Weaknesses

[mauconnfan]

Regarding defensive liabilities, one plus this season is across the board length. For example, Bouknight may have been a negative man to man defender but his length created steals, disruptions and rebounds which led to easy baskets. Almost everyone they throw out on the floor has length with the exception of Cole and if the energy and effort is there, they will be very tough on the defensive end.

Agree on Bouk big time BH. He was very bad early on as he was always taking chances off the ball and getting burnt. While he is that kind of defender, would compare him to a longer Vital, he was noticeably better years end, smarter in his chances as well so fully expect he has potential to swing to a positive defender also. Good post!

 

[hansonel-amin]

They're too skilled, too deep, and too exciting. And they'll win too many games

Sounds like someone has been prepping for a job interview.

 

[mussels]

We lost a lot of close games last year and I don't think its just bad luck. We need a point guard that can see and exploit opportunities as they develop during crunch time, and close out. We may have one, but it is an unknown at this point.

Lots of teams will have talent, the ones that win will be the ones with a point guard that knows how to use it.

 

[navery12]

We lost a lot of close games last year and I don't think its just bad luck. We need a point guard that can see and exploit opportunities as they develop during crunch time, and close out. We may have one, but it is an unknown at this point.

Lots of teams will have talent, the ones that win will be the ones with a point guard that knows how to use it.

I'd argue we already know we have that guy. We lost a ton of close games early, inserted Gaffney at PG and then closed out close games late in the season

 

[CL82]

Shooting.

The team is crazy athletic at just about every position and the guards/wings will get to the hoop with ease. If they cannot have somebody spot up and consistently knock down the 3 off the dribble drive there will be some tough nights.

I'll say this a different way. If we can find consistent three point shooting we are an very, very tough match up. I like our speed though. We have a number of players that can beat people off the dribble and a number of guys who can score of drive and dish opportunities. We don't need to be a great 3 team. Just good enough to keep people from sagging off and clogging the lane.

 

[Umami Zen]

We lost a lot of close games last year and I don't think its just bad luck. We need a point guard that can see and exploit opportunities as they develop during crunch time, and close out. We may have one, but it is an unknown at this point.

Lots of teams will have talent, the ones that win will be the ones with a point guard that knows how to use it.

Part of a PG's skill set is to throw catchable passes.. And taking into account how good the recipient's hands are of the pass they're about to throw.. Things happen quickly on the court but good PGs have that as part of their DNA.. PGs know who has good hands and who doesn't when on the court.. Passer and receiver synergy..

 

[RayIsTheGOAT]

Our most talented guys are underclassmen and our upperclassmen aren’t our most talented players and haven’t played at a conference of this level before. So all the consequences that come with those 2 things.

On the other hand, we are extremely balanced, deep, athletic, physical and well coached. This is a team that will look different in March compared to December.

 

[BuffaloHusky]

One of the weaknesses from the last several years was being forced into a half court game because they didn't have wings who could consistently finish fast breaks and the point guards were either forced to be conservative or turned the ball over when they had numbers. That changed dramatically with Bouk and now with Jackson and Martin, the equation is completely different and 4 to 6 more "easy" points could very well be the difference in tight games.

 

[HooperScooper]

Chemistry. Most of the players have not played together. I think it's going to take a while for roles to develop and players to get comfortable in those roles. But there is enough talent and the coach has experience so that this will be taken care of over time.

 

[StllH8L8ner]

I've mentioned before but my biggest question/concern is do we have a late game 'finisher' when free throws need to be made? So the lack of 'that guy' may be a weakness.

Vital used to be the guy who we could count on to go 10 for 10 from the stripe in the last 30 seconds, but I don't think we really have anyone who has been relied on that heavily in crunch time. My guess is it'll be Bouk or Cole but this will be something that we'll find out in time.

 

[Bobol]

What do you think the team's biggest weaknesses are?

The biggest weaknesses this season are Villanova and Creighton.

 

[Kembacity]

Not enough antibodies

When you really think about it, the team should all get the 'rona and quarantine together to get through it. That way at least they're likely immune for a few months of the season...

 

[Umami Zen]

I've mentioned before but my biggest question/concern is do we have a late game 'finisher' when free throws need to be made? So the lack of 'that guy' may be a weakness.

Vital used to be the guy who we could count on to go 10 for 10 from the stripe in the last 30 seconds, but I don't think we really have anyone who has been relied on that heavily in crunch time. My guess is it'll be Bouk or Cole but this will be something that we'll find out in time.

Steve Nash drill..2014 NC team

 

[auror]

Brown and and Sanogo are not particularly fleet of foot themselves. Sanogo hedged a lot in HS and didn't look like anything special. Young bigs always take a long time to develop good defense so I am not expecting much from Sanogo anyways on that end. I think we end up relying on Whaley A LOT unless Carlton has developed a better PnR IQ.

The contrast between Whaley and what we've seen and/or know about the others in this area is so stark, Whaley's screen blitzing might be the most elite single skill on the whole team. Obviously I didn't watch every team play, but it's hard to imagine any player in the country did it better last year. Opposing coaches will adjust to it this year after seeing him do it on tape last year, but he's so, so good at that. And Carlton was so, so bad at even standard hedging.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Shooting, perimeter defense. Hurleys ability to recognize when it is time to turn to the young guys before we are in a hole.

 

[cap10dingus]

I think this is a very simple answer. Our weakness is our best player is an extremely talented and hard working yet unproven sophomore. We have no other potential leaders if he doesn't live up to the billing which he will but it's still our weakness. That and having too many guys out to prove themselves can create descension. Not a prediction of outcome but if we don't reach out potential, outside of injury, this is why.

 

[Waquoit]

Hurleys ability to recognize when it is time to turn to the young guys before we are in a hole.

Nah, that's not a weakness at all. Things are different now.

 

[UKemba15]

I've mentioned before but my biggest question/concern is do we have a late game 'finisher' when free throws need to be made? So the lack of 'that guy' may be a weakness.

Vital used to be the guy who we could count on to go 10 for 10 from the stripe in the last 30 seconds, but I don't think we really have anyone who has been relied on that heavily in crunch time. My guess is it'll be Bouk or Cole but this will be something that we'll find out in time.

Gaffney was very clutch from the line in a number of games late last year...not Vital level obviously, but he seems to have the composure to hit those late game FTs. I also imagine Cole is a pretty trustworthy guy from the stripe; didn’t look up his % from Howard, but his experience as THE offense on his old team makes me think he’s a PG who will thrive under pressure situations.

 

[UKemba15]

My personal weakness is kindness, understanding, and compassion.

File “humility” under Strengths...

 

[UKemba15]

This is very true. I think we’ll quickly gain new respect for Gilbert and Vital’s defense

I already miss Gilbert’s defense. You could just feel the constant frustration of whoever was being defended by AG. He was relentless and I loved it.

 

[HHusky]

Regarding WEAKNESSES, as we all know, before the games we are undefeated and not exposed.
Once the games are played, inevitably we find out all our weaknesses including some we never could anticipate.

 

[FriarJ]

My personal weakness is kindness, understanding, and compassion.

and humility

 

[Huskyforlife]

Nah, that's not a weakness at all. Things are different now.

It is absolutely a weakness if Hurley is unwilling to make big changes to the rotation until past mid season. If guys like Cole or Carlton don't step up early, we have the depth of talent to find our answer quickly.

 

[HuskylnSC]

I don't know if it is a weakness because it is to be revealed. It is consistent winning. Hurley has said he had to teach them how to win again. They had a nice run at the end of the year when no one expected anything from them. But does it translate to consistently winning. In a nutshell will they NOT play up to the level of their opponent. Will they dominate the weak teams and will they grit out tough wins against good teams. They seem like great kids. they are athletically gifted. They look like they have put in the work in the weight room. But will they be the winners we expect of UConn. I believe in the promise, but i need to see it to be satisfied.

 

[UCSouth]

It is absolutely a weakness if Hurley is unwilling to make big changes to the rotation until past mid season. If guys like Cole or Carlton don't step up early, we have the depth of talent to find our answer quickly.

You can't call it a weakness if there was no depth in the past. Hurley was forced to deal with the cards he was dealt. This year we get to see how he is able to make adjustments.

 

[Waquoit]

It is absolutely a weakness if Hurley is unwilling to make big changes to the rotation until past mid season.

He'll make the changes he thinks is best for the team. Just like last year.

 

[ARIDE]

What do you think the team's biggest weaknesses are?

Coaching

 

[glastonbury50]

I don't know if it is a weakness because it is to be revealed. It is consistent winning. Hurley has said he had to teach them how to win again. They had a nice run at the end of the year when no one expected anything from them. But does it translate to consistently winning. In a nutshell will they NOT play up to the level of their opponent. Will they dominate the weak teams and will they grit out tough wins against good teams. They seem like great kids. they are athletically gifted. They look like they have put in the work in the weight room. But will they be the winners we expect of UConn. I believe in the promise, but i need to see it to be satisfied.

You wear losing like underwear, or something like that.

 

[Greathusky]

1. Expecting big things out of Cole but am concerned about the rust factor without too many out of conference games. Also the same thing with Polley to a lesser degree.

2. Keeping everyone happy with such a deep squad.

3. Carlton staying out of foul trouble and putting too much load on Adama.

That being said, I had to think hard on these so that is a very good sign.

 

[BigEastCT]

Before I even clicked on the thread I imediately say 3 point shooting. It helps spread the floor when you have a Rashad Anderson type in the game. Hopefully a "team" 3 point effort can keep the defence honest.