WWW.SB (What's wrong with Solo Ball)

[Gutter King]

Solo should only be taking straight on shots at this point. He shot well from all locations last year, but we've had 30 games to hope and pray he regains that form.

Straight up threes, midi's in the paint, drives but get fouled (don't go to the ground for the show). Unfortunately, we need to limit him but Mich St doesn't need to know that.

 

[NJHusky]

I would say so.

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But the problem is last year appears to be the outlier….like a 12 hr/year guy hitting 30 home runs one season

2 years under 32. One above 40

Season	Class	3PT %

2023–24

Freshman

31.9%

2024–25

Sophomore

41.4%

2025–26 (junior, current) 29.6

 

[NJHusky]

Solo should only be taking straight on shots at this point. He shot well from all locations last year, but we've had 30 games to hope and pray he regains that form.

Straight up threes, midi's in the paint, drives but get fouled (don't go to the ground for the show). Unfortunately, we need to limit him but Mich St doesn't need to know that.

Ya don’t think Mi st has access to stats?

 

[aceboon]

Yes, but that was the suspension I recall.

suspension? didn't he have a major health scare?

 

[Fishy]

Funny, but you really think missing 15 games or whatever for a suspension has no impact on the mental state?

You don't know what you're talking about. First, I'm sure you were referring to the ski mask thing - that was before he ever played a game at UConn and he was never suspended.

Second, he missed seven games in February/March 2005 with an infection. He only took nine of his 129 three point attempts after returning from the infection and he hit roughly his season average on those shots.

So, whatever it was that you were aiming for, no.

 

[Fishy]

suspension? didn't he have a major health scare?

He's conflating the two.

In fairness to him, the media made a huge freaking fuss over the prank arrest which is why it is still in his memory.

 

[Kembafan]

I like solo ball. Shooting slump aside, he’s improved in every aspect of the game every year. He’s better on defense, handle, finishing, etc.

But… we have someone who is clearly better. That’s all. I’m not down on ball. I’m just high on Ross.

 

[Fishy]

But the problem is last year appears to be the outlier….like a 12 hr/year guy hitting 30 home runs one season

2 years under 32. One above 40

Season	Class	3PT %

2023–24

Freshman

31.9%

2024–25

Sophomore

41.4%

2025–26 (junior, current) 29.6

The sample size in year one is low enough to make me discard it to some extent - hitting 23 of 72 is 32%. Make three more and the number is great, make three fewer and it's awful.

Hitting over 40% with 240 attempts is pretty much proof positive that there's a good shooter in there. That said, this year is certainly concerning, so my analysis has more than a little hope mixed in.

 

[Gutter King]

Ya don’t think Mi st has access to stats?

Obviously. You don't think in the heat of the moment players mess up details? It appears their 2G is by committee.

The point here is to try and get Solo shots in locations where he can have some success. Especially early. We aren't trying to pull the wool over Izzo's eyes. If they tightly defend the wing, even better.

 

[Lafayette]

unless we know how he shoots in practice then all this is speculation.

 

[Leebo]

Do they do open practice at the sweet 16?

 

[TheChamps990411]

I'm no kinesiologist but take a good look at these photos. It appears to me that Solo's upper arms have become too muscle-bound. I feel his intense weight lifting has taken away the fluidity of his shots and he's using more of a "shot-put" motion. Could that be as reasonable an explanation--as all of the "lost confidence--it's in his head" theories? And yet I never hear the analysts mention it. Do any of you agree?

It sux that hes struggling with his shot but that happens. My issues is how poorly hes playing overall. Bad defense, bad passing, poor ballhandling and overall court awareness. Thats what really has me frustrated with him.

 

[TheChamps990411]

This was before he ever stepped foot on campus, he is not noticeably bigger than before he got here

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Alot more tattoos. Thats time that can be spent in the gym.

 

[Mr. French]

Alot more tattoos. Thats time that can be spent in the gym.

You are a goof. Go away.

 

[giddyup]

It could be any number of very small things even like a change in his vision, a small mechanical change in his shot, or a 1/2 inch change in the height of his release … who the flock knows. He’s not missing terribly but he just can’t find center. I’d like to think there are folks out there that can find and fix his issue. The method of letting him shoot his way out isn’t working. I feel terrible for him but he’s just not helping the team on the floor. No joy in seeing a guy struggle with no end in sight.