Villanova Post Game Thread

[Kolumbo]

What a hangover you must have today? Lol I mean was he great, no but he was solid and made a huge difference. He can’t stand in the lane unless they’re playing a zone so your thought that people were flying by him is off. His foul on the 3 point shooter in the 2nd half wasn’t very smart at all. But his foul end of the first half was Dan Hurleys fault. The fact he was on the floor coming out of that minute time out was sacrilege. He was tired as hell and asked out two trips prior to the time out. He certainly didn’t get back ready to go in a short time out. He proceeded to get pushed underneath the basket by Dixon (who gets away with murder) then couldn’t react as needed. The fact he was out there was a terrible move.

But if you watch the game closely at least 9-10 times Nova players took their guys down to within a few feet of the basket but saw DC close by or on the weakside and threw passes back out not willing to take on the big man. He makes a huge difference to our defensive effort.

And if he doesn’t play 24 minutes we also get killed on the boards. SJ wasn’t awful but he has little impact on the backboards not good.

My main point was that DC should not have played 24 minutes and based on your content, you agree. One could argue UConn wins a one point game because of Clingan. One could argue it was only a one point game because of Clingan. We will never know but a game in the 60's is not a game in UConn's wheelhouse. Nova shot slightly better from the field, from the arc, and from the line. Deterring guards is great but not if you can't defend the three. Nova also had more points in the paint. I'm a big fan of Clingan but I have to laugh at everyone who attacks someone for criticizing DC's offense and minutes.

Against Creighton Samson played 23 and Donovan played 15. UConn won by 14. Joincidence?

 

[Icehawk]

Another good one IMO, Nova is good even if their record is bit wonky. Every run they went on we counterpunched, been the theme this season and last season.

I think Hurley kept Clingan in a bit long to push his conditioning, plus as many have pointed out just having him on the floor changes things. Still would love to see him up his FT% even though it "hasn't mattered" if just for a point of pride. Can't wait to get him going full steam and for this team to fire on all cylinders - I just don't see who can beat us if they play to their best level, hell even at less than full power they've been racking up the Ws.

 

[Kolumbo]

No one is attacking you because you’re criticizing DC’s offense, we’re criticizing you because you called him “bad” overall yesterday, which is just a horrible take. The dude had the highest +/- on the team just FYI.

to be fair I never used the word "bad" but folks like to inerpret. I should have been more specific. Offensively he was not good. And I don't know what game everyone was watching but yes, at least 2 times he was completely ineffective on D. At the end of the half and at 37 seconds. 2 easy layups. But he's a deterrent.

 

[Zissou]

If Jay Wright was coaching, that’d be 2 no calls on Moore and 4 points for Villanova. Their reputation is not what it used to be..

As a homer I could say that the defending national champs got 2 key offensive calls on Nova at the end of the game that sealed their win. Even after the first one, I like Nova’s chances down 2 with the ball in a 2 for 1 possession opportunity.

If you look at those 2 calls honestly, they were blatant fouls that would be called against any player in any situation coached by any legend. There are hooks and then there are hooks. No tears on those two calls.

Nova over relies on ISO for key end of game scenarios. It’s not effective.

 

[jojipoji]

to be fair I never used the word "bad" but folks like to inerpret. I should have been more specific. Offensively he was not good. And I don't know what game everyone was watching but yes, at least 2 times he was completely ineffective on D. At the end of the half and at 37 seconds. 2 easy layups. But he's a deterrent.

Who would you played instead if DC? Stewart? SJ? DC is and was better than both of them during the game offensively and much better defensively

 

[Hunt for 7]

Another good one IMO, Nova is good even if their record is bit wonky. Every run they went on we counterpunched, been the theme this season and last season.

I think Hurley kept Clingan in a bit long to push his conditioning, plus as many have pointed out just having him on the floor changes things. Still would love to see him up his FT% even though it "hasn't mattered" if just for a point of pride. Can't wait to get him going full steam and for this team to fire on all cylinders - I just don't see who can beat us if they play to their best level, hell even at less than full power they've been racking up the Ws.

I think he did it because we now have 8 days before our next game. Plenty of time to continue rehab and get rest. But he was gassed and we all know that a tired player can get injured more easily. We were just so much better with him in the game. I will be honest without him playing tonight we might not have won that game. His +/- stats say he was worth more than one point for us so that should be considered. Still hate seeing him and Johnson shooting bricks for free throws. Have to make at least one of two on a two shot foul.

 

[mauconnfan]

My main point was that DC should not have played 24 minutes and based on your content, you agree. One could argue UConn wins a one point game because of Clingan. One could argue it was only a one point game because of Clingan. We will never know but a game in the 60's is not a game in UConn's wheelhouse. Nova shot slightly better from the field, from the arc, and from the line. Deterring guards is great but not if you can't defend the three. Nova also had more points in the paint. I'm a big fan of Clingan but I have to laugh at everyone who attacks someone for criticizing DC's offense and minutes.

Against Creighton Samson played 23 and Donovan played 15. UConn won by 14. Joincidence?

Your point was DC shouldn’t have played 24 minutes because he wasn’t too good. This would not be true. But yes 23 minutes would’ve been better because no way should he have been in the game late 1st half. But you can’t compare games and minutes. Creighton our overall team defense was spectacular and it helped both DC and Samson. Last night SJ minus a couple dunks was ok at best but missed many chances for rebounds. Our rebounding weakens overall with him in there it’s obvious.

So my answer is yes “Joincidence”

 

[Kolumbo]

Who would you played instead if DC? Stewart? SJ? DC is and was better than both of them during the game offensively and much better defensively

You should have been around when UConn won 5 games without DC

 

[Palatine]

Who said this?

Are you joking? The most recent example of the BYS is in the post. But the number of times last summer where Diarra was dismissed as a good defensive player with no offense was endless.

 

[superjohn]

I think he did it because we now have 8 days before our next game. Plenty of time to continue rehab and get rest. But he was gassed and we all know that a tired player can get injured more easily. We were just so much better with him in the game. I will be honest without him playing tonight we might not have won that game. His +/- stats say he was worth more than one point for us so that should be considered. Still hate seeing him and Johnson shooting bricks for free throws. Have to make at least one of two on a two shot foul.

That was the only thing that bothered me about the game. I was holding my breath at the end of the first half when Clingan was clearly physically spent and badly wanted to come out of the game. The tangle up on the offensive end where he fell with the Nova player landing on him and then he couldn't move to get the easy defensive rebound. I don't know what Hurley was doing there, just thankful DC didn't get injured.

Kolumbo keeps digging, these are always fun to watch!

 

[JohnnyJr]

You should have been around when UConn won 5 games without DC

SJ was in foul trouble all those games so he wasn’t around much. The small ball lineup won us a couple of those games

 

[uconngb]

What a hangover you must have today? Lol I mean was he great, no but he was solid and made a huge difference. He can’t stand in the lane unless they’re playing a zone so your thought that people were flying by him is off. His foul on the 3 point shooter in the 2nd half wasn’t very smart at all. But his foul end of the first half was Dan Hurleys fault. The fact he was on the floor coming out of that minute time out was sacrilege. He was tired as hell and asked out two trips prior to the time out. He certainly didn’t get back ready to go in a short time out. He proceeded to get pushed underneath the basket by Dixon (who gets away with murder) then couldn’t react as needed. The fact he was out there was a terrible move.

But if you watch the game closely at least 9-10 times Nova players took their guys down to within a few feet of the basket but saw DC close by or on the weakside and threw passes back out not willing to take on the big man. He makes a huge difference to our defensive effort.

And if he doesn’t play 24 minutes we also get killed on the boards. SJ wasn’t awful but he has little impact on the backboards not good.

To your point, SJ had TWO rebounds. Every other player that played meaningful minutes had at least 2 rebounds. You would think that at 6’10” he’d get 4 or 5 rebounds by accident.

 

[aburks41]

Not to pile on, but… there are exactly two teams in D1 that shoot 80% as a team. Villanova 81.8% and Stetson 81.1%. Maybe we can round up and include Wake Forest at 79.9%

Recent champions -
UConn 76.1%
Kansas 71.7%
Baylor 70.8%
Virginia 74.4%
Villanova 77.9%

It’s hard to believe that Baylor team was the worst FT shooting team of this group. They were one of the best 3pt shooting teams I’ve ever seen. What a weird dynamic

 

[jojipoji]

You should have been around when UConn won 5 games without DC

You mean when UConn went from top 10 kenpom defense to barely top 40 in just 5 games and now they’re trending back. Sure buddy.

 

[jibsey]

To your point, SJ had TWO rebounds. Every other player that played meaningful minutes had at least 2 rebounds. You would think that at 6’10” he’d get 4 or 5 rebounds by accident.

He gives us something but not what we hoped for obviously. The whole talk of wall potential was absurd, but yes he’s still vital and we need him…..to be better.

 

[UCan3]

I thought the refs did a very good job

I am mr. complainer on refs in many of our games and I have zero complaints with last night. That is as good as it gets on the road in the Big East.

They made some brave but correct calls late in the game that benefited UConn.

And to those who don’t like the style of play, it is what it is. It’s why our league goes on to win so many championships.

What I take away from this game:
1) We won a game that was a perfect trap game to lose our #1 ranking. An under ranked Villanova team, on the road, who has knocked off a top 5 team already..
2) We are nowhere near playing our best basketball!!!!!! We haven’t peaked and frankly, we’re just getting warmed up!

 

[AllHusky]

He gives us something but not what we hoped for obviously. The whole talk of wall potential was absurd, but yes he’s still vital and we need him…..to be better.

Spot on. Keep watching Samson and wondering what he is going to be when he grows up. Obviously the staff is sitting with him and watching video, pointing out +/-'s, and discussing his role. Curious as to what they "want him to do/be. Just haven't seen that light bulb moment yet.

How many guys have there been that made their living by boxing out and playing tough D? Not sure that Samson see's himself doing that, but that is my hope.

 

[husky429]

Another Boneyard special. Players cannot improve over the course of their careers. What they are today, is what they will always be, this year, next year, forever.

Exhibit A: Diarra.

For SJ to go from what he is now to a true starting-caliber player for us is going to be a huge lift. I want that to happen, but we would be pretty foolish not to recruit a starting big in the portal.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Spot on. Keep watching Samson and wondering what he is going to be when he grows up. Obviously the staff is sitting with him and watching video, pointing out +/-'s, and discussing his role. Curious as to what they "want him to do/be. Just haven't seen that light bulb moment yet.

How many guys have there been that made their living by boxing out and playing tough D? Not sure that Samson see's himself doing that, but that is my hope.

It’s not a question of desire or how he sees his role, he’s just lacking the strength to do that against BE centers. It’s just not how he’s built.

 

[AllHusky]

For SJ to go from what he is now to a true starting-caliber player for us is going to be a huge lift. I want that to happen, but we would be pretty foolish not to recruit a starting big in the portal.

Would like to know what he did to be the starting 4 last year before he got hurt. What was it that staff saw? Maybe more what they hadn't seen yet from Karaban yet, than what Samson showed.

So, if we had recruited a 5 that merited 15min a game and could spell a healthy Clingan better than SJ, what would Samsons role and minutes be??

 

[mauconnfan]

To your point, SJ had TWO rebounds. Every other player that played meaningful minutes had at least 2 rebounds. You would think that at 6’10” he’d get 4 or 5 rebounds by accident.

Add since and including the Gonzaga game he has had 23 rebounds in 9 games, with some very good minutes logged. I like the guy he’s improved and is a large piece. But we do need him to rebound better and we also need a portal guy next year if DC leaves.

 

[Punkbo]

Cam's shot was off and he got burned badly a few times on defense but man for a guy who physically has trouble staying in front of people he makes a lot of big tough plays on defense. Whenever people in the chat start ragging on his defense he comes up with a big steal, he draws the offensive foul or he makes a play he has no business making helping out on a big man. He's such a good and tough player.

I understand why this post got 40+ likes. @superjohn is a great poster and we all love Cam for his toughness, creativity, leadership, shooting ability and pure emotion. But his defense remains a liability. Of the players who get meaningful minutes on this team, he is the worst defender, and it’s not even close. Nova exploited the heck out of him and they have Kyle Neptune as a coach. I’m not sure if there’s a solution, but this is a concern whether we want to admit it or not.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Are you joking? The most recent example of the BYS is in the post. But the number of times last summer where Diarra was dismissed as a good defensive player with no offense was endless.

Oh nvm person must have me on ignore. I thought this was a general post. His loss

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

It’s not a question of desire or how he sees his role, he’s just lacking the strength to do that against BE centers. It’s just not how he’s built.

I dont think it's strength. There are plenty of skinny bigs at every level of basketball that score defend and rebound effectively. His issue is not physical.

 

[Gurleyman]

This is what Clingan does. Opponents from the dotted line down are abysmal from the floor when he’s out there. Way below the national average. And that doesn’t take into account the “nope, nope, nope” back it back out plays where no shots are taken.

We are not all that great at stopping dribble penetration. Newton, Spencer and Karaban can all be attacked. Castle and Diarra are good, but not necessarily lockdown guys either. Clingan covers a lot of that up.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Add since and including the Gonzaga game he has had 23 rebounds in 9 games, with some very good minutes logged. I like the guy he’s improved and is a large piece. But we do need him to rebound better and we also need a portal guy next year if DC leaves.

Best case scenario would’ve been for SJ to develop similarly to Jaren Jackson Jr. Who as we saw during the World Cup isn’t much of a center who can control the paint either.

Unfortunately he hasn’t developed his perimeter skills that were talked about his freshman year at all to the point he doesn’t even attempt a shot outside of 5’.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I dont think it's strength. There are plenty of skinny bigs at every level of basketball that score defend and rebound effectively. His issue is not physical.

Strength is definitely an issue. He gets bullied down low way too often both on post-ups and rebounding. That combined with being average at best height for center is going to make it tough. Hopefully another offseason will allow him to get stronger, I’m just not sure we can assume that will happen.

 

[Icehawk]

Perhaps Johnson just doesn't have enough BB experience to be good at rebounding? I am curious how we'll look next year but that's a problem for April.

 

[NJHusky]

It’s not a question of desire or how he sees his role, he’s just lacking the strength to do that against BE centers. It’s just not how he’s built.

centers are built differently. Shaq was 325, Olajuwan was 250.

 

[husky429]

I understand why this post got 40+ likes. @superjohn is a great poster and we all love Cam for his toughness, creativity, leadership, shooting ability and pure emotion. But his defense remains a liability. Of the players who get meaningful minutes on this team, he is the worst defender, and it’s not even close. Nova exploited the heck out of him and they have Kyle Neptune as a coach. I’m not sure if there’s a solution, but this is a concern whether we want to admit it or not.

What you're going to see Hurley do--and I can practically guarantee this--is play Clingan and Cam together as much as possible. Clingan cleans up a lot of Cam's mistakes. I would imagine Cam's defensive rating with Clingan in the game is significantly better.