. FWIW, we would serve local wines.

Not in the Balkans; they feed you like there is no tomorrow.

 

[Samoo]

A few places in Spain & Portugal in addition to other French towns, mostly south. And an outlier in Croatia, although that's a language issue for both of us. Took me awhile to sell my wife on it as she's always wanted to retire on a golf course in FL. Not much left I really want to see/do in US once I'm done working. And when we got down to it, there just wasn't appeal in SA, Panama or CR as we both love Europe a lot more and can train the whole place for relatively cheap once we're there.

I lived for three years in Zagreb, drop me a line if you need a sales pitch on Croatia. Most people speak English, and if they don't they'll find someone who does.

 

[AdamaNation]

Getting back to recruiting, I’m of the opinion , which I suspect won’t be popular here , that the lack of success last year makes it more difficult to recruit.
Kids perceive that Buzz around a program and want to be a part of it. That’s why we can’t afford to write off another year.
I know the BY likes to downplay the NIT but that success enabled JC to not only step up in quality but also step out geographically.
If we got to the NIT last year and made a run like a less talented WSU did the program perception would be through the roof this year.

Or better. But point made.

 

[AdamaNation]

Benefits homie, straight benefits. Illinois and Memphis offered something we we weren't willing to. They are playing a different game. This isn't new. I can spell it out further if you still don't get it.

But we can offer a perfect APR!!!

 

[temery]

But we can offer a perfect APR!!!

"Our APR is perfect, so we've got a spot or two for players who don't see themselves working up a sweat as far as grades are concerned."

 

[Chief00]

Don't blame the player, blame the game. We lost both guys for the same reason. Most play checkers, some are playing chess. Checkmate. Every single time.

How did Chief blame the player?

 

[Chief00]

There is a God:

 

[djct1999]

How did Chief blame the player?

The player was Kimani, the game was landing Kofi and Precious. He was playing checkers, OA and Lil Penny from science class were playing chess.

 

[pj]

The player was Kimani, the game was landing Kofi and Precious. He was playing checkers, OA and Lil Penny from science class were playing chess.

And I don't blame Kimani for losing that game. It's a game he shouldn't be playing. Let Memphis be Memphis, let UConn be UConn, let's shock the world, let's show the world what happens when you mistreat an upright group.

 

[djct1999]

And I don't blame Kimani for losing that game. It's a game he shouldn't be playing. Let Memphis be Memphis, let UConn be UConn, let's shock the world, let's show the world what happens when you mistreat an upright group.

Lets do it! I am ok with missing on Kofi and Precious. I am far less ok with not having an immediate upgrade in our front court to help Josh. So either they were playing the game and lost, or the grind was somewhat misguided. To go into next season without addressing our most immediate need doesn't add up.

I really do respect this idea of doing it the right way. But don't be naive and not recognize the under the table business that is major college sports. Many are doing it, many are not. Its why good guys like Bielien left all together. Its why bad guys like Sean Miller and Will Wade still get top recruits. Its why Louisville got into the ACC. Its why UConn did not. Personally, I don't believe there are many rogue coaches. I think this is a decision that is understood from the top down. Hell, its probably why the Memphis AD stepped down this past week. So, yeah, I too am more than ok with Kimani losing that game. I am less clear on what UConn being UConn even means at this point. We haven't seen the UConn I have grown to know in quite some time. Quite frankly, I become less confident each day that we ever will.

 

[The Funster]

The grind is not smoke and mirrors. It is not about dropping 10 large like a dime. The grind is not about the destination but the journey. The grind is never over. After cutting down the nets it back into the grind so you can do it again. And again.

 

[djct1999]

The grind is not smoke and mirrors. It is not about dropping 10 large like a dime. The grind is not about the destination but the journey. The grind is never over. After cutting down the nets it back into the grind so you can do it again. And again.

Definition of the grind. See above.

 

[Chief00]

The player was Kimani, the game was landing Kofi and Precious. He was playing checkers, OA and Lil Penny from science class were playing chess.

They were playing Bank Robbery

 

[CL82]

The grind is not smoke and mirrors. It is not about dropping 10 large like a dime. The grind is not about the destination but the journey. The grind is never over. After cutting down the nets it back into the grind so you can do it again. And again.

Yeah, that just said motivational poster to me.

 

[QDOG5]

That’s not a grind it’s bright lights and mirrors but it certainly is working for Penny. Good for him.

Sore loser much, Chief? I love the backhanded compliment. Would you be kind enough to explain what you mean by bright lights and mirrors?

 

[storrsroars]

Not in the Balkans; they feed you like there is no tomorrow.

I was in Bulgaria for a couple of months in 2003 and while this is true, I found the offerings fairly limited. I imagine Croatia has better options being next to Italy. But while one could buy great tomatoes from Lebanon in February, decent Italian, French and especially Mexican/Latin was impossible to come by in Sofia. But if you love lamb and shopska salads, you're golden. Maybe there's decent suhere now as when I was there the Japanese were starting to invest in tourism.

 

[uconnell]

Lets do it! I am ok with missing on Kofi and Precious. I am far less ok with not having an immediate upgrade in our front court to help Josh. So either they were playing the game and lost, or the grind was somewhat misguided. To go into next season without addressing our most immediate need doesn't add up.

I really do respect this idea of doing it the right way. But don't be naive and not recognize the under the table business that is major college sports. Many are doing it, many are not. Its why good guys like Bielien left all together. Its why bad guys like Sean Miller and Will Wade still get top recruits. Its why Louisville got into the ACC. Its why UConn did not. Personally, I don't believe there are many rogue coaches. I think this is a decision that is understood from the top down. Hell, its probably why the Memphis AD stepped down this past week. So, yeah, I too am more than ok with Kimani losing that game. I am less clear on what UConn being UConn even means at this point. We haven't seen the UConn I have grown to know in quite some time. Quite frankly, I become less confident each day that we ever will.

I know what you’re saying but I remain ever hopeful.

 

[CL82]

I love Coach Calhoun and everything he did for UConn,

Apparently you don't given that you are taking shots at a guy who's not here to defend himself.

 

[soxfan23]

Apparently you don't given that you are taking shots at a guy who's not here to defend himself.

I am not taking shots at anybody!

 

[imno1]

Getting back to recruiting, I’m of the opinion , which I suspect won’t be popular here , that the lack of success last year makes it more difficult to recruit.
Kids perceive that Buzz around a program and want to be a part of it. That’s why we can’t afford to write off another year.
I know the BY likes to downplay the NIT but that success enabled JC to not only step up in quality but also step out geographically.
If we got to the NIT last year and made a run like a less talented WSU did the program perception would be through the roof this year.

I think Hurley and staff have done a pretty good job recruiting. Akok, Bouknight, Gaffney, and Cole. Not too shabby

 

[DrZzzz]

The boneyard is a mysterious place, welcome.

Thanks. Been

The boneyard is a mysterious place, welcome.

Thanks. Been lurking for over 10 years. I have 2 kids. Officially joined after buying a Kendall Strong sweatshirt.

 

[DrZzzz]

Dr(sleep)Zzzz was the first to like a post talking about “Who’s sleeping?” I thought it was funny. I thought it was obvious enough, guess not.

I suppose if maybe your name is Dr. Zemetrious Zandon Zataloni-Zimmitti it wouldn’t be that obvy.

So I'm like a clown? I'm here to amuse you? What was so funny? YOU said it was funny. What was so funny?

 

[Samoo]

I was in Bulgaria for a couple of months in 2003 and while this is true, I found the offerings fairly limited. I imagine Croatia has better options being next to Italy. But while one could buy great tomatoes from Lebanon in February, decent Italian, French and especially Mexican/Latin was impossible to come by in Sofia. But if you love lamb and shopska salads, you're golden. Maybe there's decent suScalitohere now as when I was there the Japanese were starting to invest in tourism.

Bulgaria's way different than it was in 2003, though probably just as corrupt. I like Sofia a lot-good restaurants and pretty inexpensive overall.

 

[J187Money]

The pizza I had in Dusseldorf was better than 98% of pizza in Pittsburgh. Probably 80% of CT (outside NH/Ffld counties).

Aix en Provence is on our short list of retirement destinations. My experience is mostly Paris and I'd agree with your colleague's assessment based on that limited sample. However, we have friends and family who've lived in south of France and have found it much more friendly and accepting of US ex-pats.

When was that? I used to spend a decent amount of time in Dusseldorf - and I thought the food there was generally terrible if you didn't stick to German food. (2000-2005 time frame)

 

[temery]

So I'm like a clown? I'm here to amuse you? What was so funny? YOU said it was funny. What was so funny?

 

[storrsroars]

When was that? I used to spend a decent amount of time in Dusseldorf - and I thought the food there was generally terrible if you didn't stick to German food. (2000-2005 time frame)

I was mistaken, it was Köln, where I was staying to attend a trade show in Dusseldorf. The cafe in Hotel Lowenbrau. And it was mid-90s. But it was a surprisingly good pizza as I wasn't expecting much.

 

[djct1999]

But could you spell it out with (you know) evidence. This "We can't get recruits because other schools cheat" narrative gets old. I get it. It's satisfying. It's a convenient story. It creates a villain to blame. It just doesn't play outside the bubble.

Seems like you are the one in the bubble. Spend some time around the elite AAU circuit and hear how some of these kids talk to each other. Google the governments recent case vs shoe executives and assistant coaches and read the transcripts. Cheating isn't happening at a select few places. Its happening in most places. Educate yourself. Anytime a school gets a top recruit very late in the process, there is a reason. Tremont to LSU, Kofi to Illinios, Precious to Memphis are just a few examples. Even easier, whenever a top recruit holds out until very late in the spring, there is usually some sort of bidding war going on behind the scenes.