We need a big man.

[superjohn]

Let's face it, we never know what we're getting. Never knew it with Emeka, Thabeet, Voskuhl, Boone, or Armstrong.

The only guy who had any sort of high school reputation that he delivered on was Jeff Adrien. I can't remember another.

I will say this: if Josh Carlton turns into another Tim Coles, the whole tenor of the board will change on these issues.

Calhoun knew. Okafor was a stud right away, everyone in the country knew Charlie V was a stud, Thabeet blew up late in the process and he's a legit 7'2. I remember when some UConn players scrimmaged against Felton, McCants and May and Hasheem looked dominant. Boone was another late bloomer but was ready to play right away and was damn good as a freshman. It's silly you think Calhoun had no idea if these guys would be good.

 

[upstater]

Calhoun knew. Okafor was a stud right away, everyone in the country knew Charlie V was a stud, Thabeet blew up late in the process and he's a legit 7'2. I remember when some UConn players scrimmaged against Felton, McCants and May and Hasheem looked dominant. Boone was another late bloomer but was ready to play right away and was damn good as a freshman. It's silly you think Calhoun had no idea if these guys would be good.

Sure, at the high school level, you can see the innate talent; you're a scout, a good one, and you find jewels (as Calhoun always did, lower ranked players who turned out great; he was better than anyone else at that). But then why did he recruit all the other kids who didn't develop? Ya see what I mean? Bill Belichcik is an excellent coach with an excellent eye for talent--doesn't mean he knows how it's going to turn out.

 

[Chief00]

Heading out for awhile - I will respond tomorrow.

 

[David 76]

Heading out for awhile - I will respond tomorrow.

I am glued to my seat.

 

[8893]

I am glued to my seat.

Sounds painful.

 

[David 76]

Sounds painful.

Yeah,I should have worn clothes.

 

[Chief00]

Quite frankly, after some discussions with people I respect - the thing that presents itself with the team this year - is a lack of a sense of urgency. We almost never have it starting a game and if it appears at all it's in the second half and we have a mountain to climb by then.

Even with the injuries guys need to regard their minutes as precious gifts and every possession is important.

What can be done about it? Let me open it up first to others and then I will give you my opinion. To the casual fan out there - there is no right or wrong answer - so feel free to comment.

 

[intlzncster]

Quite frankly, after some discussions with people I respect - the thing that presents itself with the team this year - is a lack of a sense of urgency. We almost never have it starting a game and if it appears at all it's in the second half and we have a mountain to climb by then.

Didn't know you talked with @Chin Diesel on the regular. Nor myself.

Chin: This reminds me a little of 97

Me: This reminds me a little of 97

 

[David 76]

Is he self aware?

 

[Chief00]

Didn't know you talked with @Chin Diesel on the regular. Nor myself.

Chin: This reminds me a little of 97

Me: This reminds me a little of 97

That should be reassuring to you that you are on the same page as Chief. Keep reading my posts and pretty soon you won't even need to - you will be thinking about the game correctly. LOL

 

[UConnSwag11]

We need a big who can be a bruiser down low. But I think what Ollie wants is for Vance, Durham, polley, larrier to be able to be those pick and pop players like Giffey and Daniels. I think who bazz and them played the second half of that season is how he wants to play. With that you need guards who can shoot and vital and Gilbert can do that. We do need a skilled big that can get 6-7 boards a game and can score

 

[Chief00]

We need a big who can be a bruiser down low. But I think what Ollie wants is for Vance, Durham, polley, larrier to be able to be those pick and pop players like Giffey and Daniels. I think who bazz and them played the second half of that season is how he wants to play. With that you need guards who can shoot and vital and Gilbert can do that. We do need a skilled big that can get 6-7 boards a game and can score

I like a healthy Gilbert - I wouldn't put him in a shooter's category yet.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Quite frankly, after some discussions with people I respect - the thing that presents itself with the team this year - is a lack of a sense of urgency. We almost never have it starting a game and if it appears at all it's in the second half and we have a mountain to climb by then.

Even with the injuries guys need to regard their minutes as precious gifts and every possession is important.

What can be done about it? Let me open it up first to others and then I will give you my opinion. To the casual fan out there - there is no right or wrong answer - so feel free to comment.

You may or may not consider this relevant but...a friend of mine who has attended a few UConn games with me is a body language expert. Basically she specializes in the science of non verbal communication.

The lack of urgency issue is very transparent to this expert. I understand all this could be met with great skepticism BUT positive first impressions (pre game) mean something. Reading body language is also important for lawyers and law enforcement.

My father a life long season ticket holder was also bedazzled by this analysis. I just think some vulnerabilities are showing on our coaching staff in particular and some players.


Anyways...

 

[UConnSwag11]

I like a healthy Gilbert - I wouldn't put him in a shooter's category yet.

he showed the best mid-range game and confidence shooting

 

[Chief00]

he showed the best mid-range game and confidence shooting

He was really demonstrating improvement before he went down.

 

[8893]

My father a life long season ticket holder was also bedazzled by this analysis.

 

[jibsey]

We need a big who can be a bruiser down low. But I think what Ollie wants is for Vance, Durham, polley, larrier to be able to be those pick and pop players like Giffey and Daniels. I think who bazz and them played the second half of that season is how he wants to play. With that you need guards who can shoot and vital and Gilbert can do that. We do need a skilled big that can get 6-7 boards a game and can score

Rick Mahorn clone? Forget the top 100 ranking, they have to be willing to elbow their opponent in the teeth, smile and enjoy it.