This is getting embarassing... | The Boneyard

This is getting embarassing...

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socal613ws

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I don't mind losing, but to flat out be dominated defensively like that was pathetic, and AT HOME, in YOUR OPENER. I really don't want to call for a man's job, but at some point change is needed.
 
They only scored in the 60's so that isn't what embarrassed me, it was how we had 12 points at halftime with good college div 1 recruits. I don't even know what to call that.
 
Its pretty amazing that both Oklahoma St. and Oregon scored 18 points in about the first 5 minutes against UConn and it took UConn about 23 minutes to score that many today.
 
Enoch has a body a coach would salivate to, yet he doesnt really seem to know how to play the game of basketball or use it at all, is that on him or the coaching staff?
 
socal613ws said:
I don't mind losing, but to flat out be dominated defensively like that was pathetic, and AT HOME, in YOUR OPENER. I really don't want to call for a man's job, but at some point change is needed.
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I'll try this your way. We had TWO AND ONE HALF PERIMETER PLAYERS TO MAN THREE PERIMETER POSITIONS. ONE AND ONE HALF OF THEM were OVERWHELMED FRESHMEN. We had ZERO POINT GUARDS. And you are shocked that we struggled to score?

Listen, you want to gripe about the 0-2 start? Fine. You want to raise concerns about player development? Fine. But if you want to hammer the coach based on this game, then you may want to try following a simpler sport. Maybe PONG.
 
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selles said:
I'll try this your way. We had TWO AND ONE HALF PERIMETER PLAYERS TO MAN THREE PERIMETER POSITIONS. ONE AND ONE HALF OF THEM were OVERWHELMED FRESHMEN. We had ZERO POINT GUARDS. And you are shocked that we struggled to score?

Listen, you want to gripe about the 0-2 start? Fine. You want to raise concerns about player development? Fine. But if you want to hammer the coach based on this game, then you may want to try following a simpler sport. Maybe PONG.
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I agree. I expected this to happen without Adams and all the other injuries they already had. Right now this team is just plain hexed. I refuse to complain about today's game.
 
HooperScooper said:
I agree. I expected this to happen without Adams and all the other injuries they already had. Right now this team is just plain hexed. I refuse to complain about today's game.
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I agree too. Hoped for better. But it was to be expected. Heck, they played half court D. Did us a favor!
 
selles said:
I'll try this your way. We had TWO AND ONE HALF PERIMETER PLAYERS TO MAN THREE PERIMETER POSITIONS. ONE AND ONE HALF OF THEM were OVERWHELMED FRESHMEN. We had ZERO POINT GUARDS. And you are shocked that we struggled to score?

Listen, you want to gripe about the 0-2 start? Fine. You want to raise concerns about player development? Fine. But if you want to hammer the coach based on this game, then you may want to try following a simpler sport. Maybe PONG.
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Idk what the hell people expect from a team missing their 3 best players and having their 2 extremely frustrating seniors play like ass on a team that has 7 live bodies that are even capable of playing at this level. I don't think there's an organized basketball team in the world that would look good if you wiped out their 3 best players and told them they could only play 7 guys. This situation is extremely frustrating but ultimately blameless.
 
.-.
Why can't our fans be as optimistic and pragmatic as Kelvin Sampson is?

“I think you go day to day, the way you get through that is the culture that you’ve established. A lot of schools are going to have a good team here and there, but when you have great coaching, that means you have a great program. And that’s what Connecticut’s had for a long time. It’s one of those programs that coaches admire from a distance for a long time. I coached against Jim a lot of years. Kevin’s taken it over. They’ll be fine. Those kids will be back eventually, maybe not this year but next year. It’s not life or death.”

The Boneyard like a wild pendulum of highs and lows based only on the last game. There is no in between. I'm not going to bother to go back and look, but I'm fairly sure someone predicted we would win the title again after the Syracuse game. The screams of "fire Ollie!" after every loss are exhausting. He needs to win another title so we can put an end to it, because I'm pretty sure that's what it will take.
 
Balker said:
Why can't our fans be as optimistic and pragmatic as Kelvin Sampson is?

“I think you go day to day, the way you get through that is the culture that you’ve established. A lot of schools are going to have a good team here and there, but when you have great coaching, that means you have a great program. And that’s what Connecticut’s had for a long time. It’s one of those programs that coaches admire from a distance for a long time. I coached against Jim a lot of years. Kevin’s taken it over. They’ll be fine. Those kids will be back eventually, maybe not this year but next year. It’s not life or death.”

The Boneyard like a wild pendulum of highs and lows based only on the last game. There is no in between. I'm not going to bother to go back and look, but I'm fairly sure someone predicted we would win the title again after the Syracuse game. The screams of "fire Ollie!" after every loss are exhausting. He needs to win another title so we can put an end to it, because I'm pretty sure that's what it will take.
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Largely agree with this. My only issue with this team is missing open shots repeatedly... Becoming a good shooter at the D1 level is a matter of will, time and dedication.
 
Kenny11 said:
Any team that is forced to play Rodney Purvis at point guard will not win. that is a fact.
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Honestly, he can be a bit player on a good team, but at this stage in his development and career, if he's playing starter level minutes, I don't think that team will be "successful" on the grand scale.
 
Balker said:
Why can't our fans be as optimistic and pragmatic as Kelvin Sampson is?

“I think you go day to day, the way you get through that is the culture that you’ve established. A lot of schools are going to have a good team here and there, but when you have great coaching, that means you have a great program. And that’s what Connecticut’s had for a long time. It’s one of those programs that coaches admire from a distance for a long time. I coached against Jim a lot of years. Kevin’s taken it over. They’ll be fine. Those kids will be back eventually, maybe not this year but next year. It’s not life or death.”

The Boneyard like a wild pendulum of highs and lows based only on the last game. There is no in between. I'm not going to bother to go back and look, but I'm fairly sure someone predicted we would win the title again after the Syracuse game. The screams of "fire Ollie!" after every loss are exhausting. He needs to win another title so we can put an end to it, because I'm pretty sure that's what it will take.
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Nah! Sometimes the issue is with a particular type of fan.
 
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This is what happens when your missing your 3 best players, literally missing you three best players and have 8 scholarship players and one of those players is a walk on.

If you told any of us the starting lineup will be....

Purvis
Vital
Jackson
Facey
Brimah

With not one guard off the bench we would've all said okay we will probably be lucky to win 2 conference games.

Let's be realistic Byarders, yes it's a disasterous season but let's not starting pointing fingers.

It's called the injury bug.

Believe me, I am so frustrated to watch this season but nothing we can do and no one to blame besides the good all inj bug.
 
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polycom said:
Largely agree with this. My only issue with this team is missing open shots repeatedly... Becoming a good shooter at the D1 level is a matter of will, time and dedication.
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You certainly need the things you describe. However imo the most important ingredient separating the performance of equally talented individuals is confidence and confidence is influenced by a host of factors.

Mr. French said:
Honestly, he can be a bit player on a good team, but at this stage in his development and career, if he's playing starter level minutes, I don't think that team will be "successful" on the grand scale.
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This team lacks a player like 3rd year Kemba who can carry the team on it's back and take the pressure off other players until they develop. Jalen is not quite at that level yet. Or Bazz who is poised and can make a crucial shot in situations that are critical. Or KEA who can relax players on the court and make the game fun for them even though they were playing for an absurdly demanding coach. Or Caron who can go up to his team mates and find the right ways to help them hold their heads up when things are going badly. Or a Nadav/Emeka type who are very talented, very dedicated and lead by quiet stoicism.

Rodney would thrive with all the player I listed except maybe the last category. I feel he has the talent but lacks confidence. And the more pressure that is put on him to win games the more likely he will fail.
 
fleudslipcon said:
You certainly need the things you describe. However imo the most important ingredient separating the performance of equally talented individuals is confidence and confidence is influenced by a host of factors.



This team lacks a player like 3rd year Kemba who can carry the team on it's back and take the pressure off other players until they develop. Jalen is not quite at that level yet. Or Bazz who is poised and can make a crucial shot in situations that are critical. Or KEA who can relax players on the court and make the game fun for them even though they were playing for an absurdly demanding coach. Or Caron who can go up to his team mates and find the right ways to help them hold their heads up when things are going badly. Or a Nadav/Emeka type who are very talented, very dedicated and lead by quiet stoicism.

Rodney would thrive with all the player I listed except maybe the last category. I feel he has the talent but lacks confidence. And the more pressure that is put on him to win games the more likely he will fail.
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Really good post and I agree with with everything including Adams not being at shabazz or kw level yet. I think Rodney has gotten better and has some talent. His shooting has improved overall last year. Unfortunately this year he is in a season long funk except a Syracuse and now playing out of position. I would our rather see Vital at point but he seems hesitant. No excuse for facey and brimah who just aren't that good and played horribly yesterday.
 
Balker said:
Why can't our fans be as optimistic and pragmatic as Kelvin Sampson is?

“I think you go day to day, the way you get through that is the culture that you’ve established. A lot of schools are going to have a good team here and there, but when you have great coaching, that means you have a great program. And that’s what Connecticut’s had for a long time. It’s one of those programs that coaches admire from a distance for a long time. I coached against Jim a lot of years. Kevin’s taken it over. They’ll be fine. Those kids will be back eventually, maybe not this year but next year. It’s not life or death.”
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Balker, what do you think Sampson is going to say that Kevin Ollie sucks and I hope UCONN keeps him as long as possible? It's called politics and doublespeak. That quote by Sampson tells you all you need to know: "They'll be fine...eventually...It's not life or death." Kevin Ollie doesn't strike fear in opposing coaches. Think about what else he said "great coaching...that's what Connecticut HAD not what they have currently but what they had he says. You really don't even need to read between the lines here because he is being quite literal here in what he is saying about Ollie and the program. For all we know Sampson is probably saying to himself I hope Kevin Ollie stays around for another 5-10 years so that I have a guaranteed W against him and UCONN.

P.S. HAMI COMMIT BRING HAMMER TIME BACK TO STORRS
 
If we were in the ACC/Big 10 or 12, would you make a coaching change?
 
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mauconnfan said:
Oh yes no doubt. Only one NC in 4 years isn't good enough.....next
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I don't think many want to see KO go anytime soon but the 2 years following the NC were not pretty....this was the year to rectify that so now that gets pushed to next year with the injuries. If we struggle to win even the middling games next year like we have the past 3 years can we at least begin to question things.

I think KO & UConn should & will have a very positive season next year....
 
Hi-Low said:
I don't think many want to see KO go anytime soon but the 2 years following the NC were not pretty....this was the year to rectify that so now that gets pushed to next year with the injuries. If we struggle to win even the middling games next year like we have the past 3 years can we at least begin to question things.

I think KO & UConn should & will have a very positive season next year....
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Well stated but to be fair to KO the cupboard while not bare (2 years after NC) wasn't full either due to things which led to APR and other things that had the program a little rough. This would have been a very important season I agree and the losses to start are close to unacceptable. We will see how healthy and how strong the crew coming back will be then if at full speed there should be much less of these stumbles if any at all.
 
huskymagic said:
Balker, what do you think Sampson is going to say that Kevin Ollie sucks and I hope UCONN keeps him as long as possible? It's called politics and doublespeak. That quote by Sampson tells you all you need to know: "They'll be fine...eventually...It's not life or death." Kevin Ollie doesn't strike fear in opposing coaches. Think about what else he said "great coaching...that's what Connecticut HAD not what they have currently but what they had he says. You really don't even need to read between the lines here because he is being quite literal here in what he is saying about Ollie and the program. For all we know Sampson is probably saying to himself I hope Kevin Ollie stays around for another 5-10 years so that I have a guaranteed W against him and UCONN.

P.S. HAMI COMMIT BRING HAMMER TIME BACK TO STORRS
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You read that into KS's statement?
WOW
 
I'm legitimately happy that this board, generally speaking, has Ollie's back. He's a hell of a basketball coach and an even better leader. OP deservedly took heat for insinuating that Ollie's job should be in jeopardy.

I do wonder, though, if people sometimes struggle to see beyond the UConn bubble that they live in, because outside that bubble, embarrassing is the word that fits. Just consider the aesthetics from the outside. Consider how bad it looks for us to open AAC play - which is embarrassing in and of itself - down 36-12 at the half to Houston, at home. Certainly, there is context that we are applying that makes it less embarrassing, but the same could be said of many of the same programs and coaches that we have mocked on this board. There are players on this roster who won a national championship. There are players on this roster who were heralded recruits. Injuries may caution us from judgement, but there is no circumstance that can quell the sting of embarrassment. Insofar as a fan base can be embarrassed by the results of a game, if not this, then what? Take a gander at what people are saying nationally and it's often a matter not of if Ollie will be fired, but when. That rhetoric is stupid, but it exists, and if perception has any baring on reality, it isn't something we should dismiss.

We're all guessing here. None of us know what the future holds, and so all we're left with are our interpretations of the past. Those interpretations tend to vacillate with waning variance depending on the additional context that every game and season unturn. Nobody can ever take Ollie's first two seasons away from him. He coached those teams brilliantly, and even if he fails to win another game in his career, I'm a life-long fan of the guy. There are no disclaimers there. None at all.

What we can do is use those seasons to gauge the trajectory of his career. We can assess how, specifically, the prototype that comprised those teams - the Boat's, the Bazz's, the Giffey's - changed in the proceeding years. The narrative that Calhoun left Ollie with a made title contender is nonsense. The narrative that Ollie might not be able to evaluate competitive greatness with the same precision as his HOF mentor is fair.

It is also fair to question player development. It is convenient at this point in time to say that we were without our three best players during Wednesday's loss to Houston. Somehow, over the course of the first three games and change - a stretch that produced some of the worst basketball I've seen from a UConn team - Larrier and Gilbert became two of our three best players, despite the fact that we have no way of knowing this...despite the fact that Purvis and Brimah surely would have been mentioned as among our best players before the year.
Purvis and Brimah, like it or not, are every bit as much a part of Ollie's track record as Napier and Boatright. In the coming years, we will find out whether their lack of development was an anomaly or the beginning of a trend.

Me? I think it's an anomaly, growing pains, part of the process. I think things are going to turn around sooner than people think. I think the three seniors will play better, the freshman will improve, and we will have a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament. I think that next year and the year after - when the renewed health of our recruiting finally comes to fruition - are going to be special, and that Ollie is going to be here for a long time, and that he's going to end up in the Hall of Fame. Ask me, and all this talk will look stupid years from now.

Today is December 31st, 2016, though, and we're a 2.5 point underdog against a terrible Tulsa team. There's nothing like that kind of reality to remind me that my opinion of the situation is just that, an interpretation.
 
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