The Starting 5 | Page 2 | The Boneyard

The Starting 5

Against Merrimack, Gilbert throws a "no look" pass to no one. It careens of the backboard and Merrimack had a fastbreak going the other way. Gilbert doesn't even try to play D, he pretty much got out of the way. Ollie did nothing. Is that what UConn basketball is now?
 
Waquoit said:
Against Merrimack, Gilbert throws a "no look" pass to no one. It careens of the backboard and Merrimack had a fastbreak going the other way. Gilbert doesn't even try to play D, he pretty much got out of the way. Ollie did nothing. Is that what UConn basketball is now?
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Keep cherry-picking and exaggerating to prove your point.
 
Waquoit said:
Keep ignoring what you see with your own lyin' eyes.
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My eyes paint an accurate picture. Yours paint one that does not reflect reality.
 
Waquoit said:
And what reality is that?
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The reality that Gilbert isn't the crappy player you make him out to be, and that out of all the things you could cite as indicative of a downturn in program quality, his play is not at all one of them.

You should join me here. It's nice.
 
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Stairmaster said:
The reality that Gilbert isn't the crappy player you make him out to be, and that out of all the things you could cite as indicative of a downturn in program quality, his play is not at all one of them.
You should join me here. It's nice.
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That pass off the backboard wasn't his first no-look pass of the game that ended up in the opposition's hands. I never said he was crappy, he clearly has talent. And I thought the new guys all looked they can play. But these guys aren't all so great that they win consistently without playing team ball. And that play was the epitome of not playing team ball. And no, I won't be joining you in Stepford.
 
Waquoit said:
Against Merrimack, Gilbert throws a "no look" pass to no one. It careens of the backboard and Merrimack had a fastbreak going the other way. Gilbert doesn't even try to play D, he pretty much got out of the way. Ollie did nothing. Is that what UConn basketball is now?
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I doubt he was passing it to no one and perhaps KO said nothing because someone else was not prepared for the pass
I don't know because I was at the game but missed that play and I was not present when they went over film and perhaps it was addressed at that time
I'm not ready to paint "is that what UConn basketball is now" with a broad brush based on one play
We have heard KO talk endlessly of what is and what is not UConn basketball, he played within it's MO so it's not like it's just lip service from an outsider.
As far as not playing D - shame on AG for taking that play off but from what I have seen in person, he is not one to shy away from "getting down and dirty"
 
Waquoit said:
That pass off the backboard wasn't his first no-look pass of the game that ended up in the opposition's hands. I never said he was crappy, he clearly has talent. And I thought the new guys all looked they can play. But these guys aren't all so great that they win consistently without playing team ball. And that play was the epitome of not playing team ball. And no, I won't be joining you in Stepford.
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A no look pass is the epitome of not playing team ball???
You are stretching far from reality with that statement
 
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In no way is Uconn basketball about turning the ball over and not getting back. Never was. Never will be. I think waqoit is just frustrated which is understandable. But we need to understand that Laurier and Gilbert have been on longer leashes than the rest of the team. Ollie is trying to build up their confidence so they can mentally recover from their injuries. They haven’t played in a while and it’s inportant that they get their rhythm even if I️t means a few bumps along the way
 
Waquoit said:
I don't understand this sentiment. What do have against your team playing team ball?
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He said he's in favor of bumming you out. A rather unfriendly sentiment, but not a sign of opposition to team basketball.
 
I liked the starting 5 against Queens:

1 - Gilbert
2 - Adams
3 - Polley
4 - Larrier
5 - Diarra

That's 3 players who are listed at 6'8" who are almost interchangeable, along with our best two guards. Larrier and Polley both have some solid guard skills as well, and we should be pretty versatile defensively. Wouldn't be too surprised if we went with that against Colgate, especially if we are expecting them to play zone to start.
 
Waquoit said:
And what reality is that?
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We have no idea what it is this year yet do we? But we know what you would like it to be obviously because you have seen the year already and how it will play out, all in one play in a fn exhibition game. Amazing!:rolleyes:

By the way I remember the play. AG tried to cut the mustard with a know look high pass to a guy down low and he overcooked it no doubt, ugly pass but not the only one by a UConn player mind you. Anyway he then ran back beat the guys down court on a 2 on 1 but elected to not foul or take a charge which was pretty smart considering it was an exhibition game and he was out all last year. You prefer to call it "plays no defense" I like him not doing anything stupid in a meaningless play. Now if he stood and watched at half court you may have a point but what he did was fine and I am sure what KO would have wanted considering the situation.
 
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businesslawyer said:
He's starting unless and until his starting hurts the team.
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Agree with the direction of your sentiment, but not the magnitude.
He'll start even if he hurts the team.
It will have ramifications down the road, after he's gone, if Larrier is not allowed to play through games when he hurts the team, which I'm guessing are going to happen.

BY tends to be RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW.
I trust that Ollie is more forward looking.
 
mauconnfan said:
We have no idea what it is this year yet do we? But we know what you would like it to be obviously because you have seen the year already and how it will play out, all in one play in a fn exhibition game. Amazing!:rolleyes:

By the way I remember the play. AG tried to cut the mustard with a know look high pass to a guy down low and he overcooked it no doubt, ugly pass but not the only one by a UConn player mind you.
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Aren't you kind of agreeing with me here? And it's two games. I watched the PC game. And of course I hope I'm wrong. The winter goes by faster when UConn is winning. Be honest, do you see this year playing out any different than the last 3? A good win or two when the shots are falling, a couple of WTF losses and an overall offense that is as fun to watch as having dental work. I think team ball gets us to the Big Dance.
 
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Waquoit said:
Aren't you kind of agreeing with me here? And it's two games. I watched the PC game. And of course I hope I'm wrong. The winter goes by faster when UConn is winning. Be honest, do you see this year playing out any different than the last 3? A good win or two when the shots are falling, a couple of WTF losses and an overall offense that is as fun to watch as having dental work. I think team ball gets us to the Big Dance.
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wrong side of the bed?

EVEN I ... in my misery ... can be upbeat. It isn't even Game One yet. I can conceive of a scenario that we are much better. And for this moment: I love our young guys. I do absolutely see this as far better than the last 3.
 
I think they should start small.
Gilbert
Adams
Vital
Larrier
Cobb

Larrier can flash to the foul line against the zone. He can make passes to cutting players or kick out for open looks. Cobb can hit the glass, Diarra will come in to spell Cobb and or Larrier. Anderson will spell Vital and Gilbert. Should be fun to watch. I just hope they can rebound and push the tempo.
 
Stairmaster said:
I don't feel great basing this off of the exhibitions as much as I am, but...

Gilbert
Adams
Larrier/Polley
Diarra/Larrier
Cobb

8 man rotation including Vital, Anderson, and Carlton.
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About how I'd have it, but with more Onuorah when he is back.

Starters:
Gilbert
Adams
Larrier
Diarra
Onuorah

Tightened Rotation (9+):
Gilbert subbed out for Vital, Whaley in for Diarra, Cobb in for Onuorah.
After a few minutes Gilbert comes in for Adams, Polley for Larrier.
All starters back in, possibly with a few minutes for Anderson and Carlton sprinkled in.

Against smaller teams or zones:
Diarra subbed out for Vital, who pushes Larrier to the 4. Cobb in for Onuorah.
After a few minutes, Anderson subs in for Gilbert or most tired/struggling guard, Polley in for Larrier. Best lob catcher (Whaley?) rotates in.

Against cupcakes:
Vital, Anderson, Polley, Whaley, and Cobb in hockey-style.
Kwintin and Carlton rotatae through.

Onoorah minutes are more of a guess that he'll be the best defender and is most experienced, so he'll get the starters minutes, with Carlton probably taking some of his minutes as the season goes on.
 
Waquoit said:
That pass off the backboard wasn't his first no-look pass of the game that ended up in the opposition's hands. I never said he was crappy, he clearly has talent. And I thought the new guys all looked they can play. But these guys aren't all so great that they win consistently without playing team ball. And that play was the epitome of not playing team ball. And no, I won't be joining you in Stepford.
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I think you can give him some significant rope for rust. Along with Larrier. Whether people like it or not, the only way these guys are getting past that is playing. A lot.
 
Larrier will certainly start but I still think Gilbert, Adams, Vital, Diarra, and Cobb will give us the best start. Larrier has been taking (and missing) way too many 3's and he seems careless which translates to turnovers. Gilbert, Adams, and Vital are the best 3 scorers. Diarra and Cobb will give us toughness and rebounding down low. Larrier will start but I think our best starting 5 doesn't include him unfortunately.
 
methodology said:
Gilbert will start over Vital. It's really not even a question because he is a superior player. People forget he was a McDonald's AA and vital became a fan favorite last year.

Adams
Gilbert
Larrier
Diarra
Cobb

Vital first off bench and will get starter minutes.
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Vital is the best shooter we have right now.
Gimmick defenses will stop Gilbert and Adams without a three point threat to keep them honest.
It’s really that simple.
He may not start sometimes that’s political , but he will play 25-30 minutes a game.
I would disagree that the best players have to be on the floor ,it’s actually which combinations of players makes the best team that should see the bulk of the minutes.
.
 
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Waquoit said:
Aren't you kind of agreeing with me here? And it's two games. I watched the PC game. And of course I hope I'm wrong. The winter goes by faster when UConn is winning. Be honest, do you see this year playing out any different than the last 3? A good win or two when the shots are falling, a couple of WTF losses and an overall offense that is as fun to watch as having dental work. I think team ball gets us to the Big Dance.
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Team ball? Was he trying to pass it or shoot it I'm confused? If he threw a bad pass he was trying to play team ball if it was a bad shot he wasn't. He threw a couple nice passes, so did many others I saw team ball, sharing it sometimes to a fault. There are times the extra pass is a stupid one too.

Anyway just thought you were overreacting to one play but you have your reasons and doubts, fair enough I guess.
 
WingU-Conn said:
This. Tyler Olander started at center in the national championship game but only played about 10 minutes.

At the end, Gilbert, Larrier, Vital, Adams, and one of Cobb/Diarra depending on their defense/fouls/free throw shooting.
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In the 2014 championship, I don't believe Olander ever got off the bench.
 
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