Villanova post game thread

[boog204]

I never saw people crucifying Bazz for being the worst PG in Calhoun's era. I think most in the BY loved what he brought to the game and his killer instinct.

Enjoy one of the dumbest threads in BY history. People here killed Bazz his sophomore year.

The Worst Trait Belonging To UConn's Worst Point Guard Under Calhoun

When Napier ends up in the lane defensively, sees his guy on the wing, runs at him half-speed...and doesn't put his hand up. I mean, you're out there, you can't even be bothered to raise your arm in the air? Really? That would be asking too much? Speaking of bad positioning, note to Alex...

the-boneyard.com

 

[Gurleyman]

Man every single person on this board who watched Nowell in person absolutely raved about him before he got here and so did Hurley.

Now all of a sudden he isn’t good enough. It’s the same story every time outside of lottery picks Hurley can’t find excuses not to play because they’re NBA ready.

Also I’m happy you asked about other players. Every single top 50 PG and combo guard (which is what Nowell was) is playing in some capacity for their team.

Some standouts are

John Mobley Jr. who is 6’1 and the 3rd leading scorer at 13.5 per game for OSU ranked 49th on 247.

Labaron is averaging 10 a game for top ranked Alabama ranked 34

Zoom Diallo is averaging 11 a game as the 3rd leading scorer for Washington and he was ranked 55.

There’s actually only one guy receiving limited minutes out of this top 50 group and that’s Trent Perry at UCLA but he still plays more than Nowell.

Nowell is actually having the most struggles out of the whole group and I don’t even need to talk about the players ranked higher than him.

https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&Position=CG

https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&Position=PG

It’s a longstanding rule of thumb - coaches love their recruits and their former players. It’s just the current guys who stink. That filters to fans too. They love the minor league prospect or the fourth outfielder. Or the backup center or point guard.

I don’t claim to be a recruiting expert. But I can just tell you what I observed from Nowell’s highlight reels and things. A lot of strong drives through the paint where he absorbed contact and finished - but the sort of shots that are tough to finish against college bigs at his size. He did show a better 3 ball than he’s shown here (in very limited run) … but his HS stats were 22 points and 3.5 assists - which doesn’t scream pure point guard to me. He looked like maybe he could be a small scoring spark plug off the bench - a la Kemba as a freshman - just as more of a bulldog than someone who used speed and quickness. But injuries (and maybe putting too much stock in the Mahaney card) have prevented that.

So far - again in very limited run - his weakness have shone through and his strengths haven’t. Opportunity will be there for him next year - barring a huge portal signing or two - but it’s not like I watch him play and see the solution to our problems. We’ll see what the rest of this year brings, though. Maybe he has a game where he’s left open and buries a couple threes and becomes 2009 Kemba. (Or Castle against Alabama).

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Enjoy one of the dumbest threads in BY history. People here killed Bazz his sophomore year.

The Worst Trait Belonging To UConn's Worst Point Guard Under Calhoun

When Napier ends up in the lane defensively, sees his guy on the wing, runs at him half-speed...and doesn't put his hand up. I mean, you're out there, you can't even be bothered to raise your arm in the air? Really? That would be asking too much? Speaking of bad positioning, note to Alex...

the-boneyard.com

There were definitely people calling for Boatright to be the guy over Bazz that year. Thank goodness for opportunity and development lol

 

[Gurleyman]

To be fair, this place went nuts (in a positive way) when he committed so he was clearly "known" by UConn fans was ranked one of the top guards in the portal. The irony, that people tend to gloss over, is he was pretty disliked by the fan base most of his first year here and was scouted as the "weak link" on our team going into the tourney.

This board has a history of killing our point guards and then conveniently deifying them after the fact. Rickety Moore, Taliek, Bazz ("the worst starting PG in JC's tenure"), freshmen AJ Price, sophomore Kemba, Newton. Boneyard pastime. I think Khalid was the only guy to escape the BYs wrath.

I think it is more than fair to question some of DHs work this year especially when he's intimated that the staff has not done a good job. I don't think anyone is saying he can't coach, but maybe a bit frustrated with the product and the lack of much change. DH even said the film sessions show the same issues pretty much every game. Isn't it the staff's job to devise something/anything to change that? We've watch 26 games of inbound struggles and not one thing has been different except "wanting it more." C'mon.

Khalid got a little his last year too. We struggled a bit that year. Got boat raced at Michigan State (down something like 46-17 at the half). There was some thought that he couldn’t really be the lead dog and needed Rip. His ankle sprain hurt a chance to maybe make a deeper run.

I’ve always said that Bazz’s legacy was largely saved by Brimah. We would have had two first round losses with him as the starting PG - getting crushed by Iowa State and losing to St. Joe’s when he was around 4-15 and dribbled off his leg out of bounds down the stretch (and missed the layup that Brimah put back). He got a second chance - had a great overtime, buried Nova and the rest is history.

Khalid had the second chance too after the 0-12 against Gonzaga. That was the most pressure packed game in UConn history and he laid an egg. Dribbled off his leg and out of bounds down the stretch too. That would be more famous than the Donyell missed foul shots.

 

[boog204]

It’s a longstanding rule of thumb - coaches love their recruits and their former players. It’s just the current guys who stink. That filters to fans too. They love the minor league prospect or the fourth outfielder. Or the backup center or point guard.

I don’t claim to be a recruiting expert. But I can just tell you what I observed from Nowell’s highlight reels and things. A lot of strong drives through the paint where he absorbed contact and finished - but the sort of shots that are tough to finish against college bigs at his size. He did show a better 3 ball than he’s shown here (in very limited run) … but his HS stats were 22 points and 3.5 assists - which doesn’t scream pure point guard to me. He looked like maybe he could be a small scoring spark plug off the bench - a la Kemba as a freshman - just as more of a bulldog than someone who used speed and quickness. But injuries (and maybe putting too much stock in the Mahaney card) have prevented that.

So far - again in very limited run - his weakness have shone through and his strengths haven’t. Opportunity will be there for him next year - barring a huge portal signing or two - but it’s not like I watch him play and see the solution to our problems. We’ll see what the rest of this year brings, though. Maybe he has a game where he’s left open and buries a couple threes and becomes 2009 Kemba. (Or Castle against Alabama).

Those small, "bowling ball" type guards are tough to read. If you remember when we got Taliek, he was one of three stud NYC pg's and was considered the best "scorer" of the group by far. Omar Cook was the playmaker/passer and Andre Barrett was the shooter. Taliek's highlight reels were endless strong drives and finishing in traffic. That was not something he could really do consistently at this level and it was very clear, very quickly, that Taliek could not shoot the ball at all. I worry if Nowell has that same type of pedigree. He does seem like he has a decent looking shot (tough to gauge on 3-13) but he does give me undersized, go to the hoop vibes, and not starting point guard/playmaker ones.

 

[Matt1010]

I didn't see much from AK last night so I went back to look and he had a block in the second half. That's all he contributed to the boxscore other than getting the final defensive rebound of the game with 6 seconds left when the game was already over.

He certainly didn't have a good game, but the assist to TR at 14:14, take to the hoop at 3:20, and the assist to Samson at 19:04 were all great plays.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

It’s a longstanding rule of thumb - coaches love their recruits and their former players. It’s just the current guys who stink. That filters to fans too. They love the minor league prospect or the fourth outfielder. Or the backup center or point guard.

I don’t claim to be a recruiting expert. But I can just tell you what I observed from Nowell’s highlight reels and things. A lot of strong drives through the paint where he absorbed contact and finished - but the sort of shots that are tough to finish against college bigs at his size. He did show a better 3 ball than he’s shown here (in very limited run) … but his HS stats were 22 points and 3.5 assists - which doesn’t scream pure point guard to me. He looked like maybe he could be a small scoring spark plug off the bench - a la Kemba as a freshman - just as more of a bulldog than someone who used speed and quickness. But injuries (and maybe putting too much stock in the Mahaney card) have prevented that.

So far - again in very limited run - his weakness have shone through and his strengths haven’t. Opportunity will be there for him next year - barring a huge portal signing or two - but it’s not like I watch him play and see the solution to our problems. We’ll see what the rest of this year brings, though. Maybe he has a game where he’s left open and buries a couple threes and becomes 2009 Kemba. (Or Castle against Alabama).

It wasn’t necessarily the fans though but some of the boards recruiting gurus who were high on him.

I personally, wasn’t as high for the reasons you listed. Shorter, not super athletic or long and didn’t show to be a super distributor. But thought he was still good enough to make an impact given his production. I remember there were some people saying he could start this year which I thought was unrealistic.

But it’s really hard for a freshman to get adjusted and perform at a high level when they don’t get any opportunity. I’m not expecting him to be freshman Kemba, Castle, or even Craig Austrie at this point because he has not gotten the necessary minutes to become comfortable and adjusted. And with Hurley having even more pressure to win every game than he already puts on himself, I don’t see him giving Nowell the time he needs to do that.

 

[boog204]

Khalid got a little his last year too. We struggled a bit that year. Got boat raced at Michigan State (down something like 46-17 at the half). There was some thought that he couldn’t really be the lead dog and needed Rip. His ankle sprain hurt a chance to maybe make a deeper run.

I’ve always said that Bazz’s legacy was largely saved by Brimah. We would have had two first round losses with him as the starting PG - getting crushed by Iowa State and losing to St. Joe’s when he was around 4-15 and dribbled off his leg out of bounds down the stretch (and missed the layup that Brimah put back). He got a second chance - had a great overtime, buried Nova and the rest is history.

Khalid had the second chance too after the 0-12 against Gonzaga. That was the most pressure packed game in UConn history and he laid an egg. Dribbled off his leg and out of bounds down the stretch too. That would be more famous than the Donyell missed foul shots.

I don't remember Khalid getting all that much his junior year as it was more on Freeman and how that team just never gelled. Think we were pre-season #1 and got beat by Iowa to start the year and played like hot garbage for quite a bit. But you might be right that Khalid got some of the "heat" as well from the fanbase.

I do agree with you on Bazz. While he had an excellent senior year prior to the tourney, we were collectively awful against St. Joe's and were outplayed for the majority of that game. If we had lost that one, there is no legend of Napier obviously.

Khalid was also not particularly good in the title game either. He had 6 turnovers, was like 3-12 from the field and missed both of his free throws before the last minute when he laid daggers.

 

[Spaceman213J]

Previous teams treated every possession like life or death. This team can do special things if they do it too

I think this is what is bothering Hurley the most. The "Hurley Way" is exactly what you said, whether it's Danny, his dad or his brother and to see a team that seems indifferent at times on the floor, knowing you're going to get the other teams' best shot each and every night has to be so frustrating to him.
People question why AK keeps shooting while in this long slump, but Hurley knows he needs AK, McNeeley, and Ball all going strong if they are going to make the tourney and make a long run. Hurley is not going to look at just making Big Dance as a win.

 

[husky429]

I get what you're saying but isn't AK in the 3rd option role now after Liam and Solo?

I think the problem is Hurley continues to put the ball in his hands at the end of games and in tight spots expecting magic like Tristen could make, but it just doesn't happen. We need the ball in McNeeley's or Reed's hands in those moments.

 

[superjohn]

Khalid got a little his last year too. We struggled a bit that year. Got boat raced at Michigan State (down something like 46-17 at the half). There was some thought that he couldn’t really be the lead dog and needed Rip. His ankle sprain hurt a chance to maybe make a deeper run.

I’ve always said that Bazz’s legacy was largely saved by Brimah. We would have had two first round losses with him as the starting PG - getting crushed by Iowa State and losing to St. Joe’s when he was around 4-15 and dribbled off his leg out of bounds down the stretch (and missed the layup that Brimah put back). He got a second chance - had a great overtime, buried Nova and the rest is history.

Khalid had the second chance too after the 0-12 against Gonzaga. That was the most pressure packed game in UConn history and he laid an egg. Dribbled off his leg and out of bounds down the stretch too. That would be more famous than the Donyell missed foul shots.

And Taliek, obviously nowhere near El-Amin or Bazz's level as a college player but he was the #10 recruit in the country coming out of high school and wasn't all that great at UConn. His career would've ended with a 4 point, 3 assist, 7 turnover performance against Duke in the final 4 if not for Okafor's second half heroics.

 

[RuffRuff]

I think the problem is Hurley continues to put the ball in his hands at the end of games and in tight spots expecting magic like Tristen could make, but it just doesn't happen. We need the ball in McNeeley's or Reed's hands in those moments.

McNeeley and Reed were working really well together before he went down - starting to develop some rythym in terms of the drive and slip.

Man did I have a love hate with Taliek. He couldn't throw the ball in the ocean, but was strong with the ball. He was a nice fit on that 2004 team as a pass first guard, but wouldn't work on any team requiring him to provide offense.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

And Taliek, obviously nowhere near El-Amin or Bazz's level as a college player but he was the #10 recruit in the country coming out of high school and wasn't all that great at UConn. His career would've ended with a 4 point, 3 assist, 7 turnover performance against Duke in the final 4 if not for Okafor's second half heroics.

Kemba’s career could’ve ended against SDSU if it wasn’t for Lamb’s heroics to close out that game.

Do we really have to sit here and what if our legends like this? This isn’t just towards you Samson Johnson. But it’s starting to become a thing on this board.

Bazz still would’ve been a champion, AA, and Conference POY if we lose that St Joes game at minimum. The run is just what put him in rare air to go with his individual success.

 

[superjohn]

Kemba’s career could’ve ended against SDSU if it wasn’t for Lamb’s heroics to close out that game.

Do we really have to sit here and what if our legends like this?

Kemba had 36 points against SDSU, lolz.

Taliek isn't a UConn legend.

 

[Umami Zen]

I think the problem is Hurley continues to put the ball in his hands at the end of games and in tight spots expecting magic like Tristen could make, but it just doesn't happen. We need the ball in McNeeley's or Reed's hands in those moments.

Nailed it. He certainly knows the offense and where to be at different points in the offensive set(s). McNeeley's defender has to give him space and play off of him- Reed is almost unstoppable in the low post. Yesterday's game is a perfect example of your point. AK's handle doesn't allow him to consistently get by defenders off the dribble and as a result- They can crowd him/body him and force him to give up the ball or force a shot.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Vecenie LOVES Liam.

 

[Excalibur]

And we were down 14 with him playing the entire game until he hit the bench.

I love AK but the way he's been talked up doesn't match his performance on the court IMO.

And our lead vs. SJU disappeared the moment he went to the bench.

 

[superjohn]

And our lead vs. SJU disappeared the moment he went to the bench.

He had 3 points against St. John's.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Vecenie LOVES Liam.

I’m trying to figure out what his ceiling is in the NBA. His floor is so high. For sure should be a longtime NBA starter. He’s so skilled and can do pretty much everything.

Question is, can he be an All-Star?

 

[Zissou]

Person of the game for UConn: Kyle Neptune.

How did Villanova lose that game?

You better get us now

 

[superjohn]

You better get us now

You hearing any names on who is replacement will be?

 

[Gurleyman]

Kemba’s career could’ve ended against SDSU if it wasn’t for Lamb’s heroics to close out that game.

Do we really have to sit here and what if our legends like this? This isn’t just towards you Samson Johnson. But it’s starting to become a thing on this board.

Bazz still would’ve been a champion, AA, and Conference POY if we lose that St Joes game at minimum. The run is just what put him in rare air to go with his individual success.

I think Kemba had a secure legacy, bringing us back from the depths of the year before. Had we lost (a 2-3 game that was essentially on the road), he would have given it all he had in that game, and just maybe ran out of gas after carrying us all year and to a Big East title. That legacy went up a notch with the title obviously, and he needed some help to get there (Lamb hit some key shots against Arizona too, and Alex played well against Butler). Kemba’s career also almost ended trying to chase down a long rebound at the foul line. I still swear that Horne three was going in.

Kemba was 5-18 against Butler and I actually thought he played really well. Just his shots didn’t fall. But he chased down a lot of loose balls and rebounds, and got us a lot of extra possessions on a night when we had Butler on lock, and he just set a good tone of playing hard all night. Nobody could really shoot at that Final Four - there was thought perhaps the ball or shooting background was a problem.

Bazz stuck with us through probation and had a key supporting role on a title team, so he would be remembered positively. But two first round losses with poor performances, and getting blown out by Louisville twice late his senior year, would have certainly left him in the second tier. We probably would have concluded he didn’t have enough help in 2014 so I think he’d have been given some grace (particularly in the way of having UConn-level big men). But he would be responsible for losing an 8-9 game in blowout fashion and a 7-10 game as a starting point guard … both against teams we felt we should beat to give us a shot at Kentucky and Villanova. Instead that 2014 run now has him a two-time champ and a clear alpha on one, which is rare air.

 

[Drfla]

Team has struggled offensively and the half court actions are generating nothing of late. The book is out on our actions/personnel. With our lack of dribble penetration one of the few remaining options is to play inside out basketball with Tarris (like we did with Sanogo). Samson is just a mannequin out there taking passes at the 3 point line pointlessly. He literally provides nothing and is fully dependent on cut/slips for points, scored 4 or less in 6 of his last 7 games. Has he had a put back all year? I mean the kid cannot generate offense at all, and our offense is struggling.

Reed can do some serious damage if we get him the ball where he needs it. One good thing I noticed yesterday was that Solo made a couple of nice passes into the post to Reed. Love just about everything about Diarra but the thing I noticed is that he is terrible feeding the post. So maybe Solo will be a better option getting the ball to Reed in the right place.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I’m trying to figure out what his ceiling is in the NBA. His floor is so high. For sure should be a longtime NBA starter. He’s so skilled and can do pretty much everything.

Question is, can he be an All-Star?

It’s hard to say, I think he needs to work on his left mainly, but he is a very good rebounder and has good anticipation for his size. I was thinking like Deni Avdija comp, better Max Strus. I’d have to think about it more.

 

[aceboon]

And our lead vs. SJU disappeared the moment he went to the bench.

I get what you're saying but they also would have had a 20pt advantage in that first half instead of 14 if AK could have made a wide open 3 before sitting with 2 fouls, they would have had more of a cushion to play with if he could make a basket on top off of all of the other things he does. he's had way too many disappearing acts offensively in these close losses.