We need a new coach

[BigErnMcCracken]

And he sure as hell was NOT out talented against Wagner and Northeastern. He had so much more talent in those games, they should have been a minimum of 20 point blowouts.

Eh, Northeastern went to East Lansing a couple weeks later and handled Michigan State so those two games aren't the be all and end all people make them out to be.

I am in the camp that firmly believes that 2014 should have been a springboard for a sustained run of greatness for UConn basketball. I am also firmly in the camp that believes that there has to be a new coach on the sidelines when the 2018-19 season tips. The gap between where we were (and where Ollie seemed to be) in 2014 and where we (and Ollie) are today is as inexplicable a phenomenon as I've seen in sports. I don't believe that Ollie is the basketball ignoramus some people on here seem to think he is but I do believe he seems like a fundamentally different person these days. It bums me out to look at him, honestly.

I have a hard time believing that the guy whose entire professional life up until now was defined by tenacity and hard work and never giving up would simply rest on his laurels (for the first time in his life) at 40-something years old after winning the national championship, but something's changed. The vibe around the program seems toxic. And I don't know why anyone would think another year would make a difference. If it was simply a matter of losing to teams with more talent that's one thing. This is not that. He's gotta go.

 

[Tenspro2002]

I have a hard time believing that the guy whose entire professional life up until now was defined by tenacity and hard work and never giving up would simply rest on his laurels (for the first time in his life) at 40-something years old after winning the national championship, but something's changed. The vibe around the program seems toxic. And I don't know why anyone would think another year would make a difference. If it was simply a matter of losing to teams with more talent that's one thing. This is not that. He's gotta go.

I'm not sure if it's a guy who's resting on his laurels, or just depressed at the realization that he has no idea wtf he's doing and is totally in over his head. The people who are least motivated at work usually aren't the guys who are killing it, but the ones who realize that they're completely unsuited for their position.

KO's job in 2013-14 was to coach JC's tough-minded recruits. He succeeded at that.

When the job became managing his own program, attracting his own recruits, and developing them into winning players, he failed.

Regardless, the conclusion is the same.

 

[AdamaNation]

I'm ( or at least was) an Ollie guy, but the bar to judge that statement by has been lowered incrementally pretty much every game this season . To the point that the Ridiculous toss around of a name like Tom Crean can seem like an upgrade as it stands on 2/16. ( But please don't hire Tom Crean just using that dope as an example!)

Somewhere an angel just lost his wings August with that loss of hope.

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Anyone watching the URI- St Bony game? Whatcha guys think if so?

 

[TRest]

Anyone watching the URI- St Bony game? Whatcha guys think if so?

It’s an example of why college basketball can be great to watch. Doesn’t look a thing like our games.

 

[intlzncster]

To be fair, he was far from the first. Freescooter and deadrody were there from the start.

free was a 'the game has passed JC by' guy so ymmv there

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I'm not sure if it's a guy who's resting on his laurels, or just depressed at the realization that he has no idea wtf he's doing and is totally in over his head. The people who are least motivated at work usually aren't the guys who are killing it, but the ones who realize that they're completely unsuited for their position.

KO's job in 2013-14 was to coach JC's tough-minded recruits. He succeeded at that.

When the job became managing his own program, attracting his own recruits, and developing them into winning players, he failed.

Regardless, the conclusion is the same.

Candidly, I think you and freescooter, in particular, embody the broken clock phenomenon on this score. But yeah, I think we disagree in that you think the fact that Ollie was completely over his head was masked by "Calhoun's tough-minded recruits" while I think that's an overly simplistic conclusion that elides a lot of what Ollie was able to do. To me, it's hard not to conclude based on everything we've seen from Ollie since he was hired until now that something is fundamentally different about the broken down dude we see slumped in his seat on the sidelines. Who knows, either way it's a shame.

Fortunately, this is basketball, not football, and it doesn't take a hell of a long time to turn this thing around.

 

[Huskymagic]

Candidly, I think you and freescooter, in particular, embody the broken clock phenomenon on this score. But yeah, I think we disagree in that you think the fact that Ollie was completely over his head was masked by "Calhoun's tough-minded recruits" while I think that's an overly simplistic conclusion that elides a lot of what Ollie was able to do. To me, it's hard not to conclude based on everything we've seen from Ollie since he was hired until now that something is fundamentally different about the broken down dude we see slumped in his seat on the sidelines. Who knows, either way it's a shame.

Fortunately, this is basketball, not football, and it doesn't take a hell of a long time to turn this thing around.

Ollie never had what it takes to be a head coach. He was able to COAST his way to a title thanks to Calhoun's players and coaching staff which a lot of people forget. People here thought Killings was going to be some great coach and a great coaching hire by Ollie because they thought Glenn Miller was the problem.

PS: I was right about Ollie and first to sound the alarm bells before people were saying how great of a recruiter he was.

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Ollie never had what it takes to be a head coach. He was able to COAST his way to a title thanks to Calhoun's players and coaching staff which a lot of people forget. People here thought Killings was going to be some great coach and a great coaching hire by Ollie because they thought Glenn Miller was the problem.

PS: I was right about Ollie and first to sound the alarm bells before people were saying how great of a recruiter he was.

Coast his way yeah right. Ollie helped recruit those very same players.

PS: I am right about Ollie help recruiting those players.

Also, if it was also so easy to coast with Calhouns players, why didn't Calhoun win more than 3 times. Seems pretty easy.

 

[Pudge]

Divorce

I’m blaming Stephanie. And the few that really know me on the BY won’t find this surprising. Kevin Ollie seems less confident and less able. His Mojo is all wrong.

Therefore, I think the argument that he deserves no credit for 2014 is silly. And while I understand economics, I’m hoping Kevin Ollie truly shows his love of our UConn; and provides a mutually respectful way to move on.

 

[intlzncster]

Therefore, I think the argument that he deserves no credit for 2014 is silly. And while I understand economics, I’m hoping Kevin Ollie truly shows his love of our UConn; and provides a mutually respectful way to move on.

It's a silly argument. It always has been. It always will be.

NEWSFLASH: you need great, tough players to win championships. You win championships because of these guys. Of course they have more to do with it.

Take Kemba away from JC. Replace with a good player. Do they win it? No.

 

[Lefty2one]

KO was great in the 2014 tournament. We can't act like the 2014 roster was on par with say 2004; he didn't inherit a program with a half-dozen future NBA guys and coast on talent alone. One player from the 2014 roster has played a single minute in the NBA and that's Bazz with his career averages of 5 pts and 2 asts. The team had no business winning a national championship but KO got it done.

I have no idea what happened between then and now but he's a shell of the coach he was in March/April 2014.

 

[Chief00]

Divorce

I’m blaming Stephanie. And the few that really know me on the BY won’t find this surprising. Kevin Ollie seems less confident and less able. His Mojo is all wrong.

Therefore, I think the argument that he deserves no credit for 2014 is silly. And while I understand economics, I’m hoping Kevin Ollie truly shows his love of our UConn; and provides a mutually respectful way to move on.

Truthfully, I wouldn’t blame Stephanie. The NBA road got too close to home. Otherwise I agree with your post.

 

[BlueDogs]

Wow, I felt just a bit of Diaco anger when I looked at this picture. Not good.

I have to admit lately the same feeling has arisen. The $3MM a year KO game plan "we just got to play better"... I can save them 2.5MM and do the same.

 

[Hi-Low]

Do you really think trump can shoot someone on Park ave? What about 5th? I read crap like this and shake my head. I'm not a Trump guy, buy the hyperbole is just ridiculous.

As someone else pointed out I was only quoting the Pres himself ...........the point was the Pres has a lot of leeway with his base because they are , much like KO has a lot of leeway with his base because of his contract.

 

[Drame]

I think the answer is clear. Calhoun comes back to work for free.. not a dime.

Either that or Geno slides over and makes the same money and his assistant takes over the Woman's program.

 

[intlzncster]

Either that or Geno slides over and makes the same money and his assistant takes over the Woman's program.

This the Boneyard version of Godwin's law.

 

[GotNets?]

They thought Jamie Dixon was slipping at Pitt, and put out the word for a rebuild... remind me what happened next? Oh right...

What happened to Pitt basketball?

Is that what we want? Who wants to rebuild at UConn when the previous coach won a national championship and was known for his resiliency as an NBA player and alumnus? Do we have the money to bring in a truly proven coach?

None of you recognize how ready you are to roll the dice...

 

[Adios]

Kevin Ollie is Bob Diaco-level incompetence. Clearly, some people don't get it.

That 2014 championship was a parting gift from Calhoun.

 

[Rocktheworld]

They thought Jamie Dixon was slipping at Pitt, and put out the word for a rebuild... remind me what happened next? Oh right...

What happened to Pitt basketball?

Is that what we want? Who wants to rebuild at UConn when the previous coach won a national championship and was known for his resiliency as an NBA player and alumnus? Do we have the money to bring in a truly proven coach?

None of you recognize how ready you are to roll the dice...

Are the results of having KO run this program over the last 4 seasons satisfactory?

 

[Jimdish255]

1. If he goes I'd hate to lose some of the guys we have and the recruits we have coming in. Yes, I'm selfish like that but there's no guarantee the next guy could bring in better kids and rebuilds guarantee nothing.
2. If changes are made I'll be more disappointed about Chillious not having the adequate time to fully recruit under normal circumstances. Total
Waste.
3. I'm a fan of UConn MBB regardless of what happens. Hopefully things work
Out.

I doubt the parents of the kids are particularly thrilled to see their sons investment of time and effort and their sacrifices as parents going South either. These kids dream of winning and the parents want them to be happy. So the odds of leaving are probably as great or greater if the status quo holds.

 

[nychuskyfan]

They thought Jamie Dixon was slipping at Pitt, and put out the word for a rebuild... remind me what happened next? Oh right...

What happened to Pitt basketball?

Agree that bringing in a new coach is going to result in some turmoil and a transition period. But do you not see that we are already where Pitt is? Don’t be confused by the fact we’re not 0-13 in conference play. - we would be if we were in the ACC or NBE. The parallels are striking:

They had an NCAA-high 11 newcomers, zero returning starters and three total players with NCAA Division I experience on the roster when camp opened. [we had 8 newcomers]

Attendance is down precipitously. A team that had consistently averaged 10,000 fans since...2002 has an average attendance of 4,154 this season.

has lost its ACC games by an average of 20 points. It has lost six of those by 24 or more, including its past three. Among the most glaring issues: Pitt has no physical presence inside, and its shooters are streaky and inconsistent.

Coaches break down practice and game tape with players and show them lessons to take. [OK, maybe there are a few differences]

St. John's transfer Malik Ellison is sitting out this season because of NCAA rules and will be a valuable addition when he is eligible next year. [everyone poaches St.John’s]

 

[superjohn]

Ollie seems like a different man since his divorce and since he lost Calhoun's recruits. Many people can't wrap their heads around how a guy who busted his balls to last a decade in the league all of a sudden got soft and hasn't put in the effort.

I think the divorce changed him, I think unreal success right away changed him a ton. The guy who worked for every scrap he ever got in the NBA all of a sudden became a coaching superstar. Rumors about OKC and even LA came. He went from being the guy who we all wondered how he would handle the job and continue the legacy. turned into a full blown star almost over night. It was his program from then on and he flexed his muscle, Calhoun was no longer his mentor/confidant he was more of a crutch he had to break free from to show it was 100% his deal. Recruiting wise he dentified who he wanted but got sloppy and lazy on the legwork.

Basically he had massive success sustaining what we had the first two years but once it became 100% his "baby" he was way in over his head. We've been horrible and directionless since and the evidence is all over his face and every time the team takes the court.

 

[8893]

Peter principle.

 

[The Funster]

The best move for Ollie is negotiate a buyout and go sit on someone's bench in the NBA the next few years. He needs to rehab his coaching career.

 

[djct1999]

The best move for Ollie is negotiate a buyout and go sit on someone's bench in the NBA the next few years. He needs to rehab his coaching career.

How the buyout is handled will be fascinating to watch. Its easy to argue that both sides need to handle this with care.

 

[Waquoit]

How the buyout is handled will be fascinating to watch. Its easy to argue that both sides need to handle this with care.

I think Ollie’s side will handle it like Pauly in Goodfellas. Blank you, pay me.

 

[mauconnfan]

If its indeed what everyone wants and can afford I expect it will show us a little more about KO, just saying. If he has indeed let the program down as many here have said, due to not working hard enough etc etc., then hopefully he will man up and take an affordable root for both without much noise.

 

[Storrs South]

They thought Jamie Dixon was slipping at Pitt, and put out the word for a rebuild... remind me what happened next? Oh right...

What happened to Pitt basketball?

Is that what we want? Who wants to rebuild at UConn when the previous coach won a national championship and was known for his resiliency as an NBA player and alumnus? Do we have the money to bring in a truly proven coach?

None of you recognize how ready you are to roll the dice...

They realized things were not up to standard at Washington, NC State, and Ohio State last year. Washington was KenPom 163 last year, now they are KenPom 103 and 1st overall pick Markelle Fultz was there the year prior.

North Carolina State was KenPom 109 last year, in comes the new coach and now they are KenPoom 55 and they lost Dennis Smith Jr. to the draft.

Ohio St. was KenPom 73 last year, out goes the old coach in comes the new coach and now they are KenPom 16 after dealing with a ton of roster turnover. The impact of these hires was felt immediately.

All of these cases the teams lost a lot of talent yet good coaching overcame the issue and made the programs better off in both the short & long terms.

By comparison, when Jamie Dixon was fired from Pitt, they were KenPom 37 had just made the tournament as an 10 seed and went 21-12 in the ACC. We would not be having this conversation today if KO could meet that very low bar. We are KenPom 172 as of this posting, an absolute embarrassment. Back to back losing seasons now for KO -- apples and oranges comparison between KO & Dixon.

EDIT: I forgot Dixon was pushed out but not fired, but you get the idea.

 

[Captbluefin]

They realized things were not up to standard at Washington, NC State, and Ohio State last year. Washington was KenPom 163 last year, now they are KenPom 103 and 1st overall pick Markelle Fultz was there the year prior.

North Carolina State was KenPom 109 last year, in comes the new coach and now they are KenPoom 55 and they lost Dennis Smith Jr. to the draft.

Ohio St. was KenPom 73 last year, out goes the old coach in comes the new coach and now they are KenPom 16 after dealing with a ton of roster turnover. The impact of these hires was felt immediately.

All of these cases the teams lost a lot of talent yet good coaching overcame the issue and made the programs better off in both the short & long terms.

By comparison, when Jamie Dixon was fired from Pitt, they were KenPom 37 had just made the tournament as an 10 seed and went 21-12 in the ACC. We would not be having this conversation today if KO could meet that very low bar. We are KenPom 172 as of this posting, an absolute embarrassment. Back to back losing seasons now for KO -- apples and oranges comparison between KO & Dixon.

Those 3 teams are in the PAC12, The Big 10 and the ACC... Not mid-major AAC..

The most honest statement in this thread is.

“Everyone ready to roll the dice”

And it will be for all the money. If new coach does not get it done so are we..

We are way more likely to end up like PITT than Ohio State, NC State or even Washington..

Digest that