UCLA Post Game Thread

[Palatine]

Actually, when Solo was in a slump early in the year he did attack the rim. The result was he took a lot of contact and got hurt.

He needs to bring back the 12-15 foot jumper where he can be deadly.

 

[alphasigko]

I don't see another center in the remaining field that can control the boards like Reed. He is playing at another level.

Krivas of AZ is pretty damn good too. He is Clinganesque at 7'-2".

 

[RuffRuff]

I don't see another center in the remaining field that can control the boards like Reed. He is playing at another level.

I'd be curious as to how he matches up with these giant rim guys like Krivas & Mara, and if he can push them around with his stronger center of gravity. We won't have to worry about that until a final. Also with Ngongba.

We already know how he matches up with Zubi, who's edge is tenacity.

 

[brihman]

It's all between the ears for Solo right now. Staff needs to sit down with him and tell him to get into the lane for some mid-range shots/floaters. He desperately needs to see the ball go in on a couple closer shots.

Reminds me of Rashamel Jones where he lost his shot. Hopefully he can find it or follow his path to be a glue guy down the road.

 

[DogMania]

No way, you start Ross and you will break Ball.

I'm conflicted about this.

First off, it doesn't matter too much who starts. What matters is who is on the floor during winning time and critical shift in momentum moments, and who is getting most of the minutes based on their impact on the game.

Keeping Solo in the starting lineup and bringing Ross off the bench likely would maintain the mental and emotional equilibrium of both players.

My concerns with starting Ross over Solo, is Ross could get into early foul trouble as the refs figure out how they want to call the game. Seeing how important Ross has been lately on both ends of the floor, I think I'd rather bring him off the bench, but maybe do so more quickly if the team starts off slow.

On the otherhand, starting Ross could help the team get off to a quicker start and not put us in catch up mode like it has been lately. Also, Solos type of game does fit the instant offense type of role, assuming he can do something he hasn't done lately, which is lighting it up during his first few shots. If Solo feels after being brought into the game from the bench that he'll be quickly yanked if he misses his shots and not sure when he'll see the floor again might compound the problem.

It's sort of dangerous to start experimenting at this point in the season where it's win or go home. So which has more upside and less risk, keeping things as is where falling behind early might happen again, though potentially having more impactful minutes of Ross throughout the game where he's not in any serious foul trouble? Or starting Ross, potentially staving off an early deficit, but also potentially having to sit with early foul trouble, and not being able to play as aggressively throughout the game?

My final thought is Hurley to continue to start Solo, but be ready for a quick time out, like Calhoun used to do, if by the second or third possession...sometimes even the first...if UConn is in a quick deficit, struggling to score and/or get stops. Then put Ross in for Solo, or maybe Mullins, depending on which one is contributing negatively more to the slow start. I'm just worried the refs will quickly call a foul on Ross due to his agressive D, where later into the game the refs often back off their quick whistles on the same level of contact. Hurley often did this with our young centers, starting the veteran even though the younger center was more talented and impactful, figuring the more experienced player could read the way the game was being called and less likely to pick up a quick foul then the less experienced player.

That's just my nickel...no more pennies produced plus recommendation inflation.

 

[sdglast]

I think at this point Hurley understands what he is getting from Ball. If his shot is on early, he will ride Ball for a bit. If not, he pulls Ball quickly and pivots to Ross. Hopefully Stewart will be back in some capacity this weekend. Even 10-15 minutes from him will go a long way, as there is a lot of pressure being put on Ross to serve as a back-up at multiple positions.

 

[jibsey]

Izzo walks around like he’s got a halo on his head but he’s every bit as brutal and intense as Hurley. He probably loves it when Fears kicks players in the nuts.

 

[Umami Zen]

It's all between the ears for Solo right now. Staff needs to sit down with him and tell him to get into the lane for some mid-range shots/floaters. He desperately needs to see the ball go in on a couple closer shots.

His mid-range game is money as is Mullins. Live there early in the game to gain some confidence.

 

[bendm]

I'd be curious as to how he matches up with these giant rim guys like Krivas & Mara, and if he can push them around with his stronger center of gravity. We won't have to worry about that until a final. Also with Ngongba.

We already know how he matches up with Zubi, who's edge is tenacity.

The only 5 that could match him in terms of size and strength was chinyelu

 

[Stinger92860]

The problem is this isn't up and down. I used the same logic 20 games ago. We now have a 36 game sample size. This is a issue that will have to be fixed with Solo in the summer. There must be something off with his mechanics. Or he needs to see a shrink. But the days of this season where we can hope he regains his form are over.

I agree with this and I hope I am wrong.

 

[Sgt.Peps6x]

 

[MrJoe]

Alex’s decision to come back was worth it based on tonight alone. Best game of his career. Honorable mentions for Ross and Smith. I think it’s obvious to everyone at this point that Ross should be starting over ball and I loved playing both PGs at the same time. Smith should be 6th man and his renewed confidence could be huge. Another week for Silas to recover and get stew back for the sweet 16.

good read on two pg on floor at same time . in calhoun’s three he played 2 ph ( ben was one in pros) and even ollie played baz and ryan together

 

[bendm]

Really couldn’t be happier with Malachi these last 2 games. 13 assists versus 3 turnovers. I dont care if he takes another shot in the tourney, I only want him taking wide open 3s and wide open layups, force nothing. He hasn’t played this well since the noncon and now he demands at least 20mpg going forward.

 

[RuffRuff]

Izzo walks around like he’s got a halo on his head but he’s every bit as brutal and intense as Hurley. He probably loves it when Fears kicks players in the nuts.

I mean, between him and Draymon, this cannot be pure coincidence. I'm sure Izzo has a school of living rent tree in the opponents head.

 

[Emoney2737]

THAT'S why we have Alex Karaban! He was on a mission from God.

"Ross the Boss" - Huge 3's, a slam, a steal at the end, a wicked dish to Reed, defense and also getting fouled (and draining those 3FTs). Did it all. Huge difference maker.

Malachi super solid game again. Way to step up kid. You did what we asked of you.

Nice to see Mullins get back going. Love it, but please please don't step out of bounds anymore.

Lotta lotta travelling calls on UConn. One of em was even real.

Fear of the Bear left our shooters open.

Glad Danny put Solo back in at the end

Oh and one more thing - shout out to Mick Cronin for the technical and the free points.

Also, shout out to Mick Cronin for what he said about Karaban during the post game interview, class act.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Why wasn't Fears suspended? Two separate incidences of nut kicks and they were very obvious

 

[JB75]

That's his issue - if he's not hitting shots, he's a problem in all other areas. He was -13 in a game we won by 16 - process that, in 13 minutes. As soon as his feet hit the floor, the team looked disoriented.

I'm hoping Stew is back so he can be the extra weight we need out there. Solo has had a whole year to figure it out.

Right - and here’s the thing with solo - when he’s off , he just keeps jacking. He has to understand how to bring other parts of his game in to help the team - make the extra pass , drive and create , give guys a breather, try a mid range, step it up on D , etc. then the shots will come ——he can learn from Mullins in that area. Stop jacking.