Whaley: "[E]verybody wants to win for each other. That’s something I haven’t felt since I’ve been here, really."

[HuskyHawk]

I really think the development of the team and program shows that most of what a Head Coach does does not happen during games. With talented players who are all in, winning will come.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Sounds like it’s a culture that has made winning into a habit, aka a winning environment. Whaley was around a losing environment coming in as a freshman, also being a 5th yr sr you have a greater appreciation of the moment.

It's the culture, the winning and players finally settling in to their roles. And those are all interdependent on each other.

 

[WeAreUCONN]

Last year James was the only legit baller on the team. Cole was pretty good and everyone else was still learning their roles and trying to get better. This year we have three capable scorers in Cole, Martin, and Sonogo compared to only James, last year. I think that helps team chemistry. Next year may be even better with Jackson, Cole, Sonogo, and Hawkins being able to be the best player for any given game.

Whaley is obviously a good player but can’t score one on one usually.

 

[tzznandrew]

Last year James was the only legit baller on the team. Cole was pretty good and everyone else was still learning their roles and trying to get better. This year we have three capable scorers in Cole, Martin, and Sonogo compared to only James, last year. I think that helps team chemistry. Next year may be even better with Jackson, Cole, Sonogo, and Hawkins being able to be the best player for any given game.

Whaley is obviously a good player but can’t score one on one usually.

Last year's team should have been able to make the S16, but the Bouknight injury really stifled that (and he never was the same after getting hit against Nova).

The time without him last year may have helped Cole/Martin/Sanogo this year, though. I still think the team has a second weekend cap, but I feel a bit more confident about that cap being reached than I did going into the season because of how well the three of them (and Jackson) have progressed.

 

[inWV]

The bench is obviously shorter against higher test competition, but games like this are valuable so that the bench can be stretched when needed.

 

[WeAreUCONN]

Last year's team should have been able to make the S16, but the Bouknight injury really stifled that (and he never was the same after getting hit against Nova).

The time without him last year may have helped Cole/Martin/Sanogo this year, though. I still think the team has a second weekend cap, but I feel a bit more confident about that cap being reached than I did going into the season because of how well the three of them (and Jackson) have progressed.

Jackson has been very good this year but I think he will make a major improvement going into next year as well. Jackson could put up huge numbers next year compared to being mostly a role player this year.

 

[mauconnfan]

No matter Whaley MVP last night he was all over, special game both ends!

 

[TheRealKBuks]

Or just 1 name.

post/handle

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Never trust anyone with two first names.

This is the most significant reason for not being upset that Desmond Claude chose Xavier, or, tbh, that Carlton transferred to Houston.

Corey Floyd and Andre Jackson are both redeemed by being Juniors.