We're one piece away, but no current player can be that piece . . .

[itgoeslike]

Good points the only thing I will disagree with is this years front court being "undeniably better"? Not sure how it can be. While Deandre started slow he was 10X the threat and player Kentan face is. Because of that Amida as a raw freshman wasn't really required to provide more than he did. Also Nolan seemed to play better when needed. Add to that the fact the Niels was able to guard from the 2-5, and often was asked to guard the bigs while doing it quite well, they were much better in the front court last year I'm afraid.

I was referring to inside play versus outside play, but understand your point. I guess I view our forwards from last year as having 1 foot in the back court. Having said that, DD could hit the turnaround pretty well and dunk on people when needed. I think last year's ability to score and drive from the outside created opportunities inside that aren't there this year. Undeniably is probably too strong a characterization, but I still think they are incrementally better this year than last.

With regard to defense, I think Niels did a great job, but I think our defense in the paint has been pretty good this year when we've stayed out of foul trouble. We have other issues with our defense, but I was commenting primarily on offense.

 

[Brad Palmer]

Question: if we have just one legitimate ballhandler that can attack the defense, then why do we run offenses that seem to feature this? Not saying we resort to a Princeton-type offense, but with our current squad it would seem to be smart to use some type of screening (not just ball screens), motion-type offense.

 

[David 76]

UConn doesn't have enough proficiency in either the front court or back court to disrupt or temper the defense. Last year the perimeter featured a full contingent of legitimate shooters in Shabazz, Giffey, Daniels, Boat and Kromah. Having a balanced group on the perimeter created opportunities for each of them. Additionally, all of these players could drive to the basket. This aided our sub par front court to gain positioning they otherwise not have. Lastly, they all possessed years of experience: a fifth year senior, two seniors, and two juniors. Losing 4 of the 5 players mentioned above and expecting this year to replicate last year was always a stretch. This year's front court is undeniably better than last year's, but our perimeter shooting, driving ability and experience level (ball handling) doesn't come close. Additionally, without balance on the perimeter it often falls to a double-teamed Boat. This imbalance allows opposing teams to proportion their defense as they see

The realistic goal for the balance of the year should be to win 20+ games, win the AAC tourney, and see how deep we can go in the tournament. Anything more is pure gravy.

I like your post. But I would say your "realistic goal for this year" is really the ideal goal at this point. Realistic might be a nice run in the NIT. We have an outside shot at the NCAA. Not a realistic one.

 

[itgoeslike]

I like your post. But I would say your "realistic goal for this year" is really the ideal goal at this point. Realistic might be a nice run in the NIT. We have an outside shot at the NCAA. Not a realistic one.

I hear you, but any goal should be ideal and almost always exceed probability. An unrealistic goal would be repeat as national champions. Our goal should be to win the AAC tourney and get into the tournament, which is what the team should be working towards (even if probability says we end up in the NIT). If we end up in the NIT, the goal should be make it to the final weekend.

 

[David 76]

A team can afford to have 1 or 2 players who have little use on a top team.
We only have 10 scholarship players, so the margin for error shrinks.
This team has a lot of question marks. Easy to see why we are not running the table
.
I think we have 3-4 guys to build off plus Adams and Enoch. We need quality back ups at every position next year with the possible exception of the 4. Start with a ball-handing guard who can score, at least, a little then a center.
I guess that is all we could do right now. It will be a better team. But not a deep one.

 

[huskyharry]

I agree with most of what Cheeky said and it the post was clearly written and well thought through.

We do desperately need a competent ball handler who can pass effectively and someone who can hit an open shot. When healthy, very early in the season, Sam C Jr. was doing some of that. Players can improve, not all do. Nolan looks I lot more like last year's player over the last three games...I have to think injury played a role in some of his early struggles.

A fifth year senior grad transfer in the mold of Arizona's PG would be a huge addition.

IMHO, dire and our worst nightmare would be DHam and AB turning pro after this year and Coach KO getting fed up and leaving for the NBA...that would be a dumpster fire.

 

[W Coast UCONN]

size, we need size... also anger and intensity, bully kids around

I agree and I look back to our 2008 team with:
Jeff Adrien
Stanley Robinson
Hasheem
Dyson
Price
Kemba

Now that team played angry and BULLIED other teams that is for sure!

 

[W Coast UCONN]

We had two great ball handlers last year and Louisville and SMU did the same exact thing as last night.

But then we won the NCAA tournament so.....

 

[MuchoDogYears]

Put DHam at SG alongside Boat. DHam is the best passer, driver, and shooter outside of Boat , and he's certainly no worse at ballhandling then TSam or Purvis. Then Purvis can be moved to the SF position and TSam moved to the bench (from where he's more effective than as a starter).

 

[SubbaBub]

It is weird that TSam is the player I feel most comfortable is making progress to be better at his role next season?

What exactly are we getting from AB, Kelis Fisher, RP, SC, and OC that we aren't getting now? I'm assuming Dan Hurley will improve put I don't see him with a serviceable handle or a better 3pt %. At least not enough to be all conf, which is what you need from him to compete for a title.

As for juco or grads, the best you can expect us a rotation guy. The odds of getting a starter are low, a star even lower.

 

[David 76]

My bet would be DHam improves the most next year. It will be interesting to see but I would put AB and RP as second most likely to improve, followed by Facey and TS. Everyone sees it different.
I would be delightfully surprised if PN, SC, or OC improved. But I'm rooting for them.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

DHam, RP and Facey are all playing in their 1st year and/or their first significant minutes at UConn. They'll improve the most next year followed by Amida and Calhoun.

TSam is a wild card...he owns the biggest gap of where he is versus where he should (not could) be. I don't think that he's capable of improving his passing or ball-handling skills. But I'm pretty sure that he can become a better shooter. He should concentrate on that, and concentrate on improving the strengths he already brings to the game. He's never going to improve his weaknesses enough where he'll be a viable starting PG.